Student of Biological Sciences

Emily, former student at Ormiston Park Academy, is studying Biological Sciences at the University of Durham.

After leaving Ormiston Park Academy, Emily completed A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish, before taking a gap year to decide what she wanted from her next steps in higher education. She found her gap year incredibly useful, and she started her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences last year. During her A-levels Emily felt unsure about her next steps, what she wanted to study, and even where she wanted to study, so her year out gave her the time and space to consider her options and decide what she really wanted to get from her university experience.

University was always something that Emily considered, but she spent a long time deciding what university was right for her. In the end she decided that the course was as important as the wider student experience; she wanted somewhere that she found the course, and how it is delivered, engaging and inspiring, but also somewhere that valued extra curriculars.

Emily’s advice for any OAT student’s considering going to university:

• Follow what you are passionate about, because you will perform your best when your heart is in it!
• Surround yourself with people that support you and your aspirations.
• Remember that your personal development is just as important as your academic success… be involved in things that bring you joy, whether that be sport, music, performing, volunteering, debating… it is all incredibly valuable!