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Alumni Mock 2

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Our Alumni

Gideon Nyarko

Left in 2021.

During my time at Woodlands School, I was granted many opportunities to participate in a lot of academic and sporting competitions, this allowed me to achieve so much such as coming 3rd in the National Athletics Cup, becoming part of MENSA and Deputy Head Boy.

After leaving Woodlands I went to The King John 6th Form and studied Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Biology.  Whilst there I was nominated and won the Jack Petchey Award along with the Head Teacher’s Award.

I am currently studying electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Birmingham.

Bethany Gray

 

Left in 2024.

I had a really good time whilst at Woodlands School, I had lots of support from teachers especially in Year 11.

Since leaving Woodlands I am currently studying biology, psychology and criminology at USP college, I am then hoping to go to university to study marine biology.

Harry Buck

Left in 2023.

Woodland School was a turning point for me academically, it’s where I was pushed to the best of my abilities and since then have had a deep passion for learning, especially Maths.  I made a lifelong friend whilst there and memories that I will never forget.

Since leaving Woodland I went on to study Maths, Computer Science and Physic A-levels at Westcliff High School for Girls, it was quite daunting joining a grammar school, but I settled in really quickly.  I decided to take Further Maths which meant I had double the amount of Maths, despite everything I thought was hard, it quickly became the norm and now I love it.  Early in the year I sat A-level Maths exam and got an A, I am now re-sitting the exam in order to get an A*.

I am now in the process of applying to University College London, Kings College London, Imperial and Queen Mary universities, I have received a reduced offer from Queen Mary University of AAB but I am still waiting on offers from the other universities as I want to study computer science.

Angelo Pador

Left in 2019.

Woodland School gave me lots of opportunities and I made lots of friend who I am still in contact with today.

When I left Woodlands, I went on to study biology, chemistry and psychology at The Appleton 6th Form then went onto university where I graduated in nursing.  I have just been offered a job at a Californiam Hospital.

Vithusha Vijayanathan

Left in 2024.

Looking back on Woodlands School I realise how many fun memories I’ve made, perhaps because of how long we actually spent at Woodlands.  I miss many of my teacher and the environment too, I also miss the variety of subjects I used to do, though my subjects currently are also very engaging.

Since leaving Woodlands my journey has been interesting as many things changed like my travel to school and the style of learning which is much more independent now.  I do love how detailed the subjects are now.  My initial plan was to do computer science, but this has now changed to EPQ showing that options are not fixed and there is flexibility.

I am currently studying A-levels in biology, chemistry, maths and EPQ at Westcliff High School for Girls, I am planning on studying either chemistry or biochemistry at either university or maybe a degree apprenticeship. I intend to go into a research science, lab based.

Samiyah Hussain

Left in 2024.

My time at Woodlands School was great there was some amazing teachers, and I received a lot of support.

I am currently studying A-level history, law and philosophy at The King John 6th Form and then I would like to go to university to study law.

Lillie-Mai Abaatu

Left in 2022.

My time at Woodlands School was great I learned a lot, grew as a person and made some lifetime friends, Mr Tagg was the greatest of all time.

Since leaving Woodlands I went to college for 2 years to study A-levels, after finishing these I decided to train to be an estate agent and get my CMAD to do mortgage advising.

Logan Cox

Left in 2024.

My time at Woodlands School was wonderful and am really grateful for a good well-rounded education with teaching pushing me to the limit and great career advice.

I am currently studying A-levels in maths, physics and geography at USP college, I also achieved a level 2 production and presentation award in radio from my local radio station.  I would like to get a job in STEM or be a radio presenter and am also looking at doing a degree apprenticeship.

Emmanuel Iyogun

Emmanuel started playing Rugby at Woodlands School and was a part of the Rugby EPD Programme, when it was in it’s infancy. Emmanuel also played for Basildon RFC when in his youth before gaining a scholarship at St. Joseph’s College, Ipswich and in Northampton Saints’ pathway.

Working his way through Saints' Junior Academy ranks, Emmanuel Iyogun joined Northampton Saints full-time when he signed to the Senior Academy ahead of the 2019/20 season.  

The versatile forward established himself in Black, Green and Gold quickly, playing two years above his age when he made his Under-18s debut for Saints in 2017 before transitioning from back row to front row.  

From there, the young prop has gone from strength to strength and earned international recognition in 2019 – featuring for England Under-20s throughout their Six Nations campaign that year. 

After a string of impressive performances for Wanderers and Saints' side at the Premiership Rugby 7s in 2019, Iyogun was thrown in at the deep end when front-row injuries saw him make his senior debut in 2020 aged just 19-years-old; but Iyogun's resilience shone through despite his age and earned him a place in the starting line-up the following weekend for Saints' Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter Chiefs.  

Those stand-out efforts would earn Iyogun the Club's Breakthrough Player of the Season award at the close of the 2019/20 campaign before he gained experience on dual registration with Bedford Blues the following season. 

The 2021/22 season saw Iyogun become more regularly involved at first-team level, as he made 20 appearances in helping Saints qualify for the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. 

 

 

Kelvin Nyarko

Left in 2018.

My time at Woodlands School was positive a experience with a great Head of Year, Mrs Kelly Robertson.  Woodlands was a very supportive environment to learn and thrive in, with great sport facilities to help develop talents and a variety of extra-curricular activities. The period 6 lessons after school were especially beneficial to help with revision with lots of teachers who encouraged me and were more than willing to provide assistance.

After leaving Woodlands I went to The King John 6th Form to study A-levels and then onto university to study physiotherapy, since graduating, I am now working in the health and sales industry.

Rachael Shahomi

Left in 2022.

My time at Woodlands School was extremely beneficial for my future prospects and aspirations, it opened countless windows of opportunities for me during my academic endeavours.  I made friends who I am still close with today.  Woodlands gave me a solid foundation to be able to pursue excellence.

Since leaving Woodlands I went onto study 3 A-levels alongside and EPQ at The King John 6th Form, I achieved an A in my EPQ, B in psychology, A in geography and B in drama, which allowed me to be accepted into the University of Warwick.  Before starting at The King John 6th Form, I found myself a part-time job for the summer after sitting my GSCEs.

I am currently studying psychology at the University of Warwick, participating in research experience and I am looking into a potential placement year after my second year.  I intend to take a master’s degree after graduating and potentially going on to study a PhD in chemical/forensic psychology.  I am in interested in becoming a child psychologist but am open to a change of pathways as psychology is very flexible.

Daniel Primero Nkaa Keabou

Left in 2019.

Woodlands School was really formative and interesting time for me, I learnt a lot about myself and the world at Woodlands, it definitely set my baseline for my experience for the rest of my academic life.

When I left Woodlands, I went on to study Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science A-levels at Westcliff High for Girls.  I am currently completing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and am currently working at London based AI Company.  I would like to open my own Aerospace Engineering Consultancy maybe based in Basildon to provide some opportunities to people who may want to follow a similar path to me.

Matt Clayton

Left in 2020.

Woodland School was really good, and I enjoyed all my subjects and learnt so much, I really like how modern the school was especially the facilities.

When I left Woodlands, I went to South Essex College to study creative print media and journalism, I then went to the City University of London to study journalism, which I am in the third year of.  I am also editor of magazine Project and volunteering at Gateway FM.

Eventually I would like to work for a magazine, or marketing/advertising.

Dean Bedford

Dean was a pupil at Woodlands School during 2001-2006 representing Essex CCC during school years. Dean went on to play with England Deaf Cricket team for 6 years during 2013-2019 having some fantastic success. Reaching the World Cup final in Dubai, narrowly missing out to Pakistan. Dean performed very well in the tournament. Dean also played in Netherlands against the full national team of Netherlands, France and Denmark in preparing for t20 World Cup qualifiers. Dean was the top wicket taker in this tournament. Dean contuined to use Woodlands School as a training base while training with England. Dean stopped playing due to an injury but is now back playing club cricket captaining Basildon and Pitsea CC 1st team. 

Hallie Wakerley

Left in 2024.

I had a great time at Woodlands School I received lots of support and had the most amazing, helpful teachers.  I am now studying history, English and sport at USP college which is a lot different from Woodlands as I have a lot more independence and more responsibilities. I eventually would like to go to university and potentially search for a job in marketing.

Daniel Green

Left in 2023.

My time at Woodlands School was great, the staff were very helpful and accommodating to my autism.  I loved creative imedia with Mr Hawkins, film studies with Mr Hogger and English with Mr Riste, these lessons helped me to achieve what I have so far.

I left Woodland in July and started at Barking and Dagenham College where I was taught how to handle a professional camera equipment and in a studio.  I am currently studying A BTEC level 3 in extended national diploma in creative media practice with a speciality in television and film production.  I got all merits last year and I am working at a triple distinction level mid-year.

I am currently in the process of applying to universities, specifically Greenwich university, I plan on taking on an undergraduate degree in film and television production.  My dream goal in life is to open my own production studio.

Samuel Wright

Sam started at Woodlands in 2018 until 2023, he was part of the EPD programme and represented the school in most sports.

Sam’s athletics pathway started at Woodlands School, with his first competition being held at Lee Valley centre.

Sam has represented England on numerous occasions for single vents and also Multi events. His highest achievement to date is competing in the  Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in Long jump where he finished 8th.

Sam’s other achievements include being Indoor Heptathlon Champion, breaking the English Record with 5017 points. Octathlon points are 5435.

Since starting athletics Sam has represented his club, school, county and country.

His ambitions are to be a professional athlete and to study at Loughborough university or in the US.

Maliha Hussain

My experience at Woodlands was a rollercoaster marked by both challenges and triumphs. The unwavering support from dedicated teachers like Mrs Robertson, Mr Tagg, Ms Struegon, and Mr Wright created a strong foundation for my growth.

Despite facing personal challenges I emerged stronger and achieved significant milestones. Being appointed Deputy Head Girl stands as one of my proudest accomplishments, even though the academic year was unexpectedly shortened by COVID-19. This period, though disruptive, became an opportunity for personal development. My academic success in GCSEs, combined with the resilience I developed through adversity, shaped me into a more confident and capable individual.

After the lockdown, I started 6th form - Westcliff High School for Girls. Completing 3 A levels and an EPQ.  I started a political and societal blog called ‘The Daily Mal’ to entice younger people to get involved and gain more knowledge in our political world. When I started university, I decided to create a podcast to go with this.

I am currently in my final year of university studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster. A few highlights from the past year include:

Graduating from the Patchwork Foundation programme (a programme for young people to get involved in Politics / civil society.) Masterclasses with political figures from Alastair Campbell to Anas Sarwar, skill sessions i.e. personal branding, public speaking and get involved sessions which include campaigning during the 2024 election and writing a blog.

Completing a summer internship in political violence insurance at Markel in the city of London, one-week internship in journalism at Bloomberg. International conference travelling in Istanbul, Turkey. The conference was based on Turkish politics domestically and their relations globally.

Published by 2000-word article ‘Social Movements and Anti-Apartheid in South Africa ‘in the book ‘Education, equality and Sustainability - action speak louder than Words’ and later on presented this topic at the yearly Sustainable Development conference run by the Democratic Educational Network.

Invited to Houses of Lords and Speakers House on separate occasions to meet with Baroness Uddin and for the MP of the year awards event respectively.

There are so many things I want to do! Some of my aspirations include:

  • Graduate job in consulting or political research, policy making, and diplomacy.
  • After having a career, I would like to work my way into parliament.
  • Interested in a master’s in international political economy.

 

 

On Wednesday 18th December 2024, we had our first Alumni evening where we invited some of our ex youngsters back,  Daniel P, Angelo, Matt, Gideon, Kelvin, Samiyah, Logan, Bethany, Hallie, Vithusha, Maliah, Lili-Mae, Rachael, Daniel G and Harry to hear about their successes and incredible achievements post Woodlands and to discuss potential opportunities for them to work and share their experience with our current cohort of pupils to remove any glass barriers and ensuring our pupils know that they can be anything they want to be providing they take advantages of opportunities and remain resilient as one of our key values is Aspiration. 

It was an incredible evening and so lovely to hear that so many of our ex-youngsters are studying A-levels or are currently at university, however they still very much miss not being at Woodlands.  We will be sharing their stories on our website within the next few weeks and will continue to follow their journeys.