Tuesday 16 September 2014
Three lower sixth students from The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) have been awarded sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarships that identify them as some of the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design.
Awarded by the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, the scholarships provide students of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects with a £600 financial award to enhance their A-level studies and fund activities to enrich their understanding and experience of engineering.
Applicants had to complete a rigorous selection process consisting of a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview at a top engineering university, which for the GSAL candidates was Sheffield University.
Each Arkwright scholar is matched with an industry sponsor and a mentor, who gives help and guidance to the students. Two of the students are considering applying to study aeronautical engineering at university, and hope to explore this option with the help of their sponsors. John Greathead is sponsored by Controls and Data Services (part of Rolls-Royce Group) while Andrew Huff is sponsored by educational charity the Reece Foundation.
Cathy Wicks, from Alwoodley, whose sponsor is the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Newcastle University, said: “I went for the scholarship for the opportunities that it offers, such as attending a STEM project to help me decide my future career path. Being an Arkwright scholar will help me stand out from the crowd when I apply to university, and the scholarship will help me to pay for text books, materials and course fees during sixth form.”
Dr Martin Thomas, chief executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “I am delighted to see students from The Grammar School at Leeds secure this prestigious accolade. With the competition for rewarding jobs becoming ever fiercer, the receipt of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship can help dynamic young people at the start of their journey to be the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design.”