In the latest in our series of reminiscences from recent leavers, Emma Poppleton (OQ 2016) reflects on how the advice and guidance she received in the Sixth Form at Q led to an exciting career in Engineering.

For me, the Sixth Form was both the most enjoyable and the most valuable couple of years at Queenswood. 

Firstly, because of the support that teachers were able to give, in and out of the classroom. When I imagined crazy ceramic constructions in Art, Mrs Pruden-Lawson never said ‘no, that’s not possible’, but guided me in their creation. Similarly, when I tried to build a microbial fuel cell using plastic boxes and pond sludge for a competition, I had support from the Science Department out of hours to make it reality. 

In addition, I relished the leadership and volunteering opportunities outside of my academic studies. Unique to the Sixth Form, these were hugely beneficial in developing a variety of valuable skills whilst in a supported environment alongside friends.

These experiences gave me confidence in my own mind and the determination to pursue my interests in Engineering at university where I was awarded a Merit Scholarship and became president of a society, graduating with a First in 2020. 

I now work as a Civil Engineer in a male-dominated industry but have firm confidence in my own ability to create, learn, collaborate and lead, and I accredit this self-belief to my time in the Sixth Form.