A Unique Educational Experience
From September 2019 to July 2021, I attended Exeter Mathematics School (EMS), a specialist sixth form focusing on Mathematics and STEM subjects. This period, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was transformative in shaping my academic path and commitment to community service.
During my time at EMS, I achieved 3 A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Computer Science. But beyond the grades, it was the opportunities to volunteer, contribute to the wider community, and develop my public speaking skills that truly defined my experience.
Student Volunteering
In 2019, EMS introduced a new system where students could sign up to specific volunteering opportunities at the start of the academic year. I was fortunate to be one of the students recognized for going "above and beyond" in our volunteering efforts, alongside Chloe M, Iris P, Leo C, Aziz B, Yuki A, Simon H, and Jess B.
My volunteering activities included:
- Helping out at workshops with Years 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 external students
- Showing prospective students and parents around the school on Taster Days
- Overseeing the care and maintenance of school laptops
- Undertaking training to teach Primary students on the Ri programme
- Keeping the student kitchen spick and span
- Visiting schools in the region to support applications for the TeenTech Awards 2020
These experiences taught me the value of giving back to the community and how education can be enriched through peer mentorship and outreach.
Computer Science Hub
The Computer Science department at EMS achieved its best results to date during my time there, with an increase in student numbers opting to study the subject in Year 12. A significant factor in this success was the school being selected as one of just 23 Computing Hubs to support the aims of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE).
In this role, EMS supported both Primary and Secondary Schools in their provision of Computer Science across all year groups. I was proud to be one of the student volunteers who facilitated these workshops, visiting:
- St. Peter's in Exeter
- Exmouth Community College
- Great Torrington Secondary School
- Chulmleigh Academy Trust
These visits were part of helping students achieve in the national TeenTech competition, where young people explore how to apply science and technology to real-world problems. Working alongside fellow student volunteers Ellie Harris, Chloe Morgan, Tilly Widdowson, Harry Taylor, Ollie van Aerle, Craig Moncur, Yuki Aizawa, Ben Harbey, Moris Shi, and Harriet Wood was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Debating Club
One of the highlights of my time at EMS was participating in the Debating Club. As I reflected at the time:
"I've really enjoyed debating club and it has given me the opportunity to make friends over at the college in an informal atmosphere. I also have greatly improved my public speaking which was good preparation for my Exeter Maths Certificate presentation and it has even given me the opportunity to go to a competition."
The debating club not only honed my public speaking skills but also taught me to think critically, construct logical arguments, and consider multiple perspectives on complex issues. These skills have proven invaluable throughout my academic and professional career.
Writing Contributions
I had the opportunity to contribute to "The Write Angle," EMS's student publication. My article, "Team Theory: Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing," was featured in the Land of Science section, exploring Bruce Tuckman's stages of team development.
Writing for the school publication allowed me to share knowledge with my peers and develop my technical writing skills—something that continues to serve me well in my career as a software developer.
The COVID-19 Impact
My time at EMS (September 2019 - July 2021) was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to education, including:
- Extended periods of remote learning
- Cancelled or modified exams
- Limited social interactions and extracurricular activities
- Adaptation to new ways of learning and collaborating
Despite these challenges, the EMS community—staff and students alike—demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The pandemic taught us to be flexible, creative, and supportive of one another during difficult times. These lessons in resilience and digital collaboration have shaped how I approach challenges in both my personal and professional life.
In the Media
During my time at EMS, I also participated in the school's promotional activities. I appear in the EMS video tour, which showcases what life is like at the school for prospective students.
For more information about EMS and its achievements during this period, you can refer to:
Looking Back
My time at Exeter Mathematics School was foundational in shaping who I am today. The combination of rigorous academic study, extensive volunteering opportunities, and a supportive community created an environment where I could thrive both academically and personally.
The skills I developed—from technical Computer Science knowledge to public speaking, team collaboration, and community service—have been instrumental in my journey to becoming a Cloud Engineer at JPMorganChase. I'm grateful for the opportunities EMS provided and the dedicated teachers who supported us through challenging times.
If you're considering EMS or are simply curious about my educational background, I hope this reflection gives you insight into what made those two years so special and impactful.