I left Shrewsbury High School after A-Levels in 2023, having been at the school since year 7.  I am now in my second year studying Classics at the University of Warwick. This involves language study of both Latin and Ancient Greek, alongside the history, culture and civilisation of Ancient societies (primarily the Greeks and Romans) which shape our world today.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SHS. Lucky enough to know what I wanted to study at university by Christmas of year 12, I was given many opportunities to increase my knowledge in the field of Classics far beyond what the A-Level Latin syllabus covered. In terms of academic study, perhaps the most helpful opportunity presented to me was the lunchtime/ after-school Greek club. This opened the door for me to attend the JACT Greek Summer School in the summer of 2022, a 2-week intensive Greek course in which I was taught by the author of the textbooks himself! From here, I was able to sit the Greek GCSE in 2023 alongside my A-Levels. I was also allowed to sit in on some Classical Civilisation lessons which gave helpful insight into the history and culture side of my degree course.

I was also fortunate enough to be given many outreach opportunities. These were wide ranging: organising an International Lego Classics Day event for the lower years to spend a lunchtime building their own Classics-themed Lego; my own workshop at the annual Arts Fest involving origami and clay creation around the myth of Hades and Persephone; creating and leading a QR code treasure hunt for years 7 and 9; and assisting with lots of schools outreach at local primary schools, including our own juniors. Not to mention a trip to Italy to see various archaeological sites!

From chatting to my peers at university, I can absolutely see that the support SHS pupils receive throughout their time at school is unmatched, especially when it comes to university applications.

Many thanks to Mrs. Birt for supporting me all the way through, and to all my teachers at SHS for nurturing my interests and helping me choose the right degree and university for me.