Year 12 was definitely a big step up from GCSE’s and a new way of going about revising and learning at home was needed. As you know, I decided to use my bursary on a laptop so I could retrieve information and materials easily when studying at home. I purchased a laptop quite some time after receiving the bursary. However, I was a bit picky about what laptop to buy as I wanted to ensure it would last me through to university! My grades weren’t the best I could’ve achieved before having the laptop, as I was struggling to revise at home as a lot of the work I was set was to be completed digitally, so I spent my time in school completing these assignments. However, now that I have the means to complete these at home, I have seen an improvement in productivity and my grades. I have been able to plan out my time easily, not having to stress and try to cram my work into school time. This has benefited me wholly and I’m very grateful to have it as it will definitely help me through Year 13, especially when I have study leave, where most of the work I will be doing is at home.

With most of the remaining of my money, I have followed my plans from the last update. I purchased a new laptop which I have found to be beneficial to me in my Geography Coursework, which makes up 20% of my grade for that subject. Since my previous update, I have changed one of my subjects – swapping history for an AS level in psychology. For this, I have set some money aside to purchase some revision guides and textbooks, once I can find some cheap second-hand materials. After that, there is some money left over that I would like to spend on 2 more university visits – Southampton and Cardiff.

I am so grateful for this bursary. It has made my studies in Year 12 much easier. Since I was able to revision guides, I performed much better than i expected in my end of year exams. Furthermore, not needing to work has also reduced my stress and worries about school. Overall, I have gained a lot from the 150 Foundation.

So far, I haven’t spent any of the bursary yet. However I intend to use the money to support my Gold DofE experience. Throughout the years, I have done both my Bronze and Silver DofE and Gold has always been something I really wanted to do as I really enjoy it and I believe it teaches me a lot. However, paying for my Gold Dofe didn’t quite seem achievable but thanks to your generosity, I’m really excited to get started. Any money left over will be spent on university open days to help me travel there and see all my options.

I really am so unbelievably grateful for your support, kindness and generosity. The money you have kindly given me is going to help me and my future so much. Wishing you the best.

I have used some of the bursary money to purchase a graphics tablet which allows me to take handwritten notes on my laptop. As well as this, the money has been used on my daily commute to school. I plan to use the remaining money to sign up for paid websites for my A level subjects and for my UCAT preparation, as well as stationery and travel for open days.

Why I should be considered for the bursary

My name is Elizabeth and I have been at PHSG since Year 7. I have danced since I was 3 years old and have always had a passion for science. I achieved high grades in my GCSE's which I am very proud of but equally shocked at. My family shared a similar reaction and this is because I had many distractions throughout year 11 and my GCSE's. I am both equally committed to my education and my passion, therefore I dedicate lots of time to both which caused many distractions from revision and vice versa. I also have recently been diagnosed with ADHD which impacted on my revision and time keeping.

As well as this, unfortunately, I am a young carer who looks after my terminally ill mum who was hospitalised during my GCSE's. Unfortunately due to my mum's predicament, she will not be able to financially aid me in the next coming years. As much as all this may have negatively impacted me in many ways, I try and find positives such as how my experiences have taught me so much. I am sharing all this information as I hope it shows that I am a dedicated, loving person and that if I was considered for this bursary I would use it to continue my journey trying make my loved ones but also myself proud.

What I would do with the bursary and the impact it would have on me: 

I grew up with both my parents staying on one career their whole life. My father has been working as an engineer in the same factory he started at 17 and my mum worked in the council. Therefore I always thought I would have to chose one career and stick to it. However, I've come to the realisation that this is not the case. As someone whose hobby became more than just a fun after-school club at a young age, this realisation means so much. As a result, I aim to have two very diverse career paths throughout my life which will not be easy to fund or prepare for. I intend to go to a dance school to then pursue a career in dance before then going back to university to study veterinary or medicine. Therefore, there are many opportunities available to me to improve on either of these careers such as residentials, work experience, extra training and more. However, these all have costs. Therefore if considered for this bursary I would request to use it towards my DofE Gold which I hope to complete in the next coming year. DofE means so much to me and I feel teaches me so many important skills such as teamwork, resilience and survival skills that I hope will aid me in both careers in the future. However, this year's costs comes to approximately €595 not including the residential that I believe is part of the Gold award or equipment. Therefore, a contribution towards my DofE would mean the world to me as I've already worked hard to complete Bronze and Silver.

My mum always encouraged me to put myself out there and try as many experiences as possible so doing my DofE will not only aid my future but will also be sentimental and mean the world to me. Thank you so much for creating this opportunity.

Why I should be considered for the bursary: 

I believe I should be considered for the bursary because I am a dedicated, hardworking student who intends to seize every and any opportunity to pursue my dream career. After attending the assembly of which I heard about the bursary I thought to myself, “Why not?”. Because how could I miss out on an amazing opportunity to take a step closer towards my dream career.

What I would do with the bursary and the impact it would have on me: 

Should I be grateful enough to be a receipt of this bursary, I would use it to fund my travels for university open days and to fund my academic journey towards medicine. This would tremendously helpful as I would like to make an informed choice as to which university I attend, and I believe that by attending open days at universities such as Edinburgh or Cardiff I would be able to experience the environment and to know whether it is the right fit for me. Additionally, should I receive the bursary, using it to fund my travels to open days or interviews would allow me to travel without being a financial burden to my parents who sacrifice a great deal for me to have access to opportunities they didn’t.

Furthermore, as part of my journey to medicine, I will have to take the UCAT examination to receive a band and a score which then determines which university I can apply to. Studying for the UCAT requires dedication and perseverance and I intend to give it my all; however, to give myself the best possible opportunity to excel, I would use the bursary to fund my studies towards the exam such as paying for websites which are highly recommended for revision in preparation for the UCAT. This would do me a great service and would enhance and motivate my studies and reduce the potential anxiety coupled with the exam.