Young Leaders
September 2022
Each year the Trustees of the Barton and Dunstall Key Trust take great delight in awarding leadership awards to two outstanding students at John Taylor School, and we are usually amazed at the achievements of these young people. This year is no different.
Tom Hill receives £250. He joined John Taylor at the start of sixth form and it was very clear that he was going to make a difference. Tom studies A level Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and the Extended Project Qualification and has, at the time of writing, an offer to read Medicine at the University of Birmingham. His passion when speaking about studying medicine clearly shines through. Thomas has actively engaged in work experience, including at a GP surgery where he observed home visits and clinical review meetings. His compassion and desire to help others achieve their best has been shown by his work at Camp JoJo, where he gained more understanding of the role technology can play in helping others, and further reinforced his understanding of the need for an inclusive society. His volunteering work at a vaccination centre allowed him to understand the fears and concerns of others and to empathise and reassure them. His desire to be actively involved with school life, coupled with his effective communication skills also led to his successful appointment as a head student, following a highly competitive application process. He is always willing to help others in his tutor group, whether on a personal or educational level, showing his empathy and compassion. He is a hardworking, dedicated, passionate student who will give his all. He is destined to make a difference to the world.
Aimee Cross receives £150. She has proven herself to be an extremely diligent student throughout her school career. She studies A level Geography, Biology and Chemistry and has, at the time of writing, an offer to read Biochemistry at the University of Bristol. Her dedication to developing her scientific knowledge has been evident throughout her time in the sixth form. She has completed a work placement at the Functional Gut Clinic in Cambridge where she was able to observe clinicians treat patients and was able to assist with tests, which allowed Aimee to understand how biochemistry works in a real hospital setting. In addition to gaining practical experience Aimee also completed the University of Oxford Biomedical and Medical Sciences study day where she was able to listen to lectures including a particularly pertinent one on the positive roles of bacteria within the body which has shifted her mindset about this topic. Within school, Aimee also contributes to the science department for example by tutoring Biology and Chemistry to year 9 pupils during her year 12 studies and completing the Biology Olympiad. Outside of her academic interests, Aimee also secured her role as a sixth form head student in charge of fundraising and community engagement. Aimee is also a keen sports person who has captained the rounders; netball and cricket teams; plays netball for a club outside of school and helped lead a multi-skills sports festival for primary school children. Aimee demonstrates exceptional ability, dedication and commitment to all facets of her life and she has a great future ahead of her.
Chairman Jacqui Jones said ‘It was great to be at the JTHS awards ceremony to see so many talented youngsters, both performing for the evening and winning prizes. The Key Trust Leadership Award winners achieved and gave so much during their time at JTHS and both were deserving winners of the award’. All the Trustees wish them and their fellow students every success for the future.
