Access and Student Recruitment

Personal Statements Lisa Rodway

Who are

we?

•England's 3rd oldest University

•Consistently ranked amongst the

top Universities in the UK

•Around 11,200 undergraduates

•From diverse backgrounds

•From over 150 different countries

•High achieving students

•81% achieve a First or 2:1

•96% completion rate

Studying in

Durham • Modular system – variety of options

• Combined Honours and Natural

Sciences

• Teaching by lectures, seminars and

tutorials

• Research-led teaching

Research Dougal Jerram abseils into the crater of the Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region. It’s officially the hottest place on the planet. He created the first 3D map of the inside of the crater.

Research

Research-led teaching

• Historically, cross-culturally & biologically, we would expect mothers and babies to sleep in contact.

• Do they do so in UK?

• If so, why, and how?

• What happens?

Social sleep for infants

Research

• Human cells used to grow new hair

• New plant discovery could stimulate plant

growth and increase crop yields

• Telescope technology used for Durham

University heart research project

• Science on the trail of The Wolf and Little

Red Riding Hood

Libraries, Gyms, Societies, Sports

Teams

Excellent Care & Support Network

Sense of community

Easy to make friends

Where you live, eat, socialise

Co

lleg

es

Collingwood

Grey

Hatfield

John Snow

Josephine Butler

St Aidan’s

St Chad’s

St Cuthbert’s

Stephenson

St Hild & St Bede

St John’s

St Mary’s

Trevelyan

University

Ustinov

Van Mildert

Co

lle

ge

s

University (Castle)

•Oldest college, founded

in 1832 and located in a

Norman Fortress

•Formal Gowned Dinners

in one of the largest

medieval halls in Britain

Stephenson

•Encourages students

to create their own

traditions and

atmosphere

•Annual “Stevo Day”

with inflatables and

giant games

•Brand new modern

social facilities

including internet café

and satellite TV

Sports and Societies

55 Different Team Durham

Sports

Societies from Aerobics to Underwater

Hockey

Ranked 2nd in BUSA

Championship

250 Different Clubs and

Societies to Choose From

College Sports for all Abilities

New Developments in

Facilities

Durham University:

1st for clubs and societies

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2011

ActionAid Society

Aegis Students

Aerobics Society

African & Caribbean

Society

Aikido Club

Alternative Music Society

Amnesty International

Angling Society

Anglo-Japanese Society

Anthropology Society

Arabic Society

Archaeology Society

Arthur Holmes

Geological Society

Assassins' Society

Astronomical Azerbaijan

Society

Ballet Company

Ballroom and Latin

American Dance

Band Society

Belly Dancing Society

Big Band

Biological Society

Brass Band

Bridge Club

Bulgarian Society

Business Society

Caledonian Society

Calum

Catholic Society

Chamber Choir

Change Ringers

Chemical Society

Chess Society

Chinese Debating Society

Choral Society

Classics Society

Concert Band

Conservation Society

Conservative Association

Consulting Society

Creative Thinking

Creative Writing Society

Design Society

DJ Society

Documentaries Society

Duke of Edinburgh's

Award Society

DULOG

Durham Student Film

Durham Student Theatre

Durham University African

Singing and Drumming

Society

Economics Journal

Economics Society

Engineering Society

Engineers Without Borders

English Law Student's

Association

English Society

European Society

Eurovision Society

Folk Society

Free Market Society

Freefall Club

French Society

Friends of Palestine Society

Games Society

General LARP

Geographical Society

German Society

Gliding Society

Go Club

Grove

Happiness Society

Hill Orchestra

Hill Walking Society

History Society

Hong Kong Society

Humanist Society

Improvised Comedy

Society

In Step

Inter-Collegiate Christian

Union

International Development

Investment and Finance

Group

Kendo

Korean Society

Krav Maga Society

Labour Club

LINKS Society

Malaysian Society

Manga and Anime Society

Marketing Society

Mathematical Society

Medical Aid Society

Meditation Society

Methodist Society

Mooting Society

Natural Sciences Society

Opera Ensemble

Orchestral Society

Oxfam Society

Palatinate Orchestra

People and Planet

Philharmonia Society

Philosophy Society

Physics Society

Poetry Society

Pokémon Society

Poker Society

Pole Dancing

Psychology Society

Real Ale Society

Real Tennis Club

Rock Society

Romanian Society

Save the Children

Science fiction and

fantasy society

Scout and Guide Group

Shorinji Kempo

Singapore Society

Skills Exchange Society

Speleological

Association

Swing Society

Tai Chi Group

Tenteleni Society

Thai Boxing

Thai Society

Treasure Trap

Turkish Society

Underwater Hockey

Society

UNICEF Society

United Nations Society

Vegetarian and Vegan

Society

Voices

Welsh Society

Whisky Appreciation

Society

Wine Society

Wing Chun Kung Fu

Women in Business

World Cinema

WTF Taekwondo Society

Yoga Society

Societies at Durham

Over 200 to choose from!

Archery American Football Athletics & XC Badminton Basketball Boats Boxing Canoeing Cheerleading Clay Pigeon Cricket Cue Sports Cycling Equestrian Fencing Fives Football (Men's)

Football (Women's) Golf Gymnastics / Trampolining Hapkido Hockey Judo Kart Racing Lacrosse (Men's) Lacrosse (Mixed) Lacrosse (Women's) Mountaineering Netball Orienteering Rugby League Target Rifle Rugby Union (Men's)

Rugby Union (Women's) Sailing Shotokan Karate Skiing

Squash Sub Aqua Surf Club Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Taekwondo Triathlon Volleyball Ultimate Frisbee Water Polo

•Performance

and leadership

•Participation

•Community

sports

development

∂

Experience Durham: Music and the Arts

Over 15 University Music societies

Year-round musical concerts and performances

College orchestras, choirs and societies

The Arts thrive at Durham University

Over 60 student theatre productions a year

Media opportunities in Palatinate, Purple Radio, The Bubble and more…

Why does it matter..?

The Context

GSCE Results

AS Level Results

A2 Predictions

Interviews

Admissions Tests

School Reference

Personal Statement

1. Why do you want to study this subject?

2. What makes you particularly suitable to study the

subject?

3. What can you offer the university? What can you

contribute to the course/institution?

Structure

Demonstrate your enthusiasm and academic potential

• Knowledge of the subject area

• Where could it lead?

• What does the subject entail?

• Why does it interest you?

• What interests you the most?

1. Why this subject?

2. Why you?

Your experience so far:

• Project work

• Voluntary work

• Extra-curricular interests

• Work experience (e.g. law, teaching)

• Books, newspapers, journals

• Television programmes/documentaries

• Year out

3. What do you have to

offer? What makes you who you are?

• Hobbies, leisure activities

• Sports

• Extra-curricular interests

• Responsibilities

• Achievements

• Avoid generalisations

• Think…how many other people may have

used that phrase?

• Evidence-based enthusiasm

• We want to hear about your aptitude for the

subject, not why the subject is worthy of

studying

Key Points

∂

Put yourself in

the admissions

tutor’s shoes…

• What are the strengths and

weaknesses?

• Is the personal statement

convincing?

• Would you give this student a

place at university?

∂

I often marvel at the awe inspiring magnificence of suspension bridges and gaze at the simultaneous power and precision of aircraft engines with

amazement. Such awesome feats of ingenuity engross my imagination and have ignited a gripping interest in the field of engineering and for the

mechanisms by which such spectacular devices function.

Studying science throughout my school life has furthered my understanding of mathematics and physics incrementally. As my academic career has

progressed I have acquired a greater appreciation of the power of mathematical formulae and scientific theory to comprehensively explain the function of

highly sophisticated and complex technologies such as aircraft. At ‘A’ level my riveting enthusiasm for Physics and Maths has not diminished, although

challenging. I have found great enjoyment in grasping the fundamental principles of these stimulating and thought provoking fields.

The study of Engineering has always strongly appealed to me as it presents me with ample opportunity to ascertain a further understanding of these

principles and their implementation practically in addition to nurturing my abiding absorption with the subject matter itself especially with regard to the

design, development and function of inspirational scientific achievements such as aircraft. The demands and challenges of an Aerospace Engineering

course would advance and facilitate my analytical proficiency. Moreover my creative and innovate skills would be profoundly developed as a result of

continued active participation in educationally structured design activities related to problem solving and aircraft design, the utilisation of such attributes

and methodologies, once fully realised, would be applicable in a multitude of divergent industry sectors, making me a dynamic and attractive prospective

employee in many contrasting areas of the engineering and manufacturing industry, For these reasons I have always known that Aerospace Engineering

would be the ideal subject for me to read at University.

In relation to my work experience I have participated in a two week programme set up by my school; during this placement I worked at an estate agency,

under the supervision of a structural surveyor, from whom I acquired some insight into the practical application of mathematical and scientific theory. The

high pressure, communication intensive, setting of my placement improved my teamwork and interpersonal skills resulting in me rising to the challenge

identifying and rectifying any problems or dealing with the enquiries of clientele; however I realised that I am better suited to a more structured and

independently emphasised style of work, working more efficiently independently or collectively when operating towards set objectives, as opposed to a

less structured more freelance approach to work.

My personal interests involve playing golf and until recently I have played for my local football team. I felt fortunate to have been appointed captain of

this team during an international tournament at a local university’s sporting facilities. I have an interest in current affairs and enjoy reading, particularly

science based literature, such as the works of Richard Dawkins and found “The Blind Watch Maker” fascinating.

By pursuing a career in engineering I aspire to become part of the progressive, creative development of technologies, integral to the advancement of

scientific understanding and practical implementation of mathematical theory.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Shows knowledge in subject

• Enthusiasm (though overstated)

Cons

• Does not address subject directly

• Over the top statements – trying too hard?

• Long-word overload!

• Spelling and word choice

• Sentence structure – too complex and difficult to read. Lacks sense.

• Bland extra-curricular

∂

I did not attend a school until I was 14, I have always read copiously, indeed, I began reading Dickens at the age of 6. My reading list

before entering school extends to over 150 novels ranging from Butler to Blyton, Kingsley to Kipling, Wyndham to Wodehouse. My 3

years at school have shown me a different approach to the appreciation of English literature and I am keen to continue with my study

of classical English literature at university.

My academic achievements, despite only having been at school for 3 years, include good GCSE and AS grades. I gained, at age 10,

St. Martin's Level 2 in Russian language. My early education, although giving me a sound intellectual basis, was not geared towards

qualifications, however, my ability to consistently surpass my teachers' assessments of me and achieve higher grades than most of

my contemporaries, demonstrates my ability to adapt to new learning environments. I am surprised, in fact, that most of my

contemporaries, despite at least 12 years at school, are unable to surpass my academic achievements. Clearly 12 years is too long

for children to spend at school. Many have 'peaked' at an early age and are jaded by the whole education experience by the time they

get into higher education. Fortunately I am still at the beginning of my educational career and have plenty of enthusiasm left. I believe

that I have a tremendous latent potential which will develop further at university.

I was awarded an attendance prize in Year 11. I am also punctual, hardworking and never miss deadlines for handing in my

assignments. I stood for election for the sixth form committee and have represented my form in the school council. I was a prefect in

Year 11 which involved assisting with Parent's Evenings and supervising other children during break times etc. As a paired reader for

2 years I assist less able children improve their standard of English. I have found this rewarding and challenging.

Outside school I have been practising judo for 3 years. I have competed at the national championships and won the Eastern area

championship, as well as winning medals in many other competitions. My current grade is 1st Kyu (senior brown belt). I have recently

passed the theory for 1st Dan (black belt) after studying through the summer holidays, learning to demonstrate the nearly 100

techniques required to a high standard (a minimum pass mark of 72%). I am the secretary for xxxx Judo Club. I started judo at the age

of 14 and found a great deal of resistance and obstruction from coaches and officials; most of whom believed that one could only be

successful at the sport if one started at the age of 8 or younger. However, with determination and commitment, I proved them and

their protegees wrong.

I was a member of the school's hockey, netball and rounders teams and have completed sponsored runs for charity. I received the

Colin Mills Shield for contribution to sport and Sports Colours for dedication to sport. I enjoy swimming and in my spare time, studied

for the R. L. S. Pool Lifeguard qualification which I was awarded in October 2005. I also hold a valid first aid certificate. I passed the

Bronze D. of E. Award which taught me the necessity for motivation, punctuality, teamwork, commitment and determination. I also

participated in the Young Enterprise Scheme, where I was sales Director. We reached the County Championships after winning the

South Norfolk Area Our company was the first from xxxx to enter and win.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Paragraphing: this is good;

• Addresses Subject: this person makes their subject interest clear;

• Extra-Curricular Interests: sport and other interests are mentioned.

Cons

• Tone of Voice: this is arrogant at best, condescending at worst;

• Irrelevant Material: Admissions selectors will not be interested in individual opinions on tangential topics;

• Wider Reading: there is little wider reading mentioned, and none of it is expanded upon;

• Over-Emphasis on Punctuality, etc.: lecturers will expect students to be mature enough for this to not be an issue;

• Punctuation & Syntax: this is not always correct, creating a bad impression.

∂

My interest in Geography is largely due to its increasing importance as the world looks towards finding ‘green energy’. Studying Physics alongside

Geography at A-Level has captured my interest in how the world is going to manage after fossil fuels run out. The subject’s relevance to the world’s

future, through issues like climate change and energy diversification, explains why I wish to study it at a higher level. Geography is the subject that comes

most naturally to me as it requires fact and scientific evidence to support theory and apply it successfully. I have always enjoyed geography for its breadth

and I see a geography degree both supporting and informing my career choice.

In my studies to date, I have found that I have particular interests in population, energy and coastal management. I enjoy fieldwork that involves

collecting data and using statistical tests, such as the Chi squared test, and models. This draws on the statistical modules that I am studying in my A level

maths. On a recent fieldtrip to Studland, we analysed how the distance from the sea affects the vegetation in psammoseres and I could apply these

techniques in my write up. Seeing evidence of Dorset’s coastal erosion developed my curiosity in coastline management and the respective arguments

over hard and soft engineering. Reading ‘The Map That Changed The World’ by Simon Winchester introduced me to geology which is not taught at

school. In human geography, I am intrigued by population issues and how these impact on the world today and in future. With the population rising by 98

million p.a. due to increased life expectancy and birth rates, more demand is placed on key resources. Some of these resources are being exhausted while

the supply of others needs to keep pace with demand. Boserup, a danish economist, said “Necessity is the mother of invention”. This implies that we will

find ways to cope with rising population although food and water distribution require critical attention and management. I have read ‘The Population

Bomb’ (Paul Ehrlich) which warned of mass starvation in the 1970’s and 80’s due food shortage caused by rapid population growth. These predictions

did not materialise but the book raised my awareness of environmental and population issues. I enjoy studying how technology is advancing to provide

more resources such as nuclear and renewable energy and how this can address climate change. I am intrigued in looking at how carbon emissions can be

reduced and how renewable energy technology needs to advance while coal and other fossil fuels diminish. I appreciate how climate change and many

other topics within geography are synoptic and draw on what you have learnt in other topics in and outside of geography.

Outside of my studies, team sports are my main passion and I also appreciate how sport can help me develop life skills such as leadership and teamwork. I

play sport at the highest level in the school and play for both the 1st XV rugby and 1st X1 cricket. In 2008, I was one of three fifth formers selected to join

the school cricket team on a tour of South Africa. I gained valuable lessons on the tour and enjoyed playing cricket in another country. Witnessing the

diverse social, cultural and geographic features of the country encouraged me to read Kevin Pietersen’s autobiography ‘Crossing The Boundary’ which

talks about his decision to leave apartheid South Africa and play cricket in England. Having been on this tour, I am keen to take a gap year as I wish to

play a full season of cricket abroad. At the same time, I wish to gain some work experience and learn to become more self-sufficient. I am also a sports

prefect in my boarding house and this involves organising sports events in the house and putting together teams for inter house sports events. As I enjoy

these types of responsibilities, I am applying for work as an assistant sports coach in Australian schools on my gap year.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Structured

• Addresses subject

• Shows passion and enthusiasm

• Extra reading

Cons

• Too much extra curricular

• A bit like an essay

• Not personal enough

∂

My interest in Psychology began through watching documentaries on everything from phobias to autism. Issues regarding the mind,

behaviour, how people work together and what causes individuality led me to pursue Psychology at college. Studying topics such as

language acquisition, obedience, ethics, and statistics has developed my interest and given me a solid grounding for studying

Psychology at university. I have been lucky enough to attend lectures by Criminal Psychologist Professor David Canter and Clinical

Psychologist Dr Tanya Byron. I hugely enjoyed these experiences as they allowed me to consider different views and develop my ability

to critically analyse information.

I always try to broaden my understanding of psychology and often read articles and books that show the application of psychological

research to everyday life; such as the effects of bullying and unipolar depression.

I followed the BBC documentary ‘The Secret Life of Twins’ and was fascinated by the idea that so much of who we are is pre-

determined by our genes. This helped me to see the human mind and body in a new light and encourages more questions about how

much control we really have. To develop my first hand experience of psychology research, I am carrying out my own investigation into

attention and automatic behaviour. I now understand how challenging yet rewarding it is to create a valid and original experiment.

Throughout year 12, I worked for three hours a week in an infant class. This allowed me a first-hand insight into children’s different

approaches to play, problem solving and language development. I found this fun and interesting and would enjoy working with children

again. I study sign language at college. I have already experienced Makaton sign language through a friend who has Williams

Syndrome. Communicating with Tom requires insight because his verbal skills are far greater than his understanding. Practical

experiences have given me a greater understanding of day-to-day applied Psychology. I am very enthusiastic about being able to gain a

more scientific understanding of communication difficulties, developmental problems and their links to neuropsychology.

I will enjoy this course as it seeks not only to ask questions but to also provide answers. Psychology, as a science, is something that I

feel positively about. I understand that a reliable and investigative approach allows the findings of Psychology to become more widely

accepted. I therefore look forward to learning about the different areas of psychology in a more detailed, practical and scientific way. I

am very interested in Developmental Psychology, as development, learning, memory and personality affect everybody in all aspects of

life. I would like to learn more about the brain, its workings and abnormalities. How sensitive and yet resilient the brain can be is a truly

fascinating subject.

I am a keen musician and am part of many music groups. Working in an orchestra, has taught me skills such as teamwork and

dedication as the success of a piece relies on every member working together. These are skills that can be applied to the wider world. I

have taken part in concerts, raised money for charities, travelled abroad and performed with groups from other countries. Music is a

stress relief and it is interesting to see how people use music in their lives. I gained Sports Leadership Level 1, Bronze Duke of

Edinburgh, been hockey team Captain and a Scout Troop leader. Through these responsibilities, I learnt how to motivate, lead, teach

and interest others.

My eventual aspiration is to become a teacher or researcher and this course will support me to achieve this. I am keen to meet new

people, experience new opportunities and contribute to university life. Psychology is a fascinating subject which I have grown to love. I

am a committed, enthusiastic and motivated student who would contribute whole-heartedly to the course.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Structured

• Extra reading

• Addresses subject

• Genuine passion

• Relevant experience

• Detailed

Cons

• A bit too much extra curricular

∂

History has been at the forefront of my academic career for seven years. Throughout this time, I have acquired a broad range of historical

knowledge and analytical and interpretive skills. The catalyst for my decision to embark upon a History degree stems from my A-Level course

where I found the historical debate and independent analysis thought provoking and challenging. I particularly enjoyed the

intentionalist/functionalist debate relating to Hitler in the years leading up to the Second World War. Having discovered the contrasting views of

many leading historians, I feel able to add my own judgements whilst evaluating laterally and critically. Similarly to Alan Bullock, I believe both

preliminary planning and disorganized spontaneity must be combined to achieve a balanced outcome.

Subsequently, I was attracted to Alan Bullock’s ‘Parallel Lives’. His analysis of both Hitler and Stalin is compelling- especially as his book

culminates in a multi-faceted study of ideology, revolution and dictatorship. I find the depth of analysis stimulating and exciting. The ‘Diary of

Anne Frank’ is also a personal favourite, although I do realise the importance of critically evaluating such works. I have consistently achieved

outstanding academic results- confirming my ability to study at an advanced level. I am willing to work hard and independently, and bring to my

studies an alert intelligence. I love new challenges that allow me to use my skills of analysis and interpretation, and I pride myself on my

curiosity. All of my A-Level subjects have supported my historical insight. My knowledge of German culture and tradition has increased, and I

hope to continue to enhance my linguistic expertise by taking advantage of any opportunities available at University. English Language has

heightened my awareness of the nature and functions of communication, and I am interested in the factors associated with language change.

Also, Law has made me receptive to new ideas, again with the constant use of analytical skills. I fell confident the experience obtained from

these solid disciplines will be of use to me in future years.

I hope my current ‘Gap Year’ will allow me to develop a greater self-reliance, maturity and confidence, allowing my transition to University to be

smooth. I am currently enjoying working at the xxxx Museum in xxxxxxx researching information relating to history of the local Churches for a

forthcoming ‘History of xxxxxx’ exhibition. I find it a pleasure to work with like-minded people who are as passionate about History as I am. In

the near future I intend to find employment in order to help finance myself through University, and I am currently learning to drive.

Throughout my life I have been fortunate to have travelled extensively- particularly in America. Each vacation has been spent exploring diverse

cultures and traditions, and consequently I have become fascinated by American History. Visiting the Lorraine Motel in Memphis triggered my

interest in the Black Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King’s shrine and memorial is something I will remember forever, and this has

inspired me to become perceptive to new, unexplored modules at degree level. I have also visited the French Battlefields of the First World

War- an experience I found unique, particularly in the changing context of modern day warfare.

My academic life has also seen me involved in several extra-curricular activities. As a chorister I competed at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall

in Manchester; as a solo singer I performed on BBC Radio Lancashire, and as a public speaker I was a member of a team that achieved

national recognition. As a member of the college choir I performed in the Christmas concerts, and I play the piano- of which I am grade four. I

aim to continue my involvement in the these activities at University.

I hope my personal values of integrity and commitment will guarantee that I would thrive in an environment of academic prestige. I look forward

to applying an independent mind to my studies, and developing my ability to think critically and analytically. Above all, I am a self-motivated

and gregarious individual with an interest in learning through further studies in History.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Addresses Subject: it is clear why this person wants to study the subject;

• Enthusiasm: a passion for the subject is obvious throughout the personal statement;

• Specific Interests: there are clear interests within the wider subject;

• Awareness of University Context: this person is aware of the need to manage the transition to University;

• Structure: the statement is well balanced and shows a divide between the academic and extra-curricular.

Cons

• Paragraphing: this could be improved slightly to create a better reading experience;

• Wider Reading: it would be preferable to see some more evidence of this.

Tips • Be positive

• Do not mention individual institutions

• Do not start your personal statement with a quotation

• Do not be too general with your choices

• Do not try to be funny!

• Don’t write a chronological history of yourself

Top 10 most overused personal statement opening sentences

1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times)

2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times)

3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times)

4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times)

5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times)

6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times)

7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times)

8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)

9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since ... (141

times)

10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and ... (138 times)

Be original…

But not too original!

Substitute personal

statement • Submitted directly to Durham via our website

• Must be received within 3 working days of UCAS

application

• 47 lines/4000 characters (including spaces

• Does not give an automatic advantage

http://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/personalstatement/substitute/

For more information… www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/personalstatement/

Remember…

• It’s an art, not a science

• This is general advice, different universities may

have different views depending on chosen course,

level of competition etc.

• Some institutions may have specific suggestions or

expectations, but take care not to narrow your

chances of an offer from your other choices

• Do your research!

Remember…

It’s personal!

Access and Student Recruitment

Any Questions? Lisa.rodway@durham.ac.uk

01913 349 125

∂

History is in a continual state of flux. I am particularly fascinated by the fact that it is ever changing, ever relevant and full of interesting characters. I have

enjoyed studying the different approaches to history, such as Marxist and Annales views, and attended a course that discussed such matters. This led me

to read Carr’s ‘What is History?’ which inspired me to consider why we study history and its exact nature. History is not simply the past but the

documentation of what historians deem to be important, leaving it open to a range of interpretations. Churchill famously wrote ‘History will be kind to me

for I intend to write it’. With this in mind it was interesting to study how Nixon tried to rewrite his presidency by focusing on foreign policy rather than

the Watergate Scandal in his memoirs.

The breadth of history I have studies has strengthened my interest in the subject. Studying the reformation in the 16th century showed me the importance

of religion from a historical and political perspective as many of the world’s difficult problems can be attributed to religious conflicts, for example

between Israel and Palestine. I enjoyed studying the roles of individuals in history, for example Calvin and the part that he played in spreading

Protestantism in France.

Through my love of history I have also developed a passion for politics. I have enjoyed learning about the British and American political systems, as well

as exploring political ideologies, for example socialism and conservatism and how they are influenced by political philosophies. I have been able to

combine my interest in history and politics in topics such as modern American and British political history. I have explored these topics further by reading

books such as ‘JFK’ by Dallek and ‘The Prime Ministers’ by Hennessy. Dallek’s portrayal of JFK made it clear to me how important his personality was

to his politics; although he did not use a significant body of legislation, he revolutionised the political atmosphere of the USA and I was left to wonder

what more he might have achieved. Easy parallels can be made between Obama and Kennedy, as both represent young figures of hope and change.

Through such topics we can study both what happened in the past and how events and personalities have shaped the political climate of today. For

example, whilst studying Britain from 1906 to 1918 I realised the significant impact which the parliament Act of 1911 had on our current political system.

Combining history and politics is the perfect option for me, as I believe that to study the present political environment, it is necessary to see it in a

historical context. It is exciting to be witnessing , such as the election of the first African American US president and the current economic crisis,

knowing they are tomorrow’s history.

I have enjoyed studying English AS-Level and Maths A-Level. English, in particular, enabled me to develop my writing and analytical abilities. By

studying Dutch A-Level I gained a more secure grasp of language and learned about the political situation in the Netherlands which owes much to its

liberal nature,

Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing sports, performing ballet weekly and playing tennis in the summer. I am a lower school prefect which involves

supervising a year 7 class and organising weekly activities. I have completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Gold) which reinforced my

confidence in team work and showed the importance of sustained commitment. I love travelling, and in my gap year I intend to work in South America,

to experience a different culture and learn a new language. An upcoming period of work in the Civil Service will enable me to see departmental business

in government in practice.

I believe that I have the right attributes and interests for a combined history and politics course and I look forward to having the opportunity to study both

at university.

∂

Evaluation

Pros

• Addresses subject areas

• Shows knowledge and particular interests through extra reading

• Links two subjects cohesively

Cons

• Lists A levels unnecessarily

• Structure at times

∂

Writing is the outward projection of the imagination; a way to create another world through the stroke of a pen, which can only spring to

life as it is absorbed by the reader. From an early age, this notion evoked a lasting fascination with the written word, inspiring me to

write my own stories and poems. Because of this, my ultimate ambition is to become a successful writer, whose works will imbue many

generations with a lasting passion for English. My first step towards fulfilling this dream was the publication of my short story in an

anthology, after I was chosen as one of the winners of the NAME REMOVED competition in 2007. In the same year, I was awarded one

of the top five overall marks for GCSE English Literature. Hopefully, attaining an English degree and being involved in student media

will transform my aspirations into reality and provide firm foundations for a future career in journalism or the media.

Primarily, writing is the basis of my ambitions, but a story can also be told through dancing and art., using movement and colour instead

of words. Ballroom and Latin American dancing has always been my lifelong passion. Each dance, like the characters in a novel, has its

own personality and learning to express this has taught me self-discipline and perservance, as well as the ability to perform in front of

an audience. Drawing, painting and photography are just some of my other hobbies and I employ my artistic skills to help my mother

design resources for the local Sunday school. Additionally, I volunteer to raise money for my parish church by managing a stall at

church fairs and helping out at social events.

Naturally, my interest in the arts has made me an avid reader and diversifying the spectrum of my reading, by selecting texts of different

genres, styles and time periods, has always been a priority. Through my college’s reading group, I share this love of reading with others

and discuss novels with peers and staff. ‘Classic’ novels are my particular favourites, especially the works of the Brontes, Dickens and

Thomas Hardy, whose compelling use of imagery and characterization seem to momentarily cause you to enter the world of the novel,

as if you were actually in the background observing the story unfolding firsthand. Besides reading novels, studying the poems of Blake

and Coleridge at A-level has engendered a newfound admiration for Romantic poetry and I am eager to increase my poetic knowledge,

having already encountered Elizabethan, Romantic, Victorian, contemporary and First World War poetry. Furthermore, reading and

analysing critical works has broadened my knowledge of the world and developed my ability to approach tasks with an open mind.

Gaining these skills has encouraged me to never allow the limitations of the classroom to hinder my independent learning, particularly in

history, as I am mostly interested in the cultural and social aspects of this subject but my A-level is mainly political. Visiting historical and

cultural sites whenever possible is one way that I have enriched my historical awareness. For instance, I visited Rome and Pompeii last

year – an opportunity that I felt incredibly fortunate to have received.

Participating in activities outside of college is also an important part of my life, one that I hope to continue whilst at university. For five

years, I have trained weekly at Wrenthorpe Badminton Club and recently joined one of the club’s open age teams that compete in a

local district league. This has strengthened not only my teamwork skills, but my social skills, as being part of the club means competing

with and against people from different age groups. I also attend the Cross Project group (a Christian based youth organisiation) and

being involved in their residential weekends has been an instructive and enjoyable experience.

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Evaluation

Pros

Cons

• Flouncy style of writing – not driven and direct in tone

• Reference to GCSE achievement is not especially impressive

• Structure

• Lacks depth and substance

• Not academic enough

• Wider reading is a bit bland