Will achieved the A-Level grades that he needed to study Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts.

Will joined King's Ely Acremont Nursery in 2011 and journeyed the whole way through the school.

He studied Fine Art, Film Studies, and Classical Civilisation for his A-Levels. Will also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which was a performance under the brief of 'Compose and perform a narrative piece for Brass Ensemble', in which he tried to reflect the ego of brass players in a 'musical argument'.

We caught up with Will after he received his A-Level results to find out more about his King's experience and what his next steps are...

Will, what career path do you plan on pursuing?

I fully intend on becoming my own working artist, although I would not mind working in theatre production and set construction, or continuing my work as a freelance trumpeter in a pit band.

What is the quality and style of teaching like at King’s?

The quality of teaching was superb throughout my time at King's, as every teacher genuinely cared about my progression and path. My Classics Teachers, Ms Tyrrell, Dr Oliver, Mr Atkinson, and Dr Knox, made each of their specialties in the subject engaging, and the lessons were genuinely fun to be in. I would never have known in Year 9 how much I would have loved Classics!  

Mr and Mrs Ward in the Art Department also absolutely know their stuff, and consistently pushed me to work past my comfort zone, which I have to admit was probably a difficult task at times. As a result, I produced so much more work than I thought I could have done, and at a much larger scale and scope than I would have on my own.  

As my Tutor and Film Studies Teacher, Mrs Malster fostered my love of film both in and outside lessons, demonstrating a genuine passion for the subject, and encouraging me to engage with the medium outside the syllabus. I credit the quality of work I produced throughout the course to this passion, as it allowed me to think of the films not just as a part of the course, but as something I could engage with on a personal level.  

Ultimately, I think that what teaching at King's does so well is that it gets you to think about your subjects not just as subjects, but as things you and your teachers care about, both in and outside the classroom. For me, my subjects were a passion throughout.  

What else did you participate in during your time at King’s?

I have been playing the trumpet since Year 3, and I participated in innumerable concerts and recitals, as well as hundreds of rehearsals for Jazz Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, and other student-led projects, such as my EPQ, charity Christmas busking, and of course the best event of the year: House Music (which Osmond House won three times!). A highlight in Year 13 was performing Harry James’ Jazz Concerto as a soloist, accompanied by a ten-piece band, in Ely Cathedral, and holding my own solo recital in preparation for my diploma.  

The opportunities provided in the Drama Department also kick-started my interest in a career in theatre production. I loved engaging with set construction, painting, and prop making, as well as operating lights.  

Whilst schedules conflicted in later years, I remember History Cafes and Classics Symposiums providing a chance to engage with subjects I was passionate about outside the classroom – another example of the subjects being more than just a grade or test. I was also a King's Scholar.  

Do you feel that you have been well supported pastorally at King’s?

Absolutely. My tutors consistently took the time to get to know me on a personal level, and provided support when I needed it – shoutout to Mrs Malster, Mr Williams, and Mr Lott. Also to the Principal, Mr Attwater, and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, who somehow manage to know everyone in the entire school.  

What will you miss most about King’s and what did you enjoy most during your time here?

I think that the thing I will miss most about King's is laughs with friends and teachers. Dinners before Concert Band, chats in the back of lessons, hitting the high notes in House Music, or my daily morning chats with cleaners Jude and Sandy in the Art Department, are what made the days for me. 

In what ways do you think King’s is unique or special compared to other schools?

Teachers genuinely care about their subjects and students. 

Describe King’s in three words!

Passionate, supportive, homely.