Class of 2020 – Caitlin Ault
Caitlin Ault is looking forward to studying Chemistry at the University of Liverpool after securing fantastic A Level results.
Caitlin achieved A*, A, C in English, Chemistry and Physics at A Level.
Speaking of her results Caitlin said: “I’m really pleased with my results. I’m a bit of a worrier but I’m really pleased with what I’ve got. If I hadn’t done as well, I might have thought about doing an apprenticeship instead of going straight to University, but I’m looking forward to going to Liverpool in September.”
Caitlin started at the UTC in Year 10 and was part of the second ever cohort. She said: “I started at the UTC in Year 10 after deciding my old school focussed too much on performing arts and that wasn’t my thing.
“In Year 9 I took part in an Engineering competition for girls interested in STEM and that sparked my interest. From there, I started looking at places that offered STEM subjects and applied to the UTC.”
Caitlin has developed her confidence whilst at the UTC: “I was quite shy at my previous school, but when I came to the UTC I experienced a sense of community and the smaller classes meant I grew in confidence. The teachers were incredibly supportive of the students and wanted us to each reach our potential.
“I’m really excited to go to university. The last time I made a change like this it was to go to the UTC and that turned out really well for me. I’m looking forward to starting and I think the UTC has prepared me both socially and academically to go.”
Talking about her biggest achievement at the UTC, Caitlin said: “It’s my social development, not my academic development that I’m most proud of. I was a big wallflower, but the UTC gave me opportunities to develop my confidence, such as helping at open events. Seeing that progression in myself was cemented when I became Head Girl in Year 12.
Caitlin has experienced several employer engagements whilst at the UTC. She said: “Working so closely with companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier has allowed us to develop relationships and work with people in industry which has really prepared us for life after the UTC. The employer experiences have changed the way I see work. It’s no longer something I have to do, but something I want to do in my area.
“When I was in Year 10, I was part of 50 girls nationally that took part in work experience at RAF Wittering all about STEM logistics. We spent a week on the base and worked on some cadet awards. It was a really great experience and one that I wouldn’t have got at my previous school.”
Speaking of her plans for the future, Caitlin said: “I’d like to go into a STEM outreach role, and if not, I’m hoping studying my degree will give me a focus on what other opportunities I can go into within Chemistry and STEM.”