TRS Learning from 2014 – 2019
What did you go on to study after The Radclyffe School?
After leaving school, I went to Oldham Sixth Form College to study A-Levels in ‘Drama and Theatre Arts’, ‘Dance’, and ‘English Literature’. Once I finished college, I then went to the University of Central Lancashire to study ‘Music Theatre’, and have just finished my second year.
What does a typical day in your job look like?
I am currently still a student studying at university and am going into my final year in October. I work part time in the hospitality industry while I study to help with funds as I pursue what I enjoy! I really enjoy uni, I have lots of different classes to help develop my skills, such as Singing, Dance, Acting, Yoga etc.
I would say it’s important to know that still, while in uni, it’s okay to not have a clear path ahead of you. I think especially in the career path I have chosen to pursue, anyone considering the performing arts and creative arts pathways should know that it’s a very rewarding journey and there’s not always a clear path ahead of you and that’s okay, I’m still learning new things everyday and figuring things out as I go. I also think it’s important to note that you don’t have to have a clear pathway ahead of you, most people in this industry don’t (especially if your dream job is performing on stage over becoming a performing arts teacher for example), however, I would encourage taking chances and leap at opportunities! I’ve really enjoyed taking part in amateur theatre, it’s given me lots of new chances and experiences and is also a great way to get yourself out there and be seen by people while still learning and developing your skills.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy studying at university, working alongside people who have a similar interest to me and am really enjoying learning new things about myself and doing what I love every day as I develop my performance skills. I think for anyone who enjoys performing, the ultimate goal is to do just that, and wake up everyday knowing you get to do what you love and I think that’s really the best part of my experience as of now! As stated above, it’s also great when you can branch out and do more alongside and I have loved working in amateur theatre societies and making lots of friends that I can also learn from and get advice from.
How did your experiences at The Radclyffe School help you with decisions on your future goals?
I think while at school, I was very unsure of what I wanted to do, I had always loved performing from a young age, however, I knew the industry was very different from any other career path, and I knew it would be a lot of hard work for me to get where I want to be (and it still is!) However, I really enjoyed taking part in the musicals, I also enjoyed being a part of the vocal group and choirs and also working with teachers to do dance after school and performing at shows. I really loved that while at school, I had these opportunities to do what I love and I think this helped me decide that I really wanted to pursue this career path in the future no matter how scary or daunting this was to me.
What is your favourite memory of life at The Radclyffe School?
I think the highlight from my experience at school will always be the music and performing arts departments. I hope they know how much of a difference they made to a lot of students’ school experience, including mine. I enjoyed the freedom students were given to just express what they loved and when I think of my experience at school I will always remember the performances I was a part of, the hours I would spend after school just singing and dancing and the fact I was given the space to do this. It’s something I always look back on with a smile and definitely helped me realise my love for the performing arts!! It was an environment that I don’t think anything has come close to since leaving school.
What advice would you give a Radclyffe School learner looking to study/work in the same field as you?
I think it’s very challenging but very rewarding. Being a performer is something so special and so enjoyable. I would encourage you to do as much as you can, take as many opportunities you are given and just go for it no matter how scary it might be at first! I think as mentioned earlier, it’s sometimes very daunting not knowing what you’re going to do next or not having a clear pathway but I think the first step is just going for it and doing what you enjoy. You never know until you try! I also think it’s good to remember you’re not alone, there’s a lot of people in the industry who are in the same boat, and who are also feeling exactly as you are – this is why the industry is so competitive because you’re not alone. I think if I had gone with a different path that to me felt more secure or more straight forward, I wouldn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I’m enjoying what I’m doing now, so I would encourage you to do what you love and if that is the performing arts industry then go for it!
What advice would you give to learners coming up to their final 2 years at The Radclyffe School and making decisions about their future?
It can feel really daunting trying to decide on what you want to do at such a young age but don’t forget, just because you pick to do something doesn’t mean that this can’t change along the way. You might decide that you want to branch out and go for something different and that’s okay! Just do what feels right, you can’t control everything in life so I would say do what you feel is right in the moment and in the future, you will work out what you want to do as you reach those bridges. Just take things one step at a time! There’s no rush at all as long as you’re happy and enjoying what you do, that’s the most important thing.
Describe your time at The Radclyffe School in 3 words
Rewarding
Inspiring
Inclusive
