After finishing my GCSEs at pilton, receiving 9 A’s and 1 A*, I decided to study the International Baccalaureate at Exeter College. The course requires you to select 6 subjects including Maths, English, a Science, and a Language. This course appealed to me because it did not restrict your options after college, since it covered such a broad range of subjects. The fact that it also allows me to study in any country since it is internationally recognised is a bonus.

After scoring 33 on the IB, I decided to take a year out to work, before going to university to study architecture. Following a week of work experience at an architectural practice, I was subsequently offered a job there. I have been working full-time at the office, and as well as being able to save for university - they have also been training me along the way. I now feel very well-placed to begin my degree in September at Oxford Brookes.

After leaving Pilton 3 years ago i went onto Petroc to further my studies in Chemistry, Physics and Maths after getting 4 A’s (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Science), 3 B’s (Biology, Geography, R.E) and 4 C’s (English Lit, English Lang, French, and Resistant Materials) in my GCSE’s. College was definitely a great experience, and full of new opportunities such as the Petroc radio station, Fresh FM, which I got involved in.      

After completing the two years at college and getting 3 B’s in Chemistry, Physics, and Maths I was confident university was my next choice. I chose to do a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry.  At first university is daunting not knowing anyone and especially going from little old Barnstaple to a city like Southampton, but you realise how small Barnstaple is, and after you meet a couple of friends it becomes one of the best experiences you’ll have.

I have now passed my first year and I am about to start my second year out of three years to get my degree. After university I am looking at doing a few years in a chemical industry, such as the pharmaceutical industry, before going abroad for a couple of years. The university also provides a 6 month industry period abroad as part of the course which I am also currently considering. I would definitely recommend university to anyone!

Hello my name is Georgina Stidwell but my artist handle is Curtis-Lee. I am an illustrator and CGA concept artist currently on a CGA university course in Surrey at the University for the Creative Arts. CGA stands for computer games art, you know all those characters and objects backgrounds etc on games? Yeah that’s what we do. 

While in school I did GCSE Art and passed with an A, I also did Graphic Design for GCSE but I did not follow up with that. After school I attended Petroc College doing a foundation two year course in Art. I did illustration for my final year of the college course and finished with distinction distinction merit (that’s one below the highest mark you can get!)

So far in my first year of university I have found the university and lecturers very supportive and the course to be very enjoyable. At times I have found great difficulty but I have been able to overcome these difficulties with the help of my peers and the staff.

If anyone has any questions about anything I am more than happy to answer them, just message me on my Twitter or YouTube Channel and I will reply as soon as possible.