A budding medic who has spent time working in a European hospital is heading to the University of Southampton to study Medicine.
Sophie Ling, 20, from Skipton, chose to take a gap year after achieving A*AB in Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion in her time at Nelson and Colne College, and has used her time wisely gaining experience of working in a hospital in Croatia.
Former Skipton Girls’ High School student Sophie, who has caring responsibilities for her mum and sister, has also worked at a summer camp this year supporting children with medical conditions, special needs and learning disabilities in Philadelphia in the United States.
Sophie said: “I worked in a hospital in Croatia for two weeks and when I was there I spent a week in the Ear, Nose and Throat department and a week in the general and abdominal surgery department. This was an amazing experience and interesting at the same time seeing how a hospital in a country other than the UK operates on a day-to-day basis.
“Similarly, working in the summer camp in Philadelphia has been challenging but rewarding, and I have learned a number of skills and gained experience which I will be able to apply in my upcoming career.”
Sophie, whose aspiration is to become a partner at a GP surgery, is full of praise for the staff at NCC and explained how the subjects she studied at College helped her gain a coveted place at Southampton.
Sophie said: “I will use Chemistry and Biology every day when studying Medicine as they help explain the way the human body works and how it interacts with foreign bodies. I will also use Philosophy, Ethics and Religion as we studied medical ethics which will be useful when faced with dilemmas about what the best decision for that patient may be.
“I enjoyed my time at Nelson and Colne College because all of the teachers were really helpful and went the extra mile to make sure you succeeded. I also met some of my best friends at NCC.
“I would recommend Nelson and Colne College to others because there is a lot of support available such as the workshops which are really useful. I also liked that you receive support in deciding which pathway you want to take after college and help with applying to university. For example, support with personal statements, helping to find work experience and suggesting extracurricular activities to help you stand out to universities.”
In its 2017/18 results, NCC achieved a 99% pass rate at A Level and a 100% pass rate in advanced vocational courses.
The college is top in the country for 16-18 learner achievement at all levels, number one in the country for A Levels, based on progress scores, and the number one college in the country for overall Apprenticeship achievement at all ages and levels.
Government data also places NCC as the best college in the area for vocational courses, based on progress scores, while it is also the best college in Lancashire for student satisfaction, according to the FE Choices Learner Satisfaction Survey.
For more information on NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272.
