Our Alumnus of the month is Bethanie Robinson, who left Central Academy in 2020. Since leaving Central Academy, Bethanie completed a medical degree (MBChB), which took five years to complete. When at school, Bethanie decided she wanted to complete a degree and further education in psychology, but through some inspiration from her psychology teacher, she started looking into careers in psychiatry. In order to  become a psychiatrist (a doctor specialising in mental illness), Bethanie first had to complete a medical degree and gain experience in the physical illnesses. After achieving two A*s and an A in Psychology, Biology and Chemistry, Bethanie was accepted onto a medical degree at the University of Sunderland.

Bethanie’s favourite subject at school was always psychology. Since starting it in GCSE, Bethanie developed a passion for the field. Not only did she find it interesting, but it could be applied to real life situations. Bethanie remembers her psychology lessons at Central with fond memories. Lessons were always fun and engaging.

It wasn’t always easy for Betahnie, she remembers finding anything with maths in difficult. Bethanie worked hard in her maths lessons and found that thinking through problems in detail, step by step supported her in achieving a high grade. Bethanie remembers meticulously writing down every step very clearly, in the hopes that if she made a mistake somewhere along the way, she would still get some marks in the question. This, and lots of practice papers!

Bethanie’s biggest interest outside of her career is maintaining a happy life. Bethanie has two cats and lots of people around her to keep her going. What is most important to Bethanie is doing whatever makes her happy in the moment to maintain her ability and to keep going with a smile on her face, because working hard is never easy.

Bethanie’s advice to Central students is to look out for yourselves and each other; being in school is challenging. She would recommend studying together with your friends and wishes she had done more in school. If you are struggling please trust your teachers, Bethanie found their support and guidance invaluable.

Our Alumnus of the month is Mia Abbot, who left Central Academy in 2014. Having achieved a PhD in the field of Forensic Science at the University of Staffordshire, Mia now works as a university lecturer. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going to concerts, and walking in the Peak District with friends.

Mia looks back fondly on her time at Central Academy, where she found a space to develop her childhood love of Science. Mia also enjoyed her time beyond the Science labs and was able to approach her other subjects with resilience by finding a way to successfully apply her newly gained knowledge. She enjoyed using her Mathematical skills in daily life and used Photography lessons as a way to express her creativity without needing to physically draw. Helped by her knowledgeable and enthusiastic History teacher, Mr Hurst, Mia also developed an appreciation for the way in which the events of the past have shaped the world we live in today. Specifically, Mia was interested in the changes and advancements in medicine through time.

Mia’s academic ambition and resilience helped her to overcome challenges in subjects such as Art and English Language, where greater subjectivity and creative freedom meant that success was less rigidly defined than her preferred subjects – Maths and Science. By honing her research skills, Mia was able to find success in these subjects by drawing inspiration from artists and writers around her.

Determined to continue her academic success, Mia used her passion for Chemistry and Biology, and her interest in problem solving, to complete a master’s degree in forensic science. The complexities of her course allowed Mia to realise quickly that the process of forensics is far more intricate and multi-layered than fictional TV programmes may suggest. She thoroughly enjoyed studying the various fields within forensic science, from finger mark identification to gunshot residue analysis. During her studies, she undertook a placement with Staffordshire Police where she was able to apply her knowledge to real world events. It was during this time that Mia made the decision to continue her academic studies further by undertaking a PhD.

Between finishing her degree and starting her PhD, Mia had the opportunity to become a member of the drug analysis team at a private forensic provider. Her position as a laboratory technician gave her further insight the field of forensic science as well as experience of working as part of a large organisation.

Having completed her doctorate, Mia is now a lecturer for the University of Staffordshire, with a specific interest in the fast-moving field of drug research. Her current role requires strong communication skills in order to successfully engage the wide range of visitors and students she meets. It is essential that Mia is able to adapt her language use and differentiate the delivery of her knowledge as she may be interacting with people of any age, from primary school visitors to mature students decades older than her.

As a teacher, Mia encourages her own students to be analytical and evaluative in their work whilst also focusing on the importance of critical thinking skills.

Her message to our current students is: Your teachers will make a significant impact on the person you will become. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions when you need help – and remember to thank them when they do!

Our Alumnus of the month is Aiden Pattinson, who left Central Academy in 2023. Aiden had a real passion for science throughout his time at Central, completing a BTEC in Applied Science at A level in 2023.

During his week of work experience, Aiden spent time within the science department, working closely with Mrs Porter, the science technician. Throughout the course of the week, Aiden was able to gain an understanding of what it was like to be technician. To undertake his responsibilities effectively, Aiden had to use a range of different scientific methods and procedures. Aiden also got to see what goes on behind the scenes of a good science lesson, and how important the role of a technician is in ensuring that students can access a broad Science curriculum.

Following his completion of Y13, Aiden applied for a L3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship and expressed his interest in working alongside Mrs Porter at Central Academy.

Aiden is in his final few months of his L3 apprenticeship which has enabled him to have a better understanding of some of the different health and safety legislation needed in a science department and wider school; it has improved his confidence in problem solving and communication.

The subject Aiden found the most challenging in school was Maths. He remembers struggling in KS3 and 4 but using the support from his teachers and peers, both inside and outside the lessons, Aiden was able to make progress as well as improving his confidence. Aiden is forever grateful for the of efforts the staff who were there to support him during his learning – not just in Maths – but right across the curriculum.

Aiden’s message to our students is to embrace every opportunity and don't fear mistakes.