When Phoebe Stevens joined Ludlow Sixth Form College in 2021, she wasn’t sure exactly what career she wanted to pursue. By keeping her options open, making the most of opportunities and following her growing interest in Biology, she has since achieved a First-class degree and returned to Ludlow Sixth Form College as a trainee A-level Biology teacher.
Phoebe studied Biology, Business and Geography A-levels at Ludlow Sixth Form College from 2021 to 2023. Choosing a combination of subjects allowed her to explore different interests while keeping her future options open.
It was her enjoyment of Biology that ultimately led her to study Human Biology at the University of Worcester, where she graduated with a First-class bachelor’s degree with Honours.
Looking back, Phoebe says that one of the most important lessons she learned at college was the value of keeping an open mind and making the most of opportunities.
“You don’t necessarily need to have your whole career planned out from the beginning. Being willing to explore opportunities can open unexpected doors.”
She also learned the importance of perseverance. Phoebe recalls that she wasn’t always the strongest student in her class when she first joined the College, but she was willing to work hard and learn. Completing extra exam papers and spending additional time revisiting topics she found challenging helped her develop the determination that would support her throughout university and beyond.
Discovering a passion for science and education
Biology was Phoebe’s favourite subject at college, particularly the practical side of learning.
“I enjoyed being able to apply what I had learned in the classroom through experiments and investigations.”
Her experiences outside the classroom also helped shape her future. While at university, Phoebe volunteered at a school in Bali over the summer, gaining valuable experience working with students and developing her interest in education.
She also challenged herself in a very different way by completing a skydive to raise money for charity, an experience that pushed her outside her comfort zone while allowing her to support a cause she cared about.
Her time at university strengthened her interest in scientific research, while her experiences working with students helped her realise that education could be an important part of her future.
Returning to Ludlow
Phoebe has now come full circle, returning to Ludlow Sixth Form College to train as an A-level Biology teacher through the Graduate/Industry Expert Teacher Training Apprenticeship Scheme.
She is currently working towards her further education teaching qualification at Level 5, combining her academic background in Human Biology with her developing experience in the classroom.
For Phoebe, returning to the College where her journey began makes the next stage of her career particularly meaningful.
She hopes eventually to pursue a career that combines teaching and research science, bringing together the two areas that have become increasingly important to her since leaving Ludlow.
Phoebe remembers her tutors at Ludlow Sixth Form College as supportive, approachable and willing to provide guidance both academically and personally.
Their encouragement helped give her the confidence to continue her education at university.
She also believes the College prepared her well for the greater independence she experienced at university.
“Ludlow Sixth Form College provides a supportive environment while also encouraging students to become independent learners.”
That independence helped Phoebe adapt to university, where she needed to take greater responsibility for her own learning, manage her time effectively and work independently outside lectures.
She also feels that each of her A-level subjects gave her skills that have continued to benefit her.
Biology developed her scientific knowledge and practical skills, Geography sparked an interest in travel and exploring different cultures, while Business helped her develop communication, presentation and decision-making skills that she continues to use in her teaching.
Phoebe’s advice for future students
Phoebe’s own journey is a reminder that students do not need to have their entire future mapped out when they leave college.
Her advice is to stay open to new experiences, work hard and make the most of the people and opportunities around you.
“Make the most of every opportunity, enjoy your time at college and make the most of the people and opportunities around you, because it really does fly by!”