Noah is currently attending Ludlow Sixth Form College, where he studies A Level Politics, English Literature and Photography.
At first glance, it might seem like an unusual mix, but for Noah, the subjects complement each other perfectly.
“Photography is quite coursework-based,” he explains, “so you don’t have the same revision pressure as with something heavier like politics. It balances out really well.”
Even more than that, the subjects overlap in interesting ways. Political ideas influence creative work, while strong writing skills developed in English feed directly into analytical essays and, ultimately, Noah’s career ambitions.
Noah’s long-term goal is clear: he wants to go into political journalism.
“It kind of merges everything I’ve studied,” he says. “The writing from English, the political knowledge, even the photography. It all fits together.”
He has already received offers from all of his university choices, including courses at Cardiff and Salford, as well as Sheffield and Swansea. Salford, in particular, appealed because of its specialist journalism pathways, allowing students to choose between multimedia and broadcast routes.
Securing offers from every institution he applied to was a proud moment for Noah and confirmed to him that hard work pays!
Personal Growth
Noah is open about the fact that GCSEs were not his strongest period academically. He struggled with revision and, at times, felt unsupported in certain subjects.
College, however, has been a different experience.
“I feel a lot more supported,” he says. “Everyone’s aiming high.”
One of his biggest achievements has been his performance in Politics, where he is achieving A and A* grades, something he admits he did not expect when he started.
“I’ve definitely surprised myself,” he reflects.
Studying Politics has also required him to think independently. With textbooks quickly becoming outdated in a constantly shifting political world, Noah has had to stay informed and apply current knowledge to exam content. A skill that will serve him well in journalism.
Throughout his time at college, Noah has felt well supported by his tutors. From regular check-ins to detailed feedback on his personal statement, staff have helped him stay organised and confident during the university application process.
He credits his tutor with keeping him on track.
“I was so focused on essays for my subjects that I kept forgetting my personal statement,” he admits. “But having someone checking in every week really helped take the stress out of it.”
College Life
Although Noah describes himself as naturally quite selective when it comes to friendships, college has broadened his social circle. Everyone having similar interests and ambitions has helped him build connections with students he might never otherwise have met, including peers from outside Ludlow.
He feels that he has grown in confidence, particularly in adapting to a new style of learning.
“College is a bit scary at first,” he says. “The first few days are the hardest. But once you’re in it, you realise it’s not like you imagined.”
Learning to manage a more independent timetable and take responsibility for his own study has been a key part of that growth.
In his first year, Noah threw himself into enrichment activities. He joined Film Club, helped create short films and even won a prize alongside second-year students, with his work displayed in the art exhibition.
He also visited Parliament as part of his Politics course, bringing classroom learning to life in a real-world setting.
Being based in the centre of Ludlow is another aspect he values. With shops, cafés and stationery stores just minutes away, everything he needs is on his doorstep.
The Open Evening That Changed Everything
Perhaps the most surprising part of Noah’s story is how close he came to choosing a completely different path.
At an open evening, while waiting to speak to the English department, he sat down at the Politics table almost by chance.
“I nearly took film instead,” he says. “If I hadn’t sat there, just because it was an empty seat, I probably wouldn’t have chosen Politics.”
That spontaneous decision has since shaped his academic success and career ambitions.
His advice to Year 11 students?
“Go to the open evenings, and maybe just sit with at least one subject you haven’t even considered. You don’t know what might surprise you.”
Noah’s journey shows how quickly things can change with the right support, the right environment, and sometimes… just the right seat at an open evening!
Find out more about A Level Politics: HERE
Find out more about A Level English Literature: HERE
Find out more about A Level Photography: HERE