Aspiring engineers receive Arkwright Scholarships

Anna M and Emma P, Year 11 pupils at Berkhamsted Girls, have both been awarded the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.

Over 1500 pupils applied for the scholarship this year, so we are incredibly proud to see two pupils from Berkhamsted Girls receive the honour. They will each be assigned a mentor to help them pursue their interest in engineering in the future.

The aspiring engineers undertook a rigorous application process which included submitting a portfolio, completing an exam and attending an interview. Opportunities at Berkhamsted such as the Faraday Challenge and F1 in Schools Competition enabled Anna and Emma to support their application with compelling evidence of an interest in engineering.

From a young age, Anna knew she wanted to do something involving maths. She enjoys the satisfaction of working on a problem and arriving at an answer. “Engineering caught my eye as the idea of being able to apply my knowledge to real world issues and solve problems that could help the whole human race excites me,” she says. “The endless unsolved problems within the engineering world seem like a fantastic opportunity for a future career.”

Anna is particularly interested in pursuing a career in chemical engineering, with an eye on the MEng Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course at the University of Cambridge. “In ten years’ time, I see myself working to develop a topical treatment that can treat both acne and eczema without causing issues for both,” she says. “I also want to be on track for chartered status at the earliest opportunity.”

Emma has a similar desire to solve global problems. “I’m a keen diver and love animals, so have always been passionate about the environment,” she says. “I want to be able to contribute to solving global environmental issues.” Emma hopes to take Physics, Maths, Chemistry and PE at A Level and, with the support of the Arkwright mentorship, go on to work in environmental mechanical engineering.

“I was actually in a DT lesson when I received the email about getting the scholarship,” she says. “I was really excited, but I hoped that Anna got it as well – I’m glad we both did!”

Emma reflects that the School encouraged her to apply to several DT competitions to further her chances of working in her dream field. “I don’t think I’d have had this opportunity if the DT teachers hadn’t supported me,” she says. “Especially Miss Attfield who helped me a lot.”

With the backing of the Arkwright Scholarship behind them, both Anna and Emma will receive specialist support, mentoring or work experience to help them achieve their career goals. Arkwright states that the scholarship aims to support young people in becoming “future leaders” so watch this space! A huge congratulations to Anna and Emma on this achievement – we look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes you.