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The Wheeler Programme

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23rd Feb 2023

Four Year 9 students were selected to take part in the application process for the Wheeler Programme, a funded education programme that complements and supports existing school provision.

This innovative Programme brings together the experience of Wellington College and their Student Alliance to provide regular academic enrichment, mentoring and support over a five year period to groups of state school students specifically to encourage ambitious aspirations for the future.

Each year of the programme, the students are given support and assistance which caters for their needs through a combination of regular workshops, a yearly residential course and mentoring.

Wheeler

Students, Finlay, Charlie, Paige and Tarandeep, submitted a written application and three were selected to take part in the interview stage.  There was stiff competition for the 24 places available on the programme and our students conducted themselves brilliantly. 

After the intensive interviews, Finlay and Charlie were chosen to be part of the Programme and will attend their first 'Wheeler day' in March, where they will meet the rest of the group and will spend the day participating in teambuilding activities. The highlight of the first year of the programme for Finlay and Charlie will be the four day Residential Course at Wellington College which provides an opportunity for the students to experience a range of activities such as individual coaching sessions with advanced coaches, developing their intellectual curiosity with inspirational talks and lectures, along with visits to local companies and universities. 

Finlay said "The application process was the easiest part of the whole thing as we answered questions about ourselves.  The interviews were the most nerve-racking part as we were meeting new people. When I found out I got in I was very happy, as out of many people that tried to get in, I was one of them.'

Charlie added "We had to write an application form so that we could tell them all about us. They asked us many different types of questions (for example, if you could change one thing about the world what you would change?) Then when we got told that we were accepted into the first step, we had to go and do a few interviews at Wellington College itself. The interviewers asked us various questions about ourselves. I feel amazed that I got accepted into the programme and I can't wait to go there!"

Miss Beirne who assisted the students during the selection process and accompanied them on the day said “We are very proud of all the students involved and wish Finlay and Charlie a fantastic time on this five-year adventure”. 

A huge well done to all the students and we look forward to checking in with Finlay and Charlie periodically to see how things are going.