Noah is a writer, reporter and journalist at Newham Voices and has written for The Guardian, The Independent, Digital Spy, Open Democracy, Red Pepper Magazine and other media outlets. He is a former A Level student at NewVIc and came from being homeschooled and studied A Levels in History, Government and Politics and a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Law. He progressed onto an undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths, University of London to study BA (Hons.) in History and Journalism. We caught up with Noah to find out a little more on his journey so far.

What made you apply to NewVIc?

I came to NewVIc to do my GCSEs thanks to the Progress to Advanced Programme. When it came to applying to other colleges, I didn’t even bother looking anywhere else – NewVIc offered everything I wanted. The quality of teaching, the range of courses, the facilities available to students, and the reputation for supporting students at all stages of their academic journey solidified itself as the college I wanted to go to.The extra-curricular programmes on offer are spectacular.

Whilst at NewVIc I was fortunate to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland in collaboration with the Holocaust Educational Trust. I was able to work with King’s College London on developing educational material in regards to the contribution of African and Caribbean people in WWII. I had the honour of researching the life of Charlie Hutchinson, the only Black British member of the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, and present the findings to members of his family. NewVIc highly values extra-curricular opportunities.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to NEWHMA VOICES?

After leaving NewVIc, I joined Goldsmiths, University of London where I am finalising my BA in History and Journalism.

I am a writer and journalist and have written for The Guardian, The Independent, Digital Spy, Open Democracy, Red Pepper Magazine, and other media outlets. Alongside this I am an editorial team member and reporter for Newham Voices, an online and print news outlet reporting all things Newham.

Last year I successfully completed a fellowship with the Centre for Investigative Journalism where my work analysed the legacy of the Olympic Games on Newham following the 10th anniversary.

How DID YOU GET IN THE CAREER THAT YOU ARE IN NOW?

Hard work and support and help from others. These things in combinations were, and still are, extremely important for me.

I completed my final year of A-Levels in the first lockdown of March 2020 and then joined Goldsmiths in the very same conditions the same year. It was far from easy but taking things one day at a time and seeing things in the long-term really helps.

Landing my first commission with The Independent and The Guardian only confirmed to me that when you work hard and are committed to seeing your goals come to fruition, things work out in the end.

And since my time at NewVIc I've kept trying to create the stuff in my head, investing time, money (sometimes losing some) and whatever resources I have available to allow myself to just create as best as I can.

What are your FOND memories of NewVIc?

Non-academically speaking, one of my fondest moments is spending time in the canteen with friends during lunch and breaks. When you find that group of friends whose company you enjoy, the two years go quickly.

Academically speaking, a key memory I have is studying with friends in the NewVIc library. There’s nothing more movie-like than having a diverse group of friends studying in the library together, bonding over the stresses of exams and career prospects.

What is your advice for students considering NewVIC?

Make use of the Open Days and applicant days. It is a great way of gaining a sense of what the college is like. You get to meet the teachers, staff and students which will really help when deciding where to spend the next few years of your life.

When I applied to NewVIc I knew I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. For those considering a similar career I would strongly recommend choosing A-Levels or BTEC courses that equip you with the skills needed in journalism. History, Government and Politics, and Law are all essay-heavy subjects that require lots of writing, researching, and debating. Similarly choosing English, Sociology and Religious Studies will equip you with the skills needed for pursuing a career in journalism.

It’s all about transferrable skills.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?

The quality of teaching at NewVIc is one the very reasons I choose to study there.

Teachers are there for you. I know it isn’t always obvious, but it is also in their interests that you succeed. The teachers are truly there for you. The high standard of the teaching prepared for university life. University lecturers and staff operate in many of the same ways the staff at NewVIc did.

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

NewVIc helped me take the next step in achieving goals I had set for myself. From the teachers, staff to fellow students, NewVIc instilled a sense of achievement in me.

I am grateful to all those who played a role in getting me to where I am today. I was at NewVIc for three years and those three years have undoubtedly influenced my journey to where I am now.

What are your future plans?

At this point in time, I know that I want to continue writing. I want to be a foreign correspondent. I want to be a political correspondent. I also want to make documentaries. I also know that nothing is guaranteed. I don’t want to strictly follow one plan and reject or abandon opportunities that don’t fit what I initially think I want. I may suddenly find a passion and interest for something entirely unrelated to journalism.

All this to say that whilst I have goals and aspirations, I am also keeping an open-mind. I look forward to reading this in the future and seeing where I end up.

I am happy to say that I have received offers from both SOAS and Queen Mary to study a postgraduate in International Relations. The world is big and its systems complex, and I would like to know more about it.