NewVIc Honours Programme student Thiwanka has been offered places at Bristol, Aberdeen, Royal Holloway and Surrey university after stiff competition from other students.

NewVIc student Thiwanka has received offers to study Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Medicine at University of Bristol; Molecular Biology at University of Aberdeen; Molecular Biology and Environmental Change at Royal Holloway, University of London and Biological Sciences at University of Surrey. He is predicted to achieve grades of ABB in the summer. Thiwanka is the first child in his family to be heading to one of the top Russell Group universities.

Thiwanka is in his final year studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He was a former Brooke House Sixth Form (BSix) student where he took his GCSE’s before coming to do his A Levels at NewVIc. He’s involved in the Men’s Cricket Academy which is offered to talented 16 – 19 year olds who have the opportunity to play cricket at elite level. Thiwanka is also enrolled on the college’s Honours Programme for gifted and talented students. The Honours Programme at NewVIc aims to support students with high academic potential from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, by inspiring and engaging them in challenging topics often only taught in private schools.

Whilst on the Honours Programme Thiwanka took part in the Natural Sciences Programme in partnership with University College London (UCL) which enabled him to get a broad understanding of aspects of immunology and molecular biology.

He also attended the UCL computational physics summer school course which gave him insights into Python and database analysis as well as being accepted onto a unique research project with Queen Mary, University of London to undertake space research.

Thiwanka’s enjoyment of these programmes inspired him to pursue studying a biology degree correlated to medicine with the universities that have made him offers.

Thiwanka, Honours and A Level student, said:

“I am truly impressed and surprised with all these offers! This is a lot to take in; I need to make a decision on where I finally choose to study. My parents are extremely proud of my accomplishments and have always advised me to do my best regardless of the circumstances. I am very fortunate to have been given five university offers, including a Russell Group university.

My peers have been encouraging, they all congratulated me following the college’s social media announcement. I am so humbled with my achievements and the praises from my friends. They are the best people around me, supporting me, encouraging me, I love the community here at NewVIc. Special thanks go to my Vice Principal, Magdalena Johnson, for all the support and time dedicated to support me with my UCAS application process. She was always encouraging me to reach out to the best and appreciate her efforts. I couldn’t have done this without all of the support from my teachers who believed in me and gave me the confidence to go forward and succeed. I am so thankful to each and everyone one of them.”

Vice Principal Student Achievement and Progress Magdalena Johnson was a huge support during the entire process of Thiwanka’s application as well as his peers.

Magdalena Johnson, Vice Principal Student Achievement and Progress, added:

“Thiwanka is very fortunate to be accepted by so many universities, highlighting his dedication to his studies and doing so well and aspiring to do even better at university. Year on year, many NewVIc students’ progress onto Higher Education to study in the fast-paced and competitive industry of life sciences. The Honours Programme that Thiwanka was on, works in partnership with many universities like Oxford and Cambridge, some bespoke and only available at NewVIc. The programme provides specialist guidance and tailored curriculum support to make applications stand out from the rest, breaking down what students can expect at their interviews, and how they can best prepare for them. We are so proud of Thiwanka’s achievements to date.”

Find out more about the NewVIc Honours Programme here https://www.newvic.ac.uk/honours-programme