Technology is everywhere and affects everyone. The rate technology is improving is something
that amazes me. Studying Computer Science will allow me to broaden my understanding of present
day technology and be part of future technology developments. I am ambitious and determined to
forge myself a career in an industry I have always admired.
To confirm my choice, I organised work experience at Internetware, a company that hosts and
designs websites. I created a testing plan for a database that collected customer queries.
This task gave me the responsibility to find problems which would subsequently be solved by
the company's programmer upon completion of my plan. I spent time shadowing programmers and
designers which allowed me to gain insight into their roles. I also met colleagues and people
from other companies, helping me to develop my confidence and interpersonal skills. The
experience gave me an insight into a business environment. My time at Internetware
strengthened my ambition to work with computers, I was amazed at the designs shown to me by
the company and I was also intrigued by the way a website is built. Shadowing the programmer
ignited my interest in this area and I look forward to studying Computer Science which will
allow me to understand how to program; something I am enthusiastic to learn.
Within school, I was awarded the position of School Photographer based on my photographic
experience. I now have the responsibility of taking pictures and creating videos for the
school newspaper, the 'More News', and online news website. This has helped me gain knowledge
of a range of different photographic techniques and develop my skills of video editing.
Due to my exemplary punctuality record and work ethic I was elected as a prefect in Year 13. I
take this responsibility seriously because it is important to be a role model to younger
students. I have also volunteered to help mentor younger pupils who are underachieving; I
found this extremely rewarding as and provided me the opportunities to see children improve
over time with my assistance together with understanding the importance of patience. I am
actively involved in many aspects of school life. I have recently given a speech to potential
Sixth Form students providing them with an insight into ICT BTEC course. I also had delivered
an inspiring speech to Year 10 and 11 to highlight their responsibility for their own academic
attainment. Although I was apprehensive about both these presentations it gave me the
opportunity to improve my confidence when speaking to new acquaintances and in front of larger
audiences.
In my ICT course I enjoy the range of different units we study. My particular favourites are
the Computer Gaming, Video Editing and the Animation Units. As playing video games are a hobby
of mine, the computer gaming unit was especially interesting as it allowed me to see how the
game was created and examine how different components affect game performance.
Outside school I attended Scouts for ten years which taught me a range of skills, such as
survival and first aid skills. I was rewarded the Chief Scout Gold Award which is the highest
ranking badge for my stage. For this I had to plan an expedition for two nights, help with the
Cubs and Beavers during eighteen months, and also as part of this award I was required to
create an innovative product useful for all sections of Scouts. I chose to design a website on
a social networking site, and although it was the first website I had made it was considered
worthy of the award. Aside from my academic achievements I enjoy playing video games, reading
books and watching films; this gives me a good work life balance and enables me to be able to
relax.
I am a determined, enthusiastic and punctual student. I will relish the challenges this course
will bring and believe that I have the dedication and ability to succeed in Computer Science.