Ashlea Hargreaves – 2005-2010
I attended St Edmund Arrowsmith from 2005-2010. Completing PE as an option subject allowed me to develop skills across all areas including teamwork, communication and a desired work ethic.
After leaving school, I attended Winstanley College from 2010-2012 and completed A levels in maths, biology, PE and chemistry.
I then gained a place at the University of Birmingham in Bsc Hons Physiotherapy. Within the duration of the 3 years, I completed a placement at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. I was immediately amazed by the types of patients and facilities and the amazing work the physiotherapists did on critical care.
Whilst at University, I completed an internship with Birmingham City FC, completing physiotherapy with the Under 16s - U10s age groups.
Once I graduated, I gained my experience completing my physiotherapy junior rotations for 18 months at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.
I then gained a senior physiotherapist post back at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Currently, I have completed rotations in trauma care, specialist surgery, neurosciences and critical care. I am privileged to be in an environment that is regarded so highly in terms of excellent patient care, optimal facilities and ground-breaking research.
I also currently work as a part time physiotherapist at Aston Villa Women FC Regional Talent Centre.
Physiotherapy has opened a lot of opportunities across a variety of different area. I believe that the work ethic I have now, has developed from my time at St Edmund Arrowsmith, with the support and guidance of my teachers and peers.
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Tips for students:
1) You don’t need to choose your profession right now! Pick subject areas that you enjoy. If you do have an area of interest, start to look at University courses and the requirements that they ask for. This will help you to decide what subjects you take at GCSE and A Level.
I didn’t know what I wanted to be until right up to completing my university application.
2) My old head of year once said to me, ‘You Make Your Own Luck’. If you apply yourself and work hard, opportunities will develop. I found biology A level really hard, but I knew I needed to revise hard to achieve my university place.
3) Start to gain work experience where you can. Differentiate yourself from other people. What unique qualities/experiences can you bring to a role which will make an employer want to employ you?
