Young Leaders
September 2022
Each year the Trustees of the
Barton and Dunstall Key Trust
take great delight in awarding
leadership awards to two
outstanding students at John
Taylor School, and we are
usually amazed at the
achievements of these young
people. This year is no
different.
Tom Hill receives £250. He
joined John Taylor at the start
of sixth form and it was very
clear that he was going to make
a difference. Tom studies A
level Biology, Chemistry,
Psychology and the Extended
Project Qualification and has,
at the time of writing, an offer
to read Medicine at the
University of Birmingham. His
passion when speaking about
studying medicine clearly shines
through. Thomas has actively
engaged in work experience,
including at a GP surgery where
he observed home visits and
clinical review meetings. His
compassion and desire to help
others achieve their best has
been shown by his work at Camp
JoJo, where he gained more
understanding of the role
technology can play in helping
others, and further reinforced
his understanding of the need
for an inclusive society. His
volunteering work at a
vaccination centre allowed him
to understand the fears and
concerns of others and to
empathise and reassure them. His
desire to be actively involved
with school life, coupled with
his effective communication
skills also led to his
successful appointment as a head
student, following a highly
competitive application process.
He is always willing to help
others in his tutor group,
whether on a personal or
educational level, showing his
empathy and compassion. He is a
hardworking, dedicated,
passionate student who will give
his all. He is destined to make
a difference to the world.
Aimee Cross receives £150.
She has proven herself to be an
extremely diligent student
throughout her school career.
She studies A level Geography,
Biology and Chemistry and has,
at the time of writing, an offer
to read Biochemistry at the
University of Bristol. Her
dedication to developing her
scientific knowledge has been
evident throughout her time in
the sixth form. She has
completed a work placement at
the Functional Gut Clinic in
Cambridge where she was able to
observe clinicians treat
patients and was able to assist
with tests, which allowed Aimee
to understand how biochemistry
works in a real hospital
setting. In addition to gaining
practical experience Aimee also
completed the University of
Oxford Biomedical and Medical
Sciences study day where she was
able to listen to lectures
including a particularly
pertinent one on the positive
roles of bacteria within the
body which has shifted her
mindset about this topic. Within
school, Aimee also contributes
to the science department for
example by tutoring Biology and
Chemistry to year 9 pupils
during her year 12 studies and
completing the Biology Olympiad.
Outside of her academic
interests, Aimee also secured
her role as a sixth form head
student in charge of fundraising
and community engagement. Aimee
is also a keen sports person who
has captained the rounders;
netball and cricket teams; plays
netball for a club outside of
school and helped lead a
multi-skills sports festival for
primary school children. Aimee
demonstrates exceptional
ability, dedication and
commitment to all facets of her
life and she has a great future
ahead of her.
Chairman Jacqui Jones said
‘It was great to be at the JTHS
awards ceremony to see so many
talented youngsters, both
performing for the evening and
winning prizes. The Key Trust
Leadership Award winners
achieved and gave so much during
their time at JTHS and both were
deserving winners of the award’.
All the Trustees wish them and
their fellow students every
success for the future.