Year 13 students took part in a PSHE session this week focused on life beyond Trent, exploring how the Old Trident network continues to support them long after they leave school.  Jo Slater, who manages the school’s alumni programme, highlighted the growing alumni community, including the online OT Network platform, which offers access to mentoring, careers support, events and professional connections: “These sessions are about more than information, they help students see what’s possible. By connecting them with our alumni, we’re opening doors, building confidence, and reminding them they’re part of a community that will support them long after they leave.”

These sessions are about more than information, they help students see what’s possible

A highlight of the session was a talk from Old Trident, Amalia Morris (class of 2021), now a fourth-year medical student at Newcastle University, whose journey offered both reassurance and inspiration. Reflecting on her time at school, she shared: “I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to do… and that’s completely okay.”

Unlike a lot of my friends, I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to do

Rather than rushing into a path that didn’t excite her, Amalia chose to take a gap year, gaining hands-on experience through a range of roles, from supporting children with additional needs to delivering healthcare workshops across the UK, and even working as an anti-doping officer at the Commonwealth Games. These experiences helped shape her decision to pursue medicine and ultimately led her to Newcastle University.

Speaking candidly about university life, Amalia emphasised the importance of being proactive: “At uni you need to go and find opportunities yourself.” She encouraged students to fully embrace everything on offer, particularly highlighting the role of societies in helping students settle and thrive: “That is often where you find your people.”

Her involvement in university societies has led to significant opportunities, including organising large-scale events, presenting research, contributing to international health discussions and even, when she couldn't find what she was looking for, establishing a new student society. Her experiences demonstrated how stepping forward and getting involved can open unexpected doors.

Uni is so much like Trent, in a manner that there is so much opportunity to do some really incredible things!

Amalia pictured with Mr Gervis & year 7 History class

During her visit, Amalia also spent time with Fiona Starbuck, Head of Careers, discussing her pathway into medicine, including admissions testing, interview preparation and the important role alumni can play in supporting prospective applicants. She returned to her former form room in the Maltby building, where her Main School tutor, Mr Gervis, was teaching a Year 7 history lesson, providing a lovely moment of reunion and an opportunity to share her experiences with younger pupils. She also enjoyed a brief catch-up with the Head, Bill Penty, before heading back to university.

Amalia’s honest reflections and practical advice brought the value of our Old Tridents network to life, showing students the real impact of staying connected. Sessions like this form an important part of the school’s alumni programme, helping pupils recognise that they are part of a supportive and far-reaching community from the moment they leave.

My number 1 tip for all school leavers, whether going to uni or not, is to join a society, a team or community group. That is often where you find your people

The willingness of Old Tridents to return and share their journeys is invaluable. Their insight not only supports students as they prepare for the next stage but also helps build a strong foundation for lifelong engagement, ensuring that each generation continues to benefit from those who have gone before them.

Amalia pictured with Year 13 students (LtoR): Isobel (senior prefect), Gemma, Freya, Amalia (centre)
Darsh (Head of School), Jessie (1st XI Hockey Captain) Jack (Head of Shuker),