Archaeology success for Churcher’s student

“In 2007 I stood on Hadrian's Wall clutching a wooden sword wondering who and why. Then ten years later I’m in a muddy trench at Roman Vindolanda. I will never forget the excitement of standing next to Andrew Birley as he gently teases out a wooden writing tablet with his trowel. Vindolanda's amazing discoveries enhance our knowledge of Roman Britain, cementing Archaeology as my career choice,” explains Churcher’s College student, Alex Andrews. “For many people Archaeology is the key to our past. For me, it is the key to my future.”

Alex Andrews, aged 18, has just successfully received an offer to study his dream subject at his first choice university; Archaeological Science at the University of York. This offer is the result of not only his school work but also years of passionate participation in digs all over the UK and a real commitment to the subject.

Alex first took part in an archaeological dig aged 13 in Winchester helping to unearth a Roman road and learning the techniques. Since then he has participated in multiple digs including Maryport with Newcastle University and Reading Vale of Pewsey Field School. Alex has also attended lectures and study days in Durham, Southampton and Winchester.

Churcher’s College has provided other educational and development opportunities including a trip to Athens with the Classics Department as part of his GCSE course, as well as Duke of Edinburgh up to Gold level, of which an archaeological dig was able to form a section. He has also visited the famous archaeological sites in Pompeii, Egypt and Rome. Alex studied Maths, Physics and Economics at A Level to ensure he has the requisite scientific and economic background to progress towards his lifelong goal of being an archaeologist.

Alex has been a team player at Churcher’s playing rugby for school, a saxophonist in the jazz and blues band, an army cadet in school CCF and a member of the Sixth Form Council. We have no doubt he’ll be equally successful in his future dream career – congratulations!