A FORMER national gymnast driven to anorexia by the pressures of the sport is hoping to bounce back by studying psychology so she can help others facing the same condition.
Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College student Nieve McManus spent five weeks in James Cook Hospital after her weight dropped to just five stone and her heart rate halved to only 30 beats per minute.
The 18-year-old is a British champion and competed for Scotland in the European Championships.
“I was a tumbler and we trained really hard,” said Nieve, of Eaglescliffe. “We trained six days a week. I’d only eat an apple a day and eventually was really poorly and taken into hospital.
“I was off school a lot. I didn’t come in much in Year 10 and only mornings in Year 11. I worked with staff from the Glades in Teesside who came to my house every meal time to make sure I ate healthily.
“I’d been doing gymnastics since I was two. I think I was a bit of a hyper kid. I started at Stainsby Gymnastics Club before moving to Durham. But gymnastics is very competitive, you have to get 10 out of 10 for gold. The only person who could understand me was my mum and she stayed with me every night in hospital.
“Then one day I went to the beach and saw teenagers having a nice time. I wanted to be like that so I gave up gymnastics. But I was determined to do well in my exams so I could help other people with the same issues by becoming a clinical psychologist. When you have been through this yourself you know exactly what other people are feeling.”
Nieve secured grades B B D and will now read psychology at Teesside University. She also takes part in dance and musical theatre in Yarm. “I just like it and take part because I want to not because I feel I have to,” she said.
Twin brothers Henry and Alexander Copland were celebrating each other’s success after both applying for Cambridge University.
But only Henry managed to be offered a place as the sibling rivalry swung his way, while Alexander will now read law at Nottingham.
“We heard that Alexander hadn’t got into Cambridge first and I thought I had blown it as I couldn’t answer one of the questions on my second interview,” said Henry, of Eaglescliffe, who passed his geography, history and economics A levels with flying colours and all As.
“So when I logged on UCAS to see that I had received an offer to read geography from Homerton College I was really surprised and it was hard to hide the fact that I was thrilled.
“There is a bit of healthy competitive rivalry between us – in fact we use this to push each other – but Alexander is happy about getting into Nottingham and is pleased for me.
“I didn’t consider Cambridge until Year 12, I thought it was something other people did. But I’d done well in my GCSEs and was getting the grades at A level and I thought I might be able to do it. The head of sixth form also encouraged me by saying I had the ability and should at least apply.”
The 18-year-old hopes one day to work in international aid. “I’d like a job where I feel I am contributing,” he said.
Formula One in Schools competitor Tom Oyston hopes to continue his winning ways when he enters the legal profession.
“I do love to win an argument,” said 18-year-old Tom Oyston , who was part of Egglescliffe School’s F1 team that was placed third this year from all the competing schools in the North East along with many other school based competitions.
Tom, of Kirklevington, will now read law at Sheffield University after securing A grades in geography, history and economics.
“I enjoy law and did some great work experience at a Liverpool firm where my aunties work,” he said. “I also took part in the Lawyers in School programme which stages mock trials. I enjoy learning about UK law and would like to go into commercial or employment law.”
We are thrilled to announce another exceptional year of A Level results at Egglescliffe with our students once again demonstrating remarkable dedication, resilience, and academic excellence.
Head of School Nigel Gittins said: “I am incredibly proud of the effort, determination, and ambition shown by our students. Their results are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our staff and families. Over 99 per cent of qualifications studied at Egglescliffe are academic A levels and thus it’s inspiring to see so many of them achieving top grades and securing places at leading universities to study a wide range of subjects, from medicine to literature.”
“We are equally proud of those students who have chosen alternative pathways, with several securing competitive apprenticeships that will launch them into exciting careers. This year’s results reflect the strength of our school community and our commitment to nurturing every student’s potential.”