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Sixth Form Alumni
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how Dan landed his Purr-fect job

Former student, Dan Sansom, is now in his dream job – working with Big Cats at the
Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent; leading educational visits to visitors and carrying out keeping duties.
A two year Foundation Degree course at Cornwall College in ‘Wildlife, education and Media’ followed
by a final year ‘Applied Zoology’ Degree course, with a focus on Wildlife Conservation and Animal
Behaviour, left him equipped to start the task of applying for positions in this very niche career area.
During his three-year degree course Dan volunteered whenever he could at Dartmoor Zoological Park,
often leading presentations to the public on the various animals at their site. This additional volunteering
and presenting increased his subject matter knowledge, and therefore his self-confidence, which
helped enormously with his skill set for job applications and interview presentations.
Coral Jonas, Deputy Ceo, Dartmoor Zoological Society said, “Volunteers are key to the work we do,
whether that is in animal keeping, educating people about conservation and protecting the world, or in
managing a big team of volunteers themselves. We are so pleased to see Dan doing so well and using
the experience he gained at Dartmoor to progress in his career.”
once his degree was completed Dan began the search for a job and, following any unsuccessful
application or interview, he asked for feedback. This highlighted areas in his application where he could
improve upon, thereby ensuring that each subsequent submission was adjusted to further strengthen his
application. Dan was delighted to secure the position as an ‘experience guide and educator’ at The
Big Cat Sanctuary, and a year after starting in this role he still loves his job and is excited to further his
knowledge on the conservation of endangered species and how to care for them in captivity.
Dan said, “Volunteering goes a long way to help build confidence, increase knowledge, and shows
commitment to the job role. Never get disheartened from unsuccessful applications, just keep
persevering to reach your goal, and you will get there!”
Students Continue to Achieve

Former students, ethan and Josie hall, are both achieving success in their Further education journeys.
ethan has recently been awarded the ‘Sir William Crawford Prize’. ethan said, “It does not feel like two
years since I left Ivybridge; many happy times were spent there. I was pleasantly surprised to hear I had
won the Prize. It was awarded due to being 'the best student' within my second year studying Bsc
Business Management at Queens University Belfast.”
earlier this year, his sister Josie qualified with a First in Nursing at Brighton University and has just been
awarded a scholarship to study medicine in Canterbury with the University of Kent and Medway.
Mrs hall writes, “I am very appreciative of the quality of education and support they both received at
Ivybridge Community College. A huge thank you from the hall family to all the teaching and support
staff at the College, especially to those staff who worked with Josie and ethan”.
Ms lilley, Deputy Principal added, “A huge congratulations to ethan and Josie. We really love to keep in
touch with our alumni and are so pleased to be able to share with them in their celebrations”.

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