“It’s all the extracurricular activities that have inspired me to join different clubs at Leeds University through a close collaboration with Leeds College of Art.”
Meet Hamish Irvine
OLD BRADFORDIAN (2014)
What’s your fondest memory of Bradford Grammar School?
“I used to love Wednesday afternoons because you were free to take part in all the clubs and societies that you wanted to at your leisure.
It’s all the extracurricular activities that have inspired me to join different clubs at Leeds University through a close collaboration with Leeds College of Art. At school I made the time so that I could try everything. If I could give advice to pupils at BGS now, it would be to do as much as possible because you don’t get these opportunities afterwards–you really don’t.
At BGS I was rowing (coaching and competing). I was a wedding photographer, playing hockey, doing tech team and playing my saxophone. It shocks my friends at University how much I know about a lot of different things and it surprises them even more that I learnt it all at school.
You just don’t get these opportunities at most places. The sheer variety of the subjects, clubs and societies is something I’ll never forget.
How did BGS prepare you for further study/your career?
“100%–it’s the drive the teachers and staff install you with. You’re in an environment where you’re constantly being pushed.
I was pushed to the maximum of my potential, which meant that ultimately I did well in subjects I was poor at and got straight A’s across the board. It’s only after leaving school when you meet a wide mix of other people the same age at University and you compare your work ethic. I really didn’t realise just how good my work ethic was.
What would you say to parents who are considering BGS?
“If your child wants the best education they can get in the north then BGS is where you should go.
There’s so much energy and it’s such a happy environment. If you can send your child there I would say do it and if you can’t, certainly consider applying for a bursary because it could change your child’s life.
Leeds wedding photographer Hamish Irvine continues to push his documentary style fuelled wedding photography. He describes his style as ‘documentary story telling packed with energy, colour and life’.
You can view all his wedding photography, freelance and personal work on Hamish Irvine Photographer’s website.
“I was pushed to the maximum of my potential which meant that ultimately I did well in subjects I was poor at and got straight A’s across the board.”
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