Personal Statement:Government and Politics 1

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have a keen interest in current affairs and law, hence my choice to study Government and Politics. This personal interest has motivated me to engage deeply with political topics and develop a better understanding of how government functions and impacts society. I am an able and mature citizen who can be relied upon and therefore am ready for a challenge in whatever career I follow into. Recently, I was involved in a campaign to Kick Racism Out Of Football. In this project, my colleagues and I produced campaign posters and other informative ways of sending a clear message that we should give equal opportunities to people whatever the colour or race. Projects were judged by the FA board members and Sol Campbell. We unfortunately finished third, but our project was highly respected. I am a very responsible and mature student who respects his local community and enjoys taking part in a range of charity events to help people less fortunate than myself, including Breast Cancer Research and Help The Aged.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I am currently studying ten GCSEs at Slough Grammar School. These are French and Drama, Design and Technology (Food Technology), Double Award Science, History, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Latin. My favourite subjects are History, mathematics and science, as I enjoy working with technology and problem solving. I also enjoy Drama and Food Technology because I like practical work. I think that my practical Drama sessions have helped me to improve my confidence, especially in a working atmosphere and as an individual, a good reason for me to study it for one year. I have always been fascinated by science, in particular Chemistry and Biology. I enjoy keeping up to date with the latest developments by reading various science magazines, such as the New Scientist.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I have joined a number of computer clubs and have been able to successfully build one of my own. As a result, I undertook work experience at a freight company (Kay o' Neil Ltd). It was my desire to work on the technology side of the operations and I learnt many skills as well as programming and interpersonal skills, which go hand in hand with communication. As a result of these varied experiences, I have acquired excellent technical, communication and teamwork skills. I have been required to interact with people from a variety of countries, backgrounds and age groups. I have been responsible for both people (some of them young children) and designing and implementing projects. Of course, I have also worked closely with other people as a team—something that I enjoy. To further my communication skills, I took a part-time job at a local off-license shop. I had many responsibilities such as stock control and money management. Although this was only a small operation, it was all part of the experience as I enhanced my interpersonal skills and learnt to become very responsible.

During October 1999, I took part in the Hounslow Borough Council Crime Prevention Quiz 2000 where my team came second. I have also been involved in the set-up and management of several recycling schemes in my school and in the local community, for which my team were awarded the Environment Award two years running. Outside school, I enjoy playing snooker, cricket and football. Hopefully later this year I plan to gain my Duke Of Edinburgh Award, which will certainly improve my team and reliability skills.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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