During my time at Ellesmere I have had the chance to do some pretty extraordinary things

Peter Von Hoven and his family have been attending Ellesmere College for many years. Peter is a third child in a family of four, all of whom have studied or are currently studying at Ellesmere.

"My choice to come to Ellesmere was not a difficult one; I had a brother who is now a qualified accountant and a sister who is studying for a degree in business management already at the school. They enjoyed their time and every aspect of the school, so much, that it was an easy decision for me to make. This decision was also made easier when I was offered an academic scholarship, which without, I may not have been able to come for all the years that I have". He says

Peter has been at the school for six years now, and was recently given the opportunity of being Captain of School. This position is appointed by the headmaster and it carry's many responsibilities. These include, running a prefect team, making public addresses, and being the main representative of the student body. Peter's character and attributes make him the perfect candidate for the role.

Aside from the activities that the school has to offer, Peter achieved an impressive set of A* to A grades at GCSE before entering the Sixth Form. Studying for his A levels in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Business Studies; Peters dream has always been to become a consultant in a hospital. Peter says "The medical world is something I want to get into as it will enable me to combine my interest in science, with an ever changing environment, that would keep me interested for a lifetime".

Ellesmere has supported his dream, initially setting up work experience opportunities at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital where Peter can shadow nurses and find out what it is really like day to day. "Not only was this great fun, but it gave me a real insight into the workings of a hospital and the importance of team work in a medical environment". He adds

Peter started at Ellesmere College aged 11 in Lower School, which caters for children up until 13 years of age. This was a great part of his school life, as he states, he developed long lasting friendships that still stand to this day, even though some of the students don't live in this country. After 2 years Peter then moved into Middle school and became part of Wakeman-Lambart house system, which is a great way to encourage students to get to know one another.

During his time Peter has embraced every opportunity that he could whilst at the school. He has taken a proactive role in the Army section of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) working his way up to the rank of sergeant, which he says, helped him to develop his leadership skills. In stark contrast Peter's talents also extend to performing lead roles in many school productions and House plays such as Midsummer Night's Dream and Vanity Fair.

Peter looks back fondly on his memories at Ellesmere as he enters his final year in Sixth form before heading off to University and he admits this is currently his favourite part of the school. "During my time at Ellesmere I have had the chance to do some pretty extraordinary things. Even in the last year I have marched past the cenotaph in the Remembrance Day Parade, and undertook my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. On an academic note because of the small class sizes, the teachers have been able to support and encourage me, but if I was to name a key teacher it would have to be Miss Stewart-Harris. Her never ending enthusiasm and unique style of teaching really brought the subjects to life which made learning a lot easier".