Icenian Interview: Daniel Bainbridge

What year did you begin and leave Langley?

I joined Langley in 2012 as a Year 8 and left in 2017 after finishing my A-levels.

If applicable, which A-Levels did you gain?

I studied Geography and Double BTEC sport at A-Level and Maths at AS level.

During your time at Langley, did you know what career you wanted to pursue?

I always knew I wanted to go into sport, having participated in rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics at Langley. However, I wasn’t so sure what aspect of sport I wanted to focus on. With the help of the PE department, I decided to pursue sports science which has given me a foundation of knowledge across a wide range of sporting disciplines from which I could then specialise.

Which extra-curricular activities were you involved in, and have they been useful, for example, helping with transferable skills?

I played 1st XV rugby and 1st XI hockey until Year 11 and also played for the 1st XI cricket team. I was involved in various tours with the school, including Ireland and France in rugby and Sri Lanka and South Africa in cricket. I represented the school in athletics throughout my time at Langley, winning the English Schools javelin title in Year 13. Competing at a high level has helped me to prepare for and cope in high-pressure situations, which can be translated into the working environment and everyday life.

Have these activities helped you since school, for example, via transferable skills?

Having dedicated much of my time at Langley to sport, I developed effective organisation and communication skills, which have helped me with multiple assignments at university and in the organisation and planning for my javelin training alongside my university study commitments.

If you went, what did you study at university?

I have just finished studying for my Sport and Exercise Science undergraduate degree at Loughborough University (BSc). This included a placement year with Loughborough Sport, working as a Rugby Performance Analyst for the men’s programme and a split final year of study, which enabled me to focus on my javelin throwing.

If you’re working, how did your career begin?

My placement year with the Loughborough Rugby 1st team awakened my interest in performance analysis and data analysis/interpretation of performance. I have recently started a part-time rugby analysis role with TOPPA (an Australian company), but this is still very early in my career. Combining this job with my final year degree commitments, alongside a hectic javelin schedule, has been interesting, to say the least! I would like to develop this role in the future, and I am keen to work abroad should the opportunity arise.

So far, what have been your post-school highlights (in your career, onwards studies, family, travel etc.)?

My javelin career post-Langley has continued to improve, and I have had multiple sports achievements. I am the current British Champion in the Men’s Javelin, and I represented GB & NI in the European Senior Team Championships in Poland last year. I am currently only 2m off the qualifying distance for the Commonwealth Games, so I am now putting everything into surpassing this threshold. I will be travelling to Geneva and the Finnish Javelin Carnival next month to improve my personal best distance, hopefully.

On reflection, did your time at Langley help your attitude towards career choices and progression?

Yes, definitely. As mentioned previously, the PE department was very helpful and supportive in all things sport. Langley enabled me to pursue my passion for sport and realise my potential in areas that were otherwise not accessible. The sixth form staff were equally supportive in helping me crystalise my final choices, whilst the enthusiasm, commitment and advice from the Heads of Sixth Form were immense.

What advice would you give to students considering Langley, their A-Levels or careers?

I would advise current students to choose very carefully regarding A-levels and their choice of university. Find subjects and areas of study that you will enjoy first and foremost. Realise where your passion lies and pursue it. Before choosing A-Levels, I recommend looking into specific degree courses and the required subjects. Langley offers a wide range of opportunities, and I can only suggest that every experience, even if not for you, is something you should do. It may shape your future!

Your fondest memory of Langley?

My fondest memory would have to be A-level results day. Being accepted onto my first-choice degree programme whilst surpassing the results I needed was a real highlight. To share it with other schoolmates was also a great moment.