Star pupil in UK’s top 50 computing candidates

September 30, 2015

harri bell thomasA tech-savvy teenager is “overjoyed” after being listed in the UK’s top 50 A level computing candidates.

Harri, a former pupil of Monmouth School, gained three A*s in maths, further maths, and computing, and two As in Latin and classical Greek at A level.

The 18-year-old recently discovered that he has been awarded a Netcraft AQA A Level Computing Award for his hard work, a prize given to the top 50 candidates from all over the country.

It is the third year running a Monmouth School pupil has bagged the prize, with Devan Kuleindiren winning it last year.

Harri said: “I am overjoyed at winning this award; it’s a good feeling knowing that all the effort I’ve put in over this past year has been recognised at a national level – it was quite a surprise!

“Monmouth School boys had won the award two years running, so the pressure was on from day one for someone from our year to complete the hat trick.

“I love how programming and computer science in general require a fine blend of science, logic and creativity.

“There are many ways to approach logical problems, and so there is a broad scope for originality – something I believe other sciences lack.”

When it comes to revision, Harri encourages pupils to remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Don’t forget that your best is all anyone asks of you,” he added.

“In the future, after university next year, I will hopefully be looking to join/start a technology startup.

“We’ll have to see where life takes me though!”