Top student celebrates Synthite Science Award success and inspires others

High-flying A-level student Rory Fentem - who is helping to inspire pupils at his former school – has been awarded a top science prize.

Rory scooped the Synthite Science Award after achieving top marks in his science A-levels at the Alun School in Mold.

Rory, who gained an A* in chemistry, an A* in biology and an A in psychology, is spending his gap year working in the science department at the Alun School, assisting teachers and helping pupils with their studies.

The 18-year-old, from Llanfynydd, now hopes to secure a place at university to study veterinary science next year.

He was delighted to win the award, which is sponsored by Mold chemicals firm Synthite as part of its commitment to encourage more young people into science-related careers.

“It is fantastic, I was really surprised but delighted at the same time,” said Rory, who lives at home with mum Gina, a health visitor and dad Paul.

“I decided to have a gap year and work at my old school,” he said. “It is a great way to get some insight into the world of work and enables me to get some funds together, I’m really enjoying it.”

Rory hopes to specialise in large animals after qualifying as a vet and believes his career inspiration is rooted in his upbringing on a small holding.

“We had animals such as sheep and horses and I think that is where my passion for animal husbandry first began,” added Rory, whose twin brother Joe is studying neurosciences at Manchester University.

“I have wanted to be a vet since I was eight-years-old and don’t really mind where I study as it is a very competitive course to get on.”

Along with his Synthite Science Award trophy, which will be presented at the Alun School prize-giving on the 17th December, Rory will receive book vouchers to help him with his studies.

Synthite managing director Kevin Jones said the company inaugurated the science prize as part of its policy to encourage more young people into science careers.

He said: “Rory has clearly worked extremely hard and is a very focused young man. It is great that he is putting his passion for science to such inspired use by working with his former teachers and pupils. We wish him every success in his future career as a vet.”

Dr Tim Erasmus, assistant headteacher at the Alun School, said: "We are very proud of Rory's success; it is down primarily to his hard work and positive attitude, along with the commitment and talent of his many excellent teachers".

Synthite has operated from Alyn Works, Denbigh Road, Mold, since the 1950s.  It employs 120 people.

Its main product is formaldehyde, a basic building block of the chemical industry. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of a vast array of everyday goods, ranging from cosmetics to furniture and floorboards.