Wellacre’s Wall of Fame: David Cummings

Posted at 9:34 am on 7th October, 2021

Celebrating Alumni

Wellacre always welcomes the return of former students; we especially enjoy supporting our alumni in their journey to becoming teachers themselves. 

In September, David Cummings returned to Wellacre to complete work experience in the Science department prior to applying for a PGCE course to qualify as a teacher. 

David graduated from Wellacre in the summer of 2008 with nine GCSE qualifications, and was awarded five A* grades and four B grades. He then attended Pendleton College to study A-Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics; achieving 3 A grades and an AS-Level in Physics at B grade.

Whilst at Pendleton, David’s chemistry teacher, Mr Dean, introduced him to the field of organic chemistry. It was his passion for the subject that inspired David to pursue higher studies in the discipline. 

David said:

“Because I was from a low socioeconomic background Mr Dean encouraged me to apply for the Manchester Access Program.  After successful completion, I earned a scholarship to the University of Manchester. Four years later I received a Masters degree in chemistry with specialisations in organic synthesis.”

After education, David entered the workforce and spent the next four years as a research scientist at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; targeting compounds that were useful in studies of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. After leaving the lab, he spent the next two years working in the insurance industry and it was at this point that he wanted a change in career direction. 

He added:

“I knew I wanted to return to science, however being a social person I did not want to return to a research setting. Teaching combines my passion for science with the social interaction and community of a school environment; it is a highly rewarding profession of passing on knowledge to the next generation.  I look forward to sending off my application this October!”

David has enjoyed returning to Wellacre, seeing all the changes to the school and catching up with some of the teaching staff that taught him! 

David sent this message to Wellacre students: 

“My advice to current Wellacre students is simple.  Wellacre will provide you with many opportunities to succeed, however it is your responsibility as an individual to have the self-discipline and drive to take full advantage of them. 

“I wish all of the boys at Wellacre the most sincere success in their futures; no matter which pathways they embark on after school. You will make lifelong friends at Wellacre and above all I hope you enjoy your time here. Believe in yourselves and achieve your very best.It is true that Wellacre never leaves you and will continue to shape your future selves.”

Principal Mrs Sharrock, who was David’s former History teacher at Wellacre, commented:

“It was great to see David return to Wellacre and for us to provide him with some work experience at school to strengthen his PGCE application for teaching. We are always looking to our alumni to provide inspiration to our current students by showing them the wide ranging career opportunities available to them in life beyond Wellacre. We all wish David every success in the future.”