Jess Silver

Gold Award in the Faculty of Finance and Computing

I was chosen for the highest award (gold) in Ashbourne College's Faculty of Finance and Computing for my studies of A-Level Computer Science, including consistent A/A* grades and a 200+ page writeup on the RC airplane I designed and built as coursework while being the only female A-Level Computer Science student in my yeargroup.

TEDI London

I attended Design Engineering week at The Engineering and Design Institute (TEDI) London, where I was offered £1,000 to study at TEDI London after the wind turbine project I worked on won first place.

InvestIN

I studied various disciplines of engineering at a two week engineering course with InvestIN. While studying Sustainable Engineering, my team and I designed a project which utilises digital AI-based microgrids to reduce inefficiencies in the German power grid. The project won first place, and the judge mentioned that his company was implementing a similar idea. I was also chosen as Young Engineer of the Day out of all the students.

CIFE 2024

I was selected by Ashbourne College to participate in the annual CIFE quiz; an annual trivia contest between over a dozen UK colleges. We were quizzed on topics such as Geography, Computing, Physics, Mathematics, Language, History, and more. Our team won first place, and I was invited to return to participate in 2025.

CIFE 2025

After our victory in the CIFE quiz 2024, I returned to participate on behalf of Ashbourne College again in 2025 with a new set of teammates. We won first place a second time, and we were then invited to the House of Lords for tea with Lord Black of Brentwood.

House of Lords

After winning the CIFE quiz two years in a row, my 2025 team and I were invited to tour the House of Lords with Lord Black of Brentwood. We watched part of the debate on the Grenfell Tower Bill, and discussed politics and the workings of the House of Lords over afternoon tea.

Taekwondo / Black Belt

I began training in Taekwondo in December of 2019. I continued training over the next six years and got my 1st Dan Black Belt in December 2025. My journey in Taekwondo has allowed me to see how far I can push myself and to practise the fundamental disciplines of etiquette, modesty, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. It is my intention to resume formal training once I start my university studies.

WEST YouthZone / Prince William

I helped design WEST YouthZone, a youth club in White City, as a member of the Young People's Development Group. I was given the opportunity to meet Prince William when he visited our YouthZone in 2024. We discussed the shortage of women in engineering and he supported my aspirations to be an engineer. One of my interviews is now featured on the @princeandprincessofwales instagram page, and another on an episode of Sky News FYI.

Hammersmith & Fulham Art Award

In addition to the sciences, I also have a passion for art. My piece "Together We're Stronger" won first place in the Hammersmith & Fulham LGBTQ+ History Month Art Competition, and I was invited to speak about my piece at the Youth Council Election Results evening, where I met the Leader of the Borough and the Mayor of the Borough. I later used the prize money to purchase a telescope.

Projects

Internet Universe

Absorption Spectra Simulator

Multiple Choice Worksheet Maker

Gallery