Jonathan Barry

I was never that creative (I’m still not), but I was always interested in the world around us; the Earth, volcanos, earthquakes, the planets, and so the physical sciences where always subjects I enjoyed (especially geography with Mr Naughton!) Like Olivia, I meet all my friends at Maricourt and still have a fantastic relationship with them now and see them regularly when I am in the UK. With the support of my teachers, I obtained 3 A’s, 6 B’s and 1 C at GCSE. I too also decided to pursue 6th Form. Again, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do as a career, but I knew something in the sciences sparked my interest and therefore chose 3 subjects, Geography, Applied Biology/Chemistry, and DT. Given my passion for the outdoors and interest in our earth’s physical process, I thought Geology would be a good subject to purse at University. After some research, I decided on Geology and Ocean Science at the University of Plymouth. Later I realised they offered a study abroad year which I decided to do and spent my 2nd year in the USA studying at the University of Utah. This was absolutely fantastic, and I met some amazing people, and made the most incredible memories. I graduated with a 1:1 degree with Honours. I also obtained a Masters degree in Volcanology, which I undertook with the University of Plymouth and University of Colima, Mexico. Today, I work as a senior Marine Geophysicist at a global player in the construction and renewable energy market, where I am a specialist in UXO (un-exploded ordnance) surveys across the globe. What I love most about my job is that I get the opportunity to travel, and since leaving Maricourt, I have visited over 100 countries!! Maricourt gave me the perfect footing and confidence I needed to begin my life as an adult in the real world. With the support of many of the staff, I truly believe I would not be the person I am today.