.jpg)
I’m Jack, a Year 12 student at The Studio. I am currently studying Computer Science, AAQ Computing, and Business Studies. Joining The Studio School Sixth Form has been one of the greatest decisions I have made.
The range of technical and soft skills I’ve picked up is massive. On the technical side, I’ve worked with:
- Coding & Systems C#, Assembly, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and AI.
- Investing, stocks, networking, and cybersecurity.
Beyond the code, I’ve developed presentation skills through explaining Computer Science concepts, critical thinking through linking contexts in Business studies, and planning through my Computing coursework.
Project Work
I originally built my portfolio website using PicoClaw, an autonomous agent that can perform tasks on a computer for you. I wanted to gain insight into how to leverage AI models and understand how websites are built from scratch. Eventually, I started developing it further using Claude to bring everything together.
I do these projects in my free time because I’m genuinely interested in them, and it shows recruiters that I’m serious about breaking into the industry. Other projects include:
- NeuralRevise: An autonomous web agent created for experimentation. I independently followed this up with my teacher to explain the experiment and agreed not to use it for actual schoolwork.
- ChatLlama: A self-hosted WhatsApp bot using a private local AI model on my home lab.
- OPNsense: I configured this to enhance security and perform network segmentation so compromised systems can’t escape their dedicated network.
- NXP’s NFC Investigation: Currently investigating how threat actors can leverage NFC security flaws.
Work Experience
I've been part of projects with Alex Lennon from Dynamic Devices like the NXP’s NFC Authentication Pipeline and experimenting with the MCXC444. We are also currently looking at reverse engineering IoT Bluetooth protocols. In the meantime, I have been introduced to the DECT NR+ wireless radio standard, which ties with cybersecurity.
Through my computer science teachers, I am completing a 9-week work experience placement at Beat Modules, where we are developing a web platform in Go integrated with AI models to deliver engaging PSHE content for secondary school students.
"It was a pleasure to meet Jack when I came to speak at The Studio School on my technology consultancy business, Dynamic Devices. At present, he's involved in some interesting sensor development work for the business. Jack is a keen and motivated young man who I am sure will do well in his future career."
Alex Lennon - Dynamic Devices
"Jack’s experience highlights the unique opportunities available at The Studio, particularly for students with a clear interest in technology and future-focused careers. His proactive approach demonstrates how students can go beyond the classroom to build meaningful skills and experiences."
Enda Carey - Skills Sector Champion - The Studio School
Support from teachers
The support here is excellent. When I first got my home lab PC, I didn't have a keyboard and one of my teachers loaned me one so I could set the PC up to run without a monitor or keyboard.
As a former Microsoft software engineer, my Computer Science teacher Anthony links everything to the real world. He challenged me during the CyberFirst Wales competition and always shares resources related to cybersecurity.
Our Sector Skills Champion, Enda, has given me brilliant advice on degree apprenticeships and shared his own experiences working with PlayStation and mobile app development.
If you are looking for opportunities, Michael is the person to talk to. His weekly newsletter is filled with work experience and placements from Aramark to GCHQ.
Independent Work
I’ve put a lot of work into my Home Lab. Each container and VM I run has helped me develop a specific IT skill. I even added an infrastructure section to my website so recruiters can see the challenges I faced and what I learned.
I also volunteered for the "60-second professor" at the University of Liverpool. I had to give a short talk in front of 150–200 students about an unknown topic, thinking on my feet.
My Links
Portfolio website - https://jackghx.com/
Revision Hub - https://revision.jackghx.com
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jackghx
Considering The Studio? Here's my advice
If you want industry-level connections that will benefit your career, join this school. My friends at other schools don't get the same opportunities. We’ve even had multi-millionaires visit to record podcasts with students.
The culture ensures no one falls behind. Between the industry links and the resources, The Studio is incredible at preparing you for the future.
