Bethany and Jessica Mellody are Newtonian twins that have studied their undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Ancient History, respectively, at Durham University. They both continued their postgraduate studies at Durham University with Beth studying for a Masters in Politics and International Relations and Jessica studying Global Politics. .
Over the past few years, they have volunteered for a number of charities and completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Their first experience of volunteering began with their travel to Peru in 2018 with St John’s where they helped build a kitchen for the local children’s home. They also both volunteered at the British Heart Foundation Store in Newton Aycliffe, along with a number of other charities including the RSPB, as well as being members of the youth team for the Great Aycliffe Town Council.
Their secondary education at St John’s, Bishop Auckland, stood them in good stead after achieving 17 A*s and 5 As at GCSE between them. While studying for their degree they have also completed their TEFL qualification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and are currently learning the Korean language. They are now living in Incheon, South Korea, teaching English to students and are immersing themselves in the Korean culture.
Bethany and Jessica were Durham University Ambassadors, with Bethany championing the University to potential students across the North East. Bethany has also undertaken a paid internship with Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service in Darlington over the past two years, which has helped form her interest in politics, while Jessica’s interest was sparked from her studying Ancient History and the learning of Ancient Greek and Latin languages and culture.
Their appreciation for studying in the North East has ensured their younger brother, Matthew, hopes to continue in his sisters’ footsteps by studying at Durham University after completing his A-levels at St John’s, with him having achieved A* in Maths at A-level in a year.