Amy Borton always knew she wanted to make a difference – she just didn’t know exactly how until a few years into university. Now in her fifth and final year of a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology at the University of Auckland, Amy is well on her way to a career in criminal law.
Currently working as a law clerk for a senior criminal defence trial lawyer and as a contact supervisor for the Family Court, Amy is gaining real-world experience in some of the country’s most complex legal spaces.
“Since then I have been exposed to the world of serious (alleged) crime,” says Amy. “I find this work very interesting and important. It has taught me to be non-judgemental and perceptive towards people and the world around us.”
Her academic record is just as impressive – Amy has been awarded three First in Course awards across Criminology and Sociology papers and is set to be admitted as a lawyer in 2026.
Amy Borton, ASHS Alumna.
How ASHS helped shape an independent thinker
Amy attended Albany Senior High School (ASHS) from 2018 to 2020 and says the school played a huge role in shaping who she is today.
“ASHS definitely shaped my personal growth and contributed to the independent person I am today,” she reflects.
She remembers how personalised support helped her stay on track during the disruptions of her final year. “Year 13 was quite hard with COVID’s disruptions but I remember that my tutor teacher (who was also my English teacher) took the time to sit down with me and check I was on track to get the required rank-score for entry to first year law at UoA.”
She adds, “At ASHS, creativity and alternative pathways are encouraged a lot more than I think they are at more ‘traditional’ schools, but that does not mean that professions like law, medicine, engineering etc are not. Many people from my year went on to pursue such careers.”
“Overall, I think going to ASHS gave me a great appreciation for the diversity of our community and generation.”
Real-world readiness through real-world learning
Amy took part in the school’s Gateway programme in Year 12, where she gained hands-on experience working alongside a Year 5 teacher at Albany Primary School.
“I (thankfully) realised maybe teaching was not what I wanted to do but it was still a very memorable experience,” she says. “The teacher I worked with gave me a reference for a job and I think this helped me have the necessary experience for working with children who are involved in family court proceedings which is some of the work I do now.”
She encourages current students to explore their options early: “I would encourage students who are potentially interested in a profession to see if they can have a go at it through the Gateway Programme.”
And looking back? “To be honest, I wish I took better advantage of the Impact Project day! What an amazing part of the curriculum where students get a whole 20% of time at school to work on something that impacts themselves and/or the community.”
Two of Amy’s First in Coursde Awards.
Memorable moments and meaningful mentors
For Amy, school was full of meaningful moments. “I loved my tutor class with Ashleigh,” she recalls. “It was so good to have a consistent part which almost felt like a ‘home-base’ during my time at ASHS. My younger brother Noah also joined my class. Also my mum Sarah worked (and still works) there and it was nice having her around.”
“Another core memory was my Year 13 Economics trip down to Wellington with Lloyd. We stayed in backpackers and visited the Beehive.”
She also remembers the powerful sense of connection in her final year: “I remember that by Year 13, our year group/cohort felt really tight and inclusive.”
Amy speaks warmly of the many teachers who inspired her along the way: “Ashleigh was my dear tutor teacher. She was the best and I had her the whole of my three years at ASHS. I still have the books and card she gave me on my last day of school. Also, Becky (psychology), Siobhan (history), Wendy (history), Kevin (geography) were amazing and inspired my love for the social sciences.”
Advice for future ākonga
To anyone considering ASHS, Amy has some heartfelt advice: “I would say to anyone considering enrolling at ASHS who may be apprehensive about the ASHS curriculum that they will be well set up for the ‘real world’ no matter what path they choose. Work and/or university comes with its own stressors and you do not need to be under unnecessary stress or pressure in high school! You can still achieve a lot!”
From a Year 13 navigating the uncertainty of lockdowns to a soon-to-be criminal lawyer working in the heart of Auckland, Amy’s journey is a powerful reminder of where confidence, curiosity, and the right support can take you.
Amy’s CRIM301 Exam.
