A-LEVELS: Local pupils shine on exam results day

Students, teachers and parents have been celebrating across the borough on A-Level results day this week.

Following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic, students were back in exam halls this summer as they aimed to book their place at university or take their first step on the career ladder.

Exams were cancelled in the past two years as teachers assessed grades for their students.

“Hammersmith & Fulham students have done themselves proud with another impressive set of exam results. Congratulations to them - especially after the years of disruption during the pandemic,” said Cabinet Member for Children and Education, Cllr Alex Sanderson.

“For those who did not get the grades they had hoped for, there are so many education and career opportunities ahead. Exam results do not and will not define you.

“Thanks so much to all our local teachers, school staff and parents for all their hard work supporting our young people. I know you always give them the best possible opportunity to succeed and fulfil their potential.”

Top grades

Some of the standout students on A-Level results day included Ark Burlington Danes Academy pupil Mohammed Walid who achieved one A* and two As in Biology, Chemistry, and French. He is now planning to study Medicine at the Queen Mary University of London.

Meanwhile at Hammersmith Academy Sixth Form, students Matthew Sanetra and Mai Kheir secured places at Oxford University.

“I am ecstatic at achieving my offer - it feels surreal. Everyone in my family is extremely proud. I found it a very challenging year but I believe I am now much better prepared for whatever the future brings. I am extremely excited to start university,” said Matthew.

Hamza Huda was the Academy’s top achiever, securing three A*s and one A, and a place at Queen Mary University to study Computer Science.

Over at William Morris Sixth Form in St Dunstan's Road, Louis Vowden received two A grades and an A* in English Language & Literature, Media Studies, and French. He is now planning a gap year and is thankful to all his teachers.

“They were extremely supportive and helpful and showed genuine care, especially in providing help to students,” added Louis.

Jakub Kaflowski also earned impressive marks with an A* in Physics, an A in Maths and a B in Chemistry. He went on to win the Gold Certificate for the Sixth Form’s Maths Challenge helping him to secure a spot at the University of Bristol to study Civil Engineering.

Read more on how schools in H&F did on A-Level results day:

• Ark Burlington Danes Academy
  

  

  Principal David Carr is ‘sure the students will go on to make the world a better place’ following the impressive exam results this year at Ark Burlington Danes Academy in Wood Lane.

  Some of the standout pupils included Mohammed Walid who is planning to study Medicine at the Queen Mary University of London after achieving an A* and two A grades in Biology, Chemistry, and French.

  Mohamed also received the Reuben Foundation bursary, worth £22,500, which means he will be able to focus solely on his studies and not need a part-time job to help with the bills.

  He also thanked his teachers for all their help and support during his time at the academy.

  “They’ve helped us out so much despite challenging circumstances. We’ve been provided with lots of work experience and given loads of help with our personal statements. I’m proud of the work I put in and this shows that hard work pays off,” he added.

  Fellow pupil Salma Gallul is proud to have achieved three A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Religious Education, and is going on to study Biomedical Sciences at St George’s, University of London.

  Meanwhile after achieving three A grades in Maths, Chemistry and English, Husen Ahmed is heading to King’s College London to study Computer Science.

  Saffron Jackson is going on to study Primary Education at St Mary’s University in Twickenham after getting the grades she needed in Religious Studies, Psychology and Sociology.

  “My teachers have really helped me and motivated me. Whenever I was struggling they encouraged me to keep going,” said Saffron.

  Principal Carr was full of praise for all his students.

  “It's an important day for our Year 13 students. We are so proud of their excellent results and fantastic destinations, and must congratulate them for their hard work and grit throughout the last few years,” he said.

• Fulham Cross Sixth Form
  

  Pupils at Fulham Cross Sixth Form in Kingwood Road achieved another set of outstanding exam results this year.

  

  Among the notable high achievers were Hamza Elhaj, Aleksander Vila and Isse Isse.

  Hamza achieved an A in Psychology, a B in Biology and a B in Chemistry. He will attend Kingston University to study Psychology and Sociology.

  “Despite a setback in my first year, the academic support from my teachers helped me reach my goals. I am grateful for all my teachers. They always provided me with support and I couldn't have done this if it wasn't for their efforts. They’ve created a comfortable environment where students can always request support,” said Hamza.

  Aleksander received a D and two D* grades in BTEC Level 3 Sport and will attend St Mary’s to study Sports Coaching Science.

  “In my two years at Fulham Cross Sixth Form, I was helped a lot by staff. I received all the help that I needed to work hard and complete my coursework, and they motivated me when I wasn't working at the level I needed to,” added Aleksander.

  Isse achieved a D* and two D grades in BTEC Level 3 Sport and C in A level Psychology, and is going to St George’s to study Physiotherapy.

  Michael McDermott, Assistant Head Teacher, and Sixth Form lead was extremely happy with the results.

  “The disruption and uncertainty of the past two years have been extremely challenging for our Sixth Form community. We are proud of the commitment and hard work from both students and staff that has ensured their progress and achievements are the best they can be,” said the Assistant Head Teacher.

  “The school has undergone significant changes in courses and organisation, and the students have been great in adapting to these challenges. We look forward to a broader curriculum offer for the coming year and A level success as these qualifications become embedded.”

• Hammersmith Academy
  

  Huge cheers roared out from Hammersmith Academy Sixth Form in Cathnor Road after two students secured places at Oxford University and several others achieving multiple A* grades.

  

  Hamza Huda was the Academy’s star performer securing three A* and one A, and a place at Queen Mary University to study Computer Science.

  Matthew Sanetra and Mai Kheir will both be attending Oxford University in October. Matthew is going on to study Computer Science at Magdalen College after getting two A* alongside an A and a B.

  “I am ecstatic at achieving my offer - it feels surreal. Everyone in my family is extremely proud. I found it a very challenging year but I believe I am now much better prepared for whatever the future brings. I am extremely excited to start university,” said Matthew.

  Mai, who will be studying an English Foundation Year at Lady Margaret Hall added: “I'm looking forward to the new experiences, growth and opportunities that come with stepping out of the school setting and into university and to expand my knowledge of a subject that I am very excited to explore.”

  Lisa Dang will become the first person in her family to go to university after achieving two A*s and two As. She will go on to study Theology & Religion at the University of Durham.

  “I feel relieved about my results especially as the exam boards announced that grades would be lower this year. My parents are proud because I'm the first person in my family to go to university. I can’t wait to move and start studying in-depth,” she said.

  Batoul Gheleb got two A*s and two As and will head to the University of Warwick to study Computer Science.

  “I feel relieved and excited to move on with the next chapter of my life. I’m grateful for all staff members that supported my progress. I’m very much looking forward to university life and completing my degree,” added Batoul.

  Lucia Beautyman is going to study Geography at King’s College London after receiving two A*s and two As.

  “I did better than I expected and my family are really happy for me. It has been a disruptive few years with Covid but the Academy really helped us with extra support and I want to thank Ms Harrowes who provided UCAS advice and to Ms Moss in psychology,” said Lucia.

  Osuke Miyamaru attained one A* and two As, and will be going on to Imperial College London to read Biological Sciences.

  Kristy Oliveira Baker scored two A*s and one A to secure a place at the University of Exeter to read History.

  Sumaya Ahmed achieved three As and will be heading to Queens Mary University this autumn to study Biomedical Sciences.

  She said: “I'm relieved that my hard work has paid off. You never know what to expect with exams but I'm glad I achieved what I was aiming for. I'm looking forward to the rest of the holiday and starting a new chapter in my life.”

  Fifty per cent of all grades awarded to Hammersmith Academy Sixth Form students were grades A* - B. In additional to this, 80 per cent of all grades were A* - C.

  Gary Kynaston, Hammersmith Academy’s headteacher, said: “We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of our students is reflected in a brilliant set of A-Level results. Those receiving their A-Level results today are the first cohort to sit national examinations since 2019 making their A-Level exams a huge challenge. Our students should be very proud of their achievements.

  “A large part of the success is also down to our teaching staff who have supported students and prepared them thoroughly over two years of their courses.  Congratulations to our Sixth Formers, we wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing their future success and staying in touch as members of our alumni community.”

• Hammersmith and Fulham, West London College
  

  Students at Hammersmith and Fulham College, part of West London College, have achieved some outstanding results.

  Among the impressive pupils was part-time carer Chloe Fowle who achieved three Ds on her Level 3 BTEC Health and Social Care diploma.

  “I took the course because I was working part time as a carer and wanted to expand my knowledge. In my work placement with the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, I worked with children awaiting surgery and got so much out of helping them,” said Chloe.

  Hannaniya Dereje also achieved an incredible triple distinction (DDD) in her Health and Social Care BTEC extended diploma.

  “I took the course because I was thinking about becoming a nurse,” said Hannaniya.

  “My college helped me by giving me a two-week work placement with Imprerial College Healthcare NHS Trust where I met NHS osteopaths who have inspired me to become a chiropractor. I know this is what I really want to do with my career, and I start my degree at London Southbank University in September.”

  Camille Derakshan also studied the Business Extended Diploma Level 3, achieved a triple distinction as well.

  “The best part about the course for me was that it was very creative. I was encouraged to give my own opinions and we worked collaboratively on a range of really interesting projects. I’m going on to Nottingham Trent University to study Business Management and Marketing and after graduation I want to work in business research and advertising,” said Camille.

• Lady Margaret School
  

  There were all smiles at Lady Margaret School in Parsons Green after pupils achieved an impressive 94 per cent of grades between A* and C.

  Thirty-three pupils got at least three A or A* grades, with the Year 13 pupils achieving 11 A*s in English Literature, eight in Chemistry and seven in Physics.

  “We are incredibly proud of our students. This is a really excellent set of results and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate their achievements today,” said Headteacher, Elisabeth Stevenson.

  “These results mean that our students will be moving on to a wide range of university courses and we wish them every success.”

  The pupils will be starting a variety of degrees from universities across the country including Classics and French at the University of Oxford, Chemistry with Molecular Physics at Imperial College London, Architecture at the University of Cambridge and Philosophy at the University of Durham.

• William Morris Sixth Form
  

  This year has been another success for William Morris Sixth Form’s students who overcame the challenges caused by the Covid pandemic.

  

  Louis Vowden achieved two A grades and an A* in English Language & Literature, Media Studies, and French. He is now planning a gap year and is thankful to all his teachers.

  “They were extremely supportive and helpful and showed genuine care, especially in providing help to students,” Louis added.

  Jakub Kaflowski also received impressive marks with an A* in Physics, an A in Maths and a B in Chemistry. He went on to win the Gold Certificate for the Sixth Form’s Maths Challenge helping him to secure a spot at the University of Bristol to study Civil Engineering.

  Kesha Crosbie is another success story with two D* grades for her BTEC in Health & Social Care, and an A in Criminology. She is planning to go on to study Mental Health Nursing at King’s College, London.

  “The independence that William Morris gives its students is really appreciated and if you’re starting your A-Levels this year make sure to stay on top of your work and focus on achieving the grades you want,” Kesha added.

  William Morris Sixth Form said: “Many of our students have achieved successes and it’s been a great year for exam results. Congratulations from all our staff to our excellent students. We couldn’t be prouder.”

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