04 STAR NEWS
Pupils celebrate A level, GCSE and BTec success Pupils from Star schools celebrated their A level GCSE and BTec achievements this summer after overcoming a year of pandemic disruption.
Pupils and staff across the country faced a turbulent year as they worked to counter disruption caused by lockdown, periods of self-isolation and illness. Exams were cancelled this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Exam boards issued qualifications based on grades determined by teachers following assessments and tests completed in school. In August, pupils collected their results and celebrated their efforts as they took their next steps towards securing their dream careers. Many A level and BTec students secured their places on degree courses at universities across the country. Zeba Phoplunkar from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College (TIGHS) in Blackburn achieved the top A* grade in A level Maths, Biology and Chemistry and has secured a place to study Medicine at The University of Cambridge. Zeba says that the school helped her to flourish and offered excellent support that has enabled her to fulfil her ambitions. She said: “I want to say thank you to all those that have helped me achieve one of my lifelong dreams. I want to thank my family for their endless support and the teachers at TIGHS who adapted their traditional teaching styles so that I was able to flourish. Even though this is all happening during an unprecedented time, I am grateful of those around me for making this journey as normal as Covid-19 would allow it.” Talented student Sheldon Leigh from Bay Leadership Academy in Morecambe achieved A levels in English Literature A and History A and a BTec Photography Distinction. Sheldon is delighted to have secured a place to study English Literature and History at Bangor University. Sheldon’s talent was recognised by the university, which awarded him a £2,000 scholarship after he proved his ability in a scholarship exam. Sheldon said: “I’m really pleased with the grades I got and so proud that I can go to my first choice university with the confidence that I can do anything that I put my mind to.”
Two Year 13 students at Tong Leadership Academy in Bradford have been awarded prestigious scholarships to help them work towards their dream careers. Nokukhanya Moyo and Estera Mititelu have been granted £10,000 each, by the Frank Hester scholarship, to help finance their university education. Funding for the scholarship has been provided by Leeds-based healthcare software provider, TPP. The scholarship was established in 2016 to help students who want to further their education, but who do not have the financial means to do so or whose circumstances have adversely affected their education. Estera achieved an A in English and B in Law at A level and a Distinction in BTec Business and is now continuing her studies with a degree in Law at Leeds University. Estera is the first person in her family to study at university and is grateful for the additional support she will receive. She said: “I was absolutely speechless when I heard the news that I had been selected for the scholarship. The scholarship will make a huge difference. I work at a local tea room and I couldn’t ever save that amount of money. It will make life a lot easier. My family didn’t know what to say, they couldn’t believe it. I feel really proud of myself. It feels like I’ve had a chance in a million, and I feel really appreciated and supported by my school and my family.” Nokukhanya was awarded D*D*D* in BTec Triple Science and has secured a place to study Pharmacy at Nottingham University. She said: “I was so happy when I heard about the scholarship. I just couldn’t believe it. The funding means I won’t have to find a part time job straight away, so I’ll be able to really focus on my university work. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, it means so much to me.” Despite Covid-19 related disruption of recent years, GCSE pupils across the trust celebrated their results day with their usual enthusiasm. At Eden Boys’ School, Bolton Saim Chatha achieved a fantastic set of ten grade 9s. Never one to settle for second best, Saim pushed himself tirelessly to achieve his best and those efforts are rewarded as he moves on to Runshaw College to study A levels in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. Lee Black from Highfield Leadership Academy was awarded a scholarship to study A levels at Rossall School thanks to his talent and commitment to his education. Lee secured eight grade 9s in English, Maths, Science, Geography, RE, Creative
