Hackney,
13
August
2020
|
15:28
Europe/London

Pupils across Hackney celebrate A-Level success

results2020-25

Pupils across Hackney are celebrating receiving their A-Level results, with many heading into school or college for the first time in months to mark the occasion with teachers and classmates. 

With exams cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools and colleges worked hard to provide predicted grades for every student, based on pupils’ overall performance, including coursework, classwork, homework and mock exams.

After a nervous wait, schools in Hackney are celebrating some great results for many young people, despite the challenging circumstances. The Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Deputy Mayor Cllr Anntoinette Bramble visited schools across the borough on results morning.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children's Social Care
I could not be more proud of the young people in Hackney receiving their results today. They have shown incredible resilience over the last few months in incredibly challenging circumstances, and whatever they go on to do next, I want to congratulate them and wish each and every one of them success for the future.

I’d like to thank our teaching staff, who have worked so hard to support pupils and also to provide their predicted grades. I’d also like to thank families who have supported young people during these unprecedented times.

This has been a really difficult time and I know that a lot of students may be feeling a mixture of emotions today. We share national concerns about some of this year’s outcomes and we are monitoring the situation. I’d urge anyone who needs support to speak to their teachers, an adviser from Prospects or our Hackney Works team, who are all ready to help and advise them.
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children's Social Care

Mia Clarke, 19, studied Sociology, French and History at BSix College. After gaining A*AA she is now on her way to study History at Oxford. She said: “I only got 3 GCSEs studying in the Pupil Referral Unit, so today I feel very happy, I was worried recently but now I can relax until I start. I want to have a career to do with diplomacy like in the United Nations, because my family comes from former Yugoslavia so it’s something I have always found quite interesting.”

Ocean Waves Balysma, 19, studied Level 3 Creative Media at BSix, gaining a Distinction. He now plans to study Journalism at Birmingham City University. He said: “I feel pretty good today, but you know it was pretty scary with this whole pandemic situation and now at least I’ve got a distinction, that is very good - it’s really exciting. After this I want to study journalism and I hope to be a broadcast journalist. I have always loved watching the news and was intrigued by the news. I have a passion for journalism, I want to push myself and see where it goes.”

Erin Hughes, 18, studied Level 3 Health and Social Care at BSix and gained a Triple Distinction Star, she now plans to study Adult Nursing at East London University. She said: “I am really happy about my results, it’s the highest grade you can get for BTEC, I am really proud. I want to work in a hospital as a nurse eventually, maybe in A&E. I want to do that career as when my grandad was in hospital I was always visiting him and it really inspired me to be a nurse.” 

Augustine Kodom, 18, from The Urswick School, achieved B in Computer Science, C in Economics, C in EPQ and Merit in Sport BTEC. He will now study computer science at Northampton. He has already started his own street wear fashion company and wants to expand this after university. He said: “I want to be an entrepreneur because you are your own boss and you have the freedom to do whatever you want. I started my own streetwear brand Yung Kings. My family are supportive of my business, my brother was actually my first customer!” 

 

 

The Council and schools are monitoring concerns about grades, and supporting pupils affected by the downgrading which has impacted results across the country. 

Schools and colleges are continuing to provide support and advice about careers and higher education, and students should contact their school if they have questions about their results or their future plans. 

Young Hackney is also hosting its annual Summer Careers Festival on Friday 21 August. Young people will be able to access free expert advice and guidance, and speak to professional careers advisers from Prospects. 

Local colleges and training providers will also be on hand to talk about the opportunities they are offering. The festival will be a combination of face-to-face and virtual sessions. For more information visit www.younghackney.org/summer-careers-festival/.

For more information about opportunities and training visit https://hackneyworks.hackney.gov.uk/