Success stories across Hackney as students celebrate receiving A-level results
There were plenty of smiling faces across Hackney this morning as students were reunited with classmates and teachers to collect their A-level results.
After another challenging year due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools used a range of evidence for grades, including classwork, coursework and mock exams.
The Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble and Director of Education, Annie Gammon visited schools across the borough on results morning to congratulate students on their results.
I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our remarkable students here in Hackney, particularly after such a strange and difficult year for young people completing their A-levels.
Our students have shown such resilience to push on with their studies in challenging circumstances, as have the families and teachers who have supported them throughout.
Having spoken to lots of students this morning, I am so excited to see what you go on to achieve next. I wish you all the very best in your future careers - whatever you decide to do - Hackney is very proud of you!
Director of Education, Annie Gammon said: “We are pleased to see that students across the borough have received positive A-level results, BTEC and other vocational qualifications. These outcomes are a great recognition of the hard work and commitment from all our young people and their teachers during a difficult, challenging and uncertain period.
“Hackney’s students have shown incredible resilience and that they have had to be very flexible in adapting to learning at home. Our schools and colleges have been undertaking amazing work to secure engagement and motivation, and provide support, throughout the pandemic. Receiving these grades and qualifications, local students can look forward to the future, whether that is a university place, further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.”
Urswick School’s Miriam Summers, 18, who achieved three A*s in sociology, ethics and theology, and history, is going on to read Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Cavendish College, Cambridge. Miriam said: “I’d like to thank all of my A-level teachers for their tireless efforts to help me on the path to where I am now. I am so looking forward to developing my knowledge further and would like to thank my Mandarin teacher especially.”
Fellow Urswick student Cosmo Siddons, 18, is going on to study Chinese studies at Queen’s College, Oxford after achieving A*s in English literature, history and politics. Cosmo said: “Although the last two years have been challenging it has ended well for all of us. I have felt fully supported by all the teaching staff. It’s great to know all the hard work has paid off and I’m really looking forward to the next stage of my education.”
Bridge Academy’s Isha Sowe, 18, is heading to Brunel University to read psychology after securing an A in psychology, B in history and B in sociology. Isha said: “Receiving our results this morning has been a huge weight off my shoulders. I achieved my personal goal, despite a chaotic year, and I am excited for my future.”
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.
Receiving your exams results and figuring out what your next steps are can be extremely overwhelming. This year will be even harder for many young people due to changes regarding education and exams because of coronavirus.
We understand how much this will affect you and want to help you find the next steps that best suit you after results day, whether that be college, university, an apprenticeship or employment.
Young Hackney will be hosting a Summer Careers Festival on Friday 13 August, 12-3pm at Hackney Town Hall (E8 1EA).
Face-to-face support will be offered where you can speak to professional careers advisers from Prospects and access free expert advice about next steps and options available to you. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact kane.sewell@hackney.gov.uk
For more information about apprenticeships, jobs and training visit opportunities.hackney.gov.uk/.