Moonlighting as a part-time piano instructor, a Queens Park Community School pupil has attained the three A*s asked of her by a top university.
Jodie Lee is off to Imperial College to study chemical engineering having attained top grades in maths, further maths and chemistry.
The 18-year-old said: “I hope to go abroad, hopefully to Singapore, but the course is really competitive so I’ll have to work hard.”
The former Gladstone Park Primary School pupil, who reached grade 8 in piano, taught a seven-year-old “basic” skills while studying for her exams. “I’d love to continue with my music,” she added.
Throughout the morning anxious students came into the school, fearful of what awaited them as the first year group of pupils to take courses toughened up under former Education Secretary Michael Gove’s reforms.
Of the 85 students taking the new A-Levels, 17 bagged the top grades with many going on to Russell Group universities.
A further 13 sat BTEC exams “who deserve a big shout-out they did so well,” said headteacher Judith Enright.
Ms Enright, who comes to the end of her first year leading the comprehensive school, added: “Queen’s Park Community School has risen to the challenge of the new A-Levels with one in four grades at A-A*. Our BTEC results are again some of the best in the country, with 31per cent of the cohort achieving top marks: three starred distinction grades. These achievements are thanks to the dedication and expertise of our teachers, whose long-standing commitment to the school ensures that all our students are supported to do their best.”
Oliver Yuen, 18, was shocked to receive two A*s and an A in his maths, further maths and physics A-Levels, which has got him into Bristol University studying mathematics. He said: “I was expecting the worst and spent last night looking at the clearance universities. I nearly cried when I saw my results but didn’t. With GSCE’s you know if you did well but A-Levels are something else.”
His classmate Tayyab Bhandari, also 18, got the same two A*s and A for the same subjects, having made “exceptional progress” since his GCSE’s said headteacher Judith Enright. He is off to study electrical engineering at Imperial College. He said: “We had no past papers, a new examination board, and new specifications. I didn’t know what to expect. It was all abit of a gamble.”
Erinda Selmani, 18, said: “I remember having to work so so hard from January until June. It was a stress but seems like it was worth it.” Her A* in maths, A in economics and B in French has won her a place at the London School of Economics to study social policy and economics.”
Yasmin Ali, 19 changed subjects after a year when she realised she did not wish to continue with her science based subjects and pursue a career in medicine. With three A’s in history, English literature, and economics, she is off to study law and politics at Queen Mary University. She said: “When I finished year 12 I realised the subjects I was doing weren’t for me. I didn’t feel motivated at all so it was good I got to reevaluate. At first I wanted to do medicine, now I want to be a lawyer.”
Ms Enright added: “This a great community comprehensive school which is really inclusive. Students here come from a huge range of backgrounds and go on to reach their potential and pursue their future careers.
“We have a very committed team of teachers many of whom have been working here a long time and their experience and dedication have really helped students do their best.”
Cllr Mili Patel, cabinet member for children and young people at Brent Council, said: “I would like to wish all of our young people in Brent the best of luck as they receive their results today.
“A Level results are an exciting time in the life of a young person as they look to take the next steps in their careers. Whatever their results are, I wish them all the very best for the future.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all the teachers, staff and governors who put in countless hours to help our young people reach their full potential.”
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