GCSE results special
STUART PIKE
THEY had faced a long and - at times - worrying summer, but there were plenty of smiles as GCSE students from across the borough received those long-awaited results.
Across the country, this year’s GCSEs saw a recordbreaking 79 per cent pass rate compared to 70 per cent last year, and in Rossendale teachers from across the borough have praised their students’ hard work and resilience after the coronavirus pandemic saw months of school and their exams cancelled.
VALLEY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
THE Academy is celebrating the hard work and commitment of its Year 11 pupils as they receive their GCSE results.
This year’s results day was a little different to previous years but, despite recent uncertainty, pupils at the school found a great deal to celebrate.
The school’s Head Girl, Lizzie Mawson, secured grades 7 and 8 in many subjects including English Literature, Mathematics and Spanish after what her teachers described as “five years of total commitment and dedication to her studies and school life”.
The pupil was praised for being an outstanding role model and ambassador for the school and community.
Head Boy and avid historian, Kalumn Ridgway, who has represented the school at key historical memorials both in the UK and abroad, also achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results, including a welldeserved grade 8 in history.
Talented artist Theola Whittaker obtained eight strong GCSE results including a well-deserved grade 7 in Art. Teachers praised Theola for her fantastic attitude to learning throughout her five years at the school.
Maiya Talbot displayed her talents in Maths and Science, securing impressive GCSE grades. Teachers told how Maiya had grown in confidence and ambition since starting at the school.
Earlier this year, Maiya was the first ever recipient of the school’s Stellar Award. The award will be given annually to one pupil and one staff member who always gives their best, goes above and beyond, and who seeks no recognition or reward for what they do.
Maiya is a committed and diligent pupil who is a role model to her peers.
Keen scientist Amy Evans achieved strong passes in triple science. Amy’s positive results will enable her to continue her post-16 studies in her beloved Science at Burnley College.
Kieran Larkin, executive principal at the school, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of the schools’ pupils.
He said: “I have felt extremely privileged to be able to share in our pupils’ journeys this year, particularly so in this unique year.
“The sheer graft of many of our pupils and their ability to succeed in what have been challenging circumstances for many has made me incredibly proud.
“All the pupils turned out for their results which showed me how keen and committed they are to now get back into their studies following the challenging year they have faced.
“I would like to thank all our parents and teachers for working so hard to support our pupils through such extraordinary times.”
ALDER GRANGE
IT was smiles all round for Iqra Hussain, who achieved an incredible four 9s in History, Maths, Design Technology and French, as well as five 8s.
The Deputy Head Girl will be studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths A-Levels at Alder Grange Sixth Form, with the view to forging a career in medicinal research or pharmacology.
“I love analysing things,” Iqra said. “I’m always interested in how things work – for example if someone takes a paracetamol, I want to know exactly what’s going on in their body and how it’s affecting them. It’s fascinating!”
Although sciences come naturally to the star pupil, Iqra has also enjoyed being a part of the school council and taking on duties as Deputy Head Girl, where she was involved in keydecision making to improve the student experience at the school.
Nicole Swift is ‘overwhelmed’ at her GCSE results, performing better than she’d initially expected, achieving an impressive four 9s. Alongside four grade 9s, Nicole, from Rossendale, also gained one 8, two 7s and two 6s.
She said: “I love working hard to find things out, like why did someone act a certain way? That’s what I love about Psychology. I’m going to keep studying it at Alder Grange Sixth Form, as well as English Literature and Law.”
Lewis Emmott, achieved 7s in Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Product Design, English Language and English Literature, as well as a Distinction* on the Design Engineer Construct enrichment course.
Lewis said: “I’m looking at pursuing a career in architecture - in fact, being able to do the Design Engineer Construct course at school gave me the idea.”
Lewis will be progressing on to Alder Grange Sixth Form to continue the Design Engineer Construct Qualification at Level 3, in addition to an A-level in
Music Production and one other subject yet to be decided.
Despite recent health issues, Jack Trickett has performed excellently in his recent GCSEs, achieving one 8, four 7s, one 6 and one 5.
He said: “I’m feeling really proud actually. I’ve
done pretty good - better than I expected.”
Jack, 16, has experienced kidney problems over recent months, but still managed to continue his studies with support from the school.
He’s currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant, however the pandemic situation is causing delay.
He plans to progress on to Alder Grange Sixth Form and hopes to build a career in cyber security.
He explained: “It’s been my dream job for a while now. Originally, I’d planned to be a teacher, sharing my knowledge with students. However when I found out about cyber security, I thought that’s for me.
“I can’t believe there’s a job where you are allowed to hack into networks – and it’s for the greater good.”
Jack’s digital and technical skills also led to him supporting the school’s recent Little Shop of Horrors production as part of the sound and set team behind the scenes.
When Anh Nguyen moved to the UK from Vietnam just over two years ago he could only speak a little English. However he’s now achieved two 4s in his GCSEs, as well as six other grades.
Anh achieved 4s in Statistics and Art & Design, two subjects he’s passionate about.
He said: “I’m very happy. The teachers helped me a lot when I started here and helped me improve my English. I’ve also made lots of friends at the school.”
Anh plans to progress on to Sixth Form to study English and Art & Design.
“I decided to stay here because they know me and understand where I’ve come from, and I know how supportive the teachers are,” he said.
Amelia Boyle achieved a top grade 9 GCSE in Geography, plus five 8s, two 7s, and a Distinction* in the Hospitality and Catering Award.
She said: “I was very nervous leading up to the results, but also confident in our teachers that they would allocate our grades fairly.”
Amelia plans to develop a career in Forensic Science, as a result of her passion for crime dramas. She’ll be celebrating her results by going out for lunch with her family.
Ruby Bryant achieved an impressive three 8s, one 8, two 7s, one 6 and a 9 in one of her favourite subjects, English Language.
The aspiring writer is going on to study Media BTEC at Burnley College, where she hopes to try her hand at directing.
Ruby, from Rawtenstall, said: “I’m a creative person, so I’m excited to study Media. I love films with a message behind them, like Rocky Horror Picture Show, and I’m hoping to get stuck in directing similar things at college.
“I’m also an avid reader, so in an ideal world I’d love to write fiction books. My favourite novel is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, as it’s a captivating read, and I appreciate the author’s unique style.”
Multi-talented Ruby also dabbles with SFX make-up, creating pop-art inspired looks on herself, was a
member of the Alder Grange Choir and even organised an open-mic night for charity, where she raised £150 for Rossendale Hospice.
l» Aspiring footballer Rebecca Beresford, from Rossendale, is incredibly happy with her grades, gaining three 3s, one 4, one 5 and two 6s.
The sportswoman is now swapping the bus ride to school for a lengthy commute to Liverpool, where she’s been signed for the Everton Under 20s football team.
“I love playing football, so PE was my favourite subject here,” Rebecca said.
l» Anisha Hussain is celebrating her amazing GCSE results this year, achieving one 7, five 8s and a 9 at Alder Grange School.
The Head Girl is excited to go on and study Psychology, Sociology and English Literature at Burnley College.
Even though her sights are set on a career in clinical psychology, Anisha has already begun to establish herself as a professional actor, with a small one-off role in ITV’s The Syndicate.
Anisha, who lives in Rawtenstall, said: “I’ve been doing amateur dramatics since being a kid, and I’ve now got the opportunity to be an extra on TV – it’s only two lines in one episode, but it’s a start! I hope one day to be cast in a bigbudget Marvel film like Spider-man.”
l» A dream career in music is on the horizon for 16-year-old Thomas Wise following his outstanding GCSE results.
He gained six 7s and one 6 across a range of subjects including his favourite course, Music.
Thomas has big dreams for a career as a musician, as the teenager, originally from Rossendale, has already mastered playing the guitar, the drums and the piano. Although he’s not played professionally so far, his sights are set on joining a band when he gets to Sixth Form.
l» A musical-theatre enthusiast from Rawtenstall could dance with happiness after receiving great GCSE results this week.
Ella Clayton achieved two 6s, four 5s and three 4s, and is heading towards the bright lights of Manchester to study to be a nail technician.
She particularly enjoyed Drama and Music, as she was able to challenge herself by mastering new roles and instruments.
Ella said: “My initial plan was to do Drama, but I like the creative freedom that comes with doing beauty. When lockdown was announced, the first thing I did was put a set of nails on as I find the whole process therapeutic.”
l» Rossendale Valley midfielder Harvey Butterworth has scored well in his GCSE results with a hattrick of grade 7s.
Harvey, 15, is ‘surprised but happy’ with his results, achieving five 7s and three 6s.
The Rawtenstall pupil said: “I really enjoy History; I think I take after my dad there. I’m particularly interested in the battles of World War One, understanding the warfare and strategy behind everything.”
Harvey plans to study Geography, History and Graphic Design at Sixth Form.
WHITWORTH HIGH KELVIN Larkin achieved 10 GCSEs all at Grades 9-7 at Whitworth High School and is planning to become a doctor.
The 16-year-old from Whitworth achieved the top Grade 9 in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Sociology and Religious Studies.
He said: “I had really good teachers at Whitworth and I enjoyed my time. In September I am starting at Rochdale Sixth Form studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and we will have one week in at college and the second week will be virtual lessons.”
l» Also looking forward to becoming a doctor is Sophie Brook, from Shawclough, who achieved eight GCSEs at Grades 9-7 and a distinction in her V Cert in Business.
She achieved the top Grade 9 in Art, a Combined Science, Geography and Religious Studies, Grade 8 in English Literature and Language, a second Combined Science and a Grade 7 in Maths.
She said: “It was very strange going to get the results because I wanted to hug my friends but I couldn’t. I had to wear a facemask and when I got the results I was really happy, but because teachers could not see if I was smiling behind the mask they kept checking if I was ok.”
l» Budding sports psychologist Maria Quigley, from Whitworth, achieved nine GCSEs and all at Grade 9 or 8 along with a OE V Cert Level 2 distinction star.
Maria said: “I am now going to study Maths, Psychology and Sports at AG6 and want to study sports psychology at university.
“I have really enjoyed my time at high school. I was nervous when I went to get my results; I knew I was going to do well but didn’t expect 8s and 9s!”
l» An outstanding set of results has enabled Jasmine Clayton to secure a place at Oldham College to study Level 3 Performing Arts.
She got the top Grade 9 in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Geography, Grade 8 in Biology and Computer Science and Grade 7 in Art. The 16-year-old from Lumb also achieved a Level 2 distinction star in her V Cert Performing Arts.
Jasmine said: “I want to work in performing arts and musical theatre, both on the stage and also backstage.”
l» Burnley College beckons for Harley Milner after he achieved a superb set of GCSE results including five at the top Grade 9.
Harley, from Bacup, does not know what career he wishes to pursue, but he hopes to study English to a higher level.
Harley said: “I have enjoyed my time at Whitworth. It has been stressful at times, but I have met some good people and come away with good GCSEs.”
l» Molly Wilkinson is now looking forward to studying hair and media make-up at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale.
She achieved nine GCSEs with a Grade 9 in English Literature, Grade 8 in English Language and Sociology and Grade 7 in History.
She said: “I want to be a make-up artist and have always loved doing my own make-up. I wanted to do something practical and something I enjoy.”