GCSE results joy
THEY say the twin bond is unlike any other, and identical twins Grace and Olivia Connor, from Crawshawbooth, proved it by achieving almost identical results in their GCSEs, differing by only one grade in a single subject.
And their similarities don’t stop there; both want to study PE, Psychology and Health & Social Care, with shared ambitions to become physiotherapists in the sports industry.
However, they say that when it comes to picking universities after their A-Levels, they may be forced to go their separate ways for the first time ever.
Olivia said: “We didn’t expect to get almost identical results, but we’re pleased we have.
“We’ve got similar aspirations, so it’ll be nice to continue studying alongside each other.
“Mum would like us to go to the same university further down the line, but we’re not sure!
“It might be time to spend some time apart by then.”
Grace said: “We’ve been really grateful to have each other during the lockdown as we’ve been able to talk to one another when either of us were struggling, and we’ve never had to feel alone.
“That definitely helped us when we were studying.”
Their headteacher Joanna Griffiths paid tribute to the sterling efforts of all pupils at ALDER
GRANGE SCHOOL - as well as the efforts of staff.
Joe Warrington has already dipped his toe into the world of work, having joined a joinery company over the summer.
“I’ve always liked to do odd jobs of DIY around the house because it keeps me busy but in the long run, I’d like to be a self-employed joiner,” he said.
“I’ll be able to study an apprenticeship now and am looking forward to getting started.”
Having excelled in all his chosen subjects, long distance runner Will Curry is now set to study A-Levels in Maths and Computer Science, and he’s keen to pursue a technology-driven career.
“We don’t know what the future of computer science will offer us, but I know it’ll be really cool and really fun,” he said.
“I’d like to pass my A-Levels and go on to study at Oxford, then use machine learning to create something that has the potential to change lives.”
Racing her first motor car aged 10 and having already won three national championships by her 16th birthday, Ashley Gregory’s next steps will remain firmly on the track as she heads to Myerscough College to take a qualification in Motorsport Engineering.
Ashley said: “I’m so happy with my results as I’ll be able to follow the career path I’ve always dreamed of.
“I can’t remember a time I wasn’t into motor racing; I’ve been watching it since I was really young, and never wanted to do anything else.
“There aren’t many fellow females who go into this field of work.”
Ashley is set to take part in televised Junior Saloon Car Championships in the next few months.
Having designed and built a floating lamp as part of his GCSE portfolio, Agnel Baiju, is already demonstrating his talent for engineering.
He’s pleased with his results in English, Drama, Design Technology and Food Technology.
While many students were able to use the lockdown to focus on their studies, Ethan Cutting was tasked with juggling his exams with a major operation.
In March, doctors decided Ethan would need to undergo a kidney transplant which would coincide with his exam period.
Determined not to let it get in the way of his qualifications, he adapted his recovery around being able to study and is pleased to have secured the grades he wanted.
He said: “Throughout everything, my teachers and fellow pupils have provided me with so much support to remain on track and I’ve been able to use our school’s online systems whenever I’ve felt up to studying in order to get my grades.”
Ethan will be continuing his studies at Alder Grange Sixth Form where he’ll study Applied Science, IT and Design Engineer Construct.
With dreams to one day work on a McLaren P1 sports car, Harry Taylor achieved the grades required to secure an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship at Alder Grange Sixth Form.
He said: “My main ambition is to work on F1 cars and then save up enough money to buy a sports car of my own,” he said.
Mason Leech secured an excellent set of GCSE results despite spending much of the last 18 months in isolation.
The student had to selfisolate away from his friends and classmates because his mum suffers from leukaemia and was very vulnerable during the pandemic.
“It was really tough,” says Mason.
“I spent a lot of time on Google classrooms but throughout it all the teachers were really supportive.
“My friends were really good too.
“They really helped me and although I couldn’t spend time with them, we messaged one another and played games which helped get me through.”
Star baker Isabelle Greenwood secured excellent results across her subjects, including History, Drama, French and RE.
“I am so happy because I have done better than I had expected in some of my subjects,” says Isabelle.
“During the first lockdown I started baking brownies and cupcakes at home and putting them on social media.
“It turned into a little business.
“But over the last year I have concentrated on my studies and revising for exams.”
At THE VALLEY LEADERSHIP ACAD
EMY in Stacksteads, Mason Scull achieved 100 per cent attendance and actively took part in all
online lessons as well as attending all after school and evening sessions.
According to teachers, Mason worked with commitment to achieve five grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Mason, who has a passion for science, will be going on to study A-Levels in sciences at Burnley College.
Patrick Crossley worked with dedication to achieve two grade 9s and five grade 7s.
Teachers praised the pupil, who also achieved 100 per cent attendance, saying he had displayed an outstanding attitude to his studies.
In September, Patrick will begin the next step of his education by studying law and history at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
Throughout the pandemic, The Valley Leadership Academy has provided a programme of after-school revision sessions and online masterclasses to support pupils to catch up on missed learning and secure their learning.
Amy Evans is a dedicated pupil, who attended every revision session and masterclass to accelerate her progress.
Her teachers say she has been the model pupil and has worked incredibly hard to achieve strong results.
Amy’s commitment resulted in her achieving three grade 7s, three grade 6s, a distinction in hospitality and catering and a merit in travel and tourism.
Amy now plans to study Forensics at Burnley College.
Andrew O’Brien, executive principal, paid tribute to this year’s cohort, who had battled in the face of adversity to achieve excellent results.
He said: “This year, our school community has worked with incredible commitment to ensure pupils continue to make progress with their education.
“Our pupils’ dedication and ability to persevere in the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic is truly inspiring.”