Hard work yields exam success
STUDENTS at Uxbridge College who have completed their GCSE programmes in just one year have been celebrating their results.
The students either take GCSEs for the first time or are re-sitting them after failing to achieve their potential at school, and usually take five subjects, often progressing to A levels or other equivalent courses.
Amanda Washbrook, Head of Uxbridge College Academy, the department which teaches A levels, GCSEs and Vocational Science, said: “Uxbridge College and other Further Education colleges which teach GCSE programmes are unique in that they allow students to sit their exams in just one year.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to all our GCSE achievers.”
Among the top 10 achievers this year at Uxbridge College, where the pass rate was 98% at grades A*-G, were:
Lucien Mukendi, 17, came to the UK from the Congo to escape the conflict situation and progress his education. He achieved A*s in maths, biology and chemistry, an A in physics and a B in English.
Lucien, who lives in Uxbridge and will return to college to do physics, maths and chemistry A levels, said: “It feels amazing because the whole year I have worked very hard. In my very first assessment for physics, maths and biology I got C grades and I decided then I needed to work as hard as I could. I am very satisfied with my results, and I would advise other students to work hard – it is the only way to be successful.”
Margarita Popa, 17, who achieved A grades in maths, biology, chemistry and media studies, and a D in English, and will be coming back to take A levels in biology, chemistry and maths and re-sit her English.
Originally from Moldova, and now living in West Drayton, Margarita said: “I am very happy with my results. It was more difficult to study as English is my second language, but the teachers understood I might find it harder and gave me all the help I needed. Everyone is friendly and supportive and I enjoyed studying the subjects.”