Ark students are celebrating A level and BTEC successes following a uniquely challenging year.
On this page we are sharing some of the individual stories about our hard-working students who have have shared their plans for the future:
Maths expert heading to the US
Ark Acton Academy student Livan has been awarded 3 A*s in A Level Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and an A in Chemistry.
This, combined with his completion of American standardised exams earlier this academic year, means he will be attending Harvey Mudd College in the USA to study Maths and Liberal Arts.
Livan, 18, is an exceptional student at the west London school and naturally gifted mathematician. He achieved the highest grade in the newly reformed GCSE maths in 2018. Only 3% of candidates who were entered for GCSE maths achieved the highest grade nationally.
He moved to the UK from Italy when he was six years old, and he is first in his family to attend university. In the past years, Livan has participated in national Science competitions, including Isaac Physics and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge placing him in the top 2% for achievement nationally. He is hoping to represent the UK in this year's international Chemistry and Physics Olympiads.
“I want to thank my teachers at Ark Acton Academy, especially Ms Lok and Dr Vavaruca who have always gone the extra mile for all the sixth form students. From staying late to help with studies to helping me with the admissions process and general moral support. They are seriously passionate about education and I am grateful for their commitment to me and my peers.”
Globe student set for Cambridge
Ark Globe Academy student Kirsten has been awarded a place at Cambridge University to study medicine following her A Level grades issued today.
Kirsten, from Walworth, secured three A*s and an A grade today and is the first student from the Southwark school to study medicine. She has always been interested in the subject and has dreams to work in medical physics.
She published an article in Year 10 on public health exploring past research emphasising continuing health inequalities in the UK despite advances in healthcare.
She said: “I am really happy and proud of myself and I would like to thank all of the staff at Ark Globe for the support they have given me over the years. My time at Globe has been really valuable and I have gained lots of skills I can use at university. I am going to continue my preparation for university ready for September. I am also looking forward to coming back to Globe to encourage younger students to apply for Medicine.”
Alexandra Students Heading to University
Ark Alexandra student Megan is to study history at the University of Southampton after receiving two As and a B in History, English Literature and Psychology A Levels today.
Megan is extremely active in her school community and has been a part of the Hastings Youth Council. She will receive a Reuben scholarship, donated by the Reuben Foundation, to help with the financial costs of university life.
Megan said: “I really enjoyed my time at sixth form and felt incredibly supported the whole time. I knew I wouldn’t be let down and, regardless of what happened, they would be there for me. I am very excited for my next chapter. When I started at sixth form, I was not sure what I wanted to study but I was so inspired by my teachers who helped me find where my interests were.”
Fellow Ark Alexandra student Maisie is to study psychology at King’s College, London, after gaining an A* and three As in her A Levels.
Maisie, who studied Spanish, Maths, Biology and Psychology said: "I have enjoyed my time at sixth form and am grateful to the staff and teachers who have supported me throughout my time here, giving me the confidence to apply to university and enabling me to achieve the highest grades I could.”
Pioneer Lia set for Cambridge
Ark Putney student Lia is heading to Cambridge University to study geography after receiving three A*and an A in her A Levels.
Lia studied geography, English literature and psychology and is the first member of her family to attend university. She said: "I couldn’t have done this without the driving force of the teachers behind me. The school’s Oxbridge programme helped me realise my potential and really gave me the skills and expertise needed to win a place at Cambridge".
Joyful Anisa hits the heights
Ark St Alban’s Academy student Anisa Ahmed has won a place at Birmingham University to study pharmacy after receiving two A grades and a B in her A Levels.
Anisa, who was keen to stay in her home city, hopes her studies will help her to be able to give back to the communities she has grown up in. Teachers at St Albans describe her as joyful and humorous with an enthusiasm for learning.
Ark’s Realising Opportunities programme enabled her to visit a number of high-profile universities to help her make her choice about course and destination. She is the first member of her family to go to university.
Speaking this morning, Anisa said:
“It has been such an unusual few months and we were all very nervous about coming in this morning. I am obviously very happy with my results and what it means for me. I can’t wait to tell my family – they are going to be so happy.”
UCL awaits Globe student with global ambition
Ark Globe student Brenda Irabor is to study History, Politics and Economics at University College London having been awarded two A*s and two As in her A levels.
Brenda, from Peckham in south London, is a former deputy head girl who represented the school nationally in the Globe Poets team. She wants to work for the United Nations and successfully held down a part time job while studying.
Brenda said: “I feel really, really good. The last few months were very stressful. It feels like a huge weight is off my shoulders. I will definitely go out with my family to celebrate and I am excited about university life.
“Ark Globe Sixth Form staff are the most supportive staff ever. They always make the space for you to grow, sometimes if you feel down they pick you back up. The culture of relationships at Ark Globe is amazing.”
Isaac Newton Academy students celebrating top BTEC grades
INA student Haaris Waseem was awarded the highest possible marks (Distinction*) in his business BTEC and now plans to study business at Queen Mary University in London.
Haaris said: “I would like to go into corporate finance one day so studying business is something I am excited to do. I am quite sad today as it marks the end of an era at Isaac Newton My teachers have always been really helpful to me. I am glad I went down the BTEC route instead of A levels as it has helped me decide what I want to do.”
Felow INA student Naym Rahman received three Distinction grades in his business BTEC and is now hoping to go to Middlesex University to study cyber security and digital forensics.
Naym said: “I am feeling really relieved. It has been a really tough few years as my father fell ill, so I have been working up to three jobs to help support my family whilst in Sixth Form. I was weighing up between an apprenticeship and university, but I have decided to go to university. I am really proud of myself and what I have achieved the past year.”