Stepping up to new challenges – students celebrate GCSE results

Students have been finding out what their next options are after opening their GCSE results.

Many, including among those on our Step-Up Pathway, have had cause to celebrate and start planning for the next stage of their educational journey.

Those included 18 year old Diya Eman, who was understandably “proud and happy” after excelling in her five GCSEs in combined science, business, maths and English.

For Diya, who joined the Step-Up Pathway course just after moving to the UK from Pakistan, the achievement was particularly well-earned as she had to quickly master English to succeed in her studies.

Now looking forward to starting A levels at Leeds Sixth Form College, she said: “It was a big challenge since English was not my first language, and it was hard to adapt.

“But the support at college was amazing. The teachers taught really well, gave great constructive feedback, and genuinely helped me achieve everything I have today.

“Everyone made me feel welcome and guided me literally every step of the way.”

After A levels, Diya is aiming to go on to pursue a career in medical sciences.

Praise for ‘excellent support’ and a friendly community

Maisie Dean is also looking forward to continuing her education with the college, after gaining the five GCSEs – in English language, maths and combined science – she did through the Step-Up programme.

Maisie’s time at college represented a very different experience from the preceding years, when she had been home schooled – but it was one she embraced.

Declaring herself very happy with her results, the 17 year old said: “I struggled with mainstream education; however, with support, I have found a learning environment that suits me and not only have I been able to do my exams but I have really flourished throughout the year I have been here.

“I have found the support that I have received excellent at college, the tutors are caring and enabled me to reach my full potential.

“The best thing about studying at Leeds Sixth Form College is the community, there is always someone there if you need them and it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

Maisie hopes to progress to university after A levels.

A birthday to remember for aspiring engineer Hasti

Another very happy Step-up student on results day was Hasti Ghadirian, who was celebrating her 19^th birthday at the same time she received her results.

After achieving her five GCSEs, Hasti is now looking forward to doing an Access to HE Diploma in Engineering.

She said: “I really, really, really enjoyed this college and I’m really happy I was here last year and will be here next year, as well.”

She also had this message for anyone worried about taking on GCSEs: “I promise you it’s not hard, you can do it!”

Top grades for Tre

Step-Up student Tre Sura, meanwhile, got the very best kind of surprise when she opened her results to find a flurry of 5, 6 and 7 grades greeting her.

Eighteen year old Tre, who moved to moved to the UK from Germany a year ago, admitted that those results exceeded her expectations and were “way better than expected”.

She said: “It was very nerve-racking, obviously, but when I opened that envelope it was just relief.”

Those results will help Tre take her next steps towards a career in aviation.