Aiming for triple A grades at A level

A level student Junior Boateng takes his studies and his charity work seriously.

Junior will sit exams in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology in July and has set his heights high –  aiming to achieve As in each.

Three A grades is what he needs to go on and study medicine at university, after which he hopes to specialise in orthopaedics.

But Junior has managed to balance those tough academic demands with volunteering, in his spare time, to help some of Leeds’ most vulnerable residents.

A supportive learning environment

He credits Leeds Sixth Form College for providing vital support for both pursuits.

He said: “Leeds Sixth Form College is a good place to study because the teachers are always willing to help.

“They always make you aware that they are here to assist so when I don’t get stuff at first I know I can go to them and they’re happy to explain to me, whether that be in person or online. They are always very responsive.”

Junior’s charity work, meanwhile, is done through a church in Leeds and focuses on those who are living on the streets or have hit a low point.

Offering a helping hand

He said: “We seek out people who are in need and are easily forgotten by society.

“Through our Night Angels programme, for example, we go out around town in the evenings and meet homeless people who come for food and drink. You meet all kinds of people, sometimes even university students who are struggling.

“We also put up notes on the bridges around Leeds to give a message to those who might be despairing, so they know there’s somebody out there who cares and can help.

“The college has been very supportive of this work and when I was organising a foodbank drive staff gladly helped by creating posters. Quite a few people also brought in donations, which really helped us be able to serve hot meals to people in need.”