Students speak of delight at exceptional A-level and Level 3 technical results

Ron Dearing UTC sixth form students have spoken of their joy after securing excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results.

Here is what some of them had to say …

Dalia Rafik, 17, achieved a double Distinction in Creative Digital and a Distinction in Art.

She will now go on to Coventry University to study Psychology and hopes to become a psychologist or therapist, helping children through art therapy.

Dalia said: “I’m so pleased with my results.

“Being a student at Ron Dearing has really improved my knowledge and broadened my horizons. I’ve always wanted a career that enables me to help others.”

Tom Dannatt, 18, achieved A* grades in Chemistry, Further Maths and Maths, and an A in Physics.

He will now study a Chemistry degree at the University of Manchester and hopes to become a chemist in the future.

Tom said: “I’ve had really good teachers who’ve supported me to achieve these grades. They’ve done so much to help us.

“I’m excited for the future and really looking forward to starting university.”

Isabella Acaster, 18, achieved an A* in English Language and Literature, an A in Biology and an A in Maths.

She recently started a degree apprenticeship in Food Science at Cranswick Plc in Hull. Isabella is working in product development on Cranswick’s range of pork products which appear in UK supermarkets.

She said: “I’m so relieved – it’s felt like a long wait to get my results, and I’m delighted with the grades I’ve got.

“I’ve been working with Cranswick for a couple of weeks now, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

“I’m going to really miss Ron Dearing. All of the teachers are so passionate and have helped me so much.”

Marcus Swaby, 18, achieved an A in Biology, a B in Physics and a Distinction * in Level Two Engineering.

He is now heading on to the University of York, where he will study Biology.

Marcus said: “Ron Dearing has been a font of educational happiness for me.

“I was Chair of the student board when I was in Year 12, which was a role I learnt a lot from and has really helped push on to achieve my ambition of going to York.

“The staff at Ron Dearing are unlike anywhere else. They’ve been incredible.”

James Acey, 18, achieved A grades in Chemistry, Physics and Maths and will now go on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester.

He said: “I’m so pleased I got the grades to go to university.

“I’d like to go into climate change consultancy and work in the energy industry because I’ve always been passionate about climate change. I can’t wait.”

Erin Rowe, 18, achieved Distinctions in all three of her technical qualifications, Digital Media, Art and Engineering.

She recently started work at Fresh Design International, an architecture and design company. Her early career has already seen her travel to Luxembourg, using high-tech software to scan buildings.

Erin said: “From the very first day at Ron Dearing, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. I’ve massively enjoyed my time here, and am very sad to be leaving.

“I feel like I’m settling in nicely at Fresh Design, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.”

Peter Sward, 18, achieved straight A grades in all three of his A-levels, Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

He will now progress on to Oxford University, where he will study Biology. He has ambitions to work in genetics in the future.

Peter said: “I moved to Hull from Canada five years ago, and have been at Ron Dearing since Year 10. I’ve enjoyed my time here and I’ve met some great people. The teachers have been so helpful.

“I’m looking forward to starting at Oxford now, and seeing what the future holds.”

Mercy McFarlane, 18, secured a triple Distinction in her Extended Diploma in Engineering.

She is preparing to begin an Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship at Smith+Nephew, a Founding Partner of Ron Dearing UTC.

Mercy said: “I’m really proud of my grades, and all the hard work has paid off.

“I can’t wait for my apprenticeship. The whole male side of my family are all engineers and I want to be the first female. I’d like to be an offshore electrical engineer working on oil rigs in the future.

“I’ve loved my time at Ron Dearing UTC and all the opportunities it has given me.”

Cohen Morfitt, 18, achieved A* in A-level Further Maths and Maths, and a double Distinction in his Technical Diploma in Computer Science. He is now going to study Maths at Durham University.

Cohen said: “Coming to Ron Dearing UTC is the best decision I’ve ever made and the teachers have been amazing. They really pushed me and helped me achieve these grades.”

Leia Palmer, 18, achieved a double Distinction* in her Diploma in Digital Media and a C in A-level English Language and Literature.

She will now study Film Production at the University of Salford.

“My interest in film production started while I was at Ron Dearing, and I did a workshop in it which really captured my imagination,” said Leia.

“I loved Salford, and Media City, and it’s the place to be for film and broadcasting. At the moment I’m interested in a career in radio in the future, but let’s see what happens!

“Ron Dearing is the best place I’ve ever been – I came four years ago and I’ve loved it. I couldn’t have asked for any more support from the staff, they’ve been fantastic.”

Aleksis Vanags, 18, achieved an A* in A-level Further Maths, an A* in A-level Maths, an A in A-level Physics and a Distinction* in his Technical Certificate in Computing.

He will now progress on to Imperial College London, where he will study Aerospace Engineering.

Aleksis said: “I’m really happy with my results – I’ve wanted to study Aerospace Engineering for a while now, and I can’t believe it’s actually going to happen.

“I’ve made some really good friends here at Ron Dearing, and all of the teachers and staff have been supportive and have pushed me to get the best results possible.

“I’m going to miss it here, but I’m also excited for what comes next.”