<br>Sixth form students from Highbury Grove School arrived nervously at a classroom at nearby Highbury Fields School to pick up their A level results this morning.<br><br>17-year-old Duane Riggs-Long looked stunned as he received 4 grade A results at AS level in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He is planning to apply to Cambridge University next year and with these results is certainly well on track to achieve this ambition. His best friend, Javed Miah, picked up A grades in Maths and Physics and is hoping to study aeronautics and become a pilot. The students were unanimous in their praise for their school and their teachers.<br><br>“Anybody who goes to Highbury Grove and who wants to do well, can. It’s a really good school, the teachers are excellent and they encourage you to work hard,” explained Duane. <br><br>Both boys decided to stay on into the sixth form at Highbury Grove rather than applying to college.<br><br>“I wanted to stay at Highbury Grove because I feel comfortable at the school, and I knew that I could do well there. I knew that the teachers are good, and we’ve got the results to prove it.” Javed agreed.<br><br>18-year-old Guven Beytekin was awarded a double A in Art and Design, gaining top marks of 100/100 in 8 of the 12 modules. With these excellent results he has secured his place at the University of Hertfordshire and will specialise in graphic design. He already has an exhibition of his work on display at Highbury Grove School, and he attributes his success to hard work: “Achieving the grades is mostly about whether people put in the work. Whatever school you go to, it’s about whether you want to study or not.”<br><br>Bringing out the best in academically able students is one thing, but a good test of the true quality of a school is how far the aspirations of the less academically able students are met. Highbury Grove’s Kevin Kenton was pleased and relieved after gaining his place at Kent Institute with an A/B grade in Art and Design. Kevin has a statement of special educational needs and overcame enormous odds to gain his qualifications:<br><br>“Everybody’s an individual. Highbury Grove is a good because the teachers treat you like a person. I really like designing and creating things and I’m looking forward to studying sculpture, 3D design and fashion design.”<br><br>Councillor James Kempton, executive member for children, welcomed the improving A level results.<br><br>“Congratulations to all the A level students receiving their results today. It’s very encouraging to see Islington’s young people doing so well.”<br><br>Ends<br><br>For further information please contact:<br><br>Louise Trewavas<br>CEA@Islington<br>T: 020 7527 5826<br>E: louise.trewavas.cea@islington.gov.uk<br><br>Caroline Rowe<br>CEA@Islington<br>020 7527 5545<br>caroline.rowe.cea@islington.gov.uk
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009