Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Three students at Ark Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton celebrated for excelling in GCSEs despite challenges like relocation, low starting grades, and commitments
After spending time overseas, Aleeyah Quadri enrolled in Lambeth‘s Ark Evelyn Grace Academy in Year 10. She achieved an astounding two grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s, and one grade 6 despite the difficulties of adjusting to a new school.
Aleeyah is going on to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Charter North, with the ambition of becoming a Medical Doctor. Offering advice to younger students, Aleeyah said:
“Don’t base your life on others’ expectations, set the high standards for yourself.”
Outside of school, Connor Ives-Blair played basketball with the London Legends while juggling his studies. Fresh from a summer basketball competition in Pennsylvania, he even gathered his results.
Connor will continue on to St. Thomas the Apostle College to study politics, sociology, and physical education.
“Balance what you want to do with what you need to do,”
he advised other pupils.
Throughout his GCSEs, Abdullay Sulaiman has demonstrated incredible perseverance, going from grades 3 to earning marks 7 and 8. With the goal of becoming a psychologist, he plans to study mathematics, psychology, and applied science at Charter North.
Reflecting on his journey, Abdullay said,
“No matter how many times you get knocked down, you must never give up. Keep striving because tough times don’t last.”
Ark Evelyn Grace Academy Principal Una Sookun said,
“A huge well done to our Year 11s! These results are testament to their hard work, mindset and support for one another. I look forward to seeing what they achieve next!”
What specific challenges did the students face that impacted their GCSE success?
Some students, such as Damari Harris, had recently moved to the UK, joining the school just before or during the pandemic. This meant adjusting to a new education system, culture, and language barriers, all while catching up academically after disrupted schooling.
For students like Miguel Faria de Souza, who arrived speaking little English, the challenge was rapid academic progress in core subjects from low starting points to high grades, requiring significant effort in language acquisition and subject mastery.
Students were also juggling participation in extracurricular activities alongside their studies. For example, Miguel was involved in amateur ju-jitsu and international competitions, adding time management and physical demands to their schedule.