Ambitious Renfrewshire pupils gain an A-rating in exam results

Aiming for careers in STEM, law and product design, the students were thrilled their hard work paid off.

More than 4,000 Renfrewshire pupils completed SQA courses this year and results show another successful year.

Baillie Kerr, 18, from Johnstone High, is heading off to study at Glasgow University after gaining As in Advanced Higher Mathematics and Higher Psychology. She said: “I want to be a counsellor after I finish university. I know people who suffer from poor mental health and I want to change perceptions about mental wellbeing.”

Budding product designer, Ross Allan, 17, from Paisley Grammar, is heading to university next month. He said: “I needed to get three As and one B to get in and study product design at Strathclyde University. I’m so proud of what I achieved.

“Solving problems is a huge part of product design and I like that it is a creative job with practical implications.”

Millie Spence, 16, from Johnstone High, is also looking to study product design. She said: “I would prefer not to work behind at desk all day. I’m going to go to university after I finish S6.”

Looking forward to a career as a radiotherapist, Stephanie Tavendale, 15, from Johnstone High, said; “One of my favourite subjects is physics and I want to use what I learn to help people with cancer.”

Holly Hamilton, 16, from Paisley Grammar, is also interested in STEM subjects. She said: “I really enjoy science subjects and maths. I haven’t yet decided exactly what I want to study at university, but it’s likely to be a STEM subject.”

After being introduced to criminal cases during his work experience, Danny McNeill, 16, from Paisley Grammar, is on his way to become a lawyer. He said: ““I really enjoyed watching how lawyers presented their case at court and the increasing use of video and audio evidence.”

Joshua Campbell, 16, from Paisley Grammar, also wants to study law, but also finds sound engineering to be fun. He said: “I first started volunteering as a sound technician for my school plays and now I also support the Renfrewshire Schools Orchestra. It has made me consider if I want to do it as a career instead of business law, but I have still to decide. I will not be going to university for another year or two.”

With ambitious to teach primary school children, Jemma English, 15, from Paisley Grammar, isn’t sure what path she will take to become one but will be going to university. She said: “I have always wanted to be a primary school teacher. I like being hands-on and helping children learn through being creative.”

Mabel Wylie, 16, Ellie McGarry, 17, and Lewis Deighan, 15, all from Johnstone High, are not ready to choose what they will study at university. Mabel said: “I will probably study maths at university and go onto work in equity analysis, but I am not sure yet. I have a year to decide.”

Headteachers Janice Levens, Paisley Grammar, and Lynne Hollywood, Johnstone High, were equally delighted with the results.

Janice said: “I am absolutely delighted for those pupils who achieved the successes they were looking for today.  This is a stressful day for teachers and families as well as for the pupils opening their exam results, so it’s a huge relief to see them achieve their exam goals.  Teachers and pupils have worked so hard all year and it’s a great feeling when things work out well.  There will of course be pupils who are not feeling as pleased, but it’s all about learning from what we have achieved and building on that to move to bigger and better things.”

Lynne added: “Baillie, Ellie, Mabel, Millie and Stephanie have done a brilliant job and we are delighted that all their hard work and dedication has paid off with these fantastic sets of results.  All year we have been impressed with their determination and commitment to their studies and felt sure that this would be rewarded with outstanding grades – we couldn’t be prouder of them. I’d like to thank the Johnstone High School staff who go the extra mile to prepare the pupils for the SQA exams, and also a huge thanks to our very supportive parents who work so closely with us for the benefit of our students.

“I am, of course, extremely proud of all the Johnstone High School pupils who worked hard all year through their National and Higher courses and exams. The SQA envelope through the door is the recognition of everything they have achieved during their 11 or 12 years of formal education in Renfrewshire.  Whether our young people go to university, college, a job or an apprenticeship, these qualifications alongside the skills and values they have learned will open the door to the next stage of their lives. Whatever our young people go on to do next, I am confident that they will be successful and continue to be a credit to their family and local community.”

For support and advice on exam results, call the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0808 100 8000.