Head praises students 'resilience' in 'such a difficult year'

Students from local school the Ark Putney Academy (APA) are celebrating their GCSE results day with many students achieving excellent grades.

Principal Ms Downey says: "We are so proud of everybody. It has been such a difficult year, but everyone has been incredibly resilient and risen to the challenge. All of our students have got the grades they really deserve’.


Tyrese & Ali

Among the success stories is student Ali Pulit, who achieved 8 9s and a 7 and is going on to study Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at Ark Putney 6th form. Joining her is Tyrese Fearon, celebrating 1 9s, 7 8s and an additional Sport BTEC award. Geronimo Estrada also scooped an incredible 2 9s, 4 8s, 1 7 and a Sport BTEC award.

The school is also celebrating the stories of those students that have overcome a tremendous amount of adversity to achieve amazing things.



Pupil Andria Kamil,pictured above, says: ‘This year I have had to overcome a tough challenge balancing GCSE studies and travelling to school each morning at an early time. Due to my council housing relocation I was moved with my family to East London in Walthamstow from the 2nd of December 2019. It was tough for me to adjust having to wake up early each morning and travel to school. I would face coming into school with a lack of energy most days however APA helped me a lot, especially my head of year Miss Bingham regarding payment for travel. I simply couldn’t afford the commute. I am very grateful to have been supported by teachers as well as her with my school work and access to resources such as books so I wouldn’t fall behind my classmates. In September I am going to proceed studying History, Psychology, and Sociology in the APA sixth form. My long-term aspirations are being a lawyer and to graduate from Kings College University. I am looking forward to what next year has to offer and how I will continue my journey at APA.’ Today she celebrates an amazing result of 2 9s, 4 8s, 2 7s and a Business studies BTEC award.

Student Alfie Sterne celebrates an incredible 4 9s, 2 8s and 3 7s and says: ‘I originally chose to come to APA in year 7 because I valued the fact that APA does not discriminate on any grounds in its admissions. I also recognised the support that the school gave all its pupils to reach their goals.  My primary education was difficult due to me having a summer birthday, meaning I was a lot younger than my peers. I have also personally struggled with SEN, notably dyspraxia. This has made handwriting really hard for me.


Alfie

'APA’s SEN department have supported me throughout my school career by making sure that I am not at a disadvantage to my peers and providing me with the help that I need for exams. I have also had superb pastoral care and support from subject specialist teachers and been included in clubs such as drama. I feel that APA has enabled me to thrive which has culminated in me achieving the Jack Petchey Award and now GCSE grades that I am proud of.
I would like to thank the wonderful teachers at APA. I am looking forward to being in the 6th form at APA, and the destinations it could lead to beyond that. I hope to study sciences at university after 6th Form.’

Enrolment for 6th form is now open for internal and external candidates.

August 21, 2020