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GCSE Success Stories 2024

GCSE Success Stories 2024

Determination Rewards Millie with Sweep of 9s

Superstar Millie was glowing as she received the fantastic news that she had achieved all top grade nines in her GCSEs today. A talented writer and philosopher, Millie was recently rewarded with a distinction in the philosophy section at the prestigious John Locke Global Essay competition in Oxford.
“I have been totally shocked by my results today. The one that I am most proud of is maths. I started the GCSE course in the lowest set and I have come away with a nine! I was amazed that my hard work paid off but it just shows that determination is the key thing in gaining success.”
“I am going on to study Philosophy & Theology, English, Physics and History – it is a mix of humanities and science which isn’t traditional but they are all subjects that I love so I’m really happy that I am able to do them. In Sixth Form, I am looking forward to writing again for Arts magazine, Cat Among the Pigeons. It is a lovely creative space that showcases everyone’s different identities here at school.”
Advice for pupils joining Caterham? Millie says “Real enjoyment at school comes when you make an effort. Attitude is key to getting the best from your school experience. Make the most of your opportunities at Caterham!”
“My thanks go to Mr Ace, Dr Scott, and Mr Keyworth in science who believed in me when I thought I wasn’t a scientist. Massive thank you to Mrs Webster, she has inspired me to the point that I know I want to do Philosophy in life. Also Miss Hookway, my English teacher, she is funny, kind and made every English lesson a joy and Ms Dawrant who showed me that I shouldn’t fear maths!”
Wright Society Beckons for Isabelle
With a string of 9 and 8 grades, Isabelle can’t wait to celebrate with her friends.
She said “I am thinking of doing medicine or bio technology in the future so will be taking Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths and Further Maths in the Sixth Form. I know I can count on the Wright Society to support me if I decided to pursue a career in medicine.”
“I have been boarding at Caterham which has been fun but I’ll be a day pupil for Sixth Form. Outside of my studies, I have really enjoyed CCF and have just been ranked Lance Corporal. I have been on quite a few camps. They are hard work but really rewarding.”
“Thanks to my parents who have given me so much support throughout, I’m looking forward to celebrating my results with them too.”
Time Well Spent for Narayan
Narayan is a brilliant historian and loves delving into the archives to support his studies. A regular presenter at History Society events, he has a particular interest in 20th Century history between the world wars and the area of responsibility. He was very happy with a reel of top 9 grades and one grade 8.
“I’m really looking forward to moving on to Sixth Form and having more time in lessons that allow in depth discussions on topics that I really enjoy. I will be studying History, English, Maths and Physics at A Level.”
Reflecting on his time at Caterham so far, Narayan said “I really enjoy the co-curricular clubs here, Lit Soc is great and Mr Waite’s film club was not only entertaining but helped to revise in a fun way. I want to thank my parents of course but also Mr Salem and Mr Waite who have both been really supportive with my studies”

Lana Steps into the Spotlight with Fantastic Results

Outside of the classroom Lana is a seasoned performer on stage, whether it is in a school play or a musical production but preparation for her performance in her GCSE exams was key and the final production resulted in fine reviews with all top grade 9s and 8s.

“I was calmer than I thought I would be this morning but the nerves got to me this morning, however I am really pleased with my results. It has been a difficult to make my A Level choices as I love all my subjects. I have chosen Philosophy & Theology, English, Fashion Textiles and Drama.”

“Moving into Sixth Form, it is going to be nice to meet some new people, I am looking forward to new opportunities and a bit more freedom. I find change really exciting. I’ve done all the school plays since First Year – I love performing and being on stage so I’m looking forward to getting involved with the Sixth Form plays!”

Any advice for new First Years joining Caterham in September? Lana says “Throw yourself into everything -there is so much opportunity here – just really take all that you can, not everyone has that so make the most of it”

“Thank you to all my incredible teachers who have given me so much, I couldn’t have done this without them – It makes me quite emotional thinking about it! I’m looking forward to celebrating with my family at home with a nice lasagne!

Samuel’s Summer of Science Topped Off with Fine Grades

Narrowly missing out on a clean sweep of top grade 9s didn’t disappoint Samuel who is rightly very proud of his performance. He is going on to study Further Maths, Physics, Economics and Computer Science at A Level.

“I am looking forward to being able to spend more time on and going deeper into the subjects that I love.”

“Outside of the classroom, I really enjoy debating so Model United Nations has been really fun to be a part of. I also enjoy Investment Club, learning about economics and investing has been super interesting”

Reflecting on his time so far at Caterham, Samuel said “The community here is very special and I am part of a great year group. The teachers have been amazing – they are truly passionate about their subjects. Mr Mansell, my physics teacher has been really inspirational. I have been writing an Independent Research Project on Quantum Physics this summer, his enthusiasm for Physics has rubbed off on me!”

“Thanks to my parents who have supported me throughout – you are who you are because of your parents!

Results Sing for Kayla

Musician Kayla knows what it takes to hit the high notes so she was signing from the rooftops when she received her results full of top grades 9s and 8s with just one 7.

“I’m very happy and relieved that my results mean I can study the subjects I wanted to at A Level next year – Maths, Economics, Biology and Chemistry. I’m super excited”

Taking her first solo for Chamber Choir this year in France was a real highlight in the lead up to GCSEs. “I really enjoy the co-curricular clubs here, as well as music, I’ll be writing for Preview, our politics magazine as well as for Arts publication, ‘Cat Among the Pigeons’ – I was junior editor in Year 10. I’m also looking forward to getting back into Lacrosse next year, I’m hoping to play in the Nationals”

“I’m excited for the enrichment opportunities in the Sixth Form. There are lots of essay competitions to take part in including the Independent Research Prize which I’m looking forward to. Community is also a part of school, the help and support available is really appreciated.”

“I want to thank Miss Hookway and Mrs McVitty in particular for their support and of course my parents. Today has been a really great day!”

Wheelie Good Results for Tom

Ranked in the top 20 in UK mountain biking Tom is used to navigating ups and downs but GCSEs brought a different kind of challenge. Happily, results day saw Tom celebrate a string of top grade 9s and 8s to add to his sporting medals.

“It was challenging to balance my studies with racing at a national level, especially as racing continues throughout the exam season. I had to make some tough decision but today’s results are great news. Since exams finished I’ve competed in the national championships in Yorkshire so I’m very much back on my bike.”
“I’m really happy with my results today and excited for the next steps as I move up to Sixth Form to study Maths, Physics, Economics and Geography. My favourite things about being at Caterham are my friends, my supportive teachers and being part of the community here. I’d also like to thank my parents who have helped me so much and always encourage me to be the best I can be.”

Take a Bow Ruby!

A talented singer and dancer, Ruby is used to performing well. Achieving all top grade 9s and 8s in her GCSE results has opened up the stage to focus her studies on History, Latin, Biology and Psychology at A Level.

“I’m really happy with my results and can’t wait to celebrate. I’m excited to study in the Sixth Form and will embrace every opportunity that comes my way. I’m going to continue with the choir and there is a dedicated dance troupe for Sixth Form pupils.”

“The community here at Caterham is really special. I joined in Year 7 not knowing anyone, the welcome was huge and I have made such a fantastic group of friends. I’m looking forward to spending more time with them in the Sixth Form centre here, it has a really great vibe. I would like to thank my teachers who have been fantastic and my parents for their support and my friends too. I think friends are a really good support network to have especially during exam time. I’m really looking forward to celebrating with now!”

Fencer Alexander Spars for Top Grades

Alexander used his honed fencing skills of speed, agility and mental strength to bring home a sweep of top grade 9s and 8s in his GCSEs.

“I am very happy, my results mean that I can do the subjects that I wanted to do – Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Psychology. I am looking forward to advancing the subjects from GCSE to A Level and focusing my learning.”

“I compete nationally in fencing but had to put it on pause to concentrate on my exams. Once exams finished I was happy to get back to my sport. I am hoping to enter the cadet nationals and get closer to the GB squad.”

“I’d like to say thank you to all my teachers and my parents for all their support and encouragement especially during revision time.”

Tips for younger pupils? Alex advises “Have fun but work hard, don’t leave the effort until later!”