Star pupil puts GCSEs in the picture

Star pupil puts GCSEs in the picture

23th August 2013

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STUDENT Hannah Blowers made an art form of her GCSEs yesterday as she showed why she was a star pupil.

The Darlington School of Mathematics and Science student achieved A*s in art and art and design, essential elements in her dream to become a photographer.

Hannah, whose work was selected in a national competition to be exhibited in The Mall Gallery, London, last year, will now study A Levels in photography, maths, science and psychology at Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form College.

“I think I used to be a bit of a Banksy as when I was young I used to draw on the wall at home,” said the 16-year-old, who achieved two A*s, five As and a B.

“I have always been interested in art and think it will help me as I study photography. It was amazing to see my work on the wall of a London gallery. The skeleton, studded with diamantes, was inspired by Damien Hirst, and came from a brief in which we were asked to look at structure.

“Now I am looking forward to sixth form, then university, and hopefully a career which will take me around the world.”

Students lived up to the name of their rejuvenated school securing particularly good grades in maths.

Year 11 pupils at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science triumphed with a 96 per cent pass rate, almost 50 per cent including the key subjects of maths and English. The figures represent a marked increase from when new management took over in 2010 when the pass rate was just 34 per cent.

The secondary school began it revival in 2010 when it changed its name to Darlington School of Mathematics and Science and became a self-governing academy.

Since then it has transformed its fortunes with a new-found dynamism, renovated facilities and overhauled curriculum making it one of the fastest improving schools in the country.

Head teacher Calvin Kipling said: “We are really pleased with the maths results with the 61 per cent pass rate well above our targets. Some student also passed exams that were A Level equivalents and half of our Year 10s achieved C grades and above a year early, which bodes well for the coming year.”

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