CONEL Students tell of ‘wonderful feeling’ as they celebrate their #GCSEResults

Students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) are celebrating another successful year of GCSE exam results.

This was the first year CONEL has used the new 9-1 grading system that replaced the old A*-G grades, with grades 9-4 recognised as high grades.

Many of those who took GCSE English and Maths exams also completed vocational courses this year while others are looking to study further at the College or go on to university.

Among this year’s top performers was Luotong Huang, 19 who achieved a grade 9 in GCSE Maths while also attaining an A grade in Core Maths, a Level 3 qualification equivalent to an AS Level.

Her teacher Mahdi Radmehr said: “Luotong was a committed, attentive and a very focused learner who always submitted the homework on time. She was also keen to do extra activities after completing the class work.”

Also among those students achieving high grades was Neville Palmer, 48, who gained a grade 8 in GCSE Maths and a grade 7 in GCSE English.

Akiva Kaufman, 22, attained a grade 8 in GCSE Maths and is now set to study an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science.

He said: “I worked hard but I was nervous this morning. I thought the exam went pretty well and I was hoping for a good grade, but it’s nice to actually to get the result. I feel really good.”

Mehmet Alakirik, 20, gained a grade 6 in GCSE Maths and grade 4 in GCSE English, as well as a grade A in Core Maths and is now looking to complete an Accounting Professional Diploma Level 4.

He said: “It’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve have a few sleepless nights, particularly over this past week. It’s be a stressful year, the constant revision every night. I’m just glad it’s now over.”

Mohamad Fadi Abou Swid, 18, attained a grade 6 in GCSE Maths and is going on to study for an Engineering Diploma Level 3.

“I was expecting a grade 5 to 7 so I’m really happy,” he said.

“Over the last week I was so nervous because the thought crossed my mind, what if I get a 4 or 5, but now I’m so grateful.

“We got all the help we need. Even at half-term we got extra lessons so we can improve our maths knowledge, which was really helpful.”

CONEL hairdressing tutor Denise Hall, 46, attained a grade 5 in English, which has enabled her to secure a place at university to study a degree Health and Social Care Management at London Metropolitan University.

She said: “I am very grateful and just relieved because I took my time and I didn’t finish the exam, but it’s still worked out in my favour.

“The teaching was superb. At one point I was doubting myself but the teachers were very willing and patient to make sure we reached our target.

“I now have a place at university. Everything is falling into place, and I am just so happy.”

CONEL saw outstanding maths results for adult students, those aged 19 or over, with 77% achieving high grades.

Interim Principal Kurt Hintz said: “I am very pleased to see another great set of GCSE results, particularly the high grades in GCSE Maths among our adult students.

“I would like to congratulate all of our students on their achievements and wish them every success in the future.”