Benenden’s top two A Level performers have secured places to study Medicine at leading UK universities after amassing an incredible 10 A* grades between them.
Dina Power and Annabella Chau, both 18, achieved a remarkable five A* grades each – the top grade available – in their A Level results announced today.
Dina has fulfilled her offer to study Medicine at the University of Oxford after receiving her outstanding results in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Latin and an EPQ.
“To have my offer from Oxford beforehand was great,” she said, “but to know now that I have been accepted and can properly plan for university is wonderful. I’m really excited for the next chapter.”
Dina said her passion for Medicine grew from her love of science. “Through work experience, I realised that my interest in science and helping people could be combined by studying medicine. I’m excited to be helping people through science.”
During her time at Benenden, Dina embraced a wide range of opportunities – from sport and dance to art and drama. “Benenden allowed me to do so many things. All these opportunities helped me to be well-rounded. I really hope to carry on with dance – maybe try adult ballet at university and encourage some of my friends to join me!”
She also praised the School’s supportive environment: “The teachers at Benenden have been so supportive – from my ballet teacher to academic staff and House staff. They have all helped me achieve my goals.”
Her peer Annabella will be joining Imperial College London to study Medicine, following her own achievement of five A*s in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Chinese.
She discovered her passion for the subject during the Sixth Form while studying sciences and maths. “I particularly enjoyed human sciences and learning about the human body,” she said. “The practical elements of medicine and the idea of helping people really appealed to me.”
Imperial’s course includes an intercalated BSc year, which Annabella is particularly excited about: “I’m interested in perhaps studying something a little less traditional within medicine.”
She credited Benenden’s Careers Department with supporting her through the competitive medical school application process: “They were really helpful, especially in preparing me for interviews with practice sessions that covered a wide range of questions.” She also highlighted the benefits of Benenden’s collaborative learning environment: “Studying with friends enabled me to see different perspectives on a subject. It was a very supportive atmosphere.”
Join us for our Sixth Form Open Event on Thursday 11 September. Book at www.benenden.school/opendays