Some of Benenden’s outstanding performers at GCSE have shared their thoughts on their exceptional grades, their future plans and their unique experiences as Benenden students.
Celebrating an incredible set of results, Evelyn said: “I wasn’t expecting these results but I’m really happy. In some subjects I didn’t think I was going to do so well, but I’m really happy to have exceeded my expectations. I’m glad that the hard work paid off!”
Looking forward to studying Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Psychology with Benenden’s Sixth Form, she said of her future ambitions: “I’m definitely thinking about doing medicine but I’m still exploring other fields. Medicine or something related to it.”
In the spirit of Benenden’s Complete Education, Evelyn is also looking forward to continuing her Music practice – being experienced as both a pianist and a violinist – and to taking on some team Sport challenges, with a particular interest in Swimming and Badminton.
Meanwhile Emma, whose highly impressive grades comprised 10 Level 9s (the top grade at GCSE), one Level 8 and one Level 7 said she felt “relieved” knowing how well she’d done, adding: “I wasn’t sure what to expect after doing the exams but I feel like I did better than expected.” She is currently set to study Maths, Physics, Creative Technology and Economics at Benenden, and is considering further study in Engineering or Architecture.
On her expectations for Sixth Form, Emma said: “I’m looking forward to being more independent, both in the boarding House and in being able to manage my own time more.”
Evelyn agrees, adding: “I’m looking forward to the change in environment. I’ve talked to a lot of Sixth Formers who all said it was a huge change – you have a lot more freedom in what you want to do and I’ll get to know a lot more new people joining.”
Nevertheless, Evelyn highlights her previous boarding experience as a key factor in helping her to achieve her potential, saying: “Boarding really made me get a lot closer to my friends and I had a lot of support from my Housemistress and my Matrons. If I wasn’t in a boarding school I wouldn’t have had that support.”
While Evelyn was set to enjoy a nice meal with family (her grandparents were there to share in the festivities), Emma was looking forward to going out with friends to enjoy some good food – both have much to celebrate with their exceptional achievements.
“At Benenden we are committed to fully preparing our students for the workplace and life, and while exam results are of course very important, we look forward to the vast majority of these students moving into Benenden’s Sixth Form where they will embrace our renowned Professional Skills Programme and the opportunity to fulfil leadership positions in School.”
In the Sixth Form – which has just won the Muddy’s Awesome Sixth Form Award – all students complete the Professional Skills Programme, a two-year course teaching the skills needed to thrive in the workplace and beyond, including modules such as financial literacy, psychometric testing and the Enterprise Challenge in which teams launch their own businesses.
Benenden School is regarded as one of the leading girls’ schools in the UK and for the past three years has been included in the Spear’s Global Index of the world’s 100 best schools. Benenden is holding a Sixth Form open event on 11 September and several open days throughout the Autumn Term. More information and booking available at www.benenden.school/opendays