Pupils at St Benedict’s High School in Linwood are among 4,000 pupils across Renfrewshire who received their results today (Tuesday, August 6).
The young people heard news of their academic and vocational qualifications via texts, emails and letters from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA).
Several pupils from the school have shared their excitement at moving onto the next stage of their life and their future plans.
One teenager is looking forward to following in the footsteps of his papa by going to work for the same company he used to.
Gabriel Cairney, who is starting an apprenticeship with a rail infrastructure company, said: “Through an apprenticeship, I’ll be able to learn on the job and that’s something I really wanted to do.
“I’ll work for four days and then go to college for one day.
"It means I can be hands on.”
Faith Devoy, meanwhile, is going to study geography at university.
“Going to university was the aim for me and I’m really excited to go and develop my skills I gained at school,” she explained.
“School supported me throughout with support study and making sure I had a plan in place, so I feel ready to move onto the next stage now.”
Another teen Sandy Bamba is both excited and nervous to start her university course doing biochemistry.
She said: “I think it will be good to meet new people at uni.
“I spent my last year at school doing Advanced Highers to prepare me for university work and I feel prepared.
“I’m not certain what I want to do after getting a degree, but biology and chemistry are my two favourite subjects.”
Moses Amaez is also excited to enter a new phase of life and said: “When I first started my final year at school, I felt apprehensive, but now I feel confident and ready to go.
“I’m excited to have more freedom and grow my network.
“I’ve got a place at university to do computing science, but I’ve also applied for apprenticeships on software development and data analysis.
"I’m keeping my options open.”
Like Gabriel, Marcus Kirwan is also heading into an apprenticeship doing tiling after experiencing different types of construction courses through school.
He said: “We did all kinds of trades at the college and I realised I enjoyed tiling the most.
"It’s hard to do but also easy at the same time.
“I was given a lot of opportunities through school and My Future Pathways, and that helped me decide I wanted to do an apprenticeship.
“I got my construction skills certification scheme (CSCS) card and also help to make a CV, fill out applications and prepare for interviews.”
Fhallon Boyle is going to college as the first part of becoming a teacher.
She said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the way kids learn and grow.
“After volunteering regularly with a local nursery, I realised I enjoyed working with the older kids more and want to be a primary school teacher.
“I’m going to college first to do childhood practice and then off to university to do primary school teaching.
"I’m nervous about starting but I’m a talkative person and get on with people easily.”
Hannah Dyer is going to college to study business administration and finances, but in the future wants to travel the world.
“I really want to go to Dubai, South Africa and Australia,” said Hannah.
“I want to see every country possible.
"I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.
"I’m saving up money and looking at getting a work visa.”
Head teacher Alan Taylor shared his delight for the school’s young people following their hard work and outstanding successes across an expanding range of courses and qualifications.
As head teacher, I am immensely proud of each and every one of them,” he told the Gazette.
“These successes are a testament to the young people’s hard work, the dedication of our teaching staff and the support of their families," added Mr Taylor.
“So celebrations today and best wishes to our young people as they now consider the next steps for their future.”
Any pupils looking for advice can call Skills Development Scotland’s exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000.
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