Outstanding GCSE success for girls in STEM

A SCHOOL that has invested heavily in state-of-the-art science facilities has seen an influx of girls opting to take STEM subjects at A Level having today achieved top grade 8s and 9s at GCSE.

Dame Allan’s Schools is near completion on an £8m development with modern, new science labs on its historic senior school site in Fenham, Newcastle, and is delighted to see high numbers of female pupils considering a future in medicine and science.

Girls’ School pupils Saniya Ahmed, Alice Gowland, Katie Graham, Olivia Hamilton, Eimhear Harper and Mia Willings have all opted to take multiple science subjects at A Level, with a number hoping to forge careers in medicine and veterinary science.

Saniya, from Newcastle, has chosen to study Biology, Chemistry and Spanish at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form having achieved grade 8s and 9s in her GCSEs. Her sister Fareeha last week celebrated A A B success in A Level Biology, Psychology and Chemistry, and secured a place to study Pharmacy at the University of Sunderland.

Saniya, 16, said: “I think it’s great that so many girls are choosing STEM subjects because we are showing future generations that anything is possible. In general, less people expect girls to take science and maths subjects, yet at school there are so many opportunities open to everyone that it feels like a natural move.”

Mia, from Corbridge, together with Eimhear and Olivia, both from Gosforth, are aspiring medics and have all opted to take Chemistry and Biology as two of their three A Level choices.  Olivia, whose sister Molly Hamilton at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form is also planning a future in medicine, said: “I achieved all 8 and 9s today and I’m so happy. The exams were really stressful at times and I worked hard; I’m just so relieved and absolutely delighted with my results. I’m excited to start my A Levels and follow in the footsteps of my sister, and those of my parents, who are also medics.”

Katie, from Whickham, is taking Biology, Chemistry and Further Maths at A Level having achieved an impressive full set of grade 9s at GCSE. Alice, from Gosforth, is taking Maths, Chemistry and Psychology having achieved seven GCSE grade 9s and two grade 8s. The teenager, who joined the Junior School in Year 2, said: “The first exam was so nerve-wracking, but I knew I’d worked hard and I focused on doing the best I could. The teachers were really supportive and reassuring throughout, which really helped settle our nerves!

“I’ve chosen to take Chemistry and Maths because I work well with numbers and Chemistry in particular really fascinates me.”

Will Scott, Principal of Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Our Year 11 pupils have done exceptionally well in their GCSEs today and we are delighted to see so many of them, particularly from the Girls’ School, opting to take STEM subjects at A Level.

“The number of females studying and working in STEM is growing, but there is still a significant gender gap, and it’s our role as a school to help address that. Dame Allan’s has undergone major development to ensure our facilities, coupled with our teaching, inspires pupils and delivers the very best the region has to offer to all budding scientists, medics, engineers and mathematicians.”