Hamilton pupils receive exam results

Aug 7 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

SECONDARY school children across Lanarkshire were on tenterhooks this week as they awaited their exam results.

The Higher and Standard Grade results dropped through letter boxes on Tuesday morning.

Hamilton Grammar pupils spoken to by the Advertiser after they received their SQA results said that they were pleasantly suprised.

Fifth-year pupil Grant Reid (16), from Braemar Street, Whitehill, was at home alone when the postman arrived.

“I was quite nervous before I opened the envelope as my mum and dad had already left for work,” he explained.

“But I was really chuffed that I got credit passes in all my subjects and I phoned my mum to tell her the good news.”

Grant received grade 1s for drama, music and French, grade 2s for English, maths, modern studies and administration, and a grade 3 for physics.

He added: “I plan to go on to sixth year and take Higher subjects in drama, music and modern studies.

“I then hope to go the RSAMD in Glasgow or Queen Margaret’s University, Edinburgh, as I want to be an actor.

“I already attend the Scottish School of Musical Theatre, and plan to take HNC exams in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts with them.”

Fifth-year pupil Hannah Shaw (15), from Linden Lea, Burnbank, took eight standard grade exams.

She received grade 1s for English, maths, geography, drama, biology and chemistry, and grade 2s for French and administration.

Hannah said: “I was really nervous opening my envelope as the Higher subjects that I can choose are dependent upon my Standard Grade results this year.

“Now I know that I got credit passes for all subjects, I plan to go on and study Highers in English, maths, geography, biology and chemistry.

“Assuming that I do well again in sixth year, I plan to study English and journalism.”

Jennifer Latimer (16), from Montrose Crescent, Hamilton, is also a fifth-year pupil at the school.

She received grade 1s in maths, French, music, drama and administration, and grade 2s for English, chemistry and modern studies.

She said: “I want a career in physiotherapy and specialise in paediatrics.

“I have passed one core subject, maths, but will need to take a further science-based subject in sixth year to qualify for entry to my preferred course.

“I did better than I expected this year and am looking forward to getting back to school.”

Fifth-year pupil Ross Mathieson (16), from Hamilton, also passed credit classes in some subjects.

He received grade 1s for drama and music, a grade 2 in history, and also grade 3s in geography, chemistry, English and French.

Ross’s mum, Carol Mathieson, told the Advertiser: “Ross is on holiday in Florida at the moment and hasn’t seen his results yet, but he said I could open the envelope.

“I was so proud of him and am delighted with his achievements.

“He arrives back home on Friday and we will go out and celebrate his results.”

A South Lanarkshire spokesman said: “Early indications are that pupils performed as well as last year and we are hopeful that the majority will receive the grades they are hoping for.

“It is only right that we should congratulate this year’s candidates on their achievements.

“For those who have not done as well as expected, help is on hand from their school, the SQA helpline 0845 278 8080, or Careers Scotland on 0808 100 8000.”