News from NHSG

Newcastle High School for Girls is delighted to be able to offer two Sixth Form means-tested bursaries with the generous support of the Reece Foundation. The Reece Foundation was established in 2007 by the inspired mechanical designer Dr. Alan Reece. One of the most successful engineering entrepreneurs of his generation Dr Alan Reece was a passionate believer in engineering as a provider of prosperity and enjoyable employment, he created The Reece Foundation to promote manufacturing and support education relating to engineering, mathematics and physics. In 2012 the next generation of the Reece family took over the family business and they have continued to run the Reece Foundation with the same objectives, to encourage a new generation of engineers, focusing on the improvement of education in engineering and related scientific and mathematical subjects and since 2014 this has included supporting Sixth Form bursaries at Newcastle High School for Girls. Engineering is part of everybody’s lives and should be for everyone. Together, NHSG and The Reece Foundation are widening access to careers in engineering. Gender stereotypes should not dictate the outcome of women’s career potential or the direction it takes. Engineers are helping solve some of the world’s biggest problems, by overlooking half of the population of potential engineers we are overlooking huge potential talent and restricting diversity of thought. NHSG is uniquely placed to support the next generation of young female engineers and with thanks to The Reece Foundation we are able to offer the brightest and most able potential engineers access to an outstanding education without financial barriers. Together we are delivering their mission to improve access to education in engineering and prepare future engineers for a flourishing career in the field for the benefit of not just the North East but our global society. Applications for Reece Awards are invited from girls in maintained secondary schools who will be completing their GCSEs in summer 2023. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong interest in, and aptitude for, engineering as a future career; will be predicted grades 7 - 9 in maths and science subjects at GCSE; and will be prepared to follow A Levels in STEM subjects (sciences, technology, mathematics) which will equip them for application to university engineering courses. For more information about our Bursaries, Awards and Scholarships, and how to apply, see our NHSG Awards Brochure here.

Passionate about the fight for climate change, Holly Thompson is planning a future career in environmental sciences so that she can be part of the solution. And after achieving nine grade 9s and one grade 8 at GCSE, we have a feeling that she has both the ambition and ability to help shape the world for the better. Talking about her results today, Holly says: “I am feeling over the moon – and quite shocked. It is all still sinking in and I am really happy that I achieved what I wanted.  These grades were my goal and I am really happy about my 9 in Maths as that took a lot of work.” Holly will be studying Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish at A Level in Sixth Form so that she can pursue her goal to study environmental sciences at a Russell Group university and adds: “I also have a dream that I can become bilingual which is why I am taking Spanish at A Level.  I really hope to be able to live in Spain at some point.”  

Scarlett Spearman couldn’t speak highly enough of her teachers after collecting a superb set of GCSE results today at NHSG. With four grade 9s, five grade 8s and one grade 7 under her belt (and only three marks off full marks in English), Scarlett says: ”I feel amazed, especially after the pandemic. It’s been a very tough two years and the hard work has paid off in the end.” “I want to thank the teachers for their support, they have helped me academically and been there for me emotionally, and whenever I needed it. I am eternally grateful.” With a clear plan for her future, Scarlett will be taking English Literature, Religious Studies and Biology at A Level: “ I have a real passion for these subjects especially for RS and I can’t wait for the freedom and time in Sixth Form to be fully invested in these subjects.” Looking to life after Sixth Format NHSG, Scarlett wants to take a degree in Biological Anthropology: “The study of humans, what could be more exciting than that!”

With her hopes pinned on achieving her predicted grades, Ashvee Shah was somewhat shocked when opening her GCSE results at NHSG which revealed a stunning nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Ashvee says: “I am feeling overwhelmed – just so many emotions all at once. I don’t believe it is real! I was aiming for these results so I have got everything I wanted and I am so pleased with my Science and English grades.” With a superb foundation for A Level study, Ashvee has opted for Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Drama. “From being really young, I have always loved Maths, and I just couldn’t not take Drama either – I absolutely love it. I played Chad in High School Musical and I am definitely auditioning for Les Miserables which I am really looking forward to.” Ashvee also tells us that greater independence and the more relaxed dress code will also be a very welcome part of Sixth Form life at NHSG. Thinking about the future, Ashvee says: “I am considering an Engineering or a Maths degree but I am going to see what happens in Sixth Form before making up my mind.”

It’s clear that Olivia’s joy on her receiving her own excellent GCSE results was matched by her delight for her friends’ successes. “We all walked into school together to collect our results,” says Olivia who achieved all top grades 7 to 9 at GCSE. “It has been so supportive and it was great to be able to open my results with my friend Sarah. We both got similar grades and are really happy.” As well as celebrating her results with friends, Olivia’s whole family were at school to share in her success.  “My mum instantly came over and gave me a really big hug.” Olivia is planning on pursuing a career in Medicine and has chosen A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology to reflect that. “My sister, Sophie, has cystic fibrosis, and I have always been involved in supporting her and I want to help others like her in the future.” With family and friends so important to Olivia, it's no surprise when she tells us that she’s really looking forward to meeting the new girls in Sixth Form at NHSG: “I am so excited to be making new connections, exploring my subjects in more depth and getting involved in co-curricular activities. Sport is my thing, particularly netball, but this year I am going to audition for Les Miserables, next year’s school musical. I am determined to take up new opportunities.” We look forward to seeing Olivia both on the stage and the netball court, as well as achieving her ambitions to study Medicine.

The GCSE results are in, and Riyana is already setting her sights on three A*s at A Level. And having gained all grades 7 – 9, she has the very best foundation to achieve her future goals. Talking about her GCSE results, Riayana says: “The exam season is a blur and I didn’t know what to expect today -  I have tried not to think about it over the summer.  I am happy with my results and particularly delighted with my results in Spanish, Latin and English Language. I am also relieved that I no longer have to think about GCSEs!” Sixth Form at NHSG will provide a fresh start, says Riyana, where she knows her teachers will continue to give her the very best support.  She will be studying Psychology, Biology and Chemistry at A Level as she plans to study Medicine in the future. “Medicine has always interested me, and I like the thought of the satisfaction that comes from helping people,” Riyana is currently considering becoming a gynaecologist or a paediatrician and ‘helping to bring new people into the world.”