August 24, 2023
Cross County runner, Iona Johnstone, was on a high after learning she had achieved all top grades at GCSE today.
After receiving seven grade 9s, three grades 8s and a grade 7, Iona said: ”I was quite nervous this morning but I was excited to see what I could achieve. I’m in shock as my results are better than I thought I could ever achieve and I have exceeded my own expectations.
“I am particularly pleased with my English and Spanish grades as I found these subject hard, but also very happy with my Science and Maths results as I love these subjects.”
Starting at NHSG’s Sixth Form in September, Iona will be taking A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. “There is so much to explore in these subjects which help explain how the world works to provide a greater understanding of the universe.”
Iona is an outstanding Cross Country athlete and competes for the North East in inter-county and national competitions and she is aiming to remain at the top of her sport while at Sixth Form as well as taking her learning to the next level.
“After A Levels, I would like to go to Oxbridge to study Physics or Maths. What I have achieved today will give me a great foundation for that and I am so excited for the challenge of A Levels.”
With obvious high aspirations, it’s no surprise that Iona has also set herself another challenge to achieve Grade 8 in Music while in Sixth Form too.
Iona plans to celebrate her success with her sister Sophie who collected outstanding A Level results from the school last week. She said: “NHSG provides a really supportive environment – we never worry that our ideas are irrelevant and or inconsequential. The staff and pupils all help each other and it’s these relationships that make a huge difference to what you can achieve.”
And, if you are about to start your GCSEs this year, Iona’s advice is: “Know that you will be building on your skills throughout the course. You will shock yourself with what you can achieve – there’s no limit if you work hard and consistently.”