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Language proved to be no barrier to couple Noah Thirion and Clara Fenlon as they moved from their native countries to study in the UK and secure top grades. Noah arrived at Carmel College, Darlington, unable to speak a word of English after moving unexpectedly from Brussels in Belgium, but with the support of school and a lot of hard work he mastered the language in under a year and secured A grades in maths and French and a B in further maths.
“I remember catching the school bus on the first day and kissing my dad goodbye, as we do in Belgium, and getting some funny looks,” he recalled. “Then I arrived at school and said ‘hi, I speak French’ not thinking to say I was actually from Belgium. I tried to make friends and learn the language as quickly as possible and when I met Clara, from Thailand, it helped as we just spoke in English all the time. “When I was studying in Belgium I almost failed my maths but Carmel has changed my life by helping me learn to work a lot harder.” Noah will now read a degree in mechanical engineering at Newcastle University and hopes one day to work in the aerospace industry.
When Clara arrived from Thailand in 2017 she felt she had to improve her English which she had learned from watching cartoons and films. She had also been taught in American English at her Thai school so had to adapt her spelling. The 18-year-old gained an A* in art, an A in maths and a B in computer science and will study fine art at Newcastle University. “I love art and when I came to Carmel it was the first time I was able to study it formally, which was the best thing ever,” she said. “The school has been so supportive and I have been very happy here.”
Learning reached a crescendo for performing arts lover Jonathan Wilson-Downs as he gained top grades to secure his place at a leading university. The 18-year-old student at Carmel College, Darlington, obtained A*s in maths and further maths and an A in computer science. He will now read maths and computer science at Durham University where he also plans to explore further his love of performing arts and being part of the technical crew looking after backstage, lighting and sound. A member of Darlington Operatic Society, Jonathan has used his time well at Carmel College to hone his performing skills as well as helping back stage with school productions and at Darlington’s Hippodrome theatre. “I am looking at computer science as a career but who knows and university will be a great opportunity to explore my options as Durham has a great theatre company,” he said.
Student James Bennett had high praise for the support he received from his school as he collected A*s in maths and further maths and an A in history. The 18-year-old will read financial maths and statistics at the London School of Economics and hopes to work one day in actuarial science or investment banking. “My dad died when I was 18 months old which I have struggled with over the years but Carmel has been brilliant with teachers who really care,” he said. “The pastoral support is crucial to succeeding. I’ve loved the fact that my understanding of maths has deepened and the things I learned when I was younger suddenly all link together.”
Ballet dancer Carmen Del-Zotto Ascaso proved to be on point as she collected A*s in chemistry, biology and Spanish. She will study chemistry at the University of Manchester. “I love ballet and will keep it up at university,” said Carmen, 19, who has danced with the English Youth Ballet and also plays piano. “I’ve played piano in school productions and love classical music, especially Chopin.”
Temitayo Adesina was also celebrating after securing four A*s in chemistry, further maths, maths and physics. He will read chemical engineering at Imperial University London. “I have loved it here as the teachers are so supportive,” the 18-year-old said.
Head student Jemima Boyle said she would be sad to leave Carmel as she opened results comprising an A in Spanish, and Bs in history and English. She plans to read Spanish, Italian and Portuguese at Durham University. “Learning languages gives you the opportunity to expand your horizons and Carmel has been an amazing place to study,” said Jemima, 18, who also plays guitar, piano, dances and sings.
Corpus Christie College, Cambridge University, is now beckoning for top student Rhiannon Gibbs, of Witton Park, after she secured A*s in further maths, maths and physics and an A in computer science. “The interview was a bit scary but I did enjoy answering all the questions,” said the 18-year-old, who loves climbing and bouldering with her family. “I was shocked when I was accepted and very happy. Carmel is such a good school with small class sizes and very supportive teachers, I have really enjoyed it.”
Principal Mel Kane said: “ It is a privilege for us at Carmel to work with such wonderful young people, all bringing their unique talents and circumstances. Our small, inclusive, sixth form ensures we can support every individual to reach their full potential. We are excited for them as they move on to some fabulous destinations.”