Crowning glory for Wick Gala Queen with exams triumph – Caithness pupils praised for academic achievements
Anna Durrand will remember 2024 not only for being voted Wick Gala Queen but also for her exceptional exam results.
She talked of feeling “overwhelmed” to achieve eight National 5 grades with A passes and hopes to work within the medical profession eventually.
“I'm thrilled to have achieved A grades in all my subjects. It was the icing on the cake after such a brilliant Gala week,” said Anna.
Her mother, Lynsey Durrand said: “I am incredibly proud of Anna. She is a kind, caring and empathetic young lady who has a genuine interest in other people.
“Anna has worked hard to achieve her grades and I have every confidence She will go on to succeed in anything she sets her mind to.”
The teen, who is also well-known as a Highland dancer, said that it has been a great honour to have been selected to be Wick's Gala Queen of 2024 and has thoroughly enjoyed her duties.
“I've embraced the experiences that come with being Gala Queen; attending events and socialising with local people and visitors alike. The people of Wick are brilliant at supporting the Gala each year. The atmosphere on Gala night had such a buzz about it.”
She said it has been “an unforgettable experience” that she will always treasure.
Aileen Swanson from Wick said her daughter Abbey had likewise attained eight National 5s at A pass and said: “I’m really proud of her and she’s worked extremely hard at school.
“I’m also very grateful to the staff at Wick High School for all the hard work they put into her grades as well.” Mrs Swanson said her daughter is keen on science subjects and would love to work with animals in the future.
Lybster twin sisters Lucy and Charly Coe achieved six Highers with A grades and their mum, Janie Afford, said she was “thrilled to bits” for them.
“I’m so proud of them,” said Ms Afford who explained how the twins were also former pupils of Lybster Primary School.
“They’re off to Edinburgh University to study computing and architectural-based courses.” The twins are working locally in summer jobs before heading off to university.
Wick High School (WHS) said it was delighted to celebrate the excellent exam results achieved by its senior pupils.
A WHS spokesperson said: “The pupils showed remarkable determination and resilience as they navigated their SQA courses. Most courses had further content and assignments required this year as all components returned following Covid modifications.
“Results show that most WHS pupils achieved the results required to move forward with their learning at college, university or apprenticeships.
“We are delighted to report that our S4 cohort has performed very well with increasing numbers of pupils passing their National 5 subjects.”
Notable achievements are those who passed eight National 5 subjects with A level passes: Abbey Baltazar; Antonia Beattie; Anna Durrand; Katie McDonald; Harriet McBoyle; Carmen Slavinski and Abby Swanson.
At Higher level, 21 pupils achieved five Higher level passes with two pupils achieving six Higher passes.
Notable achievements at this level include: Cara Miller who achieved all A level passes for each of her five subjects; Charly Coe and Lucy Coe who achieved A level passes in each of their six Higher subjects.
The school said it is incredibly proud of all its pupils’ achievements. “The results reflect their hard work, the support and encouragement of their families, and the dedication of our staff.
“We look forward to greeting all our pupils on their return to school on Tuesday, August 20.”
Staff at Thurso High School (THS) are also very pleased with this year’s SQA results and proud of pupil attainment.
“Special mentions go to those pupils who have overcome difficult circumstances but attained excellent results despite this, and to all pupils who worked hard to achieve at their level and to our Enhanced Provision pupils who attained N2 SQA awards,” said the school.
In S6 outstanding attainment was achieved by S6 pupils Luke Chesters and Robert Stolde who both gained three As at Advanced Higher and one A at Higher.
S5 pupils with outstanding attainment at Higher include Chris Brown, Isla Mackay, Shannon May and Sophie Miller, who all achieved 5 As.
At National 5, outstanding attainment of S4 pupils with all seven As include Alan Frame (with eight As), Rebecca Henderson, Arran Johnson, Julia Mackay, Alana Mackenzie, Taylor Spence and Iona Young.
“We would like to commend the hard work put in by both pupils and staff that have made these results possible,” added a THS spokesperson.
Pupils who are unsure about what their results mean for them are also being encouraged to contact Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8000 who will be able to provide advice on future career options.
