GCSE Results Day 2018: MP for East Ham, Stephen Timms, joins Little Ilford School students in celebrating results

Jakub Korzeniowski, from Manor Park, achieved almost all 7 to 9s, and will be studying physics, maths and psychology A-level at the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

The school in Manor Park enjoyed a number of good results, despite a system change which was designed to make the qualifications harder.

The MP said the grades were a reflection of the dedication and commitment of Newham’s teachers.

“I used to be a governor here, so I can compare with how things were 30 years ago,” he said.

“There’s been such a dramatic improvement in schools during that time, and that’s because Newham has benefited from a committed group of teachers.

Muhammad Yunus from Manor Park achieved all 7s and 8s, despite fasting during the revision period and feeling like he'd failed all his exams. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

“They admitted something needed to be done and they set about making it happen.

“We can be optimistic, because I think we’re seeing our schools and colleges really delivering for people in this area.”

Under the new system, pupils receive grades 1 to 9, instead of A* to U. They take exams, which have been made harder, at the end of two years, and there’s less coursework. A 9 is the equivalent of above an A*, while a 4 is generally considered to be a C, or pass.

Muhammad Yunus, a 16-year-old from Manor Park, achieved all 7s and 8s, despite thinking his exams were a disaster.

Shannon James from Manor Park got three 9s after being predicted just one, and will be going to Seven Kings School for her A-levels. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

“Initially, after every single exam I felt like I’d failed them badly,” he said.

“It was a stressful time for me because I was fasting and wasn’t getting much sleep, but this shows that even if you feel like you’ve done badly, you might not have.

“I was trying to be nonchalant when I opened them, but it still hasn’t quite sunk in.”

Vijay Damodharan, from East Ham, had a clean sweep of 9s, except for one 7, which he’ll get remarked.

Students at Little Ilford School were joined by teachers, staff and the MP for East Ham to open their GCSE results. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

“I’m so pleased,” he said.

“I started revising from the Easter holidays, so I’ve worked really hard.”

Vijay, who hopes to become a theoretical physicist, is planning on studying A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at Brampton Manor Sixth Form.

Tania Ahmed is also hoping to study at Brampton, after achieving all 7s and 8s in her GCSEs.

Mustafa Kheri achieved all 7, 8 and 9s, and will be studying economics, politics, maths and chemistry at Newham Collegiate Sixth Form. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

“I’m happy with what I got,” she said.

“I was especially shocked with French and science, because I left those exams feeling awful.

“I want to eventually do medicine, so it feels so much closer now.”

Vivek Nayak secured a place at Newham Collegiate Sixth Form to study maths, biology, chemistry and physics A-levels after he achieved 9s in all those subjects. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

Tania Ahmed said her dream of studying medicine has become even more real after achieving all 7s and 8s. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)

Vijay Damodharan achieved one 7 and the rest 9s, and will go to Brampton Manor Sixth Form to study physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at A-level. Picture: Rhiannon Long (Image: Archant)