Star pupils celebrate exam result success

Craig Smith (16) is delighted with his five Higher A grades in English, maths, drama, chemistry and physics.

He told The Extra: “I studied a lot, but it’s what you have to do to get results. At the start of the year, I was failing all of my chemistry tests — but I kept trying, and by January I was getting As and Bs. The advice I’d give is don’t give up, even when you’re staring at defeat.”

Craig will be studying Advanced Higher chemistry and Higher music and biology in the coming year, as well as taking up the role of head boy — and is even considering taking chemistry at university.

Also celebrating were S4s Amirah Bouzgarrou and Harris Ali, both with 10 As at intermediate two under their belts.

Amirah (16) commented: “I was close to crying. I thought I’d get nine As and a B in English, so I’m really happy.

“I’m going into fifth year now to do English, maths, chemistry, biology and drama, which will be a lot of hard work — but worth it, because I want to get into Glasgow University’s medical school.”

For 15-year-old Harris, the fourth year results should help him along with Highers in English, maths, drama, chemistry and physics.

He said: “Next year will be hard, but we have really good teachers and I know they’re going to help us through.”

Proud parents have been in touch to share their good news too, including John Dundas, whose daughter Amanda (17) has left Mearns Castle High with five Higher As.

Amanda has featured regularly on The Extra’s sports pages after calling time on a karate career after a knee injury and switching to cycling.

Stephen Fox was also in touch to congratulate daughter Stacey (16) — also a Mearns Castle pupil — on her seven As and one B at intermediate two.

And Fiona MacGrain contacted The Extra to congratulate neice Bronte McInnes, a High School of Glasgow pupil from Giffnock on a job well done.