Cardiff, August 2024 – An 18-year-old student from Cardiff, Cathy Lou, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing six A* grades in her A level exams, potentially making her the highest achieving A level student in the country this year. Cathy, a student at Cardiff Sixth Form College, excelled in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, further maths, and Chinese, earning a remarkable 336 UCAS points – far exceeding the typical entry requirements for university courses.
Cathy, who moved to Cardiff from Hong Kong two years ago, has been offered a place to study medicine at Hong Kong University, one of the world’s leading institutions. However, she plans to defer her place and take a gap year to travel to Nepal and other underdeveloped countries, aiming to broaden her horizons before pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
Reflecting on her success, Cathy attributed her achievements to a love of learning, supportive teachers, and balancing her studies with social activities. “I’m really happy with my results,” she said. “It’s not just about working hard, but enjoying learning. I had amazing support from my teachers.” Despite her stellar performance, Cathy admitted that not everything came easily. She dedicated around five hours a day to revision during the month and a half of study leave before her exams. While physics was her most challenging subject, she persevered by repeatedly going over difficult concepts until they clicked.
Cathy also made time for extracurricular activities, including performing as a grade eight pianist in her school’s eisteddfod, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. “I’m very social and had to have a social life too,” she explained.
Her parents fully support her decision to take a gap year, during which she plans to explore and learn more about global healthcare challenges. “I want to be a doctor. It’s been a long-term dream. I enjoy interacting with people, and for me, being a doctor is about empathy, compassion, and communication,” she said.
Cathy’s achievements are part of a broader success story for Cardiff Sixth Form College, which has consistently been ranked as one of the top academic schools in the UK. This year, the college posted a 58% A* pass rate at A level, well above the Wales average of 10.1%. Cathy was among the 49.6% of students at the college who achieved three or more A* grades.
The college described Cathy’s results as “stunning,” underscoring the level of dedication and passion she has demonstrated throughout her studies. As she enjoys a well-deserved break with her family in Cardiff, Cathy looks forward to the next chapter of her academic journey, armed with a record-breaking set of A level results and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world.
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