Hanah returns home with highest possible grades

Tuesday 10 August 2021 | By Samantha Hockney

Teesside High School student Hanah (pictured, centre) had a unique experience of lockdown learning, following an intensive online learning programme from her parents’ home in South Korea.

Hanah’s parents moved to Teesside for work purposes in 2017 but relocated two years later, and Hanah decided to stay on and complete her A-level studies as an international student at THS Sixth Form.

Hanah secured an incredible 9 GCSEs at grades 7-9 in 2019, and opted to study Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at A-level. She returned to be with her family in South Korea during the first UK lockdown, but this did not stop her taking part in her distance learning, often joining live lessons and assemblies as late as 11.00pm using Google Meet.

Today, Hanah received her results at home in South Korea – an outstanding A*A*A*. She will progress to read Chemistry at Ghent University’s South Korean campus from September.

Kirsty Mackenzie, Head at Teesside High School, said:

“Hanah’s meticulous approach and dedication to her studies has shone through during her time at THS Sixth Form, and today she (virtually!) collects a much deserved set of straight A* grades.

“Hanah is a fine example of where hard work meets natural ability. Undoubtedly, Hanah is a gifted student, but over the past two years she has faced the extraordinary challenge of managing her learning between school and online from her home in South Korea, travelling back and forth in-between.

“Hanah often worked beyond midnight each day to attend all of her required classes. She is a great example of the unwavering spirit shown by the Teesside High School student community during these challenging times.”