SQA Results Day 2023: Clydebank pupils celebrate results

More than 2,300 young people in West Dunbartonshire received their SQA exam results this morning.

For many, the results will mark the end of their school careers as they move onto a range of different positive destinations including permanent employment, apprenticeships, and further education.

Among them is Joanne Durnan, who went to Saint Peter the Apostle High School (SPTA), Kara Gillespie, who attended Clydebank High School (CHS), and Ellie Stewart, a Kilpatrick High School (KPS) student.

Joanne Durnan (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council)

Joanne is preparing to set sail towards her dream career in naval architecture and marine engineering.

The 18-year-old was inspired to pursue this career path after a chance meeting with a Sea Cadet who was manning a stall at a local gala day.

Now, Joanne has been an active member of the town’s Sea Cadets for eight years and has served as the Lord Lieutenants Cadet since 2021 attending many engagements with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The youngster has been described as an outstanding pupil and is gearing up to start her course at the University of Strathclyde in September.

Joanne was one of the first SPTA pupils to embark on a Foundation Apprenticeship in engineering systems.

She successfully completed this prestigious award alongside advanced highers in English, maths, and higher design and manufacture.

She said: “Throughout my time at school I have always enjoyed STEM-based subjects which encouraged me to consider engineering as a possible career route.

“I found that the Foundation Apprenticeship allowed me to apply practically the knowledge I had gained in school as well as develop my understanding of different aspects of engineering in various disciplines.

“The work placement was ideal in highlighting not only the knowledge but also the skills that employers are looking for.

“All in all, I think that the link between my schoolwork and college work helped me to gain a further understanding of many diverse topics relating to STEM which I think will greatly help me starting university.

“I received great support from all the teachers and staff and it’s with their help and guidance I’m leaving school and embarking on a career of my dreams, and I really can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.”

Kara Gillespie (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council)

Meanwhile, Kara was initially unsure what she wanted to do after leaving school until she went along to a careers talk by Global Real Estate firm, Avison Young.

Now she is set to work as a quantity surveyor after being accepted onto a graduate apprenticeship where she will earn as she learns.

Kara worked hard at school and explained she is excited to be entering her career with a high-profile company.

She added that she is keen to be part of making a real difference to places where people work and live.

Kara said: “I feel really grateful to be joining the graduate scheme where I will learn from property professionals, and gain first-hand experience in the field.

“I will attend Edinburgh Napier University two weeks a month and at the end of my degree, I will become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

“I am really thankful to all my teachers, especially my careers advisor, who helped me secure my apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to working on some of the biggest and most exciting development projects in the UK.”

Ellie Stewart (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council)

At Kilpatrick School, Ellie worked hard this year to overcome personal challenges and has "emerged as an incredible individual".

Ellie has been described as a pupil who is certain to thrive beyond school, and will now embark on the learner development course at West College Scotland which focuses on independent living skills.

The youngster will also be participating in West Dunbartonshire Council’s (WDC) work connect programme with a particular focus on horticulture.

Not only that, but Ellie will also be joining a social enterprise course titled ‘Crafting Together’ in Clydebank.

Ellie has achieved a variety of national one units and national two courses. And most recently, a national two media award.

The teenager said: “I am really excited to start college in August but I will miss all my friends in Kilpatrick School.

“I would like to thank all my teachers and support staff within the school who have helped and supported me throughout my time.

“While I will miss them all and I am sad to be leaving the school, I am really excited to start my course at college and the council’s Work Connect programme.”

Councillor Clare Steel, convenor of educational services, hailed every youngster for their achievements.

Cllr Steel added: “I am extremely proud of how hard every single pupil has worked and have enjoyed hearing about the many different paths they are now taking in life.

“From university courses to apprenticeships, and college qualifications to entering the workplace, their hard work over the years has well and truly paid off.

“Whether they are continuing at school for another year or two, or they are moving on to a new stage of their lives, I wish each and everyone one of them the very best of luck in the future.”

In West Dunbartonshire, results show that 95 per cent of young people received a national qualification, including 75 per cent of those presented for advanced highers receiving a pass, and 88 per cent of those presented for highers receiving a pass.

Additionally, at national five level 89 per cent achieved a pass, while 95 per cent achieved a national four award.

Laura Mason, Chief Education Officer, said: “We are proud of all of our pupils whose hard work throughout the year has seen them achieve such good results.

“I would also like to thank staff for their dedication in guiding pupils through this process, preparing them with the skills and experiences to help them thrive when they leave school; and to parents who have supported and encouraged their young people to achieve.”

“Our goal now is to continue improving attainment and ensure every young person in West Dunbartonshire is supported to fulfil their potential.”