Perfect grades at GCSE is a feat that is not regularly achieved. At 16 years of age, Inez Acquah-Aikins has achieved an incredibly faultless set of GCSE grades, accumulating 12 A*s. Her grades were attained through a wide study of Maths, English Language and Literature, Triple Science, French, Latin, ICT, History, Art and Music.

This bold young lady attributes her success to early and consistent revision, always bearing in mind that the end result far outweighs the hard work. With support from family and friends, Inez aspires to pursue a career in Architectural Engineering.

Inez also has a passion for music, with capabilities in piano, guitar and violin, which she found as a recourse during the revision period. She is currently embarking on a number of voluntary roles and hopes to extend her quest for excellence during her A-levels.

Inez’s humility and attitude towards hard work is admirable, GUBA interviews her to find out more…..

 Congratulations on achieving such outstanding grades. How do you feel about your achievement?

I find it quite overwhelming but I am incredibly grateful. I was not expecting to do as well as I did, giving that I was only predicted 3 A*s. Initially, I found it hard to believe but now that it has all sunk in, I am extremely happy and relieved that the work I put in really paid off.

What was your motivation during the revision period?

During my revision period, my biggest motivation was my friends and family. There would be days when I just wanted to stay in bed but my friends and family always reminded me that it would pay off in the end.

What advice will you give to future GCSE candidates?

I would definitely advise that they start revising early; I started my revision in the Spring Term of Year 10. I would not have done this out of choice but I had mock exams in the summer and in the Winter Term of Year 11. At the time I did not appreciate having to start early but I found that this really helped me because when it came to really revising for my GCSE’s, I found that I knew a lot of things already from my previous revision sessions.

I would also advise that they surround themselves with motivated and hardworking people, the attitude of the people you surround yourself with, rubs off on you.

Changing your revision space is also a good technique, you can go to a library alone or with friends. I found revising with my friends made it a lot easier because we would be able to help each other. Most importantly, sufficient sleep and a balanced diet is important as lack of energy on the day of exam can affect your final grade.

Do you engage in any other project and extra curriculum activities you would like to share?

I am currently working on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, which means I have to partake in volunteering, a skill and a sport. I am planning to volunteer in a local care home and hopefully start playing tennis. I have previously volunteered in my local library. I am also Grade 5 on the violin and I play in my School Orchestra and in church.

What career path do you hope to embark on?

I hope to eventually become an Architect or work within the Architectural Engineering field.

What do you think about the GUBA Awards?

I think the GUBA Awards is an excellent way of recognizing the rich and vibrant African culture. In Britain a lot of young Africans are used to the being second best, GUBA awards is a great inspiration to all young Africans, a reminder that we are part of a prosperous culture and that we can excel, as several Award Winners have shown.

 GUBA is blown away by the achievements of this marvellous young lady. She embodies the message that hard-work and consistency rarely goes unnoticed. Great success is next in line for Inez and we wish her all the best for the rest of her ac