As Thursday morning dawned, Aryan Saboo of GEMS Cambridge International School (CIS) – Dubai found himself facing an unforeseen issue. While his classmates were excitedly logging into their accounts to view their A-level results, Aryan realized he had misplaced his username and password sheet. However, fate intervened when he received a congratulatory call from his school counselor. “It was a blend of exhilaration and relief. Initially, I couldn't believe it,” the A-level student recounted. “After all the intense study and late nights, seeing those grades felt like a dream come true. I promptly shared the news with my family, and we were all ecstatic. It was one of those unforgettable moments.”

When asked about the key to his academic triumph, Aryan revealed, “The ‘secret’ was simply loving the subjects I chose and being eager to learn more about them. I genuinely enjoyed my studies, which kept me motivated. Despite the heavy workload, I managed to find time for hobbies like skateboarding and playing the guitar. Balancing my interests with academics was crucial.” Aryan's accomplishments include securing the top marks in Computer Science, Chemistry, and Maths, along with As in Further Maths, Physics, and IPQ. His hard work has led to offers from seven prestigious US universities, and he has chosen to attend Georgia Tech to pursue a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Aryan is looking forward to Georgia Tech, where he hopes to further explore his passions. “The faculty comprises leading experts in their fields, and the research opportunities are unmatched,” he observed. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed his gratitude: “I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone at CIS who supported me in achieving my A-level results. Their dedication and encouragement have been invaluable.”

This year was a significant milestone for GEMS Education, as 1,883 students from 22 GEMS schools in the UAE and Qatar completed a record 5,191 A-level exams. An impressive 26% of entries achieved A* to A grades, while 52% secured A* to B grades. Similarly, Sarah Osama Yousef Al Jammal from GEMS FirstPoint School achieved A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. She plans to study Physics at the University of Manchester. “When I saw my mom crying, I got scared, but when I opened my results, I was pleasantly surprised,” she shared. Reflecting on her experience, Sarah said, “The challenge of studying Physics is what attracted me. It’s a fascinating subject that offers many opportunities.”

“I’m going to celebrate by getting some much-needed sleep — I couldn't sleep last night worrying about the results. Resting is my way of celebrating, but I’ll celebrate later with my family and friends, too.” Sarah also highlighted the importance of dedicating time to her studies: “I put in a lot of effort, especially in these last few months. I focused on my revisions, ensuring I understood the material thoroughly.” Excited about her future, she concluded, “Physics is not just challenging; it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to what’s next!”

Nikitha Achar from GEMS Founders School excelled with A* grades in Fine Art, French, Physics, and Mathematics. She is set to study Architecture at the AA School of Architecture in England. “I’m very grateful for my teachers and family for the support over the past two years,” she expressed. Having been at GEMS for seven years, Nikitha reflected, “It’s really been a supportive educational environment. My parents are over the moon and incredibly excited for me to embark on this journey.” Discussing her preparation, she noted, “I spent two years studying hard, and if I ever had questions, my teachers were always there to help me.” Nikitha chose architecture because she has always loved both art and physics. “The blend of creativity and technicality in architecture is perfect for me. It truly allows me to express myself,” she said.