A* pupil inspired by Covid-19 to pursue a career in medical research

A student who achieved one A* and three A grades in her A-levels has been inspired by the coronavirus pandemic to pursue a career in medical research.

Josie Wood, 18, from Blackwood, received her A-level results today (Thursday, August 13), in the midst of Covid-19.

Josie, who studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw campus, has earned a place at Bath University to study Natural Sciences.

Her dream is to one day work in a lab developing life-saving treatments.

Joise said: “I’ve always enjoyed science, but after everything the world has seen over this year, I’m really interested in pursuing a career in research.

“Bath University’s Natural Sciences course comes with a tough conditional offer, so I’m really happy to have got what I needed.

“It’s still a daunting five-year course, which includes a Masters degree, but it will also let me take a placement year in a lab and that’s really exciting.

“This hasn’t been the year any of us expected, but I’m grateful for all my tutors have done to help me get the grades I needed. I hope that one day I’ll be able to use some of what I’ve learned here to help others.”

Karen Phillips, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, which also has a campus in Ystrad Mynach, said: “This has been a very different year for our learners as they have navigated studies through a global pandemic and national lockdown.

“We have been amazed by the hard work, dedication, and resilience that they have shown as we have all adapted to working from home.”

Ms Phillips added: “While we cannot celebrate with learners in person this year and are missing our usual campus festivities, on behalf of the college I congratulate all who have received their results today. 

“We wish them the very best for the future, whether they’re planning on heading to university, apprenticeships, further education, training, or employment – we’ll be keeping in touch with them all and watching their fantastic progress closely.”