GCSE triumphs set Huntcliff performers on the path to stardom
School days ended on a high note for young performers as they collected their GCSEs and began to look forward to a life under the spotlight.
Three students from Huntcliff Secondary School, Saltburn, plan to use the performing arts skills they’ve learned so far as they move onto the next stage of their lives.
Martha Brayshaw, who achieved nine grade 9s at GCSEs became involved with drama at the age of nine but is now planning to perform on a different stage.
The 16-year-old, of Skelton, plans to use her public speaking skills in debate and will study A levels in politics and sociology at Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, with a view to reading politics at university.
“I have always been opinionated from a young age,” she said. “I got involved with environmental issues in 2022 with Generation Climate Action, The Junction and All Our Futures.
“I had conversations with councillors, became involved in debates and negotiations. I went to council meetings, heard the various arguments and got to speak. I was part of a campaign to stop using carcinogenic weedkillers, especially in parks where it is dangerous to dogs.
“I enjoyed the public speaking and was really interested in the issues and the back and forth. I was enthralled and on the edge of my seat. I worked closely with one councillor on a motion which was finally agreed to stop using the weedkiller.”
Performer Thomas Pugh, who gained nine GCSEs, plans to study music at Stockton Riverside. Known to his friends as the school’s Billy Elliott, he also attends Middlesbrough Youth Theatre.
“I started performing when I was seven,” said Thomas, 16, of Skelton. “My sister used to attend theatre and I used to look through the door. When I came home I would mimic what I had seen for my parents so she got me to go in there and I have never looked back.
“But all my friends are sports mad and I did theatre, singing, acting and dancing. They all took the mick out of me.
“When I got to secondary school I got a bit louder and liked expressing myself on stage. Nothing else gives me a feeling like that and I feel at home on stage singing, acting and dancing. I can really relate to Billy Elliott. My brother, who took me to rehearsals, is even a miner and it’s my life now.
“I started singing when I was playing football and friends asked where had I learned to sing like that. Now they have started coming to shows.”
Thomas hopes one day to perform in the West End or on Broadway. “I try to be on stage as much as I can,” he said. “I also try to go to West End shows and have seen Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Fellow performer Jonty Lloyd, who secured nine GCSEs, is heading for Middlesbrough College to study musical theatre with aspirations one to day to perform on London’s West End.
“I fell in love with performing at primary school when I played the Angel with No Wings,” said Jonty, 15, of Saltburn. “My parents realised that I might have a talent and I’ve had singing lessons ever since.”
Jonty joined Middlesbrough Youth Theatre and has performed lead roles in our school productions of We Will Rock You, Little Shop of Horrors and Back to the ’80s.
“Acting has always been a passion of mine and I try to convey the character of the roles I am playing,” he said. “I always seem to play the bad guy and I feel the energy of that person coming through, even in comedy roles. I have been doing it so long now that I don’t even get nervous. Staff at school have been so supportive.”
Classmate Emma Appleby will be following a family tradition when she takes the next step towards a career in special needs education.
The 15-year-old, of Skelton, gained 9 GCSEs and will next study a T-Level in childcare and education at Middlesbrough College.
“My mum works at Kirkleatham School and I volunteer there,” she said. “I think it must be in my DNA because I have a really good relationship with the children and find it so rewarding. Kirkleatham is an amazing community and I’d love to work there.”
Overall Huntcliff Secondary School recorded improved results this year which is said to be testament to the hard work of students and staff. Over three quarters of the Year 11s achieved passes in English and maths with a record number of grade 9s.
Head of School Lynsey Wilkinson said: “Our Year 11 students have worked incredibly hard and shown a great deal of determination and resilience in their studies throughout key stage 4.
“At their leavers’ assembly I mentioned this cohort experienced significant disruption during their transition to secondary school in 2020 as a result of covid-19, however this is not evident in their results at all. Myself, staff and governors are incredibly proud of each student, their achievements are very well deserved.”