Huntcliff School students take next steps towards dream careers after GCSE Results Day
A STUDENT who has always wanted to be a policeman and was asked to ‘ethically hack’ his school’s firewall to make the internet safer for pupils has moved a step closer to the beat.
Theo Hallam, of Huntcliff School, Saltburn, gained nine GCSEs and will now study a Level 3 diploma in policing at Redcar and Cleveland College.
A police cadet in Grangetown since the age of 13, the 16-year-old hopes to join Cleveland Police when he is 18.
His passion for the law has already proved useful to his school after he was asked to complete some ‘ethical hacking’ of Huntcliff’s firewalls.
“I was asked to challenge the firewalls to test whether pupils are able to get around security when they are searching or using AI,” the senior prefect and member of the student council said.
Theo has already been commended by Cleveland’s assistant chief constable and the county’s high sheriff as Cadet of the Year Southside of the Tees.
Being in the Police Cadets has also allowed Theo to gain an invaluable insight into a future career in the force, whetting his appetite to learn more about the law and train in areas such as crowd control, firearms and chemical, biological and nuclear incidents.
“I’d like to serve in Cleveland Police because I know the area and would be happy to stay in uniform but I’ll go wherever I am needed,” he said.
Performing arts student Malky Hutchinson enjoyed making a song and dance of life as he collected his GCSEs.
The 16-year-old will now move from Huntcliff School to Stockton Riverside College as he pursues his West End dreams.
The baritone singer, who has been a member of Stagecoach, Spotlight and Saltburn 53 Drama Group, will now study musical theatre.
“I have always loved theatre since I saw the Lion King when I was about three,” said Malky. “I’d love to work in any theatre but performing in the West End would be amazing.”
Malky has grade 4 singing and has performed in leading roles in productions including Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors.
“I’ve loved dancing since primary school and really want to work on that at college,” he said. “I have been in many shows since Year 7 and sung solos, which is great.
“Watching Cabaret in the West End has been my favourite thing so far; it gave me goosebumps and I love the emotion of theatre. I’d love one day to go to Laine Theatre Arts, a drama school in Epsom, Surrey.
“The son of my music teacher, Wayne Shellard, appeared in Tina Turner, the Musical. He did a workshop for us and was amazing and really inspired me.”
Overall, Year 11 students at Huntcliff School achieved a set of strong GCSEs, with around three quarters of students securing passes in both English and mathematics, enabling them to progress on to their chosen post-16 courses, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
Head of school Lynsey Wilkinson said: “We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students and all they have achieved. They have worked exceptionally hard and shown tremendous determination to secure the very best possible outcomes. These results are a testament to their resilience, ambition and positive attitude towards learning.
“For many students, this success has been built on years of dedication and commitment since joining us in Year 7. It is particularly pleasing to see so many students achieving the highest grades, with an impressive number of grade 8s and 9s across a range of subjects.
“Equally, we are delighted with the strong progress made by students across the full ability range, including those with additional needs, who have achieved excellent outcomes from their individual starting points. Their accomplishments are just as important and reflect the commitment, perseverance and support that have underpinned their journey through secondary school.”
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