 Bright spark - First class degree at 17 for Joshua
A GIFTED teenager has gone beyond the academic ability of youngsters his age and achieved a First Class Honours degree at just 17!
Star student Joshua Bright, of Philip Avenue, Rush Green, proved his outstanding intelligence by achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Maths, Finance and Management with the support of Essential Education (EE).
Joshua graduated with a standing ovation on July 22 at Queen Mary University in London where esteemed VIP guests including Grenville Burn, Special Advisor to Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland at the House of Lords; and Terry Jervis, writer, BBC television producer and director took time out of their schedule to personally congratulate him.
Olivea Ohonmele, creative director for Essential Education, in Century Youth House, Albert Road, Romford, said: “Joshua is the first student to undertake this course and achieve a first class degree at 17.
“Not only was this a fantastic achievement but Joshua had previously passed seven GCSE’s at the tender age of 10 in one sitting.”
Joshua’s dad, Gbola, a maths teacher who himself achieved a special service to education award in Hackney in 2006, is head of the Young and Gifted Department and is now nominated for teacher of the year, said: “It’s what we call a miracle. Something you can’t explain. There’s some things that happen beyond human understanding.”
Joshua’s gift was identified by his parents as young as three years old when he could already recite his multiplication tables.
He attended St John of Jerusalem primary school in Hackney and had extra tuition at Essential Education after-school and on some weekends.
He achieved seven GCSEs, all grades A and B, aged ten, and went from primary school straight to BSix sixth form college in Hackney where he achieved four A Levels aged 14 in Maths (B), Accounting (C), Busi- ness Studies (A) and ICT (C).
Joshua was the youngest ever student to study a degree at Queen Mary’s University.
Gbola, 52, said: “I knew the potential was there. It was lucky for me having the people around me to make it a reality.
“We don’t deprive him. There’s not too much pressure. The whole thing to him is it’s fun.”
And despite his super-fast educational journey Joshua’s mum, Sade, said he still socialises with his primary school friends, now reaching upper sixth academic level, along with the adults he’s been mixing with at university.
Sade, 45, said: “He’s very tall. Most of them didn’t believe his age because of his height. But when they realised they were very supportive.
“It wasn’t an issue at all. He can relate to anyone irrespective of their age or background.”
Joshua is currently undergoing an internship with an investment bank and helps younger children at Essen- tial Education prepare for exams.
He intends to start a Masters degree in Banking and Finance in September.
There are currently 18 Essen- tial Education students, as young as seven years old, who are awaiting their GCSE results on August 19.
by Lucy Dickinson - www.romfordrecorder.co.uk
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