WALES: Bullies’ Victim Has Last Laugh in Her A-Levels

A 17-YEAR-old girl who had to leave school because of bullies had the last laugh yesterday – by landing top grades in her A-levels.

Charlotte Cartner was bullied at two Flintshire secondary schools and had to be tutored at home after the torment left her feeling suicidal.

She was home-educated from the ages of 13 to 15, before taking GCSEs in school then A-levels at Yale College, Wrexham.

At home she was taught by parents Margaret and David and by a tutor for three hours a week.

Yesterday she picked up two A grades in English and psychology A- level, a B in music A-level, and an A in sociology AS-level.

Charlotte, of Pen-y-ffordd, said: “I’m very pleased, considering the circumstances. I left school after being bullied for a long time because they felt I didn’t fit in. I became suicidal. There was a lot of pressure and I couldn’t find any peace.

“I can’t understand the minds of people who ostracise others. I assume it was immaturity. I’m lucky, I have come through it.”

She plans to study English and creative writing at Lancaster University and wants to become an author.

Charlotte, who has a brother Sam, 25, added: “I’d like to write teenage fiction, about what I’ve been through. I hope it could help other people.”

A former leukaemia patient was celebrating yesterday after gaining three A-levels.

At Ysgol y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay, 18-year-old triplets Ffion, Osian and Deian Howarth were celebrating good results.

Ffion scored two As and a B, while her brothers got three As each.

Osian and Deian both studied biology, chemistry and physics,

In September, Osian will be studying medicine at Liverpool University.

Their sister Ffion, who took Welsh, chemistry and RE, said: “I’m really chuffed. I didn’t expect to get what I got. I was really nervous last night.”

She will now take a law course at Aberystwyth University.

Siwan Owen, 18, of Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, picked up an A in history, C in biology, a D in chemistry and passed the Welsh baccalaureat.

“I’m really pleased,” said Siwan, who will now take a nursing degree at Birmingham University.

Siwan, of Trelogan, Flintshire, was seriously ill aged 11 but now has the all clear.

She has been supported by parents Meira and Gareth, and sisters Catrin, 22, and Llinos, 20.

Conwy student Jack Palmieri landed five grade As at Ysgol y Creuddyn.

The 18-year-old excelled in biology, physics, maths, music and drama.

He said: “I’m taking a year out and going to South America. I’m teaching science for a year at a school in Aishalton in Guyana.”

(c) 2007 Daily Post; Liverpool. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.