Why Chipmunk Is Chirpy About His A-levels

Chipmunk, a rising musician who has a popular song called Diamond Rings and an album named I Am Chipmunk set to release in October, just received his A-level results. We sat down with him to discuss how he managed to balance both his budding music career and full-time education.

Regarding his results, Chipmunk received a B in drama, a C in sociology, and a D in critical thinking. He doesn’t think he could have done better, as he only attended half of his lessons but still exceeded the average. He recalls seeing classmates crying due to studying during the run-up to the exams and questioning how they could not have passed with only one task at hand.

People are amazed at how well Chipmunk is doing in music while still studying. However, he shares that it’s all about finding what works for you. He takes brief notes and believes others may over-exaggerate about how much they need to study. Everyone is different, and what works for one may not work for another. He prefers revising in short bursts, like when he had five hours on a coach, he would pull out the books and revise.

Chipmunk chose to remain in education because it’s just the normal progression for him, going from primary to secondary school and then college. He went to Highgate Wood but later transferred to Haringey Sixth Form Centre due to issues. Mathematics and performing arts were his favorite subjects, but he did not continue mathematics for A-levels because he heard it was challenging.

He thinks A-levels will benefit him in the future as backup if ever music didn’t work out. He dreams of pursuing a music lifetime job and also becoming a teacher, a cool teacher, unlike any of his previous mentors. He credits them for being understanding and letting him do his business when he was recording, touring, and studying.

He chose Chipmunk as his artist name as it was originally a nickname meant to be a cuss, but he decided to keep it as a mark of respect for the person who gave it to him when they died. He explains that he had braces for four years, was short, and round before but felt this new face change helped him become confident.

Relating to his education in his songs, Chip Diddy Chip filmed in his school included students he knew who helped him get to where he is. Though he respects his teachers, he says none of them inspired him in his music.

Regarding A-levels, he disagrees with the idea that they are getting easier, having sat them himself. When it comes to the media’s portrayal of teenagers, he thinks that they should take responsibility for their actions and not always complain or blame others. Chipmunk’s approach is to blame himself first when he makes a mistake. He doesn’t think the positive things teenagers do portrayed well enough, but in a negative world, that’s just how it is.

What guidance can you offer to upcoming A-level aspirants?

My suggestion would be to pursue your passion. By doing so, you will have the drive to study and excel in your chosen field of study.