Hard work pays off for students

The government allowing exam grades to be based on teachers’ predictions instead of an algorithm that had caused A Level results to be downgraded eased the fears of many Year 11s.

The computer-calculated grade was still awarded if it was higher than the one predicted by staff.

Commonweal students talked to the Adver about the emotional rollercoaster of results day. Matt Barratt is on the way to sixth form to study history, computing, maths and physics with nine nines and and an eight under his belt.

He said: “Before the U-turn on grading, I was completely dreading this because I’d heard the stories of people being marked down one or even three grades and was worried I wouldn’t get the marks I deserved.

“After the U-turn, I relaxed and ended up doing better than expected,I’m ecstatic and quite surprised. I put a lot of hard work into this so it’s nice to see some evidence of my effort.

“Now I’ll just take this in my stride, carry on with A-Levels and see what the future brings.”

Libby Hulance was thrilled to receive an eight in maths and nines in every other subject. She said: “My mum and dad were jumping up and down, I’ve had lots of calls from other family and I got to meet up with friends, it’s been nice.

“I was quite anxious with all the uncertainty but knowing that the teachers were assessing me instead of an algorithm was reassuring because they know me and I trust them.

“I was pleased and happy with what I got, especially maths because I’d struggled with it and was worried about my marks.

“It feels weird that secondary school is over. Now I’m heading to Cirencester College to study biology, psychology and chemistry, then hopefully go into veterinary studies.”

Emily Ridley bagged eight nines and two eights ahead of starting Year 12. She said: “I was quite worried about the results but at the same time felt prepared because I had worked hard and done the best I could.

“I’ve been keeping up with my studies all through lockdown and did a few online courses to keep myself occupied. I’m proud of what I achieved because I strive to do my best in everything and am looking forward to starting sixth form.”

With similar good grades, Amani Sani-Umar is staying on to study psychology, biology and chemistry at A Level.

She said: “I was so nervous because of the circumstances, I didn’t know what I was going to get. When I saw my results I was shocked because they were a lot better than I expected.

“Lockdown threw everything up in the air and there was outrage over the A Levels so I was unsure about how it would go, I’m so happy.”

Headteacher Bob Linnegar said: “Everyone at Commonweal is immensely proud of Year 11. They have faced an unparalleled challenge with fortitude, good humour and hard work.

“The uncertainty, the changes and the partial release of information have made for an extremely testing situation. Year 11 deserve thanks and great praise for how they have dealt with this challenge.

“The great hope was that students would receive grades that reflected their hard work over 11 years of education and the learning they have achieved.

“The belated decision by the DfE to award students the higher of their calculated grade or their centre assessed grade was welcome. Students overwhelmingly received the grades that their effort and their learning deserve. Grades that enable them to pursue the futures they have planned. Well done Year 11 and congratulations.

“Overall, the students achieved approximately 1,800 GCSEs and equivalent qualifications. The vast majority of students receiving 9 or more grades in a broad range of subjects. In total students at Commonweal completed 29 different GCSEs and equivalent qualifications. 75 per cent of students achieved a Grade 4 or better in both English and maths. 52 per cent passed both subjects at a grade 5 or higher. 32 per cent of entries were graded 7 or above and 85 per cent were graded 4 or above.

“Achievement comes in lots of different forms. Amongst many excellent results a few individuals achieved particularly highly. Grade 9s are reserved for the top 3% of students in each subject. Emily Ridley achieved 8 x grade 9s, Matthew Barrat and Libby Hulance each achieved 9 x grade 9s and Charlotte Dale achieved an incredible 10 x grade 9s. Other students also celebrating include Amani Sani-Umar, Marcin Tyburek, Daniel Colgan, Eliza Havristiuc and Redwan Ahmed.

“Congratulations to them, and to all the students celebrating meeting and surpassing their personal targets.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic the future is very bright for the Commonweal GCSE class of 2020. We cannot wait to see most of them back in school again for C6 enrolment on the 26th of August and are even more excited for their first C6 lessons on September the 3rd. To those students pursuing further studies elsewhere we say a fond farewell. Wherever you go you remain Commonwealians.

“The staff at Commonweal, and I’m sure the students too, would like to thank all the parents and carers of Year 11. Your support for the students has been crucial to their success. Thank you for everything you have done over the last 6 months and for all the support you have given the students and their teachers over the last 5 years.

“A big thank you should go to the excellent teaching staff. They are vital to the success of these young people and have helped them to secure bright futures. As well as providing high quality teaching staff spent a great deal of time drawing up centre assessed grades and moderating them for consistency.

“Their professionalism was exemplary, and this has been recognised by the DfE. We would like to publicly thank the exam boards. Having less than two days to make widespread changes to the results they were preparing to issue must have been a profound challenge. We appreciate the work they have done.”

Highworth Warneford School’s head girl Hannah Simpson received a string of 8s and 9s which saw her walk away with a leaver’s award and John Saunders Award for Excellence trophy.

Before opening the envelope, she said she was “a bit nervous but less so than before everything got changed, I’m hopeful”.

Hannah and her friends Lauren Preston and Ellie Saunders got the first glimpse of their results at the same time, then smiled, cheered and celebrated their success.

She then added: “I was not expecting this, they’re better than I thought, it’s a relief. I’m especially happy with the chemistry and physics grades.”

She’s now going on to study German, law and biology at Cirencester College.

Headteacher Andy Steele said: “We are delighted that the hard work and effort that the students have shown in studying for these exams has been properly recognised.

“In these challenging times it was important that the work of students and staff was fairly rewarded. This year’s cohort were able and hard-working, and many of the individual achievements have been tremendous. Well done to the Class of 2020.”

New College student Elise Ford received a seven in photography, along with with sixes in business and statistics.

She said: “I’m happy with my results, as I feel these are the grades I would have achieved. I’ve really enjoyed the Pre-16 experience over the last two years.”

Brothers Robbie and Will, both Pre 16 students, picked up their results. Robbie achieved: Physics 9, Geography, Maths 8, English 6. He will be progressing on to study A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Geography, with an aim to study Chemical Engineering at university.

Wil achieved Chemistry 9, Maths 7, Ancient History 4. He will be going into his second year to study GCSE English, Physics and Film Studies.

Robbie said: “Before attending New College, both Will and I were fully home-educated. Mum and Dad have been so supportive during our time at here. I think that it is safe to say that we are both really pleased with our results.”

UTC Swindon highlighted students who did exceptionally well in their exams.

Tamzin Baker achieved a distinction in engineering and grade 7 in maths, along with excellent grades in her other subjects, and will start an extended diploma in engineering in September.

Tamzin said: “Being here has allowed me to build my confidence whilst studying towards a future career in engineering.”

Ben Wiltshire was awarded distinctions in three engineering qualifications, plus all other subjects were above grade 7. He will continue his passion for engineering when he studies an extended diploma next term, along with A-Level physics.

Ben said: “I’ve really enjoyed working in a more work-based environment and I’m really looking forward to extending my opportunities in engineering by joining UTC Swindon’s sixth form.”

Josh Lee achieved a Distinction in engineering manufacture and grade 9s in maths, chemistry and physics, with grades 7 and 8 in his other subjects.

He is following an interest in STEM by studying A-Levels in maths, chemistry and computer, alongside an Extended Certificate in IT.

Keegan Dias was “amazed and delighted” to have exceeded his target grades in all his subjects, gaining three qualifications in engineering and consistent grade 5s in his other subjects.

Keegan has put in exceptional hard work and commitment to his studies, while taking the “many opportunities to develop my workplace skills by working with employers.”

He joins the sixth form in September, studying towards a diploma in engineering and A-Level physics.

Principal Jon Oliver, said: “This has been an incredibly hard year for young people and we are delighted that the hard work and determination of our Year 11 students has been reflected in the grades that they have been awarded this year.

“A large proportion of our students have chosen to continue their studies at UTC Swindon as they extend their skills, qualifications and preparation for the world of work. Well done to all of you.”

Joanne Harper, CEO of Activate Learning Education Trust, added: “We are all incredibly proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students.

“Students are now able to rightly celebrate the results of two years of hard work and secure their Post 16 places, either in our Sixth Form, other educational establishments, apprenticeships or the workplace; we look forward to hearing of and celebrating their future successes.”

Deputy leader of Swindon Borough Council and the cabinet member responsible for education, Coun Russell Holland said: “I would like to say a huge well done to all the students in Swindon who received their GCSE results.

“Nationally, results improved significantly. The initial data we've received so far from our schools is very encouraging.

“All of our students can be really proud of their efforts and I would like to wish them well for the future whether they decide to go on to further their studies or look to embark on their chosen careers.”

We asked Wiltshire Police’s deputy chief constable Paul Mills for some words of advice for school leavers.

“A huge well done to everyone on GCSE day. Whatever your results are, especially if you did not get what you hoped, please remember that this will not prevent you from achieving great things in the future,” he said.

“I am great believer that your grades take you so far but equally as important is your personality and an infectious can do attitude.”

Nova Hreod and Swindon Academy did not respond.