Heart of England A Level students have been visiting school during the morning of results day to collect their results envelopes. Despite the availability of online results and access to UCAS online, many students have kept up the tradition of collecting results in person with a good number waiting to open their envelopes at school to find out their grades.
Our class of 2021 have achieved superb results across the board and the vast majority have achieved their first choice in onward destinations.
Two such students were delighted with their grades although both knew already they had been offered university places. Phoebe will be going to Swansea to study osteopathy: “I think it’s the best place of only a few universities to offer the course I want. My ambition is to open my own clinic and specialise in animal or children’s care,” she said.
With three B grades another student is off to York to take astrophysics. “I’m really looking forward to it but as yet, I’ve no idea what I’ll do when I graduate!”
Unlike last year when results were based on Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs), this year grades have been based on the Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs). The TAGs are calculated using evidence from pieces of marked work including school exams and tests, marked by teachers and then double checked by other teachers. The tests have been based on what was actually taught to students.
These grades were sent to the exam boards who double checked the results and the evidence to then award a final grade. No algorithm is used – only the grades and evidence provided by school.
Our Head Girl Grace has done well too and gained a place at Cambridge to study Law which she is really looking forward to. “I’m so happy,” she said, “All the work has paid off.”
Lisa White, Grace’s mum is very proud: “Grace has worked so hard and the teachers here have been brilliant and they work so hard for the students, especially during this last year. The students have had a good lead-up to their life of more independent study at university.”
Commenting on how hard the students have worked, Head of Post 16 Grace Theay said: “I am so proud of the positivity they radiate and there was a real buzz around the sports hall today. In a time of uncertainty, these students showed great courage and resilience. What head of Sixth Form could ask for more?”
A sentiment wholeheartedly echoed by Ms Hughes-Williams who said: “I wish to thank all our dedicated staff, trustees and parents/carers for the hard work and support so generously given throughout this most challenging of years.”