Sidcot Students have been celebrating their A-level and BTEC results. After 2 years of uncertainty with remote learning and a new approach to assessing grades there’s a real sense of both joy and relief as students plan for life beyond school.
Headmaster, Iain Kilpatrick said; “In what has been an unprecedentedly challenging year for our students, I am delighted with the performance of the Sidcot Upper Sixth at A Level and BTEC, which adds to the excellent results achieved in July in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.”
“With the cancelling of examinations, the assessment of all courses has been through Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs). None of these grades were referred by the examination boards in their quality assurance procedures, which is testament to the care and professionalism of staff in assessing the performance and attainment of students.”
“This method of assessment has required students to work consistently over the two years of A Level and BTEC to produce a robust body of evidence on which to base the TAGs. The skills of subject mastery, application of knowledge and time-management are undoubtedly going to be valuable to our young people in their continuing studies – not to mention resilience in maintaining a positive attitude to their studies despite everything that the pandemic had to throw at them!”
Sidcot students achieved an impressive set of results with 36.4% of A-level students achieving A* grades and 56% of grades were awarded at A* to A.
There were a number of standout results, including:
Freya King who achieved an outstanding three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and will be taking up a place at the University of Liverpool to study Veterinary Science. Freya said: “I was surprised and relieved when the results came through, I’m over the moon that the hard work has paid off. I’m really looking forward to going to university and I’m very grateful for the constant support I received from my teachers to achieve these results.”
Kevin Zhen was awarded three A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chinese and a B in Physics. Kevin will go on to read Mathematics at Warwick. Kevin said; "I am so grateful for all the support I have received from teachers and boarding staff since I started at Sidcot on the Pathway programme. I would not have achieved these grades without the excellent teaching from each and every one of my teachers. My time at Sidcot has been such a special experience and I will always look back with fond memories. I am really excited to start my university life at Warwick University."
James Barber was awarded A*s for History and Mathematics and an A for Physics. James will also be going to University of Warwick to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics. James said; “I can’t wait to take on the challenge of this course. I was attracted to the University for it’s academic standards but also the prospect of the social opportunities. I’ve loved my time at Sidcot and will miss the kind and happy atmosphere at the school.”
Cherry Hu was awarded four A*s in Mathematics, Economics, Business and Chinese and is leaving Sidcot to study at UCL. "Cherry said "UCL has always been my dream university, not only because of the prestigious status but also for the international learning atmosphere and student support. I am so grateful for the teachers at Sidcot School that have been so supportive and patient over the last two years. I was stuck in China for most of lock down as my flights kept getting cancelled, but my teachers always included me in online lessons and supported me on MS Teams. I so excited to embark on the next stage of my education."
Albert Chung was warded an A* in Photography and two A's in Art and Mathematics. Albert said: “I am going to join the “Art and Design course at Camberwell University of the Arts London” I was nervous about the results, but after receiving my grades I was excited and realised all the hard work I have put in did not go to waste. I am very excited to show my abilities at Camberwell University this September. Sidcot has transformed me, not just academically but also as a person. Thank you so much to all of my teachers and those who supported my time at Sidcot.”
James Mitchell achieved A*s in Biology and Mathematics and an A in Chemistry and will go on to read Medicine at St George’s, University of London.
Hannah Peters achieved top marks with three A*s in Chemistry, German and Mathematics. Hannah will be attending Imperial College London to study Chemistry with German for Science.
Matthew French achieved three A*s in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. Matthew will attend University of Warwick to study Computer Science.
While some will argue that this year’s system of assessment is less than satisfactory, Sidcot School has long felt that the pre-Covid approach to assessment fails to give a fully rounded picture of each child’s potential. The Headmaster wrote a piece in the Telegraph in January 2017 in which he asked the question “Could our obsession with exams lead to long term failure?”.
Sidcot prides itself on being “Not just an exam factory”. The School puts as much emphasis on emotional intelligence as it does on academic excellence. In this way Sidcot students leave the school with a lifelong love of learning alongside the skills they need to thrive in the increasingly complex and unpredictable world beyond school.
The Headmaster concluded; “At Sidcot we are justifiably proud of our students’ academic record. We are equally proud of their social skills, their emotional intelligence, their resilience and their determination to make a difference in the world.”
“All our students leave with our very best wishes for the future. They have shown their quality in academic achievement along with maintaining the values of Sidcot that we all hold so dear.”