College celebrates another strong set of A level results

College celebrates another strong set of A level results

Telford College is celebrating another good set of A Level results, with an increase in both pass rates, and high grades.

The college’s 7th Form has seen an overall 5% rise in pass rates this year, with 100% successes in several curriculum areas, including further maths, economics, sociology, media studies, film studies, and English literature. Chemistry, physics, law and psychology are among the college’s other areas showing a significant improvement.

Graham Guest, principal and chief executive, said: “These results are a reflection of two years of really hard work and dedication by our students.
“They are also testament to the high quality of teaching here at the college, and the way both tutors and students have adapted brilliantly to the different ways of learning over the past few months, since the Covid-19 lockdown.

“It gives us great confidence to start the new academic year, with our new blended learning timetable, in a healthy position.”
The results are the first for students who have completed a full two-year study programme at Telford College’s new 7th Form, which blends traditional sixth form activities with direct links to universities, and partnerships with business mentors.

The aim is to give students a much wider range of career options – and a greater awareness of what lies in store for them when they enter the world of work.

Among the students receiving their results today is Matthew Thomas, from Dawley, who studied maths, further maths biology and chemistry. The former Langley School student is hoping to go to Bristol University to study biochemistry, with a view to a career in medical research.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Telford College – particularly the support you receive, and extra freedoms you get with a college compared with a sixth form.”

Megan Davenport, from Wellington, who has studied biology, geography and economics, has chosen to apply for a job with the RAF instead of progressing to university.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here, and really want to give a shout out to some of the teachers who have helped me, including Beth Gibson, Lynn Gidion and Amy Dodd.
“My dream job with the RAF is as a training instructor – that’s really competitive though, so we’ll see.”

And Faye Oliver, from Bratton, who has won several writing accolades during her time at Telford College, is hoping to study English language and linguistics at Birmingham after studying A levels in English language, sociology and psychology.

“I’d like to be a speech therapist, or maybe a forensic linguist – I’ve got a few options that I’m considering.

“When I started college, I was very shy, quiet and struggled with my confidence. However, through the relationships I have had with all of my teachers and the life-long friendships I have made, I have really come out of my shell and I have gained so much confidence.
“The college has given me so many opportunities that I don't believe I would have had elsewhere. I will forever cherish my time at Telford College – they have given me the skills needed to move on and succeed.”

Schools minister Nick Gibb has confirmed that 40% of grades submitted to exam boards by schools and colleges across the country have been ‘adjusted’ downwards by a statistical model.
Telford College said it would be working with the small minority of its students who have been affected by this, supporting them with their appeals.