Adaptation key for Ashton Sixth Form College A-level success

STUDENTS at Ashton Sixth Form College overcame the hurdles put in front of them by the Covid-19 pandemic to achieve ‘positive’ A-level results.

Almost two thirds of the class of 2021 awarded the highest grades of A*, A or B with a pass rate at more than 99 per cent.

BTEC and other level three qualifications results are in line with previous years with almost 85 per cent of students achieving the highest grades with a 100 per cent pass rate across the full range of qualifications taken.

Among the high performers was former Droylsden Academy pupil Sophie Owen, who achieved for A* grades in Politics, English Literature, History and the Extended Project Qualification.

She will now study Politics at Kings College London and principal Anton McGrath is delighted with what has been achieved.

Also excelling were ex-Great Academy Ashton pupil Rayhaan Sheikh, who achieved A*s in Maths and Further Maths and As in Chemistry and Computer Science. He will study for a Finance BSc at Manchester University.

Jaya Patel, who attended Longdendale High School, will study Law at the University of Leeds after securing A*s in English Literature, Business and the EPQ, an A in Law and a B in Core Maths.

And Askifah Ahmed will study Chemical Engineering at Leeds University after achieving A*s in Chemistry and the EPQ, As in Maths and Computer Science and B in Physics.

The vast majority of students will progress to their first choice university, higher level apprenticeship providers and into the world of work.

This year, following the cancellation of examinations, results were awarded through a process of teacher assessed grades set against national standards which were approved and awarded by examination boards.

Mr McGrath said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements of all of our students receiving their grades.

“This year group have been the hardest hit throughout the Covid-19 pandemic having experienced an interrupted education since March 2020.

“This group of students adapted successfully to new methods of teaching and learning, the challenge of online learning and successfully navigated periods of self-isolation, illness and uncertainty.

“Their success is a triumph for their resilience, perseverance and adaptability, and their achievement should be recognised by all.

“These results, in addition to the skills and experiences they have had during their time at the college should stand them in good stead for their futures.

“The class of 2021 has withstood the enormous stresses and strains of the past 18 months through several lockdowns and some significant changes to their sixth form experience – they have demonstrated their enormous potential over the past two years at the college.

“It is fantastic to see our students progress onto their chosen destinations in spite of the difficulties they faced, and we look forward to hearing about their ongoing success.

“I would also like to pay tribute to all staff at the college who taught, supported and cared for all of our students in the most difficult of circumstances.

“The care and attention shown by all classroom teachers when arriving at grades for each of our students exemplified their quality, professionalism and dedication.

“Each and every one of our students deserves the grades awarded as they are a true representation of their aptitude and ability. No-one should underestimate the quality of the students who are leaving us today.

“Together, our staff and students should take satisfaction in a job well done. Our community’s strength has come to the fore during these unprecedented times and I am sure that the experiences our students have had over the last two years will support them in their development in the future.”