Thursday, 13 August 2020 11:35

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

Students on the Isle of Wight are finding out what A-level results they have today (Thursday).

It is just 24 hours after the Government announced pupils' final grades will be no lower than their mock exams, because of the so-called 'triple-lock' system. It means students will be able to appeal to use the results of their mocks instead or sit the tests for real in the Autumn.

The exam regulator Ofqual said relying on teachers' predictions would have unfairly inflated results. But the National Union of Students says a grading system that ignores the judgements of teachers is wrong.

Meanwhile, it's been revealed around 280,000 A-level students in England have had the grades given by their teacher downgraded.

What about the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight Council is congratulating Islanders who have worked hard to achieve their A Level results, vocational training qualifications and complete apprenticeships, overcoming the difficulties posed in completing their courses as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Councillor Paul Brading, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills at Isle of Wight Council, said:

“Post-16 students were dealt a setback with colleges closing as a result of lockdown; and to not be able to complete their courses in the usual way, I am sure will have been very disappointing for them. However, it is clear they exhibited great resolve and have worked hard to keep going despite the challenges.

“I congratulate and commend them for their efforts, their tutors and the employers who have supported young people in providing them with an apprenticeship. Also, just as important the families and carers of these young people for the increased support that they must have given during this difficult time.”

Cowes Enterprise College

Many students at the College are going on to attend some of the country’s top universities, including Oxford.

The Sixth Form has welcomed some excellent individual achievements including:

Kieran Wetherick, who achieved A*A*A*A and will be going to the University of Oxford to study History and Politics.
After getting two A*s and two As, Tanya Ekova is off to Bulgaria to study Dentistry.
Akhilla Hancock, who got A*AB and is off to Loughborough University to study Aeronautical Engineering.
Jenny Markham achieved three As and is going to UCL to study Anthropology.
Treeve White’s A*A*AB means he’s heading to Exeter University to study Computer Science.
Adam Baker got A* A* A* A A and will be going to the University of Bath to study Mathematics.
Ben Austin achieved A*A*A and will be attending the University of Warwick to study Mathematics and Physics.
With ABB under her belt, Amie Jupe is off to the University of Bristol to study Medicine.
Benjamin Simmonds got three A*s and one B, and is going to Kings College London to study Biochemistry.

Principal, Rachel Kitley, Cowes Enterprise College said:

“Without a doubt this has been a very unusual year for students, but that doesn’t take away from all the hard work they’ve put in over the past two years, including an impressive commitment to staying positive and engaged when working remotely. We’re very proud of what they have achieved, and I’m looking forward to hearing about the exciting next steps in their journeys.”

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Platform One College of Music

Since opening in 1999, Platform One College of Music says results have never dropped below national benchmarks and once again students have achieved outstanding results, despite lockdown from March 2020.

Director, Platform One College of Music said:

“We were so impressed how Platform One students responded to lockdown. This was a difficult time for students with all live performances cancelled, including opportunities to play at the Isle of Wight Festival. Platform One students showed how resilient and creative they are, producing superb work and music throughout this challenging time”.

Over fifty students completed Level 3 BTEC qualifications with 50% gaining Distinction grades. Year 2 students achieved the full BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, which is equivalent to taking three full A Levels. The majority of students exceeded challenging targets, with ten students gaining the equivalent of three straight-A, full A-Level grades - an incredible result.

Platform One Music College

The Island VI Form

Governors and College leadership teams are delighted to announce that it has been another great year for the students and staff of the Island VI Form and say they are very proud of everyone’s achievements.

A spokesperson for The Island VI Form said:

'We are particularly proud of our students this year who have shown resilience and strength throughout the COVID-19 lockdown period which brought about an unexpected end to their formal education with us. There have been some excellent results for individual students in their A Levels and BTEC studies with some students getting straight A grades or double distinctions. The vast majority of students are going on to their first choice universities and we are excited for them to be starting the next stage of their education.'

Dave Mumford, Head of the VI Form said:

‘We have over 140 students going on from the Island to follow a huge range of university courses including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Law and Fashion, to name just a few. Many students have gained entry to top Russell Group Universities across the country. Congratulations to all students on their achievements and I would like to thank parents and staff for all their support.’

Ryde Academy

Ryde Academy saw 70% of students securing A* - C in an A Level qualification. 43% of grades were A* - B.

Harry Morris has successfully gained an apprenticeship, after achieving an A in Maths, A in Computer Science and Distinction* in Applied Science, with Rappanui to work in Programming.

Phoebe Gosling wrote an excellent EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) dissertation looking at global differences in our idea of the ideal person, using her language skills as part of her research. Phoebe has gained an A in EPQ, A in Philosophy, B in Spanish and C in Politics. She is off to study Spanish at Newcastle University.

Principal, Joy Ballard, said:

‘We are so proud of our students who have continued their studies and making plans for their futures during these difficult and uncertain times. We wish them all the best’.

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Ryde School

The school says students have worked harder than ever and in the most challenging of circumstances, yet the current situation means the school is not able to announce overall results yet.

But there are plenty of individual results to celebrate. High scores in the IB Diploma included:

42 points for Aisling Nuttall from Binstead
41 for Issy Terry from Chillerton
At A Level Beatrix Stark from Whitwell achieved three A* grades in English, History and Art, alongside Italian IB and an A in her Extended Project
Henry Giles, also from Whitwell gained at least two A*s
Zoe Irons from Wootton gained at least two A*s
Imogen Rickman from Fishbourne gained at least two A*s
Nathan Stubbings from Godshill gained at least two A*s

Proud of our IB and A Level students receiving their initial results. Whilst the majority of our students have secured their preferred choice of university, today our priority is for all our students to get their deserved places.https://t.co/sQGi9hZDCh pic.twitter.com/hxGq9YegfO
— Ryde School (@RydeSchool) August 13, 2020

Christ The King College

Nora Ward, Head of School said:

“Although the A Level courses were impacted by school closure, the outcomes are a credit to the hard work of our students and that of our very talented and committed teachers. The school continues to cement its strong reputation on the Island for exceptional education at Advanced Level. It is fantastic to see the progress made by many of our students from entry into Year 7 through to Year 13. The high grades achieved by our students will mean that the majority should gain entry to the University of their choice. There are a number of notable successes with students achieving Oxbridge places, obtaining the necessary grades to do medicine and other high profile degree and apprentice courses. This is to be celebrated.”

Examples of success include:

Students at Christ the King’s grades were a C+ average at A level, up from a C grade last year
At BTEC level, students achieved an average grade of Distinction -, with all securing high-quality destinations
7 students secured places to study at Oxbridge
92% of students achieved what they need to study at their first or second choice university
8 students achieved straight A/A*s
1 student achieved 5 A* grades

However, the school says this is not the full story. A significant number of students have had the teacher assessment grades downgraded as a result of a statistical algorithm, some by as many as three grades.