Posted: 20/08/09
College students celebrate grade expectations
West Nottinghamshire College is celebrating another record year for A Level results.
Today (20 August 2009) is national A Level results day and the college has recorded a best-ever overall pass rate of 97% – up 4% on last year.
- There were 643 exam entries at A2 and AS levels at the college this year (2008/09), compared with 319 the previous year;
- The college achieved 100% pass rates in 13 out of 16 subjects at A2 level including chemistry, geography, maths and sociology;
- In five subjects (Art and Design, English Language, English Literature, ICT, and Sociology) more than a third of students got A or B grades;
- The college has seen double the number of A grades at AS level compared to last year, while over half of A2 students achieved grades A-C;
- For the third consecutive year, A2 English Language achieved a 100% pass rate.
Sarah Turner, 18, from Mansfield Woodhouse, was in celebratory mood as she picked up a grade A in Sociology, B in English Literature and C in Art, all at A Level.
She said: "I'm really happy with my results. This means I’ll hopefully get into Nottingham Trent University to do my English Degree. I can’t wait to share the news with my parents and then have a good night out with friends to celebrate."
Leanne Ross, 19, from Huthwaite, said: "I am so happy! I got Bs in Sociology and Psychology and C in Law at A Level. I was unsure about how I’d done in my exams so today’s been a pleasant surprise. I’m now going to Nottingham Trent University to study Criminology and Psychology."
Twenty-year-old Samuel Allen, from Mansfield, got grade B in Psychology at A Level, and grade B in English Language and C in Law at AS Level.
"I was hoping for a B in Law but I set myself high targets. After letting the news sink in, I realised I’ve done well overall but I’ve probably got to push myself that extra bit harder next year when I come back to West Notts do my Law at A Level and more AS Levels," he said.
"I know I’ll get there in the end because I’m really ambitious."
Rebecca Northam, 18, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, got a grade C in Media and grade D in Law at A Level and an E in Business at AS Level.
"I’m happy with my overall grades and it means my points will get me into university," she said.
"I’m taking a year out to go trekking in America, probably with my sister. I want to get life experience and possibly work with young people. Then in 2010 I want to go to university and study Law or Youth Studies."
Seventeen-year-old Dominique Gale, from Mansfield Woodhouse, said: "I was quite anxious this morning but I’m fairly pleased with my results. I got a C in Media and E in Sociology at A Level, and a C in Film Studies at AS Level.
"I’m coming back to college next year to get my full A Level in Film Studies and some further AS Levels. I also plan to get a part-time job to get some money behind me before hopefully going to university next year.
"I’ve already told my aunty about my results and she’s really proud of me. I can’t wait to tell my mum and dad."
Tyrone Scott, 18, from Mansfield, said: "I felt really good opening my results. I did better than I expected. I got grade Bs in English Language and English Literature at A Level, which means I can definitely go to Sheffield Hallam University to take my communications and journalism degree. Eventually I want to be a journalist.
"My parents are really proud of me, which is a bonus. I’m going out with my mates tonight for a bit of celebrating!"
Deputy Principal Tim Grant said: “These are excellent results and are testimony to the effort and determination that our students have put in. They’ve worked incredibly hard, particularly over the last year, and this is their reward.
“We also recognise the excellent work of our tutors in providing first-class teaching and support, which plays a major part in our students’ success.
“Most of our students will now go on to university while many will remain at college, either studying further A Levels or university-level qualifications such as foundation degrees or HNDs.
“The economic climate has clearly had a major influence on some students’ decision to continue their studies here at college, rather than compete for university places or rack-up debt studying away from home.
“Whatever our students do next, we wish them every success.”
West Nottinghamshire College offer the biggest choice of A Level subjects under one roof across Mansfield and Ashfield. It also offers a wide range of HNDs, HNCs, vocational qualifications and university-level courses including foundations degrees.
Anybody interested in taking A Levels, vocational qualifications or university-level courses at West Nottinghamshire College should call 0808 1003626.
