Callywith students celebrate excellent results
At the end of the most unusual academic year that saw Callywith College being designated Ofsted Outstanding, move the entire college community online and end with no exams or assessments due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the College’s A Level and Extended Diploma students have achieved some excellent results.
Along with all 16-18 institutions, to replace exams and assessments this year, Callywith College has instead followed national guidance in submitting Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) to exam boards. These grades have then been standardised using statistical modelling developed with Ofqual before awarding individual final grades.
A Level students at the College in Bodmin have collectively secured a 99.3% pass rate overall, against a national pass rate of 97.5%, with 83% of entries being awarded A*-C grades - well above the national average of 75.5%.
Students studying Level 3 Extended Diploma courses have also achieved excellent results on the newer and more rigorous BTEC pathways. 100% of our cohort of nearly 200 Extended Diploma students passed, with 44% achieving the top distinction grades or higher; 6% above the national average.
However, there are a number of students at the College and many more across the country who rightly feel let down by the statistical standardisation that has altered their teacher assessment grades. The College are working hard to support all students with queries regarding grades and appeals using their Results Advice Hub on their website and by ensuring staff are available to provide results and progression advice. Last minute Government changes and incomplete details of appeals processes have undoubtedly made the need for this vital task more necessary than ever.
Callywith College Principal Jon Grey said: “We are so proud of the achievements of all of our students with exam grades being just one part of their development. The way staff and students have responded to the additional challenges presented by Covid-19 has been truly remarkable. Our students have shown real resilience, determination and strength to pursue their ambitions and should be proud of their achievements. Despite the unusual feel to this results day, the vast majority of our UCAS applicants have successfully gained entry to their first-choice institutions and it is a privilege to share their pride for these achievements and the excitement they have for their futures.”
All of our students did us proud with their results this week, but here are just some of the outstanding individual success stories:
Abi Kaye achieved straight A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics A Levels and is going on to study Physics at Durham University.
Abi, who is considering a doctorate and going into scientific research after her degree, spoke of how she is feeling about her results and her time at Callywith. She said: “I’m really happy and mostly relieved! I’m just glad I’ve been accepted by my firm choice university, and it’s nice to see that my hard work whilst studying at Callywith has paid off!
“All of my lecturers at Callywith have been unbelievably supportive from day one, including with my UCAS application, exam/revision advice and they remained in contact throughout lockdown.”
Kyle Hollister, who has been offered a place at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris to study French and achieved A, A, C in French, Media Studies and English Literature A Levels, was also delighted with his results. Kyle said: “I am really happy and proud, it’s such a huge weight off of my shoulders!
“Callywith gave so many opportunities to everyone, there was always something exciting to do. The teachers were my favourite part about the College, all of my teachers gave so much support and made me feel like they genuinely cared and would go out of their way to help. I definitely couldn’t have done it without them!”
Abi Kaye achieved A*A*A*A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics & Chemistry
Kyle Hollister achieved AAC in French, Media Studies & English Literature
A Level students weren’t the only ones achieving excellent results, Level 3 Health & Social Care Diploma student Jasmin Pattenden who achieved D*, D*, D and is going on to study Sociology at Cardiff University said: “I am over the moon with my results and burst into tears! I felt so overjoyed, especially after putting in all the hard work.
“Callywith was an amazing college to go to with great work spaces, and quiet spaces to study and learn.
“My teachers were one of the highlights of going to college. They were all so thoughtful, and always happy to help whether that was with work, or just a general chat. They really did help me get through challenges I faced.”