Rochdale Sixth Form College achieves 99% A-level pass rate for seventh year running

Date published: 16 August 2018

Rochdale Sixth Form College students have once again achieved the college's best ever A-level results today (16 August) with a 99% pass rate – maintaining the reputation of ranking above the national average for the seventh year running.

Among those who received high grades was Laura Smith who achieved an A* in Geography, A* in Psychology and an A in English Literature. She will now be living in housing accommodation as she attends the University of Leeds to study Human Geography.

 

 

She said: “Geography has always been my favourite subject since high school. My interest for the subject really began to spark in Year 9. I also like Psychology, so it was a tough decision between the two, but I figured Geography includes more trips!

“I knew I had got into my chosen university before I saw my results because I checked on the UCAS tracker this morning, but I didn’t know what grades I had achieved.

“It was a complete shock - I achieved way above my target and I’m really happy.”

Anil Gupta also excelled as he received three A*’s in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. He will also be attending the University of Leeds to study Computer Science and Maths.

 

 

Anil said: “I was really nervous this morning. It was even more nerve racking going in one by one to see our result.

“I didn’t want to study one subject at university, I wanted to be a bit more creative, so I’m happy I’m progressing further with two subjects that I enjoy.”

Usman Arshad achieved an A* in Maths, A in Biology and A in Chemistry. He will be commuting to the University of Manchester to study Medicinal Chemistry.

 

 

Usman commented: “I have never been sure on what I want to do for a career, I only recently decided to study Medicinal Chemistry as Chemistry is one of my favourite subjects and I wanted to go further with it.

“Everyone always says before you begin college that A-levels are a lot of pressure as they are such a massive jump from GCSE’s, but if you work hard for the grades then you won’t find it challenging.

“The linear subjects have been harder to study for but you get a lot of support and just need to communicate with your tutors.”

Clareese Boluch is taking an alternative route from university as she is hoping to join the Royal Air Force. She achieved two B’s and an A in Geography, Film and Media Studies.

 

 

Clareese said: “I really wasn’t expecting these results. Geography was really difficult as it’s now a linear course so trying to cram two years’ worth of knowledge into an exam paper was stressful.

“I was really worried about Geography – I didn’t think I was going to pass. There was a lot of tension this morning.”

Speaking about joining the RAF, she added: “I’m a member of the cadets in Royton and I’ve always liked and enjoyed the idea of being in the army and living an army life. I’m looking forward to it.”

Jake Winnard has also chosen an alternative path as he secured an apprenticeship in Accounting with N G Grindrod & Co Accountants in Littleborough.

Achieving a grade B in PE and a double distinction in Business Studies, Jake commented: “I feel like I’ve had a different experience to everyone else today – I wasn’t as nervous because I’ve already secured my apprenticeship.

“I never wanted to go down the university route and the teachers have been very supportive with what I want to do.”

 

 

Sophie Phan achieved A*’s across the board in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science. Her next plans are to continue studying Computer Science at the University of Manchester.

Sophie said: “I thought I was going to be sick when I arrived. I checked for an update on UCAS this morning and saw that I had been accepted to university, but I still hadn’t seen my grades.

“I chose to study Computer Science because I want to progress into cyber security. My subject teacher sparked my interest in this when we met cyber security experts. We also attended an event in London where we had to solve challenges on websites and learnt how to deal with hacking.

“I have a clear target thanks to the support of my teachers.”

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/118416/cyber-security-experts-inspire-rochdale-sixth-form-students

Andrew Tighe also has his mind set on his future as his goal is to be an actor. Andrew achieved an A in Maths, B in Physics and C in Drama and will now attend the University of Staffordshire to study Acting and Screen Performance.

He said: “My dream has always been to be an actor. I’ve always been influenced by comedic actors and my role models include people like Michael Caine, Robin Williams and Rik Mayall.”

 

 

Andrew’s mother, Sharon Tighe, has always been proud of her son. She said: “He has always wanted to be an actor, even when he was in primary school. He is totally different from his two brothers who have always been sporty.

“In Year 5 Andrew played Widow Twankey in Aladdin and that’s when I knew he was going to be different. I’m not letting anything hold him back.”

Patryk Sipowicz moved to Rochdale from Poland three years ago. At this time, he only knew a few English words and found the language barrier extremely difficult. Three years later, Patryk completed his GCSE’s after only one year of studying, from which he received a place at Rochdale Sixth Form.

Today, Patryk received an A* in Maths, A in Computer Science and B in Physics. He said: “I really want to study Computer Science at the University of Manchester, but I haven’t had a reply from them yet.

“It has been difficult because I needed a higher grade in Physics so I’m not sure what I am going to do now if I don’t get into my first-choice university. All I know is that Physics has been extremely hard, and I don’t think I ever want to do it again!

“The move from Poland was very hard for me due to the language barrier and I had to settle at the only high school that had a place, but the shift from high school to college was nice. I had more freedom and chose subjects that I liked so hopefully I can do something I like at wherever I may go next.”

Olivia Blakeley received an A in Psychology as well as AB in Double Health and Social Care. She will be studying social work at Leeds Beckett University.

 

 

Olivia said: “I am absolutely buzzing. After my Psychology exam I just cried because it was so hard, and I didn’t even think I had passed but I came out with an A! I think I’m in shock.

“Rochdale Sixth Form is a great college.”

Richard Ronksley became the new principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College in June 2018 after the previous principal, Julian Appleyard OBE, left his post in February after eight years at the college.

Speaking on the college’s success this year, Principal Ronksley commented: “As I’m sure everyone in the local community knows this is one of the best sixth forms in the country. The college has got an unparalleled reputation for seeing potential in young people whilst ensuring that they succeed.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed with happiness for the students who have done well, which there are many going onto university, apprenticeships have also been increasingly popular this year not just locally but nationally.

“It’s a really nerve-wracking time for parents, students and teachers but a job well done.

“We want to keep ensuring that young people do their very best and that we remain outstanding with Ofsted. We will continue to get better and better.”