18 minute read
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONNEWS
RECORDS SMASHED
It was a superb day for academic accolades at Westholme School with amazing results that surpassed previous school records. The results are a testament to the resilience of the fantastic students with 90 per cent of students achieving at least two B grades or above at A Level. At GCSE, a remarkable 85 per cent achieved Grade 7 and above and this is a phenomenal achievement right across the whole year group. This GCSE triumph is a reflection of the true Westholme spirit.
GCSE RESULTS
The Stonyhurst College standard was flying high to celebrate GCSE results and the achievements of the Syntax class of 2021. Highlights included 28 per cent of pupils achieving Grade 9, 46 per cent Grades 9-8, 65 per cent Grades 9-7 and 98 per cent Grades 9-4. John Browne, Headmaster of Stonyhurst, said: “Syntax pupils have shown amazing mutual support and optimism and like so many pupils in the UK deserve every success with their GCSEs.”
PRAISE FOR STUDENTS
Students and staff at Blackburn College celebrated as students collected their A-Level and BTEC results with the numbers of Blackburn College students achieving high grades continuing to improve. Students achieved 100 per cent A-Level pass rate in science subjects including maths, further maths, biology, physics and in other popular A-Level student choices including accounting, law and psychology with 41.4 per cent graded A* to B in a year when students have had to contend with periods of home and remote learning.
COLLEGE CELEBRATES
Students and staff at St Mary’s College are celebrating excellent examination results. This year, the college has recorded an A Level pass rate of 99.2 per cent with a vocational pass rate of 100 per cent. St Mary’s vocational students scored 90 per cent high grades, while 62 per cent of A Level students achieved high A*-B grades, and 83 per cent achieved A*-C grades. Commenting on this year’s success Elissa Best, Interim Principal said: “I am delighted to see our students achieve such exceptional results in what has been a challenging, national situation. We recognise the students’ incredible integrity and drive, which has ultimately led to this success. The excellent results have enabled countless students to progress to their first choice university and pursue their future career aspirations. I couldn’t be prouder of the fact that these are the students who are going to play a vital role in the recovery of the local and national economy.”
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE & A LEVELS
Stonyhurst’s 2021 International Baccalaureate (IB) results saw a 100 per cent Diploma Programme pass rate compared to a world average of 85 per cent. Stonyhurst’s top scorer achieved 45 points (out of a maximum of 45 points) placing them in the top 0.5 per cent of candidates worldwide - equivalent to 4A* at A Level. A-Level highlights saw a 99 per cent overall pass rate with 55 per cent of all candidates receiving all A*- A grades and 81 percent of all candidates receiving A*- B grades. John Browne, Headmaster of Stonyhurst, said: “Many congratulations to all Rhetoric pupils on their achievements. Our young people, wonderfully supported by their staff and families, have done all that was asked of them and they have risen to the challenges magnificently. There are many stories of extraordinary endeavour and determination behind these amazing grades.”
EDUCATIONNEWS
DREAM JOB FOR MADISSA
Madissa Malik, 18, formerly of Pendle Vale College, used her initiative to join a teaching agency and gain paid employment and experience during lockdown while student placements could not take place. She then put the experience she gained into practice when work placement opportunities took place. After three weeks of placement at Little Blossoms in Barrowford, Madissa was offered a permanent position and is loving her new job. A delighted Madissa, who is celebrating achieving an A* grade in her Education and Childcare course at College said: “It has been my dream from a young age to become a nursery practitioner and now that I am qualified I have achieved my dream!”
PRESTIGIOUS DIANA AWARD
Bolton School Y12 student Victoria Wong has received a prestigious Diana Award. Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is the most impressive accolade a young person aged nine to 25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work. Young people from around the world are nominated by someone who works with them professionally such as a teacher or youth worker. Victoria was nominated by Ms Teichman, Head of Upper School in the Girls’ Division, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to society through her work with St John’s Ambulance, BiteBack2030, as a Youth MP, as a Chair of the AQA Student Advisory Group and for her support with the mass vaccination programme.
SCHOOL MAGAZINE SUCCESS
Under the editorship of Owen in Year 10, the second edition of Oakhill’s history magazine, Oak Magazine has been published. Students from Years 7, 8 and 10 have researched and written articles and Owen has worked in Adobe Indesign to produce the magazine. There are a range of articles from the Berlin Wall to Stonehenge. Students have worked extremely hard to deliver the magazine, beginning in lockdown in the spring. Well done to everyone involved.
RECORD BREAKING RESULTS
The Class of 2021 at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre achieved outstanding A Level results, which will see them progress to some of the UK’s leading universities. Students achieved an impressive 79 A* grades and 156 A grades, with a record-breaking number of students each achieving three A* grades. The outstanding results reflect students’ curiosity, dedication and love of learning, innovative teaching methods and the individualised support offered by exceptional tutors. Principal Karen Buchanan said: “Our students’ hard work, commitment and resilience has brought them to this point today – a day they will always remember.”
TOP PASS RATE
Moorland is absolutely delighted and immensely proud to announce 2021 A level and Level 3 BTEC results. At A level, Moorland pupils have achieved an outstanding 100 per cent pass rate at A* or A grade in all subjects and in BTEC a 100 per cent pass rate at A*- C equivalent grade. Students will take these grades forward, securing places at their first-choice universities or moving into careers in dance or football. These results are testament to the hard work of Moorland’s Sixth Form students, who have coped admirably with the many disruptions to their learning, have adapted to new methods of teaching and studying and have benefited from the supportive, caring and nurturing atmosphere at Moorland School.
The astounding exam results achieved by GCSE and A level students at Westholme certainly highlight the academic rigour of the school
With a remarkable 85 per cent of GCSE students achieving Grade 7 and above, and 90 per cent of A level students gaining a Grade B and above, Westholme sits proudly alongside the most successful schools in Lancashire.
The results underpin the educational brilliance of the school which supports students to achieve their academic potential by providing a nurturing and holistic environment.
Dr Richard Robson, Principal at Westholme School is thrilled with his
students’ achievements and commented: “This is an amazing academic accomplishment for Westholme! The results are phenomenal right across the whole year group. With 81 per cent of students gaining a Grade 8 or above, and 75 per cent receiving at least one Grade 9, our GCSE triumph is testament to the true Westholme spirit.”
EXAM RESULTS PROVE ACADEMIC RIGOUR
The Westholme journey
The journey students undertake whilst at Westholme is an unrivalled holistic experience unique to the school, delivering the key skills employers are looking for in young people, such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
The school takes a triple strand approach to educating its students. Firstly, delivering a warm and friendly environment to help build a strong community where each
student has a profound sense of belonging.
Secondly, providing the academic rigour every student expects to enable them to deliver exceptional exam results and achieve their highest potential.
Finally, offering a holistic approach where students can acquire the essential skills required for the 21st century by tapping into the extensive range of activities available at the school.
This distinctive approach builds confidence in students and encourages them to participate in class activities, ask questions during lessons and challenge their peers, helping establish independent individuals who believe in themselves and what they are capable of.
At Westholme, there really isn’t an ‘us and them’ with students and teachers, they are all part of one team aiming for the same goal – unrivalled success.
Most of the successful GCSE students will progress straight into the INSPIRED Sixth Form at Westholme, which has more than doubled its intake this year.
Outstanding A Level results
The Year 13 students in the Sixth Form also achieved their best ever A Level results this year and smashed all previous school records with 90 per cent of students achieving at least two B grades or above.
Dr Robson continued: “Sixty eight per cent of our ‘lockdown’ graduates leave Westholme with at least one Grade A or above, and they depart, destination ready, with so much more than outstanding academic results. Their journey through the Sixth Form has prepared them for the next chapter in their lives as well-rounded young people. With a quarter of our A Level students achieving a clean sweep of all A/A* grades, they have smashed the school records!”
The grades this year were allocated through a meticulous and robust process, ensuring evidence submitted was thoroughly moderated and validated internally and then externally by examination boards. Tremendous career paths
Students leaving the Sixth Form are going on to pursue some tremendous career paths. A handful of examples include:
Eloïse who achieved four A* grades in Classics, French, Spanish, and English Literature and is going to read English Literature and French at St Hugh’s College, Oxford University.
Departing Head Boy Yusuf and fellow student Amaan who have accepted prestigious degree apprenticeships with Jaguar Land Rover and Coca-Cola, respectively.
Anna who achieved three A*s and is going on to study Medicine and Surgery at Newcastle University.
One student commented: “The one-to-one support of staff is invaluable and I know without the support, encouragement and guidance of Westholme, I would not be as ready or as confident to go out into the wider world and make my mark on society.”
Parents are equally delighted with the academic achievements, with one commenting: “Our son has done really well in the UKMT maths challenges each year and achieved several gold awards in this. He’s also taken several GCSEs early, all of which were completed at the end of Year 10 and he achieved a Grade 9 in each. He completed the rest of his GCSEs in Year 11, along with Year 1 of the Maths A Level courses and completing the full Computer Science A Level course in a single year.”
So, whether you’re looking to go to Oxford or Cambridge or indeed any of the Russell Group universities, to study drama, music, art or sport at specialist institutions, or be selected for the coveted degree apprenticeships with blue chip organisations, Westholme is most certainly the school for you! n
Westholme Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road Pleasington BB2 6QU 01254 506070 westholmeschool.com
NEW PRE-PREP AND NURSERY Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess, recently opened Rossall School’s state-of-the-art new Pre-Prep and Nursery provision
With the highest pupil roll in the school’s history, Rossall has opened a fantastic Nursery and Pre-Prep to cope with the unprecedented surge in demand. The stunning new facilities have been designed by Rossall School’s own Head of Design and Technology, Lee Hodgetts and students in the Senior School have also contributed. The original building was constructed in the early 1990s but burgeoning numbers meant that a radical redesign was needed to ensure bright contemporary learning spaces reflective of the school’s commitment to inquiry-led learning.
The striking design of the interior embraces much of the latest thinking in terms of classroom design. The provision of a technologically enriched environment is complemented by the free flow of spaces that exploit the beautiful natural landscape within which the building is situated. Headmaster, Jeremy Quartermain states: “Our ambition was to design a building that would provide young children with a wonderful space within which to learn and play.
“Lee’s creative response to the brief has resulted in the creation of a building that undoubtedly has the ‘wow’ factor. Most importantly our pupils and their parents have fallen in love with its many unique features such as the bespoke purpose-built play equipment.
“Rossall is an incredible community and today marks the summation of so much hard work and dedication on the part of our staff. Throughout lockdown, our support staff have been our absolute heroes, and this building provides a tangible expression of their love and dedication to our community. In particular, I should thank Andy Edwards for his spectacular creations.”
The Nursery, which now includes a Baby Room, currently has a waiting list and regularly receives rave reviews across a range of media platforms. 2021 will see a record number of pupils enter the school’s Reception Class. Parents are drawn to the wonderful environment which includes Graeme’s Garden – a school petting farm – and a beach school and forest school. The emphasis upon wellbeing and the provision of a holistic curriculum is reflected in every aspect of the building. It is clear that the provision has resonated very well with current parents. One parent commented: “The staff in the Nursery and Pre-Prep have always been amazing but these new facilities provide such an excellent environment. The variety of activities means we are confident that Rossall is providing the best possible start in life for our children.”
Opening the facility, the ‘Yorkshire Shepherdess’, Amanda Owen said she was honoured and enjoyed meeting the children in the Pre-Prep School. Amanda presented prizes at the Prep School Prize Day and her observations on childhood resonated with much of the philosophy underpinning the curriculum in the Prep School.
Rossall School has enjoyed a bumper year which has been capped by outstanding academic results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and being shortlisted twice in the Independent School of the Year Awards.
Prep School Headmaster, Matt Turner concludes: “The strength of our provision, coupled with our staff, is why we are viewed as the nursery and school first choice across the Fylde and Lancashire.” n
For a private tour contact Lisa Rhodes, Prep School and Nursery Registrar on: l.rhodes@rossall.org.uk
Rossall School Broadway, Fleetwood FY7 8JW 01253 774201 rossall.org.uk
OPEN DAY
Giggleswick School is looking forward to welcoming families to an open morning on Saturday 9th October. Open days are a glorious rural setting, participation in extracurricular is key. Children are simply encouraged to have a go here. As one parent said: ‘They take a child out of their comfort Choral, Design, Drama, Music and Sport. Giggleswick, which is set in 215 acres of stunning countryside, is one of the leading independent co-educational boarding and day schools in the north of England for great way for prospective families to get a feel for the school.
Giggleswick always aims to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to embrace the world beyond school and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Our approach to education combines excellent academic achievement, ambition and strong self-belief, creating well-rounded individuals with a lifelong desire to learn. With a broad curriculum and enrichment programme, learning goes beyond the classroom and every pupil is encouraged to explore their individual talents and skills. This is highlighted in the Good Schools Guide, which states: “For schools in a zone but there is lots of encouragement and togetherness. No one is singled out’.” Giggleswick’s CAS (Creative, Active, Service) Programme is timetabled into the school day, and provides over 60 different activities which range from academic enrichment, sport, creative classes, and managing health and wellbeing. As a Microsoft Showcase School, exceptional online educational provision has continued throughout the lockdowns and ensured that this year’s cohort of leavers has gone on to top universities and Degree Apprenticeships. In a wonderful rural setting, Giggleswick School does its best to make itself accessible to children from Giggleswick is one of the all backgrounds and offers a range of leading independent schools scholarships and bursaries. The following in the north of England scholarships are available for talented individuals: Academic, All-Rounder, Art, children aged two to 18. It boasts 500 years of heritage, exceptional modern facilities and is renowned for its rich and broad education that brings out the best in every child. n For more information on the Open Day and to register your place, please visit: giggleswick.org.uk/admissions/open-days
Open Day
Saturday 9 October 2021, 9.30 - 12:00
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
FOR PRESCHOOL
All children in the UK aged 3–4 are entitled to free part-time education whether that is a nursery, preschool, playgroup, or with a childminder. This is a hugely important stage for your child’s learning, and it’s a really fun one too!
At this stage of their learning, your child will be mainly learning through play-based activities. They will also be learning about routine and developing early literacy and maths skills, learning about the world around them and learning social skills. There are a number of things recommended by the the Department of Education to help prepare your child for preschool:
1. Talk (and listen)
It seems very obvious, but at this stage one of the best things you can do for your child’s learning is to spend time talking together. They are constantly learning new words and will be exploring ways to build sentences and put words together through trial and error.
2. Read, read, read
Time spent reading together brings so many benefits to your child – and you! Through reading, your child will hear lots of words that they might not be as likely to come across in everyday conversation. They will also develop their listening skills and their understanding of how stories work. Rhythm and rhyme are so important for early language development and, luckily, there are masses of wonderful books available. 3. Sing songs and rhymes
Have lots of fun singing songs and nursery rhymes together. Don’t worry about how good your singing voice is! Singing songs and saying rhymes can help your child to develop early language skills. Have fun with numbers by singing counting songs, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Once I caught a fish alive.
4. Point out numbers on the go
Point out the numbers you see when you are out and about and encourage your child to do the same. Look for bus numbers, prices and house numbers. When shopping, ask your child to select the number of apples or bananas you need – they’re helping you out, and learning at the same time.
5. Dress up
Dressing up and role play are great opportunities for talking and listening and for imaginative play. On a practical level, a fun dressing up session can help your child to practise getting themselves dressed. You can fit in a sneaky bit of training with those tricky zips, armholes and buttons. n
