A-Level students make the grade

Students at Hartlepool Sixth Form discovered that they have made the grade after gaining their A-Level results today. 

Despite a challenging year due to the pandemic, the A-Level students are a step closer to their university and career ambitions. Outstanding individual achievements included Daniel Liddle who achieved 4 A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. The 18-year-old from Hartlepool will be heading to Durham University to study a maths masters. He said:  

“I was ecstatic with my results! They were exactly as I expected but I was still buzzing. The best thing about being at Hartlepool Sixth Form was the teaching and the people. Everyone was so kind and helpful and really supported and helped me to achieve everything that I wanted.”  

Ellie Crossman, 18, from Hartlepool gained straight As in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. She will be studying dentistry at the University of Sheffield. She said:  

“I was overwhelmed when I saw my results! I never thought that I would achieve these grades. The teaching staff at Hartlepool Sixth Form were always there when you needed them and went out of their way to help you.”  

19-year-old Cory Winter from Seaham is delighted to have secured a place at the University of Oxford to study Geography. She achieved an A* in Biology and As in Chemistry and Geography. He said:  

“I was so relieved that I made it into my first choice university. I didn’t expect the A* in Biology but I’m so happy with it! The best thing about Hartlepool Sixth Form was the unwavering support and belief in my capabilities by all staff. I was helped every step of the way.”  

This summer, A-Level grades were calculated by schools and colleges based on evidence such as assessments, coursework, homework and performance in class. Students were then ranked in order within each grade in a subject. The calculated ‘centre assessment’ grade was sent to exam boards where they were standardised using a statistical model developed by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). The grades that students received this year will carry the same value as any other year.  

Mark Hughes, Head of Hartlepool Sixth Form, said:  

“Despite the suspension of face-to-face teaching, we have been supporting our students with an extensive programme of online learning to keep them engaged and ready to progress. We have high expectations for students and our dedicated staff ensure every student achieves and reaches their full potential.   

“We are delighted that our students have been able to progress and gain places on competitive degree courses. We wish them all the very best for their future success.”  

Students at the college are being supported today and tomorrow with a virtual support clinic and a dedicated results day helpline.

Hartlepool Sixth Form is part of Education Partnership North East, one of the largest college groups in the country, which also includes Sunderland College and Northumberland College.  

Since lockdown, the college group has undertaken over 3,000 welfare checks for vulnerable groups of students and 471 virtual counselling appointments, which included 50 new referrals during the pandemic and continued support for students already receiving counselling. This has been supported by daily live chat, Facebook Live sessions focusing on mental health and wellbeing, and virtual workshops on specific issues such as isolation, resilience and anxiety.   

The sixth form offers an extensive range of A-Level subjects and a select number of vocational courses. Apply online now for September 2020 on www.hartlepoolsixth.ac.uk