STAFF have paid tribute to the extraordinary achievements of their students while faced with a very challenging end to their time at school.
It was a very different landscape for leavers picking up their A-Level results at St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Bishop Auckland, with pandemic guidelines contributing to a more subdued air.
Head teacher, Lisa Byron, said: “Our students have faced some real difficulties during these last few months of their schooling, but we are very proud of the way they have risen to the challenge. Staff have worked very hard with them – keeping them motivated and on track - and many of them have secured their first choice for university, apprenticeship, or employment.”
Jack Nevin, 18, achieved what he needed to read Politics & History at Newcastle University, with A grades in RE, History, and English, and an A* for his extended project. He was fortunate that he had completed most of his coursework before lockdown in March, so immediately signed up as an NHS Volunteer Responder, clocking up nearly 1,500 volunteer hours.
He also joined his friend’s dad to deliver food parcels to local people who were shielding, and earned his John Paul II Gold Award by helping out at the food bank at Woodhouse Close Church and Community Centre.
“It really opened my eyes about how many people rely on food parcels,” said Jack, who spent 20 weeks packing bags at the centre.
Studying Psychology at Durham University is the destination of choice for Filip Kubik, 18, who achieved A grades in Physics and RE, and B in English Literature. Filip volunteers with the Chernobyl Children’s Project UK, and has volunteered as an e-cadet, supporting younger students to use the internet safely and effectively.
Her passion for environmental issues, and her exceptional results, have won Jennifer Hindle, 18, a place on the Earth Science course at Newcastle University. She achieved an A* in Spanish, and A grades in Geography, Biology, and Extended Project.
“I’m delighted with my results which give me the chance to follow a career where I can make a difference,” she said. “The staff have been fantastic through all this, and I believe my grades are a reflection of their input.”
Operating a one-way system under strict social distancing guidelines, the 94-strong cohort were each allocated a time to pick up their results in the school hall. They were then able to speak to Lisa and Assistant Head Teacher and Director of Sixth Form, Matt Dunn, about their next steps.
Despite many successes, Lisa and her team will be appealing for re-grading on behalf of a number of students, following the exam board’s decision on assessing grades following the cancellation of the summer exams.
“We really feel for our students who have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at St John’s, and through the sixth form, but who have not seen their hard work reflected in their grades,” said Lisa.