A Level students celebrate brilliant results at Tupton Hall Sixth Form

Amid intermittent lockdowns, social distancing and uncertainty, students have collected their results and stepped into the next chapters of their lives. Overall, the percentage of A* to A students was 28.5%, with over half of our grades (53.9%) being A* to B.

As examinations were unable to take place this year, teacher assessed grades (TAGs), have determined students’ results. TAGs use a range of evidence completed as part of each course to demonstrate a student’s performance on subject content. Nonetheless, students eagerly awaited their results.

Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Charlotte Burton, said: “These students had only just started their Year 12 studies with us when they experienced the upheaval of the pandemic. The exams might not have taken place, but the assessments that replaced them were just as demanding and rigorous. The students have worked incredibly hard for these grades, especially after crucial Year 13 classroom time was replaced with remote learning and virtual lessons.”

“One of the clearest indicators of the strength and integrity of the cohort is their sense of community and their desire to make a positive contribution to the wider world. Even with time away from school, the Sixth Form raised nearly £2000 for a range of different charities; they made their own hampers at Christmas and delivered hundreds of advent calendars and gift bags to a local food bank.”

“Being a teenager through these unprecedented times has been fraught with challenges, but it is vital to highlight just how amazing and adaptable the students have been. Their support of each other and their daily engagement with school has been fantastic. Each student has overcome their individual challenges and they should be incredibly proud of themselves. Whether the students choose university, an apprenticeship, employment, or a gap year, we know that they will continue to make positive changes in the world.”

Tupton Hall Sixth Form is one of the most inclusive Sixth Forms in Derbyshire, welcoming students from as many as 11 local schools. Students can choose from a diverse range of A Level subjects and are able to set, work towards and achieve their own goals.

Many Tupton Hall students are now heading to universities across the country to study subjects as wide-ranging as meteorology, primary school teaching, oceanography, adventure film making, medicine, sociology and law and criminology. Others are beginning their careers by embarking on apprenticeships in fields such as business management, the post office and policing.

Mr Andrew Knowles, headteacher of Tupton Hall School, said: “We are delighted for our students after a traumatic end to their Post 16 experience with us. Their efforts and hard work over the two years of study have been duly rewarded. We are all very proud of this wonderful group of individuals. I would also like to thank our highly skilled staff and supportive parents and families who have supported our students throughout this time.”

 

• Reece Hewitt has studied for 4 A Levels, securing A*’s in Maths and Further Maths and A’s in Chemistry and Physics. In September, Reece plans on studying Maths at the University of Durham. He said: “The teachers were always accessible throughout the pandemic, which was reassuring. No matter how big or small your concern or question, they would always reply as fast as possible. Whilst the academic side of the Sixth Form was brilliant, the friendly people at Tupton Hall made the experience for me.”     

 

• Lucy Astell has been awarded an amazing 3 A*s. She achieved an A* Geography, A* in Law and another A* in Psychology, and will head to University of Derby to study MEdu (in curriculum enhancement) with Qualified Teacher Status. She said: “The main thing about Tupton Hall Sixth Form for me is the sense of community. Everybody works together to support each other. The teachers go above and beyond to help students, and it’s good to know there’s always someone there to help if or when you need it.”

 

• Olivia Buckley has achieved an A* in Biology, an A* in Psychology and an A in Chemistry. In September, Olivia will be studying Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. She said: “All the staff at Tupton Hall School have been so supportive and kept in touch. All the resources have been fantastic throughout the pandemic, and the Sixth Form has supported everybody’s mental health and wellbeing. There is such a friendly community at Tupton Hall School.”

 

• Chloe Butler has been awarded with 3 impressive results; A grades in Spanish and Maths and an A* in Economics. Chloe’s hard work and success will take her to the University of Sheffield where she will study Economics and Modern Languages & Cultures. She said “I have enjoyed my time at Tupton Hall Sixth form. I feel like all the staff can always make time for you to help you overcome any issues you might be having. They are great at answering questions and supporting students. It’s a really welcoming environment to have learned in and a great community to be a part of.”

 

• George Weaver has achieved an incredible 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Law. His successes will see him studying ‘Gateway to Medicine’ at the University of Leeds. George said: “With the pandemic, a lot had to change. I think the Sixth Form handled everything really well, and the shift to online learning was made as easy as possible. We all had to adapt, and I feel like the teachers did this really well and supported every student. I enjoyed my time at Tupton Hall Sixth form, the students, teaching staff, and facilities are all very welcoming.”

 

Other high performing individuals:

• Eden Booth: A*, A*, A in Psychology, Law and History.
• Alisha Hurrell: A*, A, A in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
• Isabelle Payne: A*, A*, A, A* in Biology, English Literature, Psychology & the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
• Jack Redman: A*, A*, A, A in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French.

 

A selection of student destinations:

• Daisy Walton will study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liverpool.
• Alice Smart will study Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Lincoln.
• Mollie Stanley will study Midwifery at the University of Sheffield.
• Camilla Sushill will study Paediatric Nursing at the University of Nottingham.
• Lydia Randle will study Music Theatre at Expressions Academy of Performing Arts.
• Jamie Cornish will study architecture at the University of Strathclyde