Pictured above: Aarya achieved three A*s and an A and is going to the University of Surrey to study Medicinal Chemistry.
Sixth Form students and staff at St Joseph’s College are celebrating a superb set of A Level results this morning. With 95% of entries achieving A*-C grades and a fantastic 27% of all entries achieving A*s, there is much to commend.
Over a third of the students achieved straight A*/A grades and have secured places on competitive courses at some of the country’s leading universities.
Once again, the range of courses and universities is extremely exciting, proving that no one route fits all. Students will soon be studying courses ranging from Law to Medicinal Chemistry, from Mechanical Engineering to Creative Music Technology, at universities from Nottingham to Southampton, from Sussex to Warwick.
We are also proud of our students for the other skills that they have learned at St Joseph’s, which will equip them for success at university and beyond. As well as studying for A Levels, they have spent their two years of Sixth Form broadening their horizons, learning life skills and preparing for the future – whether being part of the CAFOD Youth Leadership scheme, running their own company as part of the Young Enterprise programme, or completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Andrew Colpus, Headmaster at St Joseph’s, said:
“I am delighted to congratulate our students on a superb set of exam results that are a true reflection of their hard work. I recognise that this has been a very difficult year, with our students facing much uncertainty due to covid-19. I am extremely proud of all that they have achieved and wish them the best of luck as they move on to the next stage of their education.
I would also like to recognise and thank our remarkable staff, who have guided our students through an unpredictable year and supported them every step of the way.”
Adelle, Deputy Head Student, gained 3 A*s in Maths, Art and Biology and an A* in her Extended Project Qualification. She is going to the University of Reading to study Art and Psychology and with the aim of becoming an artist or art therapist.
Adelle said, “I joined in Year 7 and feel the school has helped me to work hard without putting pressure on me. I’ve enjoyed getting the grades. The teachers don’t stress you at St Joseph’s, but encourage you to get better. As well as studying, I’ve also really enjoyed choir.”
Mikayel joined St Joseph’s two years ago from Armenia, so English is his second language. He has also completed an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) course alongside his A levels to assist with his university entrance.
Mikayel achieved an A* in Maths, A* in Further Maths and a B in Physics. “I am feeling very good, excited and relieved,” he said. “I’m heading off to do Electronic Engineering at Southampton. I hope to continue my studies after that with a Masters and PhD in Electronic Engineering; I aim to be the next Elon Musk!”
The Cassano twins, Charlotte and Gemma both achieved excellent grades. Gemma, a former Music Prefect, achieved an A*, two As and an A* in her EPQ (on the subject of a wrongly convicted criminal) is going to Bournemouth University to study Law.
Gemma joined in Year 4 with her twin sister Charlotte. Their parents chose St Joseph’s specifically because of the supportive environment and pastoral care and Gemma agreed that the support has been excellent. A talented musician and singer, Gemma has particularly enjoyed the Music and Dramatic Arts opportunities at St Joseph’s and has been a key member in choir. She and Charlotte both took part in the recent London Mozart Players concert held at the College before the end of term.
Charlotte, a former Dixon House Captain, achieved two A*s, an A and an A* in her EPQ, where she made a cookbook specifically designed to save waste by using the parts of food that people would normally throw away.
She has a place at Sussex University to study Business and Management Studies.
She said, “I’m particularly glad of the excellent support I have received from the teaching staff at St Joseph’s especially during the last 18 months of online learning and lockdown. I don’t think I would have achieved these results without their support.”
George, a keen swimmer and footballer, achieved A*, A , A in Physics, Maths and Chemistry and is going to read Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough. He hopes this will be followed by a Masters.
He said: “I joined in Year 7 and feel school has been good, but Sixth Form has been especially enjoyable. The teachers are always there to help. If you need anything, they are always happy to support you. They encouraged me to work to the best of my abilities.
When I was younger, I was quite mischievous and perhaps wasn’t as focussed on my school work as I should have been! My teachers have always encouraged me and I’m really pleased with my results.”
