An Extraordinary Results Day at Isleworth and Syon School
Outstanding performances include deputy head boy winning place at Cambridge
Diallo Williams to go to Cambridge to study law
A Level students at Isleworth & Syon School have faced one of the most challenging set of circumstances for any cohort in the school’s history but they have still managed to deliver some extraordinary performances.
As with many schools across the country, there is frustration over this week’s decision by the government over the about the possible use of mock results to appeal grades. The school described it as an unhelpful distraction which caused confusion and frustration to students and staff alike, especially as the procedures for such appeals are yet to be published. However, the students have maintained a focus on the next stage of education or on apprenticeships and the world of work.
Deputy Head Boy Diallo Williams will study law at King’s College, Cambridge, whilst former Head Boy Aadi Mudhar is off to the University of York to study Film and Television Production along with classmate Ross McQueen. Dara Razaghi will study medicine at University College London and Ruhul-Amin Ahmed will take up a place at The University of Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering. Alec Brundle has already jetted off to Siena College, Albany in the USA where he starts his Chemistry degree on Monday whilst also benefitting from a rugby scholarship.
Ben Dunham is an especially inspirational student in this year’s cohort. Halfway through Year 12, he was fighting a life-threatening infection that required an emergency operation and a lengthy spell in intensive care. He spent significant time in recovery but battled back to school at the start of Year 13 and the schools says he has always maintained a positive attitude. He managed to complete his courses and he will now take up a college place locally.
A spokesperson for the school said, “His Sixth Form experience has truly been one that demonstrates the virtues of resilience and perseverance that we value so highly.”
Just a few months ago the school received an award from SSAT (the schools, students and teacher network), in recognition of the exceptional progress in 2019 for the Applied General Subjects. Students who completed either triple, double or single awards (three, two or one grades) in Business, ICT or Sport, achieved 80% Distinction* or Distinction Grades (the equivalent to A* or A grades). Indeed, 100% of all awards taken in 2019 were graded at Merit or above.
This year’s cohort maintained high standards. Amongst them, Alfie Dennis, Ryan Peries, Danut Minecan and Alex Spahia attained a string of top grades - they are all off to a variety of universities around the country. Ryan also managed to be scouted for international selection in both football and rugby whilst studying hard.
Headteacher Mr Ferguson commented, “Congratulations to all the students on their results in what has been one of the most challenging periods of time in education. We wish them all well with their next steps.”
This year’s results nationally look set to be controversial despite a increase in A* and A grades with headteachers describing some lowered grades as "unfair and unfathomable".
In England, 36% of entries had a lower grade than teachers predicted with 3% were down by two grades with 2% of grades being increased. Schools sent predictions to exam boards along with a ranking of pupils by ability.
Geoff Barton, leader of the ASCL head teachers' union said, "While there has been an overall increase in top grades, we are very concerned that this disguises a great deal of volatility among the results at school and student level," said Mr Barton.
"We have received heart-breaking feedback from school leaders about grades being pulled down in a way that they feel to be utterly unfair and unfathomable. They are extremely concerned about the detrimental impact on their students."
The Sixth Form Colleges Association has called the system for calculating A-level grades, "flawed and unreliable" after almost all colleges said grades were lower or much lower than predicted.
For students hoping for university places, it is expected to be relatively easier to get places due to a sharp fall in the number of international students and UCAS say that universities are likely to be very flexible with students who have missed grades.
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August 13, 2020