Shiplake College has once again received a record-breaking set of Sixth Form results. Most significantly is the rise of A*-A grades or equivalent, from 41% in 2016 to 51%, with A*-B also seeing a leap from 64% to 72%. The 2017 leavers have maintained the 100% pass rate seen for the first time last year, with the number of A*-C grades creeping up from 87% to 88%.
Headmaster, Gregg Davies, comments: “My congratulations to this record-breaking year group. What strikes me is that almost every pupil has achieved at least one or two top marks each, with an average of 140 UCAS points per student overall, the equivalent of over AAB. The statistic of the year, perhaps, is the astounding average value-added score of 0.4**. This figure is twice as good as last year and demonstrates the improvement in grades compared to baseline data collected early in the Sixth Form, using the ALIS and ALPS national performance benchmark schemes. Such a strong value-added performance is hugely rewarding, not least for the staff, and will no doubt have helped cross grade boundaries in a number of cases. My particular congratulations to the Economics, Philosophy and Art departments for not just excellent value-added scores but also fantastic overall A*-B results.
Many of our best-performing subjects are those that were in the first tranche to be ‘reformed’, as part of the changes in Government policy. This gives evidence that the linear (non-modular) format, with an examination only at the end of Year 13, may have been of benefit to our students. This, coupled with the vitally important role of our staff in ensuring that pupils are studying the right course, stands us in good stead for this September’s Year 12 cohort, when students embark on just three courses from the start. Not only will this allow for increased teaching time for each subject but I am excited to see the introduction of our PULSE (Personal Understanding, Learning Skills and Enrichment) programme, which will see all pupils achieving an additional qualification of either the EPQ or CoPE.
Particular mention should go to Tia Dinescu and Emily Duncan for each achieving 3 A* grades and an A* in their EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). Emily plans to read Civil Engineering whilst Tia joins 2016 leaver Oli Riley as they head to Cambridge University to read English and Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion respectively. Kieran Leach received 2A*s and a B and is off to read Film and TV Production at York. Congratulations also to Finn Arbuckle, George Docwra and George Gundry, who each achieved a UCAS score of 192 points or more, the equivalent of 4 As.
The majority of our Year 13 leavers are heading for university, with a selection choosing to pursue management and apprenticeship opportunities within the workplace. Just one of the 74 students who applied to university went through clearing, making a phenomenal 99% of students getting into a university of choice – another record broken. The range of degrees that our Year 13 leavers are going on to do is remarkable, perhaps reflecting the ever-changing landscape of education and employment, and certainly reflecting the exceptional and individualised careers guidance they receive at the College. From Ocean Science to Mechanical Engineering, Architecture to Forensic Psychology and Real Estate Management to Creative Music Technology, I have no doubt that our pupils will go on to be successful in a wide range of interesting careers.
This would not be possible without the pupils’ hard work and determination, along with a modern and versatile approach to subject selection and an even greater focus on performance tracking and reporting processes. Over the last five years we have demonstrated we have done the best for all of our students. Whatever academic Sixth Form courses our pupils follow it's about what is right for them, and it shows that the results will follow. This is backed up by a hugely committed and supportive team of teachers and support staff who provide both an academic and collaborative environment which allows our pupils to develop confidence in themselves and what they can achieve. The creation of a growth mindset through our Shiplake Seven underpins our recent successes. Finally, it almost goes without saying (but important it is said nonetheless) that I am massively proud of this group of leavers - and indeed to their parents for giving them such valuable support at one of the most nerve-racking times of the pupils' lives.”
* Changed from 51% to 52% follow remark. ** The previously published statistic of 0.8 was inaccurate.