A Level results – West Buckland School
15 Aug 2024
West Buckland Sixth Formers delighted with results!
West Buckland’s Sixth Form students achieved over 40% A* or A grades and nearly a 100% pass rate, with most securing their university choices.
West Buckland’s Sixth Form students celebrate today with over 40% of examinations graded at A* or A and almost 100% pass rate. For those who applied to university, the majority have secured their firm or insurance choice. We are rightly proud of all our students right across the grade range, some of whom found academic studies quite challenging, but have flourished with the help of the school’s first-class and personalised academic and pastoral support.
Phillip Stapleton, Head of West Buckland School said: “I am delighted for all the students who have achieved so well today.
In recognising that we are never defined by a set of grades, West Buckland has always set out to focus on who they become as individuals and this group of students have grown into amazing young people. They reflect the character values which have become central to the school’s ethos, developing into honest, respectful, kind, resilient and curious adults. As they head out into the world of employment and higher education, they are more internationally and environmentally aware, prepared to innovate, and have learnt to tackle tough challenges from outdoor learning to sustainability and the performing arts. Good luck!
Congratulations to all the staff and pupils on the achievements that their hard work and inspiration deserves.”
Matt Brimson, Deputy Head Academic and Head of Sixth Form added:
“It has been a privilege to know the students in this cohort and be part of their journey. We wish them all the very best and their legacy in academic ambition, sporting success, richness of the creative arts, driving environmental change, and desire to serve each other is fondly remembered and ensures that they are fully prepared for whatever the future holds.”
We are delighted that Zac Johnson gained four A* grades at A-level in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry and will study Natural Sciences at St John’s College, Cambridge. Zac has achieved at this level throughout the Sixth Form and has been the top academic in his cohort. Jamie Magee achieved a place to study Biological Sciences at Sheffield with an impressive two A*s and one A grade, while Anna Walker, Archie Tapsell, Peter Savory, Somer Potter and Edie Maytum all achieved As and A*s across a range of subjects.
In 2022 we welcomed two Ukrainian students, displaced by war, into the school. Despite their challenging circumstances, away from their family, they have both thrived. Dasha Rizo, one achieved two grades at A* and one at A and will study International Business Management at the University of Bristol, while Vika Matviiuk gained four A grades, including the Extended Project, and a C; she will go on to study Mathematics. Both girls embodied the resilience that is the hallmark of a West Buckland education.
Students who made use of our world class Sixth Form boarding facility not only had unfettered access to our wide range of activities and learning facilities but made the most of being able to study in a tranquil and inclusive environment; they performed much better as a result. In addition to weekly boarding success, the school is delighted that so many of our international students secured top grades and university placements. In addition to exceptional performances from Dasha and Vika, other international students such as Angeline Wong and Kyle Geng, Charmain Chan and Iris Ng can be proud of their grades.
We should remember that our students lost significant time to Covid during their GCSE studies, but still obtained some outstanding individuals scores. In gaining A* or A grades across the board they now go on to study courses ranging from natural sciences at Cambridge to liberal arts at Durham and chemistry at Bath.
We are proud that many of our top grades are in A-levels such as Spanish, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Art, and Physics reflecting the strong breadth of academic ability and interests of our students. In further maths and Spanish, 100% of candidates gained A*-A, while in geography it was 70%.
Our results in BTEC applied science and CTEC sport and physical activity are simply outstanding. Ninety percent of students taking these subjects achieved A*-A equivalent grades which is exceptional and underlines West Buckland’s innovative approach. Such courses follow a modular approach combined with coursework and are the right courses for many of our students, with resultant offers from competitive universities.
We are also very encouraged that some our students are increasingly interested in alternatives to university and are prepared to explore the opportunities provided by apprenticeships.
West Buckland School continues to develop its IB Careers-related Programme (IBCP) as an alternative curriculum, complementing the existing A-level programme. With a strong emphasis on equipping students for a rapidly evolving global landscape, its commitment to holistic education ensures that each IB student is ready to enter the workplace with the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in a competitive labour market.
Our next whole school Open Day is on Saturday 21st September at 9:30am and our Sixth form Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 16th October at 17:30pm. For further details, please visit www.westbuckland.com