Strong picture for science GCSEs at Uxbridge College
Uxbridge College students are celebrating strong results in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) at GCSE, with many progressing to Level 3 subjects, along with students on the whole range of subjects offered.
This year’s GCSE results are in line with the national picture, and compare favourably to both the teacher-assessed grades awarded over the last two years, and pre-pandemic results.
Further Education colleges offer GCSEs over one year – as opposed to two years in schools – supporting young people through re-sits or to take GCSEs for the first time, as well as running Maths and English alongside Level 3 studies in line with national requirements.
Level 2 results in vocational qualifications such as BTEC, UAL, and OCR were also collected by students, many of whom will be joining GCSE achievers in progressing to Level 3 courses at College, including at the specialist STEM Higher Education provision West London Institute of Technology, which is run under the banner of the merged college group HCUC (Harrow College Uxbridge College). The work-based Apprenticeship programmes and new T Level qualifications are also a popular choice.
Many students also take GCSE English or Maths alongside a vocational course to enable them to progress to further study, including university and apprenticeships, or employment, and results for these were comparable to the last time exams were sat in 2019. Lindsey Fernandes (pictured) was amongst these students – she studied GCSE English Language as part of her Level 3 UAL Art and Design (Graphics) Extended Diploma study programme, and needs the qualification in order to progress to university after she completes her second year at College. Lindsey achieved a Grade 7 – equivalent to a grade A under the old system.
Dylan McTaggart, Principal of Uxbridge College and Deputy CEO of HCUC, said: “These are very pleasing GCSE results – particularly in STEM subjects – and reflect the high quality of teaching, learning, assessment and support, which has been particularly important for the many students who had not sat exams before, and who have experienced disrupted learning at a key stage of their education. It is significant that students have performed as well in line with their peers pre-pandemic and through the teacher-assessed grades last year – very well done, Uxbridge College GCSE students!
“I would like to congratulate all our students on their hard work and achievements and wish them all the very best for the future, and thank staff for the support they have offered to help make this possible.”
Uxbridge College achievers included:
· Alex Wilkinson from Yiewsley, the second highest achiever in the college, attained grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics – equivalent to A* grades under the old GCSE system – a grade 7 in Maths, and a grade 6 in English Language. He is now going on to study BTEC Computing at Level 3. Alex said: “I am really happy with my achievements and my progression on to the BTEC in Computing, and the support I have had from teachers.”
· Waasif Awan, from Greenford, one of the top three GCSE performers, achieved a grade 9 in Physics – equivalent to A* under the old GCSE grading system – grades 8 in Maths and Chemistry a grade 7 in Statistics, and a grade 5 in English Language. He is staying on at College to study A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Waasif said: “Extra support was always provided when needed – teachers are very helpful, and there is a lot of in-class support for exam practice and exam techniques that push students to achieve high grades. There are also high expectations from teachers which encourages you to aim high.
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