A Level Exam Success Summer 2021

Despite a hugely challenging year, Year 13 students at The Compton School have achieved some of the best A Level and BTEC results in the school’s history. A Level Results Day 2021 felt optimistic and positive with students eagerly (and nervously) opening their white envelopes; there were lots of smiles when students saw that their hard work had paid off and an atmosphere of relief and excitement filled the concourse.

Emily Walker-Nolan, Assistant Headteacher, had the privilege of talking to some of the top achieving students on the day:

Budding Author and Top Achiever Mishel (A*A*A)

How do you feel today?

I am really happy. I actually wasn’t too worried because of my previous mock results and my achievement across the course this year but I am obviously really happy!

What are your future plans?

I have offers from both King College London and Cambridge University to study Classical Studies but I’ve just finished writing my first book and I would like to pursue this! It’s called The Shadow Queen and it’s a high fantasy novel; this year I’m looking to secure a book deal and have already started writing my second novel.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?

Learning in lockdown was challenging; I’m an extrovert so working in isolation is difficult for me. Writing my book really helped me to focus during this time.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

I would say to try not to stress as much; make sure that you exercise - I walk all the time! Be sure to focus on your passions as if you are too stressed you cannot concentrate which is unproductive.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?

Honestly, the help and support is amazing. I am so grateful for my teachers, their support and feedback in particular. Really, I feel so lucky.

Top Achieving Boys Joe (pictured right with Mr Neilson) (A*A*A*) and Laith (A*A*A*)

How do you feel today?

Laith: I just feel normal; I don’t tend to build things up or get nervous.

Joe: I’m happy but very tired - I struggled to sleep last night!

What are your future plans?

Laith: I got my first choice and I’m off to Edinburgh University to study Economics and Mathematics.

Joe: I’m not completely sure yet - I would like to go to Imperial College London to study Physics.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?

Laith: Switching to online lessons as it’s much harder for your teachers to interact with you individually.

Joe: Yes, I found it quite hard to stick to a routine in lockdown. I just tried to stick to the timetable to keep me on track.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

Laith: Keep doing what you’re doing - just be consistent.

Joe: Yes, be consistent and don’t make rash decisions.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?

Laith: I would say the Maths Department; they enjoy their jobs and are really good teachers.

Joe: The teachers are great and the learning environment is nice.

Leo (Distinction* Distinction* C) (pictured far right here)

How do you feel today?

Just brilliant - I felt stressed before because I didn’t prepare for every subject in the same depth but I’m really happy today.

What are your future plans?

I’m going to look for a course in West London - I want to study somewhere that allows me to have a placement year in industry and I’m looking to study Computer Game Technology and Development.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?

I found my Business Studies BTEC really challenging because I’ve never learned in that way before - coursework and lots of writing! Some of the word counts were enormous. I overcame this by coming to revision, attending every lesson and ensuring that I spoke to my teachers. They were brilliant.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

Honestly, just work hard from the very beginning!

Twins Jack (Distinction Merit C) (left) and Matt (right) (A*AA)

How do you feel today?

Jack: Very happy - I did feel confident before because I knew that I had worked hard and the teachers here are very good.

Matt: I am so glad and proud. I felt excited beforehand but also anxious because you just never know!

What are your future plans and will you miss each other!?

Jack: I’m off to Bournemouth University to study Business Management - I want to work in the City. Yes, I will miss him!

Matt: He’s the younger brother by one minute so he will definitely miss me more than I will miss him! I’m going to Leeds University to study Geography.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?

Jack: Just overcoming a lot of the changes and challenges because of the lockdown - it’s definitely been worth it.

Matt: I found the application process stressful because I entered early (for Oxbridge) and it was at the same time as our Autumn Term mocks - that was a really challenging term.

Jack: I think you just have to have perseverance and know that you will get through it.

Matt: Yes, just believe in yourself; if you think you can, you can.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

Jack: Turn off your phone! No Tik Tok - you won’t get anything done otherwise.

Matt: Never compare yourself to others - you are you.
What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?

Jack: All the extracurricular opportunities we were given: Thorpe Park, trip to Surrey and the Careers Day in particular.

Matt: I know it sounds a bit clichéd but honestly just making friends and growing up together over seven years. We will really miss the school.

Rkia (pictured left with her sister) (A*A*A) A Fabulous External Student

How do you feel today?

I was nervous before but I’m so, so happy!

What are your future plans?

I am going to Lancaster University to study Psychology and Spanish Studies.
What has been your greatest challenge this year?

The tests and mini assessments were really stressful - we had lots to do over a short space of time. I just made sure that I revised really carefully so I could show off everything I knew.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

I would say, and this applies to you (points at her sister who is in Year 12) just make sure that you start revising from the very first day - don’t leave everything to the last minute.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?

The teaching - definitely. It feels really consistent here and all the lessons are the same high quality. It’s familiar and comfortable and you know what to expect.

High Achieving Girls Sara (pictured right) (A*AA) and Prisha (A*A*A)

 

How do you feel today?

Prisha: Overwhelmed but happy; I was really nervous before as my predicted grades were lower than the entry requirements but I did much better than I expected.

Sara: A mixture of anxious and relieved; I tried to keep calm before by distracting myself!

What are your future plans?

Prisha: I am going to Kings College London to study Classical Studies - I am not sure yet what I want to do in the future.

Sara: I am going to Durham University to study English Literature. I am really happy with my choice. Throughout my time at school I have always set my expectations for myself really high - sometimes I’ve been let down. But today proves that I was right to aim high and I can achieve anything.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?

Prisha: Just lockdown and not being able to interact with teachers as frequently as I would in face-to-face lessons; I just made sure that I attended all of my online lessons and messaged all my teachers who always replied.

Sara: Feeling a bit lonely and isolated from interaction during lockdown. The school made a really good routine for us with the timetable so that definitely helped.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?

Prisha: Try your best and don’t stop until the end!

Sara: Concentrate on the work you’re doing now and not the end result: this will make you feel less pressured.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?

Prisha: Everything! The teachers especially – they know what they’re doing and are really supportive.

Sara: The teachers are so supportive here.