Spotlight on - A Level Exam Success Summer 2022

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 with 30% of all grades being A/A* and an impressive overall pass rate of 98%. 

A Level Results Day 2022 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:

Top Achieving Boys Rudra (pictured left) (A*A*A*) and Harvey (A*A*A*)

How do you feel today?
Rudra: I’m so relieved; it’s finally done! When I checked UCAS Track I knew I had got into my firm choice, but I really wanted 3A*s. I can’t believe I’ve got them!
Harvey: I feel excited. It’s such a surreal experience. It’s been a long journey that I have enjoyed but I’m happy it’s over.

What are your future plans?
Rudra: I’m going to Exeter University to study Physics and would like a career in Engineering.
Harvey: I’m heading to Manchester University to study Physics; I’m not really sure about after.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Rudra: Not sure what to say…everything was hard! You have to stay motivated even with something like COVID happening in the background. I knew that this was something that I couldn’t control and had to just live with, but it was challenging to my learning.
Harvey: Exam pressure. No matter how sure you are that you know the content, making sure that you do the best that you can in the examination is challenging.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Rudra: Really, it’s not like GCSEs; it’s so much more work and you can’t just wing tests and exams. Every end of topic test is important – you can learn so much about what you need to change to improve.
Harvey: I would say start working early and best of luck!

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Rudra: Without a doubt the teaching. That’s the reason I chose to stay on in Sixth Form here as I knew the teachers would be good.
Harvey: The quality of teaching – I’m was so happy with all of my teachers. I can’t imagine going anywhere else and getting better lessons.

 Twinning! Top Twins Meriona (pictured left) (AAA) and Edma (AAA)

How do you feel today?
Edma: Ecstatic! It’s the opposite of anti-climatic, whatever that is! Opening my envelope was such a happy surprise for me – I had read a lot about how the grades would be different to last year so I was worried.
Meriona: I feel really happy that I was able to make my teachers proud. And we both got the same grades so there’s no competition!

What are your future plans?
Together: Going to Southampton University!
Edma: I’m studying Accounting and Finance.
Meriona: I’m studying Business Management.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Edma: Going to school early, as I’m definitely not a morning person! Also, I don’t recommend getting a job whilst you’re studying for your A Levels; I found it hard to juggle work and revision.
Meriona: The same as her – waking up early! We have to travel quite a long way to come here as we are external students; the transition here from Year 11 was seamless, though. The students and staff are so friendly.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Meriona: Have fun and try to make as many memories as you can.
Edma: Don’t fall behind. Say yes to every opportunity you’re given, like trips and extra-curricular activities.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Edma: Everything! Honestly, I would recommend this Sixth Form to everyone.

BTEC Success: Hirbod (Distinction*, Distinction, B) and Andreas (Distinction*, Distinction*, C – pictured with his Accounting and Finance teacher Mr Spitz)

How do you feel today? 
Hirbod: I’m pretty happy that my hard work paid off. 

What are your future plans?
Hirbod: I’m heading to Southampton to study Financial Technology; I want to be an investment banker.
Andreas: I’m starting an Accounting trainee apprenticeship for ACCA Chartered Accounting. I’ll work Monday-Friday and they will give me time off to study and sit exams. 

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Hirbod: I found Maths difficult and the language barrier for me was a challenge – my first language is Farsi. I’m really proud of the results that I’ve got!

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Hirbod: Honestly, just work hard from the very beginning – don’t slack off! Andreas: Do your research about Higher Education options – you don’t always have to go to university after your A Levels. I chose the apprenticeship over university as money motivates me; I’ll start on £20,000 in September. Also, for the profession I want to enter, I’ll get better qualifications with the ACCA and I can gain good experience whilst working.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Hirbod: The teachers are so helpful.

Future Doctors Ken (pictured left) (AAA) and Ashagan (A*AAA)

How do you feel today?
Ken: Overwhelmed; it’s just an accumulation of everything really.
Ashagan: Relieved. I felt really nervous and anxious before.

What are your future plans and will you miss each other!?
Ken: I’m going to apply to study Medicine through clearing; I’m not going to give up and I’m going to give it everything.
Ashagan: I’m either studying Medicine through clearing or taking a gap year.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Ken: Just maintaining that constant dedication and keeping motivated. I’ve realised that not everything is easy to learn and remember.
Ashagan: Facing the rejection from university but I’m determined to succeed.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Ken: Make sure that you do the hard work early. Dedication and self-discipline are really important.
Ashagan: Make sure that you are studying subjects that you enjoy.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Ken: The support from teachers here. At other colleges, I just don’t think that you get the interaction or the chance to build the rapport with your teacher like you do here. Your teacher’s energy and enthusiasm creates your passion for the subject and it’s really make or break with that. All my teachers here are amazing.
Ashagan: Honestly, just the same as him! 

Clio(pictured right) (A*AB) and Marriam (A*A*A*) Top Achieving External Students 

How do you feel today?
Marriam: Good – I did A Levels for three years as I had to retake Year 12; it was hard but I’m so pleased with the results.
Clio: Numb, but in a really happy way! I have a heavy, happy feeling in my heart.
What are your future plans?
Marriam: I’m going to Manchester to study Mechanical Engineering.
Clio: I’m still thinking about my next steps.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Marriam: COVID was really challenging and I had to learn to work for independently. Compton has really supported me with this.
Clio: Just coping! It’s hard to navigate things that I don’t understand.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Marriam: If you find yourself in a position like I was at the end of Year 12 where you’re not happy with your subjects or your grades, know that it’s okay to retake. It really doesn’t affect your life in any negative way and, if anything, it boosts your confidence. Speak to your teachers about what is right for you.
Clio: You’re not crazy…it is hard work! Try to manage all of Year 12 before you start Year 13 and don’t leave any gaps in your knowledge. Always catch up.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Marriam: The teachers have helped me so much, not just with work but with personal struggles too. I was given a new start here after attending a different Sixth Form and I can honestly say that Compton is the best – it’s the most supportive.

High Achieving Girls Anahita (pictured right) (A*AA) and Riya (A*AA) 

How do you feel today?
Anahita: I feel great – I’ve got the butterflies in my stomach and everything! Can’t quite categorise the emotions.
Riya: I feel good – so much relief. Honestly, I felt so nervous I was going to throw up!
What are your future plans?
Anahita: I’m reading Law at Bristol University – I’m not sure now whether to be a solicitor or not!
Riya: I am going to study Bio Medicine at St George’s – I’m going to train to be a doctor.

What has been your greatest challenge this year?
Anahita: I found History challenging this year – I’ve just tried to not let the pressure get to me. It’s a growth thing – I feel like I’ve grown over the past two years.
Riya: I felt luck because we still had lessons when there was isolation and COVID happening to I don’t feel like that;s impacted my learning. I wish I didn’t worry and stress as much as I have done.

What advice would you give to students in Year 11/12 about getting through the A Level years?
Riya: Make the most of your free periods and actually revise!
Anahita: Always pick courses that you enjoy doing. Know that it’s temporary; it will end.

What is the best thing about The Compton Sixth Form?
Riya: The people – you make so many new friends here.
Anahita: The teachers – it’s different in Sixth Form and you form excellent relationships with your teachers; they are so supportive of you here.