Students celebrate A-level results

The nervous wait for students in Middleton was over today (Thursday 19 August 2010) as they collected their A Level results.

It seems that for many last night had been a sleepless one, but in the end there was nothing to worry about.

This year has seen the introduction of the A* A-level grade for top achievers and many Middleton students have stepped up to the mark.

Students at Cardinal Langley High School in Middleton were all smiles, with many eager pupils arriving early to pick up their results.

Acting Head of Sixth Form Steph Hamm was thrilled with the success of the students, she said: “The results are really pleasing, the students are lovely and very bright we have had some very nice results.

“Of course we are expecting to give out lots of advice because of the current university situation, and we have anticipated, although we haven’t seen it yet that some students will have to go through clearing to get into university.

“Overall I am very pleased; the students all worked hard and have results to be proud of.”

18-year-old Heather Madden was celebrating two A* grades, two As and one C.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it. I needed AAB to get into university.”

Ms Madden is going to Liverpool University to study history.

She added: “My mum has rang everyone, she is really pleased. My dad was nearly crying on the phone.”

Rebecca Lyons was delighted with her results; she achieved four A grades and a one B.

“I am so pleased. I needed three As to study architecture at Nottingham University.

“I have always been interested in architecture it is such a diverse career and I think I will really enjoy it.”

Roisin Cocker was over the moon with her 3A* grades and one A, she said: “I am very very happy, I feel like all the hard work has paid off. I was really nervous last night too.”

Ms Cocker is going on to Nottingham University in September to study neuroscience.

“It is something I have always been interested in and something different, I am really excited to start university,” added Ms Cocker.

Another high flyer from the Middleton School is Chris Beaumont, his results paper showed 2A* grades, one A grade and one B.

A happy Mr Beaumont said: “I am so relieved, it was a lot of hard work, I was doing about two and a half hours revision a night near the end.

“I am excited to start my Philosophy studies at York University. Philosophy is something I have always been interested in, I am very analytical and I was recommended to study it in about year 8.”

The students from Cardinal Langley are heading out together to celebrate this evening.

Across the road at the Hopwood Hall Middleton Campus students eagerly queued up to receive their grades.

21-year-old Nuala McCready was so happy to have gained 3A* grades that she was lost for words.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” she said, “I didn’t think I would have done this well.”

Ms McCready is looking forward to studying Religion and Soceity and Lancaster University. “I am really excited to move to Lancaster and I am looking forward to my course, she said.”

Michael Dyer, 18, was awarded two B grades and two Cs and is heading to Huddersfield University to study Law.

Mr Dyer said: “I think to be honest I could have done better but I am into university so I am really pleased.

“I haven’t told my parents yet but I should think they will be very happy.”

Rob Collinge was so nervous to open his results, saying he felt sick to tear open the envelope, when he finally plucked up the courage to open it, he gasped “Oh my god!”

Mr Collinge’s results slip showed that he had nothing to worry about, he was awarded a A* and two A grades.

The thrilled student who is going to the University of Shefield to also study Law was still very much in shock when he said: “I am really happy.” Mr Collinge then rushed off to call his friends and family.

The college’s A Level Sociology teacher Kate Young said: “We are so pleased to have students gaining A* grades as their targets weren’t that high.

“Everyone has done so well and they have all worked so hard and to be honest they have got the results they deserve.”

Ms Young concluded: “From talking to the students it seems that they have all got into their chose university.” 

Students at St Anne’s Academy were also delighted with their results.

The school’s retiring Principal, Eric Jackson explained that he was very proud to have watched the students grow and develop. He also told how the students have exceeded expectations.

Rebecca Laming, Director of Sixth Form said: “It has been a very busy day, even for a relatively small number of students but the teaching and support staff have guided these students every step of the way, and we're very proud of their achievements.

“Some have done as expected; some have greatly exceeded their expectations.”

Rebecca Smith, 19, said: “I felt sick last night, worrying about my results and I didn't sleep.”

Ms Smith need not have worried: gaining an A grade in Maths and a B for her IT Diploma, itself the equivalent of 2 ½ 'A' Levels, earning her 370 UCAS points.

Steven Miles, 18, gained an IT Diploma and Maths A-level and is hoping to go to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Maths.

Miss Robinson, Steven's IT teacher said: "Today's been very busy, and it's frustrating for the students in not knowing whether they've done enough. I'm very pleased with the students and proud of what they've achieved.”

Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: “Congratulations to all young people who have achieved their results. I would like to thank the teachers, parents and other family members who have supported them through their course.

“Many young people will benefit from their years of study at university and as apprentices, resulting in better opportunities for their working life. Whatever avenue they wish to take, academic or work based learning, I wish them all success for the future.

“I am also looking forward to the opening of the new Rochdale 6th Form College next month. The college marks the start of a new chapter for A-level education in the borough.”

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