Academic Results
External Examination GCSE/A2 – Summer 2009
A2 Results 2009
Bearwood College is delighted to congratulate its Upper Sixth Form students on their strong 2009 A/Level results, yet another improvement on the results of the previous year.
Bearwood College saw a strongly improved performance in the A/Level results for A-B grades at 69% (2008 – 48%; 2007 – 44%), and for A-C grades at 84% (2008 – 80%; 2007 – 76%).
The A-E grade pass rate was 99%, two points up on last year. The average score per candidate at Bearwood College is 347 UCAS points, equivalent to grades AAB or BBBc, and 71 points above last year’s score. The top personal score was 540 points, the best ever individual score for the College.
Commenting on this year’s results, the Headmaster, Mr Stephen Aiano, said: “These tremendous results are evidence of the long-term academic progress at Bearwood College. All the Upper Sixth Form students and teaching staff, under the academic leadership of George Penlington, Academic Deputy, have put in a great deal of effort and commitment over the last two years to achieve these impressive A-Level results.”
For Bearwood’s Academic Deputy George Penlington, seeing individuals who have been nurtured through the College exceed their academic expectations is the one of the greatest rewards a teacher can receive. “The culmination of every Sixth Form pupil’s development at Bearwood is reflected in their A-level results; our aim is to ensure that each individual is given both the academic and psychological support to fulfill their greatest potential. We are very pleased with the ‘value added’ improvement. On average, every candidate achieved 105 points beyond their UCAS expectation. This is equivalent to each student achieving a grade and a half above predictions for each subject.”
For a local pupil, Tom Bell-Williamson from Wokingham his 440 UCAS points has secured him a place at Manchester to study Business. ‘I can’t believe that the day has finally arrived and that I have the points to study at my first choice University. I am so excited and relieved!”
Bearwood College’s top-scoring A-Level candidates, Kemal Atayev, said: “I am so pleased with these results – it’s been brilliant. They confirm my place to read Finance and Accounting at the University of Birmingham.” Kemal, who was a boarder in Blake House, gained an impressive 540 UCAS points.
Sixth Formers are provided with 360 degree support throughout their A/Level studies at Bearwood. In addition to committed subject teachers, academic progress is closely monitored by the Key Stage 5 Coordinator and the Academic Deputy. Pastoral needs are cared for by a dedicated Tutor as well as by a Houseparent. The advice of the in-house careers service is supplemented by the resources of Futurewise, the Independent Schools Careers Organisation. Small class sizes guarantee individual attention and the Sierra Club, is a purpose-built Sixth Form centre facility designed to promote independent study as well as offer a social space for relaxation. These elements contribute to the strength of Bearwood’s unique support system which can make all the difference to pupils managing the pressures of A/Level study. Whilst ensuring academic issues are thoroughly addressed, Bearwood also helps prepare well-rounded individuals, ready for university and life beyond.
Average Points per candidate : 347 (275 in 2008, 280 in 2007, 270 in 2006, 235 in 2005, 231 in 2004, 241 in 2003, 218 in 2002)
GCSE Results 2009
Bearwood College’s GCSE pupils have achieved an impressive set of results this year, with 87% of entries gaining a Grade C or above. 30% of entries are at Grade A* or A – consistent with last year.
Mr George Penlington, Academic Deputy, comments: “87% of candidates gained 5 GCSE’s, including Maths and English, at Grade C or above – a six point increase on last year. The overall success rate of pupils achieving entry into the Sixth Form with 5 A*-C Grades, including English and Maths, has risen over the last two years (2008 – 81%; 2007 – 77%). This is testament to the commitment and diligence from all our pupils, staff and parents.”
Stephen Aiano, Headmaster, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. All our Year 11 students and all the staff have put in some serious work throughout the GCSE course, and are suitably rewarded. I am really pleased for them. These results are part of a long-term trend of continuing academic improvement at Bearwood. We are especially pleased with our strong ‘value addition’ which has resulted, on average, in every GCSE subject entry scoring marks strongly above expectation.”
Jonathan Crane, one of the top scoring students said: “I am so thrilled with my results and pleased to have the grades to study Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Geography at A Level at Bearwood College’s Sixth Form.”
Another high achieving student, Lucy Darrall comments: “It’s such a relief that this day is finally here. I got an A* in Photography so will definitely continue this at A Level along with Psychology, Business Studies and Graphics.”
Pupils have an exciting range of A Level subjects to choose from, with Environmental Studies and Photography being examples of the varied subjects Bearwood College’s Sixth Form has to offer. Small class sizes guarantee individual attention and the Sierra Club, is a purpose-built Sixth Form centre facility designed to promote independent study as well as offer a social space for relaxation. These elements contribute to the strength of Bearwood’s unique support system which can make all the difference to pupils managing the pressures of A Level study. Whilst ensuring academic issues are thoroughly addressed, Bearwood also helps prepare well-rounded individuals, ready for university and life beyond.
2009 GCSE % 5 A*-C: 87% (90% in 2008, 85% in 2007, 82% in 2006, 75% in 2005, 72% in 2004, 66% in 2003)