A-LEVEL RESULTS: It's results day for Fylde coast sixth-formers

Sixth-formers across the Fylde coast are today waking up to their A-level results in the wake of major exam reforms.
Sixth-formers are today waking up to their A-level resultsSixth-formers are today waking up to their A-level results
Sixth-formers are today waking up to their A-level results

Changes to A-levels have seen a move away from coursework and modular exams throughout courses.

Despite the reforms, early indications are that A-level and BTEC Level 3 results across the Fylde coast are as good as ever.

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At Blackpool Sixth the overall pass rate has been maintained at 99 per cent and significant numbers of students are still receiving the highest possible grades in their qualifications.

In A-level subjects half of students’ grades were high grades (A*, A or B) and in BTEC 88 per cent of students received distinction stars.

Blackpool Sixth Principal, Jill Gray, said: “We are thrilled with this fabulous set of results which reflects the dedication and hard work of our students and staff.

"Such positive results mean that our students are now able to progress to their chosen next step with an excellent foundation for future success.

"We are extremely proud of all their achievements.”

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And Andrew Waller, headteacher at Carr Hill Sixth Form Centre in Kirkham, said: “On behalf of everyone at Carr Hill we would like to congratulate our students for their well-deserved success and wish them all the best for their future.

"Many students are leaving our Sixth Form having spent seven years of their lives at Carr Hill and we have every confidence that they do so with skills, knowledge and qualifications to go on to do well in the next stage of their lives.”

Last year the first grades were awarded across the country in the first 13 subjects to be reformed. A further 11 subjects have been reformed with the first grades awarded today.

Amanda Brown, deputy general secretary of the National Education Union, argues that A-level changes means that students are unable to fully demonstrate what they can do.

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"Changing the assessment of A-levels so they focus on high-stakes exams taken at the end of two years of study does not allow students to properly demonstrate their ability and puts them under huge pressure," she said.

"Coursework and other non-exam assessments are a better way for students to demonstrate their skills, are less of a memory test, and help lower attaining students and those with special educational needs and disabilities show their achievements."

For those students who did better or worse than expected or want to change their plans, more university places are being made available through Clearing - the annual process that allows students without a university place, or who want to switch to a different one, to search for and find a degree course with availability..

Students can also call the Exam Results Helpline for free, impartial advice on 0800 100 900 from 8am today.

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