INSPIRED Results Smash Records Again!
INSPIRED Results Smash Records Again!
“For the second year in a row, A Level records have been smashed again,” says Westholme INSPIRED Sixth Form’s Dr Richard Robson.
More than two thirds of students at the top Lancashire independent school secured at least an A grade and 90% of students achieved at least a grade B or above. The results represented a 100% pass in all subjects.
The INSPIRED students are looking forward to pursuing such a wide range of further studies in subjects such as Biology at Oxford, Environmental Geoscience, Economics, Ethics, Philosophy and Religion, and Drama and Musical Theatre - reflecting the breadth of talent within the INSPIRED Sixth Form.
Dr Robson added: “With a quarter of all students gaining at least one A* grade, we are thrilled with how our students have performed in this year’s exams. This cohort did not sit their GCSEs due to lockdown, so it makes this success even more impressive.
“The students have worked so hard but I cannot praise our wonderful, dedicated and inspiring teachers more highly. They have taken our INSPIRED Sixth Formers on a personalised journey, providing 1:1 support and their dedication shines through these record-breaking results.”
This is the first time A Levels have been decided directly by the examination boards since the start of the pandemic – following on from two years where results were determined using teacher assessed grades which were then verified by examination boards.
“Nearly all of our students are walking straight into their first choice, with many looking forward to attending Russell Group universities which is fantastic. Their holistic journey through our INSPIRED Sixth Form has prepared them for the next chapter in their lives as well-rounded young people fully prepared with the essential 21st century skills.”
Dr Robson, who joined Westholme as Principal in January 2021, praised staff and students alike for their achievements and also the support of parents throughout the pandemic and home learning.
“Today is a very special day for Westholme as a quarter of our amazing students take away a clean sweep of all A*/As at A level, which is simply remarkable. All the endeavour and hard work has really paid off, amidst a turbulent period, and we could not be more proud of our class of 2022. Well done to all!”
Harry Smith (CHORLEY)
Genius Harry Smith almost has the grades he needs for Oxford – a year before formally sitting his A Levels.
Harry, 17, has achieved an A* in Mathematics today after sitting his exam a year early. Last year he sat his Computing A Level and also achieved an A*.
Westholme said “Harry has massively exceeded the grade boundaries required for the top mark.”
He said: “I’m so happy. It means I can focus on Further Maths and the other subjects next year.”
Harry will be applying to Oxford to study Mathematics and needs two A*s and an A to secure a place on the course.
He said: “I like Maths because there’s no ambiguity. There’s an answer to the questions.”
“Westholme has been really supportive getting me through my exams – especially for A Levels. They have juggled the timetable around for me to account for my studies.”
Oxford success for aspiring Zoologist Julia
Aspiring conservationist Julia Gartold, 18, has accepted a place to study Biology at the University of Oxford after achieving A*AA in her A Levels at Westholme School.
Deputy Head at Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form in Blackburn, Julia achieved A* Geography, A in Biology, and A in Chemistry – and dreams of sharing her passion for conservation with communities across the world.
Julia, from Blackburn, said: “I would love to become a field biologist and have always imagined myself working in a rainforest.
“I have been so impressed with how interesting and fun my teachers at Westholme have made each subject and so grateful for all the extra support with mock interviews, exam techniques and reassurance before exams and interviews.
“Westholme teachers give you the right balance between practical experiment and academic research – it never felt like studying for exams but exploring the world and how spectacular science can be.”
Julia is a keen wildlife and landscape photographer, sings with Blackburn Cathedral’s Young People’s Choir, and is a member of The British Exploring Society – whom she travelled with on an exhibition to Loch Tay in Scotland.
Julia has also enjoyed singing lessons at Westholme School and taken part in numerous school productions, choir tours and school trips.
Julia added: “A real highlight of my time at Westholme has been a recent school trip to Vietnam and Cambodia – the most incredible thing I have done.
“It was such an amazing opportunity to trek through the jungle, visit various temples and pagodas, and volunteer with local people. It was such an inspiring, incredible opportunity.
“I feel so privileged to have studied at Westholme School and have really fond memories of my time here. The friendships I have made make it even more difficulty to say goodbye, but I am also really excited for what the future holds.”
The numbers add up for Hannah
INSPIRED Sixth Former Hannah Forbes is on her way to securing a dream career in finance, after achieving two A*s and an A in her A Levels at Westholme School.
Striving for a career in economics, the 18-year-old student from Rossendale was delighted to achieve an A* in Economics and History, and an A in Maths.
Thanking her teachers for all their support over the years, Hannah is looking forward to starting a BSc (Hons) in Economics at Lancaster University in September – especially looking forward to spending a year in industry as part of the course.
Hannah said: “I am thrilled with my results and relieved that I can now accept my place at Lancaster University and look to the future.
“I loved studying economics at A Level and gained amazing real-life experience acting as Managing Director of Westholme’s student-led shop, Westies - a really valuable experience that has definitely opened my eyes to future career opportunities within economics.”
Hannah also had the added challenge of balancing her studies with her role as Assistant Head Girl at Westholme School.
“Acting as a representative for the school and speaking in Westholme’s unique Croston Theatre has really helped to develop my confidence and public speaking skills. I was quite nervous before taking on the role but the exposure and support from staff and fellow students has been wonderful.
“Support from my teachers and Westholme INSPIRED Sixth Form’s small class sizes have allowed me to flourish and I am so grateful for the support I have received over the years.”
Hannah is a keen theatre goer and has enjoyed taking part in numerous school productions within Westholme’s Croston Theatre – one of the country’s largest school theatres.
Dr Richard Robson, Principal of Westholme School, said: “Hannah has been an outstanding student and an excellent representative of our school as Assistant Head.
“We wish her all the very best for the future and look forward to watching her career develop further.”
Caitlin cracks the code to access prestigious Civil Service Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship
A Westholme INSPIRED Sixth Form student has been accepted onto a prestigious L6 Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship with the government’s Civil Service after receiving her A Level results.
Caitlin Slater, 18, dreams of working within cyber security - one of the government’s key priority skills - after studying Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Mandarin at Westholme INSPIRED Sixth Form. Caitlin also accepted a deferred place at the University of York to study MSc Cyber Security.
Caitlin said: “I am absolutely thrilled and so excited to start a career in cyber security!”
“My teachers at Westholme introduced me to the idea of cyber security, thinking that I had the right skill set and challenged me to try an online Cyber Discovery programme. I found the course really interesting and my teachers were then instrumental in helping me find out more.
“Through school, I had the opportunity to attend three CyberFirst courses, led by the government and designed to introduce young people to cyber security. I thoroughly enjoyed attending a residential course at Warwick University and meeting other like minded people - the course really opened my eyes to the opportunities within the sector.”
Caitlin is also a keen musician and played flute in the school orchestra and for productions in the school’s professional theatre.
Caitlin said: “I have loved playing in the school productions, getting to be part of a full orchestra within the school’s impressive Croston Theatre. I’ve also loved going on school choir trips including Brussels, Paris, Nice and Monaco.”
“I would absolutely recommend Westholme School - the people, supportive learning environment and pastoral support make it a really special place to learn and grow.”
