Newcastle Sixth Form College is celebrating an exceptional year after over 75% percent of its students have received offers to attend university and a 100% pass rate in 22 subjects.
For some, it is the opportunity to move away from the region and experience life elsewhere, while others are sticking to their roots and choosing to stay local instead.
A gap year in Thailand
Louis Flounder, 18, is taking a year out to travel and work as a volunteer in an Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand having secured an A* and 2 A’s. She will take up her place at Bristol University to study Zoology in September 2016.
The teenager, from Durham, organised the voluntary work herself and has always wanted to travel.
“I have wanted to travel for as long as I can remember. The Elephant Sanctuary does some amazing things and I feel really privileged that I can be a small part of that.
“I never wanted to go straight to University as I think it’s great to try new things and experience new cultures whilst you still have no commitments.
“I am delighted with my results and University is very important to me. I fully intend taking my place at Bristol in September 2016.”
Alex is off to UCL
Alex Hayward 20, from Newcastle returned to his A levels after two years working as an IT apprentice. Realising his true passion for Economics, Geology and Geography he has just got the two A’s and a B he needs to go to University College London to study Earth Sciences.
He said : “I didn’t have any interest in IT; I just did it for the money. Getting back into education was the best thing I have ever done.”
“It’s never too late to pursue your ambitions. I may be a bit older but I didn’t want to settle for a job I didn’t enjoy. A levels have opened up a world of new opportunities to me and allowed me to realise my full potential.
“The possibilities with Earth studies are endless. Eventually I’d like to pursue a career in climate change or work in water resources in third world countries. I am really excited about what the future holds.”
Matthew Carter has chosen to study locally following their A levels. He has been accepted to Newcastle University’s PARTNERS programme.
The programme allows eligible students to get a taste of what University life would be like at Newcastle prior to joining.
Matthew - “The PARTNERS scheme is a great way to help develop skills needed in Higher Education. I have already attended a Summer school in Uni for three days, looked round campus, and even done an assignment on the use of the English Language.”
Michael Richardson, Head of Admissions said he was thrilled with this year’s results.
“Congratulations to all of our students, who have worked tremendously hard in order to gain places at universities and go on to jobs in their chosen field,” said Gerard.
“We have had some excellent results this year, which is testament to their hard work and the support and expertise of our outstanding teaching staff.
“It’s been a great year and our predictions are that admissions will be up again in September. We believe that with our great facilities and faculty, and a determination to succeed, there is nothing that our students cannot achieve.”
Feeling inspired?
Visit us at our next Open Evening to find out more about life at Newcastle Sixth Form College
