​A level Results - Pocklington School 2020

Students at Pocklington School are looking forward to exciting futures as they celebrate receiving their A level and BTEC results.

Despite the closure of schools in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing uncertainty regarding A level and BTEC examinations, the school's Sixth Form students have continued to receive academic and pastoral support from Pocklington School. The overwhelming majority of students progressed their studies via online lessons with teachers and, following Leavers Day, they engaged in transition work to support their preparations for the future, whether it be higher education, apprenticeship, employment or gap year. Students accessed reading lists, podcasts and lecture-style presentations compiled by subject departments as well as practical advice relating to studying or working and living away from home.

Laura Powell, Curriculum Director and Head of Sixth Form at Pocklington School said: “Our Upper Sixth students have shown courage, resilience and integrity throughout their time at Pocklington, but their strength of character and determined spirit has been particularly crucial during the last extraordinary six months. It is immensely important for them to receive recognition of their hard work and dedication over the last two years and we are tremendously proud of all they have achieved, reflected in these results. We wish them all the very best as they move forward into an exciting range of further education and training opportunities.”

Now armed with their individual results, the students are ready to follow their plans for the future.

Michael Smith, who is going to Durham University to study Spanish and Russian said: “I’m really looking forward to next year, meeting new people, having fun, continuing my Spanish studies and starting to learn a new language.” Michael has already begun learning basic Russian grammar and credits the school for instilling in him the value of independent learning in a world where getting ahead is important for future success.

Emma Davison has secured a place at Newcastle University, to study Medicine. She said: “The teachers provided me with the confidence to know that I am good enough for Medical school. The Transition Materials provided by Pocklington School have enabled me to bridge the gap between A levels and university study, as well as exploring a little bit of what I can expect from my degree.”

Will Dare is looking forward to starting employment with PwC, on the School Leavers Scheme in Tax. He said: “I am excited to get an apartment and start living with friends and meet new people. Starting work straight away also offers me independence and stability. The Old Pocklingtonian Association and Careers and Business Network were really helpful. They put me in touch with Old Pocklingtonians who have gone down a similar route, specifically at PwC itself.”

Bella Byass is heading to the University of Birmingham to study Chemical Engineering. She is looking forward to meeting people who share the same interests as her and of course playing her favourite sport, hockey! Bella said: “Pocklington School has helped me so much! Encouraging me and filling me with confidence, enabling me to see that I can do things and that it doesn’t matter if things don’t go to plan! I cannot thank the teachers and staff enough for everything they have done for me; their support has been incredible!”

Ben McNamara signed a professional contract with topflight Rugby League Club Hull FC last year and has now started training and playing for the club full-time. Ben, who studied Chemistry, Physics and Religious Studies at A level, previously considered applying to university but came to the decision that he wanted to give his time and effort into a pursuing a rugby career and that a degree was too big a commitment to take on alongside full-time training.

He commented: “I’m looking forward to being able to do what I love for a job and to try and work my way into the team. The school has been understanding of my commitments and allowed me the flexibility to play fixtures, provided a strength and conditioning programme and have been accommodating regards homework. It’s really helpful knowing that you have their support.”

Ruby Stainforth is going to study Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester. She says that the subject ‘thoroughly intrigues’ her. She said: “I feel excited about living in a new and vibrant city as well as my course offering a year where I can study abroad or choose to experience a year in industry. I am extremely grateful to my teachers and the Pocklington School community who created a supportive and inspiring environment that’s not only helped my educational skills to flourish, but also my confidence and character.”

David Clifton has been successful in gaining a place at the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship interview day in September where he could be lucky enough to be awarded up to £8,000 over his course of study. David, who has secured a place at the University of Sheffield to study Civil Engineering, could also receive paid work placements every summer and the potential for a full-time job with a leading civil engineering or construction company when he graduates. Along with experience, knowledge and the badge of an ICE QUEST scholar, this is an excellent opportunity as David hopes to become an Incorporated or Chartered Civil Engineer. David said: “I want to say thank you to all my teachers, and especially our Careers Adviser (Gillian Jones) as it was so helpful to have her guidance throughout the application process to ICE QUEST.”

Toby Seth, Headmaster at Pocklington School commented: “These past few months we have all witnessed the incredible strength of character present amongst all members of our Pocklington School community. Our departing Sixth Form students embody our values of Courage, Truth and Trust and their commitment and achievements over these past few weeks deserve great praise and celebration. This is true of all our leavers but is particularly so for this cohort who have had to cope with an extraordinary range of emotions and challenges. We wish them the very best of luck as they look to the future, confident that the grounding they have received during their time with us stands them in good stead, whatever our currently uncertain world holds.”