College leader praises GCSE students for resilience

A college leader has praised GCSE students of 2021 for crossing one of life’s major milestones in the face of such uncertainty.

Furness College Assistant Principal for Curriculum Sue Hannan, who is also joint chair of governors at Chetwynde School part of the new South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, said they had faced an unprecedented set of circumstances.

She said: “Students collecting their GCSE results have faced huge challenges with nearly two years of disruption to their studies due to the pandemic.

“They have shown amazing resilience throughout this time and no doubt adapted to a new way of learning that will stand them in good stead for their life and future careers.

“We want to congratulate Year 11s across the area on their achievements and getting to this stage – you are a credit to yourselves, your schools and your families. We are equally as proud of our own students who have taken their GCSEs again to get the all-important grades in English and maths, this year has not been easy and we commend your huge effort.

“So, if you have done well in your GCSEs, fantastic, if you have not done as well as you thought, or not quite got the grades you needed there is no need to panic. Remember that many people have gone on to achieve at the highest level with modest GCSE grades and for some it has been the motivation they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

“At Furness College, we pride ourselves on having a course for every learner and there is a place for you here either at Channelside or our sixth form campus at Rating Lane. Alongside A Levels, BTECs and CTECs, we will be launching new T Levels in September and they are a great option for students who want to study more technical subjects.

“Contact us today for some advice on your next steps or come along to our GCSE Results Advice Session on Friday 13th August 10am to 2pm at the Channelside campus.”

Among those celebrating at Furness College and Barrow Sixth Form today were:

Channelside

Lucy Waters – GCSE Maths

Congratulations to Lucy Waters who has secured a grade 5 in her GCSE maths. Lucy said she was overwhelmed by the result because it was her 7^th resit and she has never got above a one previously. Thanks to her grades and perseverance Lucy is now able to go onto Liverpool John Moore’s University to study criminology and psychology.

Maisie Atkinson – GCSE Maths

Well done to Maisie Atkinson who has passed her maths GCSE and is now able to pursue her dream career of being a nurse. Maisie said she was happy with her result and she added her mum was up all night so she is excited to finally be able to tell her the news.

Andrew Bartlett – GCSE English and Maths

Andrew Bartlett has achieved amazing grades in his English and maths GCSEs, he achieved a grade 5 in maths and a huge grade 8 in English. Andrew said his parents are going to be happy and proud of his achievements and he is looking forward to celebrating with a beer.

Elly Crawford – GCSE English

Great effort by Elly Crawford who has finally been able to secure a grade 5 in English after 4 years of resits. Elly said she really didn’t expect to do as well as she did and she knows her parents are going to be extremely proud of her. She added it has been a stressful ride but she is relieved to have passed and is now going for a meal to celebrate.

Robbie Booth – GCSE Maths and English

Well done to Robbie Booth who achieved a grade 5 in his GCSE maths and a grade 6 in his GCSE English. He said he is relieved to have been able to pass after 2 years of trying and he would like to thank his tutors for helping him get through, Robbie is now able to progress onto our Level 3 Motor Vehicle course.

Alfie Kissack – GCSE maths and English

Congratulations to Alfie Kissack who has achieved a grade 5 in his GCSE maths and an amazing grade 7 in his GCSE English. Alfie said he was surprised at his result and said he has made significant improvement compared to when he first started. Alfie would like to thank his tutors as he wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

Rating Lane

Will Buckley  – GCSE Maths

Well done to Will Buckley who successfully improved his GCSE maths grade alongside studying his A Levels. A great grade and good luck for your second year!

Anthony Morley – GCSE English Language

Anthony retook his GCSE English Language to support his A Levels in law, politics and sociology and achieved a grade 5 today. He thanks his tutor Kevin for his encouragement and ‘being really helpful’.

Samantha Howard – GCSE English Language

Well done to Samantha Howard who achieved her GCSE English with us today and will go onto the Animal Management Course next term that we run in partnership with Myerscough College. Fantastic Samantha, go follow your dreams!

Emily Armstrong– GCSE English Language/Maths/Biology

Congratulations to Emily Armstrong who has secured her all-important GCSEs in maths, English and biology alongside a merit in CTEC media. Fantastic effort! We look forward to seeing you next year for health and social care, art and more media!