Private School News

Bearwood College: A-Level Results 2008

Bearwood College is delighted to congratulate its Upper Sixth Form students on their strong 2008 A/Level results, yet another improvement on the results of the previous year.

Bearwood College saw a strongly improved performance in the A/Level results for A-B grades at 48% (four percentage points above 2007 and six points above 2006), and for A-C grades at 80% (also four percentage points above 2007 and seven points above 2006).

The A-E grade pass rate was 97%. The average pass score per candidate completing two or more full A/Levels at Bearwood College is 275 UCAS points, equivalent to grades BBC. The top personal score was 530 points, the best ever individual score for the College.

Commenting on this year’s results, the Headmaster, Mr Stephen Aiano, said: “All the students in the Bearwood College Upper Sixth Form, and their teaching staff, have put in a great deal of effort and commitment over the last two years to achieve these impressive A-Level results. This fine progress is a great tribute to teachers and students alike, under the academic leadership of Ian Smith, Deputy Head (Curriculum). I am confident we shall continue to see this kind of steady long-term progress at Bearwood College.”

For Bearwood’s Second Master, Richard Ryall, seeing individuals who have been nurtured through the College exceed their academic expectations is the one of the greatest rewards a teacher can receive. “The culmination of every Sixth Form pupil’s development at Bearwood is reflected in their A-level results; our aim is to ensure that each individual is given both the academic and psychological support to fulfill their greatest potential. We are very pleased with the ‘value added’ improvement. On average, every candidate achieved 30 points beyond their UCAS expectation.”

For a local pupil, Philip Tattersall from Lower Earley, his 440 UCAS points has secured him a place at Bristol University to study Computer Science. ‘I can’t believe that the day has finally arrived and that I have the points to study at my first choice University. I am so excited and relieved!”

Bearwood College’s top-scoring A-Level candidates, Julia Retzmanik, said: “I am so pleased with these results – it’s been brilliant. They confirm my place to read English Literature and History at the University of Durham.” Julia, who was a boarder in Drake House, Bearwood’s dedicated boarding facility for female students, gained an impressive 530 UCAS points with four A grades at A2 Level, in English Literature, History, German and Psychology, on top of an AS Level in Chemistry.

Sixth Formers like Julia are provided with 360 degree support throughout their A/Level studies at Bearwood. In addition to committed subject teachers, academic progress is closely monitored by the Key Stage 5 Coordinator and the Deputy Head (Curriculum). Pastoral needs are cared for by a dedicated Tutor as well as by a Houseparent. The advice of the in-house careers service is supplemented by the resources of Futurewise, the Independent Schools Careers Organisation. Small class sizes guarantee individual attention and the Sierra Club, is a purpose-built Sixth Form centre facility designed to promote independent study as well as offer a social space for relaxation. These elements contribute to the strength of Bearwood’s unique support system which can make all the difference to pupils managing the pressures of A/Level study. Whilst ensuring academic issues are thoroughly addressed, Bearwood also helps prepare well-rounded individuals, ready for university and life beyond.

Photo:(from left) Scott Pryor, Ellie Cundy, Natasha Adkins and Philip Tattersall