The statement below was published before the government u-turn:
For the first time, the College has reached 90% for Sixth Form results graded at A*-C. Almost half (49%) of the grades were A*-A or equivalent, a rise of 13% from the previous year. Following the cancellation of the examination season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College submitted Centre-Assessed Grades (CAGs) for each Year 13 leaver based on a robust, evidenced-based and fair policy. The Headmaster, Tyrone Howe, comments:
“I am absolutely delighted with the Shiplake College A level results – the second best in the history of the school. After such a challenging academic year, they are testament to the hard work and motivation of our pupils and also the commitment and professionalism displayed on a daily basis by our staff. What gives me most pleasure is that not only are we delivering top grades for our most able pupils, with increased numbers of A*s and As, we are also looking after the whole cohort, evidenced by 90% of the year group achieving A*-C, the first time we have hit that milestone.
“The College achieved 77% accuracy on its predicted CAG grades, 17% higher than the national average, thereby reflecting the robust nature of our performance tracking and grade prediction process. However, I am disappointed that the government algorithm used to adjust and moderate some of the results has disadvantaged a small number of pupils in the lower grade brackets. The statistical system appears to use the spread of outcomes from previous years as a predictive model for this year’s grades, and this year’s cohort compared to the previous year groups has received a similar ‘stretch’ of results to achieve the same spread; even though the subject set could be stronger overall. Whilst an indictment of their own process, the Department of Education’s last minute announcement to lock in mock results has counteracted some of these adjustments, but there are still some anomalies in pupils’ results. We will be looking at specific areas in which we feel that there is a just cause for appeal.
“Art, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, Further Mathematics, Photography, Physics, Psychology and Religious Studies all recorded very strong A*-B scores. There were also strong performances from a number of vocational subjects including Business, Music and Sport, with the majority of pupils securing top grades.
“The average value-added score, compared to baseline data collected early in the Sixth Form using the ALIS and ALPS national performance benchmark schemes, was a strong 0.5. This may rise further once amended locked-in mock results are included. Standout departments, adding at least one value-added grade on to pupils’ baseline predictions, include Chemistry, Computing, Further Mathematics, Photography and Physics.
“The picture of leavers’ destinations is still being revealed but particular congratulations go to Tom Fox who achieved A*, A*, A* and A and will be heading to Bath University to read Mechanical Engineering, and to Emily Booth for A*, A*, A and will be reading English and Philosophy at Edinburgh.
“This has been a unique year which has presented real challenges and much confusion and anxiety for pupils, parents and schools. I am proud of the 2020 leavers who have shown great resilience and remained engaged with our distance learning programme throughout lockdown. Our teachers stepped up to face the unique challenges with creativity, professionalism and endless positivity, illustrating a talented, motivated and agile Common Room.”
