There was a celebratory atmosphere in Marjorie’s Café this morning as pupils collected their sixth form results – reflecting the first set of public examinations since 2019. Many pupils used the opportunity to catch up with friends and teachers, some travelling from many corners of the UK to do so.
The Headmaster, Tyrone Howe said: “I am extremely proud of this year group. The class of 2022 has been exceptionally brave and resilient in terms of having faced continuing challenges and almost constant uncertainty throughout their sixth form years, on top of not sitting GCSE examinations, due to the COVID pandemic. They have come through that period in such strong shape and I am delighted at how well they have performed. In terms of headline results, we are above national averages with 41% achieving A*-A or equivalent, 68% A*-B or equivalent and 92% A*-C or equivalent. This is an outstanding set of results in which the average UCAS points generated per pupil is 132, which is close to AAB.
“Overall, the picture is very much in line with our ambition of pupils achieving their personal bests – we have some attaining straight A*s and others whose grades may not be in the top tier but reflect their academic potential, determination and positive learning attitude.
“Throughout everything, we have tried to maintain a sense of calm and the pupils navigated themselves through the exam period extremely well. It is great to see smiles on faces, so many of them back with us celebrating their various achievements. The vast majority are heading to their university of choice.
“My thanks go to the staff. Not only have the teachers provided superb academic support but more than ever before there has been a need for pastoral care and every step of the way they have provided emotional support, advice and guidance.”
In addition to all the personal success stories, particular congratulations to the following individuals for their outstanding performances: Jake Birch with 2A*s and 2As (Economics and Econometrics at Bristol); Sam Waller with 3A*s and 1A (Medicine at Brighton and Sussex); Georgina Garner with 3A*s (Sustainable Development at Edinburgh); Abi McCarthy with 3A*s (Biosciences at Manchester); Merry Oakes with 2A*s and 1 Distinction* (Education Studies and Psychology at Durham); Jack Lynskey with 1A*, 1A and 1 Distinction* (Business Management and Marketing at Cardiff); Sophie Murray with 1A*, 1A and 1 Distinction* (Business Management at Southampton); Charlie Neale with 1A*, 1A and 1 Distinction* (Geography at Newcastle); Milo Connolly with 1A and 2 Distinction*s (Property Development at Nottingham Trent); and Will Taylor with 1A and 2 Distinction*s (Graphic Design at Loughborough).
This year there were results in 28 different A Level subjects and five BTEC subjects, with Geography and Psychology the most popular A Level courses. Art, Drama, Sociology, Further Mathematics, Spanish and Computer Science all achieved 100% A*-B, with many other departments maintaining 100% A*-C, including Politics (with 80% A*-B), Criminology (76% A*-B) and English Literature (75% A*-B).
Shiplake continues to be a high value-added school, with Art, Criminology, Physical Education and Sociology all helping their pupils exceed their predictions by over a grade, in comparison to national baseline testing taken at the start of Year 12.
On the back of an ‘Excellent’ inspection report in May it was clear from speaking to so many happy parents and pupils this morning that Shiplake continues to have a major positive impact on the lives of those within its community.
