'Outstanding' achievements by Honiton's A-level students

Honiton Community College students have been celebrating their A-level and BTEC results today – and their achievements have been described as 'outstanding' by their principal, Glenn Smith.

He said: "The results for A level and BTEC again show great dedication by staff and students. Some students had to self-isolate and so attended their lessons virtually via a laptop link – friends 'carrying' them to lessons!

"Their excellent outcomes are a direct result of the hard work and commitment of both students and staff in unprecedented circumstances."

How A-level grades were awarded this year

This year, following the cancellation of exams, A-level grades were awarded through a process of teacher-assessed grades, against a national standard, and approved and awarded by the exam boards.

The Government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year, due to the varying impact of the pandemic.

However, across the UK, a record 44.8 per cent of A-level entries have been given an A* or A grade, and 88.5 per cent received at least a C or above.

'We've had to prove ourselves'

There have been claims that the switch from formal exams to teacher assessment makes it easier to achieve high grades – but Honiton Community College A-level student Keira Bonetta says that simply isn't the case.

Keira, who got two A*s and two As, in psychology, history biology and her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), said: "It was still very, very difficult.

"One of the things I've struggled with most is the misconception that this year we don't deserve our results as much because we haven't sat exams, when that's completely false.

"I think if anything we deserve our results more this year because we've had to prove ourselves over a series of assessments, that we are capable of achieving that grade, and have solid evidence that the teachers can submit that proves that we are working at that level."

Keira plans to take a gap year to travel around Europe, starting in May or June next year – until then she'll work and save towards her travels.

Fellow student Erin Humphris also got two A*s and 2As, in biology, EPQ, physics and sports science. She plans to take another A-level, in maths, and then go on to study physics at university; possibly Exeter, or she may try for Oxbridge.

She said doing the A-level course during the pandemic was very tough.

"It was definitely difficult. Using Teams and online learning was a lot different and harder, I prefer the classroom.

"You can't really collaborate as much with your friends - in the classroom you can just turn to them and ask them what they're doing and bounce ideas off them."

[H2]'We proudly celebrate their success'[H2]

Selena Burroughs, Honiton Community College's assistant principal and director of post-16, said: "It has been an absolute privilege to be part of these students' educational journey in Post-16 and today we proudly celebrate with them their success.

"Apart from the academic skills they have all excelled in, they have all gained endless amounts of resilience and life skills in the last two years that will take them forward to their successful future.

"Some great exciting times ahead for all of this group at university, apprenticeships or travel, and we wish them the best of luck in their adventure."