August 18, 2022 - 941 views
Pupils across Conwy are eagerly collecting their A-Level results today and hoping to gain the grades needed to take them into university and the world of work.
Rydal Penrhos School were one of the first local schools to report on the success of their pupils.
As results were formally announced, a total of 64.2 per cent of the school's pupils attained a pass rate at A*-A, with 37.78% securing A* grades thanks to their commitment and the impeccable preparation they received over their final two years at Rydal Penrhos.
Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 80.5% and 92.7% of pupils achieved A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.
Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the eighth time since 2000 that the school has managed this feat.
There were a host of notable individual achievements, with Rebecca Mann attaining no fewer than four A* grades plus an additional A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). A magnificent achievement from the departing pupil, who will now go on to the University of Warwick to study Mathematics.
Another with a lot to celebrate was Arthur Hind, who held the position of Head Boy during his final school year and attained four A* grades and will now begin studying a Masters in Engineering (Triple Engineering) at Sheffield University.
Isabel Bateson (3 A*s, A), Daniel McLaughlin (3 A*s), Simeon Murphy-Thomas (3 A*s, A* EPQ), Paul Kenyon (3 A*s, A* EPQ) and Suhas Shekar (3 A*s) were others who achieved a significant amount thanks to their sterling commitment, with Juan Rajagopal gaining 3 A*s and an A to go alongside the 1st class honours degree in Mathematics with the Open University he accomplished during his A Levels.
Head Girl Shruthi Ganapathi (2 A*s, A), Emily Penwright (2 A*s, A, A* EPQ), Isabel Toms-Arbel (2 A*s, A), Tasnim Mortuza (A*, 2 As, A* EPQ), and Damisola Animashaun (2 A*s, A, B) secured hugely impressive grades, which is a just reward for their adaptability and focus to reach or exceed their goals.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: "These outstanding examination results are a testament to the well-rounded, comprehensive education provided by Rydal Penrhos, and I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the pupils who worked tirelessly throughout their time as Sixth Formers.
"It has been a voyage into the unknown in terms of sitting examinations after a significant spell of disruption. Our teaching staff must also take their share of plaudits, preparing them for every eventuality during lessons and specially organised events that focused on revision techniques and exam preparations.
"The Rydal Penrhos community also strives to ensure parents are an important part of the process. So congratulations to the family members that also played a big part with unwavering support."
At Ysgol Eirias, A-level grades were also impressive particularly as the Covid pandemic was disruptive to many student's studies.
A spokesperson for the school said: "There were outstanding results in all of the programmes delivered. Whilst all areas celebrate remarkable results, of particular note for increased or sustained exceptional results are English Language, French, History, PE, Welsh Baccalaureate and Maths – including Further Maths and Finance.
"All students have secured their futures in areas of interest, most being accepted for their first choice. There was an unprecedented number of students achieving the highest grades, with a very high number achieving multiple A*s and A grades.
"Future destinations are always an aspect that we place great emphasis upon and we are so proud that our learners are accessing diverse programmes and pathways."
Dan Hamilton-Steward (3A*s & 1A) is studying Physics with Astrophysics in Manchester; Deema Al Barazi (3A*s) is studying Physics with Philosophy in Kings, London and Michal Kotlarek (3A*s & 1A) will be studying Physics in Lancaster.
Annie Darbyshire (4 A*s) is going on to study Classical Studies at Bristol, Dan Carmichael (4 A*s) is studying Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster whilst Katie Thompson (3A*s & 1A) has successfully gained a place in a Higher Apprenticeship at JCB.
"We have 2 students following Veterinary Medicine – Catrin Humphries (A* & 3As) and Grace Ward (4As).
"Emma Wetton (3A*s &1A) will be studying English Language and Emily Morley will be engaging with Neuroscience in Bristol.
"There has been a significant interest in Law this year and a high number of students have gained access to Law courses in Durham, Lancaster and Liverpool. We wish all the best to Alex Dawes, Alisha Priestley, Lily Gledhill-Davies, Rhian Williams, Lily-Rose Leong, Hannah Dopson and Caitlin Gilmore.
"We have 2 students accessing Zoology at Bangor: Adam Lloyd and Isabella Dallaway, and Abbie Taylor will be studying Animal Management at Rease Heath, whilst 3 of our students have been successful in their application to Football, Business and Media at UCFB: congratulations to William Joshua Brown, Joey Howe and Dane Nelson.
"George Edwards will be pursuing a career in Quantity Surveying at John Moores, Niamh Chamberlain will be studying Illustration in Leeds whilst Isabelle Cobley has been successful in her application for Midwifery in Leeds.
"After some time out working, Sebastian Smith will be moving on to read Law at Cambridge at the same time that his brother Nathaniel Smith will be off to study Marketing at Liverpool."
Teachers at Ysgol Bryn Elian were also delighted with the efforts of their pupils.
Mathew Evans achieved 2 A*, A and B and is going to Cardiff University to study Mechanical Engineering.
Amelia Grundy achieved 4 A grades and will go to Cardiff University to study English Language and Literature.
Emi Rosenwould achieved 2 A* and 2 A grades and is going to study Psychology at the University of Manchester.
Charlie Williams achieved 3 A grades and is going to study Wildlife Conservation at Bangor University.
Chloe Sharp chieved 2 A*, A and B and is going to study Geography at Durham University.
Freya Gill achieved 1 A*, 2 A and 1 B grade and is off to Bristol University to study Biology.
Kiera Waller achieved A*, 2 A grades and a B and is going to study Zoology at Exeter University.
Cllr Julie Fallon, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Education said: “I’d like to congratulate all our learners throughout the County on their achievements in this year’s A and AS level results. They’ve done so well and worked so hard to achieve these results.
“I wish them all the best as they decide on their future careers, and I'm sure they will all join me in thanking their parents, families, our excellent teachers and support staff who have helped and supported them throughout their studies.”
