CLASS CHAT
A level success
Top marks for Leek College students
S
tudents at Leek College celebrated a 98% pass rate in their A level exams this August with most looking forward to higher education courses at their chosen universities. Subjects including English, Media, Psychology, Sociology and Business saw a 100% pass rate and all but one student gained a place at his or her first choice of university with many opting to progress to the University of Derby which offers Leek College and Buxton students a £1,000 bursary. College Principal Len Tildsley told Leek Life: “Results have been excellent this summer but Buxton and Leek College is not just about results.
We try to give all our students the experience they need to become rounded individuals who are more in tune with where they are heading in life. “Students here are not just a number. We spend time with each individual and, now that we are part of the University of Derby, there are lots of opportunities for students to remain with us as they pass through higher education. Anyone choosing to do this qualifies for a £1,000 bursary towards their degree course.” Among the successes on Thursday 15th August was Martha Hermolle, aged 20, from Kingsley Holt, who was ‘astounded’ to achieve an A* in her English A level and has opted for a course in English and Creative Writing at Staffordshire University. She said: “I was really shocked. I was expecting a B grade at most and have never had an A* before. I felt like I was walking into the paparazzi when I arrived at college to see the photographers here this morning. I’ve loved Leek College. It’s very liberal but the lecturers are always there for you, especially when you need that extra bit of help. I’d like to become a lecturer myself one day.” A student for whom English is not her first language, Amy Bermudez, 19, from Venezuela, was thrilled to pick up two B grades in her English and Psychology AS levels. Amy, whose native tongue is Spanish, said: “I started out at Leek and Buxton College studying Art but wanted to focus on subjects which would challenge me more. I have found the teachers here brilliant at helping me get the best possible grades and I’d like to progress to studying Forensic Science at university eventually.” James Gibson, 20, from Werrington, found his path to success has not always been an easy one because of health issues and dyslexia. James, who first arrived at the Leek college campus in 2011 to re-take his English GCSE, has progressed to gaining AS passes in both English Language and English Literature in spite of spending a lot of time in hospital. James, who has Cystic Fibrosis, said: “What makes Buxton and Leek College so special is the lecturers here who are so compassionate and supportive. When I was ill in hospital my tutor, Harry Richardson, would phone me not just to brief me on my assignments but just to see how I was.”
38 Leek Life September/October 2013