Northumberland College students are celebrating a bright future after receiving their BTEC qualification results today.
Despite a challenging year, the students are a step closer to reaching their career and higher education ambitions. The college achieved an overall 96% pass rate for BTEC Level 3 qualifications, an increase on last year, with courses including Health and Social Care, Engineering, Art and Design and Public Services achieving 100% pass rate.
In addition, the college gained an impressive 98% pass rate for technical qualifications delivered at its Kirkley Hall campus.
Individual achievements included 17-year-old Levi Thompson from Blyth who gained a Distinction in BTEC Level 3 Sport Science. He is now heading to Northumbria University to study Sport Science. He said:
“Studying at Northumberland College has been a great experience. It has improved my knowledge and prepared me for university. I’m very happy with my results.”
Public Services student Estella Horn, from Choppington gained triple Merit, she is planning to work in America. She said:
“The support from college has been great. The staff are incredible, and I couldn’t thank them enough. Coming to college has been character building and has been great for my personal development. I’ve discovered who I want to be and what I want to do.”
18-year-old Engineering student, Sonny Mcardle-Lee also from Blyth, achieved a Merit. He said:
“I was so happy when I saw my results. My time at Northumberland College has helped to increase my confidence and prepare me for my next steps.”
Vocational and technical qualifications such as BTECs are specialist work-related courses in key industry sectors which provide students with the skills, practical understanding knowledge in preparation for further study and training or employment.
This year, grades were assessed by schools and colleges based on evidence such as assessments, coursework, homework and performance in class. The ‘teacher-assessed grade (TAG)’ required a rigorous approval process, which meant that each school or college’s head had to sign off the grades and confirm there was evidence to support them. Exam boards also provided optional sets of questions for teachers to help them gather more evidence.
Nigel Harrett, Principal of Northumberland College, said:
“We’re extremely proud of our students this year and all that they have achieved. I’m also grateful to my brilliant staff who have supported their students through a disruptive year. We’re delighted that our BTEC students have gained the skills, knowledge and experience to progress onto their next journey and make a valuable contribution to the economy and society.”
Students were able to pre-book slots to collect their results in person. This was to ensure student numbers were managed to keep everyone safe. For those students not able to collect in person, results were emailed to them at 10am.
Northumberland College is part of Education Partnership North East, one of the largest college groups in the country, which also includes Hartlepool Sixth Form and Sunderland College and offers an extensive range of vocational courses.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
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