RESULTS EXCLUSIVE 2016
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Over 99% pass rate at A Level and 100% pass rate for Vocational qualifications. SUCCESS AT ST MARY’S Students at St Mary’s College have been celebrating outstanding A Level and Vocational results this year. We would like to congratulate all our students and staff on these fantastic results.
all our students. With the support of their teachers and support staff, our students have worked hard to maximise their potential and achieve excellent results. Congratulations to everyone involved”!
Progression to university was the best for over 10 years at St Mary’s, with all students achieving their grades for places at Oxbridge, and other competitive courses including medicine, dentistry and law at a Once again, the Vocational Diploma range of leading universities. pass rate has remained at 100% with 81 per cent of those students St Mary’s has continued its improvements of recent years achieving high grades with top scores including D*D*D*, equivalent and is looking forward to further enhancing life’s opportunities to three A*s at A Level. for a new set of students in the forthcoming academic year. Principal Frank Dixon proudly commented, “I am extremely pleased with the performance of The A Level pass rate was superb at over 99 per cent. In total, fifty four subjects gained a perfect 100 per cent pass rate.
“With the wealth of experience amongst the St Mary’s staff, they are always willing to provide excellent advice and engaging lessons.” Bradley Foster
TOP STAR Well done to our highest achiever Bradley Foster, previously from Hollins Technology College, who achieved an A* in Biology, an A* in Geography and a further A* in Geology. He will be off to the University of York to start a 4 year Master’s Degree in Environmental Geography.
“The teachers and Student Guidance at St Mary’s are always welcoming and have helped me to aim higher and achieve my aspirations.” Charlotte Keigher
OXBRIDGE BOUND Charlotte Keigher, an ex- student from St Augustine’s, has secured a place at New College Oxford studying Physics. She gained an A* in Physics, another A* in Mathematics and an A in Further Mathematics.
“St Mary’s has a friendly atmosphere, where every member of staff, not just your own teachers, are always willing to help you and go the extra mile.” Rachel Fox
MARVELLOUS IN MEDICINE Rachel Fox, also a former St Augustine’s student, attained an A in Biology, another A in Chemistry and yet another A in Psychology. She will be studying Medicine at Exeter University Medical School.
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“St Mary’s is a great college with extremely supportive staff who will go out of their way to put their students first. Harry Brookes Any help you need, you will have it!” These high achievers gained a total of five A*s and six As between them. Zahid Gilitwala (bottom right), ex- Blackburn Central High, achieved an A* in Biology, another A* in Chemistry and an A in Physics. He will be taking a gap year working as a healthcare assistant and then apply to study Medicine in Bulgaria.
Laura Conchie (not pictured), an ex- Norden student, achieved an A* in Geography, grade A in Economics alongside a grade A in Mathematics to gain a place at Lancaster University studying Finance and Economics.
Shoyab Alli (bottom left), an ex- student from Witton Park, Zahid says, “The support and encouragement from my teachers attained an A* in Economics, an and tutor have been invaluable”. A in Chemistry and a further B in Mathematics and is holding a place at the University of Harry Brookes (top), previously Liverpool to study Actuarial a student from St Wilfrid’s, scored an A* in Geology, an A in Maths. Biology and an A in Chemistry Shoyab says, “The teachers at and will be taking his place at Imperial College London to start St Mary’s College have increased an integrated Master’s degree in my interest in each subject due to their enthusiasm and way of Geology, with a year abroad. delivering the course. I am happy I studied here”.
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“The support and encouragement from my teachers and tutor have been invaluable.” Zahid Gilitwala NO LESS THAN PERFECT! The following subjects gained a PERFECT 100% pass rate. Biology Business Business Studies Chemistry Children’s Play, Learning & Development Classical Civilisation Creative Writing Dance Digital Photography Drama & Theatre Studies Economics Electronics English Language English Language & Literature English Literature Film Studies Fine Art French
Further Mathematics Geography Geology Government & Politics Graphic Design Health & Social Care ICT Law Media Production Media Studies Music Music: Performing Performing Arts: Musical Theatre Psychology Sociology Spanish Sport Textiles
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“I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of Student Guidance and the support from all the Khadija Khan teachers at St Mary’s College.” OUTSTANDING FUTURE OPTOMETRISTS The Science Faculty have achieved great results this year, with Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Geography and Geology all attaining a 100% pass rate. We also have a record number of students applying to study Optometry. Khadija Khan (left), a former student from Pleckgate High School, has taken a place at the University of Bradford to study Optometry. She gained an A in Biology, an A in Chemistry and a grade A in Psychology. Moaaz Dhanchora, Hamzah Nawab and Nasreen Patel are also taking Optometry at Bradford while Mariah Hussain will be at Aston University.
Most students with A Level Sciences progress to university and our students have an excellent track record of securing places on the most competitve and prestigious courses at many of the most popular and soughtafter universities.
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“My teachers have been incredible mentors, providing me with all the help and support needed for me to finish my A Levels.” Halima Sidat The Art Department have yet again achieved a 100% pass rate across all four subjects - Digital Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Textiles & Fashion. Halima Sidat, previously from Pleckgate High School, gained an A* in Photography, an A in Graphic Design, as well as a B in Sociology. She is taking a gap year to work on her Art portfolio before heading off to study at the Glasgow School of Art.
Halima says, “My teachers have been incredible mentors, providing me with all the help and support needed for me to finish my A Levels”.
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“I have definitely found a part of myself at St Mary’s. I have enjoyed the last two years Alisha Suleman and met loads of great people.” Alisha Suleman (left), an exBlackburn Central High student, attained an A*in Graphic Design and an A in Fine Art. She is now taking Communication Arts at De Monfort University.
Amara Raza (right), ex- Witton Park High, achieved an A in Fine Art and a B in Graphic Design. She will be on her way to the University of Edinburgh to study Fine Art.
Alisha says, “I have definitely found a part of myself at St Mary’s. I have enjoyed the last two years and met loads of great people”.
Amara says, “The best thing about St Mary’s College is the Arts and Graphics facilities. I have really enjoyed my time here and I’m looking forward to what is ahead”.
“St Mary’s has a really friendly atmosphere and the support from the teachers is excellent.” Laura Devaney
PERFORMING PERFECTION The students studying drama and performing arts courses achieved a 100% pass rate this year. In particular, the BTEC in Musical Theatre gained a 100% high grade pass rate, meaning all students gained either a Distinction* or a Distinction! Laura Devaney, an ex-student from Norden, was one of these students who received a D* in BTEC Performing Arts: Musical Theatre. She is now off to study Drama and Musical Theatre at Cumbria University in Carlisle.
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“The teachers I have had this year have been the most encouraging, supportive and inspiring teachers I have ever had!” Fae Horsley LITERALLY LITERATURE Creative Writing, English Language, English Language & Literature and English Literature gained a perfect 100% pass rate with 83 students gaining a high grade. Luke Foulds (left), an ex- student from Blessed Trinity, has been accepted at Edge Hill University to read English Literature. He achieved an A in English Language and an A in Sociology.
Fae Horsley (right), is also studying English Literature but at Newcastle University. She gained two As, one for English Language & Literature and the other for Religious Studies.
Luke says, “I’ve had a very enjoyable experience at St Mary’s. The staff work very hard to make sure each and every student achieves their very best. I have found all lessons interesting and engaging and this makes me want to further my knowledge in each subject”.
Fae says, “The teachers I have had this year have been the most encouraging, supportive and inspiring teachers I have ever had”!
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“St Mary’s offered me so much support and guidance over the last two years, which encouraged me to do my best.” Alicia Walmsley HUMANITIES HIGH ACHIEVERS Psychology and Sociology both attained a perfect 100% pass rate for the academic year. Scarlett Syme (bottom left), previously from Ribblesdale, achieved an A* in Sociology, a grade A in Religious Studies and B in Psychology. She has been accepted at the University of York to study Psychology.
Alicia says, “St Mary’s offers support and guidance while learning, encouraging you to do your best”.
Alicia Walmsley (bottom right), ex- St Bede’s, scored an A* in Sociology, a B in English Language & Literature and another B in Drama & Theatre Studies. She will be continuing Sociology at degree level at the University of Liverpool.
Kiran says, “St Mary’s College has a friendly environment with staff that go that extra mile to support you. This enabled me to achieve my full potential”.
Kiran Hussain (top), a former student from Pleckgate High, attained two As in Sociology and Religious Studies, alongside Scarlett says, “Psychology is a a B in Psychology. She will be really interesting subject and taught well by all the teachers at studying Psychology at the University of Birmingham. St Mary’s”.
“The teachers have been very helpful and have pushed me to exceed Ronan Boyle my predicted grades.” SENSATIONAL VOCATIONAL Our vocational cohort have achieved another year of excellent results. 82% of our vocational students were awarded high grades, with top scores including D*D*D*, equivalent to three A*s at A Level. The Extended National Diploma in Sport gained a 100% pass rate. Ronan Boyle, a former student from St Augustine’s, gained a D*D*D* in BTEC Sport, as well as participating in Team Sport and Sports Leadership. He will be going to Cardiff Metropolitan University to study Sport and Exercise Science.
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“I would like to thank the teachers for the exceptional support they have given me over the last two years and Humza Usman highly recommend St Mary’s College to everyone.”
Sophie Lally, an ex- student of Unity College, also scored a D*D*D* in BTEC Sport. She will be going to the UCFB Ethiad Campus to study Football Business and Marketing.
Sophie says, “The best thing about St Mary’s is how enjoyable the lessons are. The teachers are really helpful and will do whatever they can to help you achieve what you want”.
Humza Usman, previously from Pleckgate High, gained a D*DD, again for the Extended Diploma in Sport. He will be going to Edge Hill University to study Physical Education with his sights set on becoming a PE teacher in the future.
Humza says, “I would like to thank the teachers for the exceptional support they have given me over the last two years and highly recommend St Mary’s College to everyone”.
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“My experience at St Mary’s has been extremely positive and I have been able to make new friends, build my confidence and mature as a young adult.” Nadya Khan Health and Social Care has again achieved a 100% pass rate, with 26 students gaining high grade passes. Hina Ahmed Shahbaz (left), an ex- Darwen Vale student, gained D*D*D* in BTEC Health and Social Care and is now going to Bolton University to study Adult Nursing. Hina says, “The staff really helped me achieve my full potential and Student Guidance were so supportive in my university application process”.
Nadya Khan (right), previously from Pleckgate, also gained D*D*D* in BTEC Health and Social Care and is planning to go to UCLan to study Forensic Psychology with the intention of working in Youth Probation. Nadya says, “My experience at St Mary’s has been extremely positive and I have been able to make new friends, build my confidence and mature as a young adult”.
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“I appreciate all the support St Mary’s has given me over the last two years. It has been amazing.” Helana Preugschat Both Francesca Mahoney (right), and Helana Preugschat (left), previously from St Wilfrid’s and Mount Carmel respectively, gained D*D*D in BTEC Health and Social Care and together they are off to Liverpool John Moores University to study Adult Nursing. Francesca says, “My time at St Mary’s has been brilliant! I have met some fabulous people and achieved great grades to continue my education at university. The teachers have been very supportive and guided me every step of the way”. Melissa Gaffey (middle), an ex- student from St Augustine’s, was also awarded a D*D*D in the subject and is studying Adult Nursing at UCLan. Melissa says, “During the last two years at St Mary’s I have had the best experience. Thank you”.
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“I can’t thank St Mary’s staff enough for all their help and advice. Kirsten Walsh I have had a great two years here.” Children’s Play, Learning and Development again gained a 100% pass rate, with 83% of students achieving high grades. Kirsten Walsh (right), previously from Norden, scored a DDD in Children’s Play, Learning and Development. She is off to Edge Hill University to study Primary Teaching with QTS.
Caitlyn Hopkins (left), an exstudent from St Wilfrid’s, gained a DDD in the subject and will be following Kirsten to Edge Hill to also take a place on the Primary Teaching course.
Kirsten says, “I can’t thank St Mary’s staff enough for all their help and advice. I have had a great two years here”.
Caitlyn says, “I have made friends for life at St Mary’s, alongside achieving top grades that secured my place at my first choice of university”.
“I’m really enjoying my time at St Mary’s. With the excellent teaching and support I am looking forward to the future.” Niamh O’Malley
AS ALL STARS We can’t forget our first year students who also achieved fantastic results. Niamh O’Malley, an ex- student from St Bede’s, was one of our top AS Level students. She gained four As in English Language, English Literature, Geography and Geology.
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Congratulations to our Excellence Scholarship students on achieving 70 As and 47 Bs in their first year. SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS Our Excellence Scholarship students have done extremely well in their first year, with 70 As and 47 Bs between them. The Results Exclusive for 2017 could be a bumper edition! The Excellence Scholarship’s aim is to reward achievement at GCSE and offer them the opportunity to receive £1,000 to support their post-16 education. Many of the students who receive the scholarship use the money to fund university visits, departmental trips and subject specific materials to help them with their study.
“I have really enjoyed my first year at St Mary’s College and I couldn’t have done it without all the support and guidance from my teachers and tutor.” Lucy Wright
Lucy Wright, an ex- student from St Augustine’s, was one of the students who received the scholarship award last year. She used some of her scholarship to fund a Law trip to New York and Boston, which has been one of the highlights of her first year here at the College. Lucy gained an A in Economics, another A in English Literature, a B in History and another grade B in Law.
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Congratulations to all our leavers of 2016! We wish our students every success in their future university studies and careers.
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Keep in touch with our further information. SMC Central is our one-stop shop for student information. For further details on Transport, Bursary or Scholarships email: i.lakhi@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk INFORMATION EVENINGS Thursday October 6th 2016 Thursday October 27th 2016 ADMISSION INTERVIEW DATES Wednesday December 7th 2016 Wednesday January 18th 2017 Wednesday march 1st 2017
ST MARY’S EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF £1,000 FOR HIGH ACHIEVERS. These scholarships will be awarded on the basis of GCSE achievements. Further details can be found on the College website: www.stmarysblackburn.ac.uk FREE TRAVEL FOR STUDENTS ON ALL BUSES ON COLLEGE ROUTES.
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BURSARY The Bursary Fund is designed to help support those young people who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education or training post-16. You will need to complete an application form and meet the necessary criteria in order to qualify. Further details can be obtained from SMC Central or from the College website www.stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
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