'A'nother successful year for Coleg Gwent
26 August 2018
Coleg Gwent students and staff have every reason to celebrate today, with yet another year of excellent A Level results. The college’s pass rate was a superb 98.1%, which is above the Wales and UK national comparator for the third year running.
Across Coleg Gwent 412 students sat more than 1,000 A Level examinations between them and 75% of these achieved A*-C grades. The college is also celebrating a 100% pass rate in 32 A level subjects including Physics, Psychology and Computing.
The College opened its doors to students at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone (BGLZ) and the Crosskeys campus from 8am.
So, how did the students do? Read a few of our students’ stories:
Crosskeys campus
18, from Blackwood turned a negative into a positive following the loss of her beloved Nan, also Mollie, in February. Fighting migraines, in addition to bereavement, Mollie triumphed, achieving A in Law, A in Psychology, A in Religious Studies and an A for her Welsh Bacc. “Nan would have been so proud and I did it for her. I didn’t expect to achieve anything like this and I am ecstatic at the results. I can’t stop smiling.” Mollie is now able to follow her chosen course of Midwifery at Wolverhampton, helping to bring new lives into the world.
Returning to college to achieve his dream of becoming a physiotherapist, Tomos Goodwin of Blaenavon was extremely happy to receive his results of three Bs today. When asked about his achievement Tomos said, “I’ve wanted to become a physiotherapist since I was a kid, and because I didn’t achieve the grades I needed when I was younger, I came back to study as a mature student. The hard work and determination was all worth it. I’d like to thank my friends, family, my mum, colleagues and ultimately Coleg Gwent – the teachers are world class.”
Daisy Jones from Crosskeys campus is the first in Coleg Gwent history to study three Creative Arts A Levels achieving three A*s! Daisy’s predicted grades were two As and a B. ‘I’m still in shock. I was advised it would be tough by my tutors as the workload is huge but it’s what I wanted to do and I couldn’t be happier with my results’ said Daisy.
Daisy is heading to Cardiff Arts Academy to continue her journey studying a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and hopes to specialise in Illustration with a view to someday working in the film industry.
“I’m completely overwhelmed.” 18-year-old Chelsea-Marie Annett from Ebbw Vale has tears in her eyes and is shaking with emotion as she processes her ‘A’ level results.
With all A grades in Psychology, Politics, Religious Studies and the Welsh Baccalaureate she’s heading north to study Education and Psychology at the University of York.
“I was expecting Bs and Cs,” she confesses. “I’m ecstatic with my results – I couldn’t be happier. I had to re-sit my Psychology this year as I got a D last year, and all the tutors at Coleg Gwent have been so lovely and helpful. It’s such a friendly atmosphere here.”
Chelsea is hoping to go on to study for a Masters in Education after she finishes her degree course.
Our very own Super Power hero Emma Rose from Nantyglo has weathered some storms already in her journey towards becoming a meteorologist. The 19 year old student is celebrating after discovering that she has an A* in Law, and A grades in Maths and Geography to add to the A in the Welsh Baccalaureate she received last year.
“I had a lot of personal issues to overcome,” she says. “I had to pull out of my exams last year due to illness and I redid the year.” Her perseverance has paid off, however and she’s now heading to the University of Swansea to study Physical Geography.
“I’ve loved how relaxed Coleg Gwent was compared to school,” she adds. “The one on one sessions with tutors make it much more personal and my Geography tutor, Nicola Gatesman has been amazing. She’s really inspired and encouraged me.”
19 year old Myles Davies from Abertillery is no stranger to the College after sitting his final A level this year, achieving an A* in further Maths. He gained an A* in Maths and A in Chemistry last year, “I’m really happy with my results and excited to be studying Maths in Nottingham.”
“The support structure has been brilliant at the College, especially the teachers here”, Miles added.
Principal Guy Lacey said: “We are extremely pleased with these achievements, which reflect the dedication and hard work of the students and staff here at the college. Coleg Gwent is one of Wales’ top performing colleges and these results are a testament to the standard of education students can expect when they study with us.
“We send our heartfelt congratulations to all of our A Level students and we wish them every success for the future,” he added.
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Councillor Clive Meredith, Executive Member for Education said: “Well done and congratulations to all our A-Level students at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone on another set of fantastic results today.
“It is wonderful to see our post-16 pupils achieving their full potential and going on to their chosen career paths, and we wish them all the very best for the future. We must also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the teaching staff and the support of the students’ families who are all vital to this success.”