13 August 2020, Isleworth –
On an extraordinary examination results day and with COVID-19 safety measures in place, students at Isleworth & Syon School still managed to adopt a philosophical approach to the award of their final estimated A level examination grades. Many of them rightly maintained a focus on the next stage of education or on apprenticeships and the world of work. This week’s government decision about the possible use of mock results to appeal grades was an unhelpful distraction which caused confusion and frustration to students and staff alike, especially as the procedures for such appeals are yet to be published.
However, students are now looking forward to the next phase of education and, as usual, they were setting their sights on a wide range of inspirational settings.
Upon completion of A levels, Deputy Head Boy Diallo Williams will study law at King’s College, Cambridge, whilst former Head Boy Aadi Mudhar is off to the University of York to study Film and Television Production along with classmate Ross McQueen. Dara Razaghi will study medicine at University College London and Ruhul-Amin Ahmed will take up a place at The University of Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering. Alec Brundle has already jetted off to Siena College, Albany in the USA where he starts his Chemistry degree on Monday whilst also benefitting from a rugby scholarship.
Ben Dunham is an especially inspirational student in this year’s cohort. Halfway through Year 12, he was fighting a life-threatening infection that required an emergency operation and a lengthy spell in intensive care. He spent significant time in recovery but battled back to school at the start of Year 13 and always maintained a positive attitude. He managed to complete his courses, take his A level examinations, and he will now take up a college place locally. His Sixth Form experience has truly been one that demonstrates the virtues of resilience and perseverance that we value so highly.
Just a few months ago the school received an award from SSAT (the schools, students and teacher network), in recognition of the exceptional progress in 2019 for the Applied General Subjects. Students who completed either triple, double or single awards (three, two or one grades) in Business, ICT or Sport, achieved 80% Distinction* or Distinction Grades (the equivalent to A* or A grades). Indeed, 100% of all awards taken in 2019 were graded at Merit or above.
This year’s cohort maintained the exceptional standards. Amongst them, Alfie Dennis, Ryan Peries, Danut Minecan and Alex Spahia attained a string of top grades – they are all off to a variety of universities around the country. Ryan also managed to be scouted for international selection in both football and rugby whilst studying hard for his top grades.
Headteacher Mr Ferguson commented, “Congratulations to all the students on their A level and vocational results in what has been one of the most challenging periods of time in education. We wish them all well with their next steps.”
A-Level A-Level
