NUAST announces A Level and BTEC success

NUAST is delighted to announce the A Level and BTEC success of its first cohort of sixth formers (Whole School - 18/08/2016)

NUAST would like to congratulate its first ever cohort of Year 13 students on an outstanding set of A Level and BTEC results.  With these results, NUAST students have secured places at top universities including The University of Nottingham, St. Andrews, Leeds and Manchester in Science, Computing and Engineering qualifications. NUAST students have also been accepted onto prestigious Level 3 apprenticeships with local and national companies and entry to the armed forces at officer level.

Bob White, Principal of NUAST commented:

"This first cohort of NUAST students have performed at the very highest level in their A Level and BTEC qualifications.  Beyond the excellent headline figures, these results reflect outstanding individual hard work and dedication that each and every student has displayed over the last two years.

When NUAST opened it promised a different type of Post 16 education focused on the STEM subjects. The original vision was to connect our students with universities and industry in a way that enriched the educational and career opportunities for every student at the college.

With these results and the destinations NUAST students have accessed, it is now clear that NUAST has fulfilled that promise and delivered the very best experiences and opportunities for our students.

With curriculum specialists teaching in all subject areas and a unique enrichment and pastoral support system, we have been able to support each of our students with tailored education and enrichment packages, allowing them to achieve their ambitions this summer."

University of Nottingham Partnership

NUAST's partnership with the University of Nottingham has been particularly important in equipping its students for applications to Russell Group universities.  As part of the support offered by the University Of Nottingham, NUAST students have been regular visitors to academic faculties and enjoyed lectures, use of lab facilities, academic mentoring and involvement in projects such as unmanned ariel vehicle design.

Student Stories

These close links have also helped two NUAST students to secure places at the University of Nottingham (UoN) to study. Balint Molnar, aged 18 will be studying Chemistry at the UoN in September after achieving and A* grade in Maths and Further Maths and an A in Chemistry.  He commented:

"The opportunity to visit the University of Nottingham Chemistry facility was amazing. Having a chance to use a NMR machine to conduct analysis was exciting and I really enjoyed putting into practice what I learnt in class."

Charlotte Knight, aged 17, secured A* grades in Computer Science and Maths and an A in Further Maths.  She felt that the extra time available during the day at NUAST to work and study helped her. She will be studying Computer Science at St. Andrews University. Explaining her decision to study Computer Science at university she observed:

"It shouldn't make a difference that women are in the minority in computing. If you enjoy it just do it."

Luke Brown studied BTEC Level 3 Engineering at NUAST and is joining the Royal Navy as a Submariner Warfare Officer in September.  He feels studying Engineering at NUAST has meant he no longer looks at the world in the same way:

"Studying Engineering at NUAST has allowed me to have a much broader understanding of the manufactured world. I now look at things and understand how they were made and how they work."

AS Level Success

As well as A Levels, Year 12 NUAST students also received their AS results today. Despite concerns in the national media over the new AS Level qualifications, outcomes at NUAST were very strong, providing a firm base for A Level success next year. 

Shiobhan Thomson, age 17, achieved A grades in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

She commented "I chose NUAST because of the focus on science, more taught lessons, longer days and staff always being on hand to help."

Summary

Bob White added:

"These results, along with a really strong set of AS Level grades, confirms that the work that goes on here at NUAST is totally focused on ensuring our students get the very best opportunities and support as they pursue their ambitions and dreams.  NUAST has grown into a confident and dynamic sixth form college since it opened two years ago and as we send our first cohort of students out into the world of higher education and work, I would like to wish them the very best and look forward to following their careers with pride."