First-ever GCSE results back up impressive post 16 performance for pioneering technical college

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Thursday, August 24, 2017 - 12:44pm

​South Devon University Technical College has demonstrated that its impressive post 16 results, celebrated last week – are no flash in the pan. Students in Year 11 have also come through with a GCSE performance that confirms this pioneering technical college as a force to be reckoned with in Devon education.

Today’s GCSE results – the first since it was opened in 2015 – mean that the college is cementing its reputation as a prudent choice for parents seeking an innovative approach to educating their children. Students have performed well in their academic subjects and in the Engineering Course that they studied in year 11, with over 50% of students scoring the higher grades of Distinctions or Merits in their Engineering Design or Systems and Control courses.

Notable successes were Ru Welsman who gained the new top grade of a 9 in English Language, an 8 in English Literature, 3 As in her Biology, Chemistry and Physics and an A* in Geography.  Chayton Jackson Smith performed very well with a grade 7 in English (old grade A), an 8 in Mathematics (old grade A*), A* in Physics and As in Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science.  Sam Pedrick gained a 7 in Mathematics and As in Physics and Chemistry, while Aggie Purser-Mountford scored 3 As in her Biology, Chemistry and Physics and a new grade 7 in Mathematics.

Commenting on the grades achieved by students who visited the college today to collect their results, Principal Ian Crews said: “I am extremely proud of our students for their successes in this, the first round of GCSE results reported by the college which were begun under challenging circumstances working in an office block at Forde House for the first term of year 10 and then in a newly commissioned building with all the challenges that brings for the rest of that year.”

“It is a vindication of the decision taken by South Devon College, the University of Exeter and our public and private sector partners to establish a college that takes a radical new approach to educating teenagers, with a greater emphasis on vocational training in engineering and science and a focus on preparation for the workplace.

“I am also delighted that our team of teachers, students and partner organisations have worked so well together to develop young people who are not only well-rounded as potential employees, but can also perform to a high standard on an academic level. These GCSE students will go on to improve their personal employment prospects still further, whilst giving local employers the confidence that young people with the right skill sets are available on their doorstep.

“We look forward in September to welcoming a fresh intake of young people who will carry on the high standards set by our initial group of students and give themselves a great opportunity to learn, grow and prosper in an environment that has been further enhanced this summer alongside a growing team of excellent teachers”.

Year 13 students who left South Devon UTC last week have challenging destinations ahead of them with many going on to university, a career in the armed forces or an apprenticeship relevant to their studies.

Based in Newton Abbot, South Devon UTC is a science and engineering specialist school which offers 14-19 year olds more than the traditional GCSE and A-level curriculum. The college, motto “Start Here – Go anywhere” was officially opened in June 2016 by Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton into space.

Students work towards GCSEs and A-levels as well as technical qualifications in engineering and science. The college provides an environment that mirrors the workplace, helping students develop important employability skills to prepare them for a job, apprenticeship or degree when they leave school.

South Devon UTC partners with local businesses and can therefore offer its students hands-on experience of the work environment and also the type of employment that might follow on from their studies.

South Devon UTC has a limited number of spaces remaining for students looking to start Year 10 or Year 12 this September.  Young people with a flair for science and engineering are actively encouraged to contact the college as soon as possible by calling 01626 240201 or visiting the website (www.southdevonutc.org) for more information.

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