Newark Academy celebrate A-level results day 2023 success including student going to University of Oxford
Students at Newark Academy are celebrating as 100% of those who applied were offered places at one of their preferred universities.
It marks the first year that students have been able to sit their final exams in the past few years following disruption from the covid pandemic.
Elizabeth Gibson made history as the first Newark Academy student to secure a place at the University of Oxford after she secured two A*s in Geography and Maths and an A in Chemistry.
“I’m pleased that the work I put in paid off,” said Elizabeth.
“I was staying after school and on weekends, but I stayed organised and I’m excited for the future.
“I’m in a bit of shock really. I only applied for Oxford to see if I could do it and I don’t think it has quite registered yet that I will be there.
“It’s been a complicated journey. I originally didn’t want to do geography at GCSE, but ended up loving it.
“I continued at A-level and decided I wanted to do it at uni but it didn’t feel specific enough and chose to study earth and environmental sciences, which feels much more me.
“In the words of my geography teacher, we’re going to save the planet.”
Elizabeth’s achievement is all the more impressive as she also achieved a grade 8 in flute, played in bands, volunteered twice a week and worked a part-time job alongside her studies.
Her parents, Madeline and Alex, were there to support her as she picked up her results.
Madeline said: “We’re incredibly proud of her after all the hard work she put in and a little bit relieved really, it’s been a long wait.
“She put a lot of pressure on her studies, but now it’s opened the door for where she will go next.”
Ben Gant had personal triumph of his own after re-sitting a year and changing subjects to achieve a distinction * in combined science, an A in geography and a B in sociology.
“I initially took maths and physics, but it didn’t go to plan,” said Ben.
“I wasn’t getting what I wanted, I was failing, and they took a chance on me to go back a year and do different subjects.
“But I go my head down and started working and it allowed me to go from the E’s and U’s I was getting to what I have now
“I always picked things that I enjoyed and that led me to Geography. I’m really passionate about it, so that’s what I’m going to do at the University of York.”
Friends Bea Buller, Charlotte Thompson and Katie Mills will all be going on to study sports based courses at university after an anxious summer waiting for results.
Katie achieved an A in psychology, distinction in sport and a B in English literature and will be going to Liverpool John Moors University to study sport psychology.
She said: “I’m relieved and happy to get what I needed.
“I’m very apprehensive about moving away but I’m also so excited for a new adventure.”
Bea took the same subjects as Katie, also receiving an A in psychology, a distinction * in sport and a B in English literature.
“I’m happy because we did it together, we helped each other with revision and testing,”said Bea.
“I really enjoyed learning about psychology so I’m going to Newcastle University to study it.”
Charlotte, who achieved an A in geography and B’s in English literature and business, said: “I think I underestimated myself and what I could achieve.
“I got my head down, started working and I’m very pleased.
“I always played sports and I enjoyed business so I’ll be combining them by going to study sports marketing and management at Manchester Metropolitan University.”
Molly Smith will be heading to Lancaster University in September to study English Literature and Film after picking up a distinction* in digital media, a B in English literature and a B in history.
“It was a lot of work and the coursework was difficult but I’m really happy with my results,” said Molly.
“I’ve always loved English and recently developed a huge love of film so I can’t wait to combine them at university.
“It’s a bit scary moving away from family but I’m excited too.”
Deputy head, Jeannie Hamilton-Smith, said: “I am absolutely in awe of what our students have achieved with fantastic results and amazing destinations.
“Elizabeth made history as our first NA6 student to secure a place at Oxford university and we even have a student, Lucas Hearn, who has been offered a football scholarship at North West College in Wyoming.
“It’s just wonderful and I’m so proud of everyone.”
Andy Seymour, director of school improvement at Nova Education Trust, said: “We’re really proud of the students.
“The school has done extremely well given the challenging circumstances.
“This is the first time they’ve been able to sit terminal exams in the last few years and it’s also the first year that the additional support post-pandemic has been removed.
“100% of our students have got what they needed to go on to their preferred destination, which is ultimately what it’s all about.
“I was previously head here and this was actually my first year group — they were year 7 when I arrived and it’s really special to see all that they have achieved and see them mature into these amazing young adults.
“I’m also incredibly grateful to the staff who have always gone above and beyond for the students.”
