GCSE Results 2020: Sir Robert Woodard Academy pupils celebrate successes

The cancellation of exams due to the coronavirus pandemic meant pupils’ results have been awarded based on teacher predictions.

An algorithm originally planned to calculate results was scrapped after causing chaos for A-level students.

A spokesman for the school said many students showed dedication by continuing to study at SRWA voluntarily during the pandemic, taking part in online ‘bridging’ courses.

This year has seen a 24 per cent increase in students undertaking Ebacc qualifications and there were further outstanding results across the curriculum.

Grades in maths saw 14 per cent more pupils gaining grades 5+ and students in drama/production arts and physics. chemistry and biology secured 100 per cent and 97 per cent pass rates respectively.

BTEC results have been delayed as the exam board responds to sudden, last minute changes implemented by the Government.

The school singled out the following pupils for praise for their ‘exceptional individual performances’:

- Joe Woods: eight Grade 9s, one Distinction*

- Dylan Sadler: eight Grade 9s, one grade 8

- Lewis McCabe-Gay: eight Grade 9s, one grade 8

- Ella Kwong: seven Grade 9s

- Andreea Bejan: five Grade 9s, four Grade 8s

- Daniel Morley: four Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, one Grade 7

- Rosanna Griffiths: three Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, one Grade 7

- Joe Stewart: two Grade 9s, five Grade 8s, two Grade 7s

- Elizabeth Ayling: two Grade 9s, five Grade 8s, two Grade 7s

Joe Woods is one of only 20 students in the area to have been awarded a 100 per cent scholarship to Shoreham College to study A-levels in maths, chemistry, biology and drama. He said: “I was a bit worried when I heard about the algorithm affecting A-levels as I thought it could have affected me but I was quietly confident because I knew I had worked really hard to get the grades.”

Dylan Sadler, who got eight grade 9s and one grade 8, and is staying on at SRWA sixth form to study A-levels in maths and sciences, said: “I thought I’d probably be fine but still part of me thought- ‘oh God, what if?’ So I feel very relieved today.”

Andreea Bejan, was deservedly happy to receive her five grade 9s and four grade 8s this morning (August 20). She said: “After what happened with the A-levels I was really worried because I thought it wouldn’t have been fair if I’d been downgraded. But my grades today are pretty much what my mocks predicted so I’m really happy!”

Celebrating with students, principal Kieran Scanlon said: “I’m pleased today to be focusing on individual students who have excelled through hard work. This is a true reflection of their commitment to their studies and their ambition for the future. I also want to pay tribute to the data team who have taken the last minute complications in their stride and have worked tirelessly to ensure the students experience a proper results day.

“The fact that so many of our teachers turn up on results day is a true testament to their commitment to these students. It’s wonderful to be part of such a strong team.”