24th August 2007

Healthy rise in A-level results

Taking top spot in the further education stakes is seriously on the cards for Stourbridge College if the latest report from Government watchdog Ofsted and a healthy increase in pass rates and high grades at A-level is anything to go by.

Exam results joy (From left): Andrew Gurmin, Holly Baker, Steph Creswell, Stacey Lloyd, Hassan Ghoncheh, Principal Lynette Cutting, Alex Godfrey, Daniel Steel, Becki Moule and Catherine Hollies and (inset) Lynette Cutting with star
student Matthew Arnold.

The college is on course to being ranked among the top 10 per cent in the sector after receiving a huge dose of praise in July to back up a glowing inspection report at the end of last year.

They described the teaching as “preparing students well for employment and further education” and praised staff for their enthusiasm and support for students.

Delighted principal Lynette Cutting said inspectors were bowled over by progress over the last six months. “They commented that good course information, advice and guidance is clearly motivating learners and this is driving their own successes,” she said. Mrs Cutting added: “Our high grades at A-level have increased by 20 per cent and we are delighted our students have achieved the grades necessary to pursue their chosen path.

“At Stourbridge College, we have a broad profile of student ability and our philosophy is to stretch the most able and increase the level of support for those with less academic ability, enabling them to exceed their potential by adding
value to their learning experience.”

One student in particular who celebrated success was Matthew Arnold, 18, from Halesowen, who achieved straight A grades in computing, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Matthew will be going onto Birmingham University to study for an MSc in physics and space research. He said: “It was tough going but worth it in the end.”

Stourbridge College’s vocational results were also outstanding in BTEC National Diploma qualifications – 74 per cent of students achieved merits or distinctions and of these, 20 per cent achieved a triple distinction, which is equal to three A grade A-levels. Two students from the high percentage who gained triple distinction were Becki Moule, from Kidderminster and Daniel Steel, from Cradley Heath.

Becki, who studied for a National Diploma in Early Years and will be going onto
Wolverhampton University to study a BA in Early Childhood Studies and Special Needs, said: “The course was challenging but the hard work has got me onto the career path of my choice.”

Daniel studied for a National Diploma in sport and will be going onto Birmingham University to study for a BA in Sport, Physical Education and Communication Studies.

He said: “My time at college was enjoyable and I’m really happy about getting into university.”

Building on this success is the recently announced merger of Stourbridge College and Dudley College, which has now been agreed in principle by their governors.

The new super college, part of a multi-million pound investment, will operate from the existing Stourbridge and Dudley sites and a landmark new campus in Brierley Hill.

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