12 August 2021
After almost two years of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption, Woldingham’s Year 11 students celebrated as they received their GCSE results today and look forward to life in the Sixth Form.
‘The GCSE results our students received today are a reflection of their commitment and fortitude, as well as their progress and attainment over the last two years, based on the success of excellent in-school and remote teaching. Well done to all our Year 11 students, who are now excited to join the Sixth Form and focus on the subjects they love. Not only is this fantastic year group high achieving academically, the students have shown courage and kindness and have become more confident and compassionate as a result,’ said Dr James Whitehead, Woldingham Head.
‘Year 11 students have achieved in many ways over their time at Woldingham; for example, Katy was selected for Surrey Hockey and Alex for Kent, Anna received awards at UK Chemistry Olympiad and Intermediate Maths Challenge, Sport Scholar Maddie came first in 200m butterfly at the Surrey gala in July and Aye won our school-wide #PhotographersWold competition this spring,’ added Dr Whitehead.
Looking ahead to the Sixth Form, maths, chemistry and psychology are the most popular A Level choices for students going into the Lower Sixth followed by economics, biology and religious studies. Many students also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A Levels, developing independent research skills in preparation for university life in two years’ time.
‘We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Lower Sixth in September. They will be joining a super Upper Sixth group of students, where, alongside their academic studies, we’ll support them as they continue to ‘write your own story’ as they plan and prepare for life after Woldingham, develop leadership and work skills, and take part in our extensive range of extra-curricular activities. This year group will be the first to experience our bespoke Sophia* Programme where Sixth Form students will look at culture, science, society, ecology and anthropology to help them develop critical thinking and grow in wisdom to discover what really matters in life,’ added Phil Abbott, Head of Sixth Form.
In 2021, 98% of Sixth Form leavers from Woldingham achieved a place at their first-choice university.
*Sophia is the Greek word for wisdom