100% pass rate for Truro and Penwith College International Baccalaureate
IB Class of 2014 on their induction day at Tomperrow.
The International Baccalaureate programme at Truro and Penwith College continues to deliver outcomes for students consistent with its Sunday Times top ten UK ranking for the IB. There is another 100% pass rate again this year and an average points score for students well above both national and international scores.
Completing students achieved an average point score of 35 out of a total of the possible 45, which is an average performance equivalent to at least AAB at A Level. Many individual marks were much higher, with a fifth of the cohort scoring over 40 points. Within this group James Healey from St Agnes scored an impressive 42 points and is going to read Law with French Law at Oxford University. Dominique Reischl also achieved 42 points and is going to read Social Work at the University of Edinburgh. Rebecca Pearse from Truro scored 41 points and will also be progressing to Oxford University to read Experimental Psychology.
Progression rates to the most selective Higher Education are again very impressive. The variety of subjects chosen for university study reflects the diverse range of progression routes available following the IB diploma. Examples from this year’s successful students include reading Chinese at the University of Edinburgh, Biochemistry at the University of Exeter, and Adult Nursing at King’s College, London. Guy Essex, IB Co-ordinator at Truro College, offered his congratulations to the students: “These excellent results once again demonstrate the huge effort, commitment and determination of our IB students, and the very high quality of teaching and learning on this programme. Our IB students deserve a huge amount of praise for doing so well. Whatever they choose to do next, at degree level and beyond, we know they leave the Truro and Penwith College IB Diploma fantastically equipped to be successful as undergraduates and in their working lives. We wish them all the very best for their bright futures.”
The International Baccalaureate or “IB” diploma is a two-year course which many students consider as an excellent alternative to A Levels, as it allows them to continue to study a wider range of subjects at an advanced level. It is an internationally recognised university entry qualification and is recognised by all UK universities. More and more students are joining this demanding yet rewarding course at Truro and Penwith College, with over 70 students from across Cornwall accepted onto the IB programme this coming September. It is still possible to apply to the College to join the IB in September and interested students should contact Truro College on 01872 267000.
Outstanding vocational results at Truro and Penwith College
Hundreds of students again excelled on vocational and skills-based courses at Truro and Penwith College. Nearly seven hundred students successfully completed their two year level 3 vocational courses this summer with a record number of students achieving the highest grades. On the BTEC Extended Diploma courses a record 387 students achieved at least a triple Distinction (equivalent to 3 grade A’s at A level). This equates to 60% of students, against a national average of just 35% who perform at this level. Indeed 194 students achieved the highest grade possible, the triple Distinction star. The majority of students on these Diploma courses will be progressing onto degree courses in the autumn. Two such examples are Emma Davies and Peter Andrews. Emma, who joined the college from Helston Community School achieved a triple Distinction*, stated: “The Health and Social Care course at Penwith College has been fascinating. Everyday has broadened my horizons and I have learnt so much about caring for others that I have decided to become a nurse. I have been accepted for a place at Cardiff University to study the Adult Nursing Degree.”
Peter, from Hayle, achieved a triple Distinction on the Games Development course and is progressing onto the Foundation Degree in Computer Games Design and Production at Penwith College. Peter is also looking forward to competing in the UK final of the WorldSkills competition having won the National heat in 3D Modelling for Games Development. He faces tough opponents at the N.E.C Birmingham in November but has demonstrated excellent technical and creative skills following his time on the course.
In addition over a hundred 16-19 year old students gained Level 3 (A level equivalent) vocational qualifications in occupational areas such as Administration (Private Secretaries Diploma), Beauty Therapy, Construction, Hairdressing, Professional Cookery, Nail Services and Light Vehicle Maintenance. Mark Arnold, Director of Quality at the college said ‘The fact that the college offers over 20 different Extended Diploma courses as well as many other full time, specialist occupational and skills-based courses ensures that students are able to choose the right course for them. These exceptional achievements ensure that our students have the best possible progression opportunities onto University, into employment or Apprenticeships.’
21 First Class Honours Degrees for Truro and Penwith College Graduates
L-R: Hannah Phillis, Natasha Moyes, Ali Hoswell and Laura Dolan with their results for the BA Education & Training course.
The celebration atmosphere was all around as over 360 Higher Education students received the results of all their dedication and hard work at Truro and Penwith College. 122 BSc/BA Honours Degrees were awarded to completing students, showing an increase of over a third compared with 2013. Within these were an impressive 21 First Class, 66 Upper Seconds (2:1), 34 Lower Seconds (2:2) and 1 Third. There were also 213 Foundation Degrees achieved, 36 of which were awarded with Distinction. In addition, there were 14 Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) awarded, including 1 with Distinction, and 1 Higher National Certificate (HNC).
Laura Dolan achieved a First Class BA Honours degree in Education and Training and will continue her studies at Truro College in September on a PGCE course. Speaking about her success, she said: “I’m amazed – it’s been hard work but I’ve done it.”
Former postman Ken Walker achieved a First Class BSc Sports Performance & Coaching degree after deciding on a career change and channelling his passion for sport into his education. Speaking about his experience at Truro College, Ken said: “The help, support and guidance of the staff and lecturers is fantastic! They do everything they can to help you get the best out of yourself. I chose the course because of the content it offered as well as the location being convenient for me with a young family to support.”
Sarah Shobrook, Programme Team Leader for Higher Education, said: “Over the last three years the College has worked hard to develop a range of final year top-up degree programmes to support students locally in completing a full degree. Student have responded to this opportunity and more and more students are staying with the College to finish their degree programme. The College is proud of all of our higher education students’ achievements and wish them all the very best in future careers or future study.”
130 students have Access to Higher Education achievement
The group of Access to HE students celebrating receiving their certificates.
Truro College recently celebrated the continuing success story of its Access to Higher Education provision. Access to HE Diplomas were awarded to 130 students at a recent presentation event at Truro College, showing over a 10% increase of completing students compared with 2013.
Miles Schofield, Programme Team Leader for Access to HE, commented: “The last three years have seen a year on year rise in the number of Diplomas being achieved and students continue to progress to a wide range of courses including Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, Law, Paramedic training, Zoology and Anthropology. Our Access students are also gaining entry to high prestige universities including Edinburgh, Bath, Exeter and Cardiff. Many students choose to study locally with Nursing students studying at the Knowledge Spa and a number of students choosing to progress their undergraduate studies here at Truro College.”
The Science pathway is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the 27 completing students also achieve Registered Science Technician status, a professional register held by the Science Council.Students carry out a research project which they then present to a panel consisting of employers and members of the RSC and the Gatsby Foundation. Truro College students compete against students from other Access providers nationally and this year Jason Rash, Shane Honer, Ben Veater, Matthew Roberts-Burt, Jack Neill and Amy Goddard were selected as finalists. They will be attending an awards ceremony in London this September.
Jess Hancock studied on the Access to Humanities course and successfully applied to University of Bath to study Psychology. Although she was required to achieve a very high number of Distinction grades, she actually surpassed that requirement. Miles Schofield praised Jess, saying: “Known for never missing a class, she travelled down from Launceston by college bus each day often not getting home until early evening. She typifies the commitment needed to progress to studying at the highest level and should be seen an inspiration to anyone considering an Access course for their route to University.”
Within the Health & Social Care pathway, 83 students completed the Nursing & Human Sciences route and 12 achieved their diploma in the Psychology & Counselling Theory route. The majority have achieved places at universities already for a variety of subjects including Physiotherapy, Nursing and Paramedic training. Others are on waiting lists for potential places in August, or are applying for places next year.
Within the Science pathway, Anya Hall achieved an impressive 66 credits with all Distinction grades, gaining a place at University of Cumbria to study a degree in Animal Conservation. Other progression routes from this pathway include degrees in Ocean Science, Environmental Health, Dietetics and Zoology.
Since September, mature students from a range of educational backgrounds have been preparing for Higher Education by developing their study and written skills, as well as gaining the crucial subject knowledge in order to progress. The pathways available to students through the Access to HE course at Truro and Penwith College are varied and include Creative Arts, Humanities, Teaching & Law, Health & Social Care, Nursing & Human Sciences, Psychology, Counselling & Social Work, and Science. The majority of British universities will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes for the over 19s. Qualifications are not necessary to join the course, just motivation, determination and a desire to apply for a university course in the following year.