Tag Archives: a levels

News

Future Lawyer Simona on Path to Success with City Apprenticeship

A FUTURE solicitor has passed her biggest test yet, securing a prestigious apprenticeship after excelling at Coleg Cambria.

Simona Kostova praised her time at the college – which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Llysfasi and Northop – after earning a solicitor degree apprenticeship.

Originally from Buckley and a former pupil at Elfed High School, Simona – whose family roots are in Bulgaria – studied at Cambria’s Deeside Sixth Form Centre, where she flourished with the encouragement of her lecturers.

She will now begin a six-year solicitor apprenticeship in Manchester, combining study with hands-on experience as a trainee. Her role will evolve from administrative tasks to managing her own cases, before qualifying as a solicitor.

With ambitions to specialise in fraud and fraudulent motor claims, Simona said: “I loved my time at Cambria – the support from staff and lecturers was incredible. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead, gaining my degree while also working in practice.”

Simona is one of several Deeside students celebrating their results and preparing for the next stage in education and employment.

Isabelle King achieved an A in Law, A* in Sociology, and A in Politics. Inspired by the range of opportunities and supportive teaching at Cambria, she is progressing to university to study Broadcast Journalism.

Alexander McLean earned an A* in Welsh, A in Politics, C in History and B in the Welsh Baccalaureate. A highlight of his time at Cambria was competing in the Urdd Eisteddfod, where he came second in the prestigious Medal y Dysgwr competition. He will now study Politics at university.

Sam Mawdsley excelled in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics and the Welsh Baccalaureate, and is set to begin a Physics with Astrophysics degree at Lancaster University.

Mim Riddell, Head of Deeside Sixth and Assistant Principal for Academic Studies, said: “Simona and her peers are shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and the outstanding teaching at Coleg Cambria. We wish them all the best as they move forward into the next stage of their journeys.”

For more information on studying A Levels at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk, email admissions@cambria.ac.uk, call 0300 30 30 007, or use the Chat now! | Coleg Cambria Customer Support facility on the website.

News

Education secretary celebrates with North Wales students following £14m health build tour

WELSH Education Secretary Lynne Neagle joined students celebrating outstanding A Level results at Coleg Cambria Yale.

The Torfaen MS met with learners in Wrexham as they received their grades, alongside Cambria’s chief executive, Yana Williams.

Among those to achieve their dream marks was Rhian Jones, who secured A*s in Chemistry and Biology, and an A in Maths.

Following her “excellent” two years at the college, she will now study Natural Sciences at University College London.

Meanwhile, Samuel Childs received A*s in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a B for the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

He is off to Lancaster University to begin a degree in Theoretical Physics.

“I owe so much to the staff and all my lecturers, they are absolutely incredible people, and I cannot thank them enough,” he said.

Also heading to a higher education were Matt Smart, a former Darland High School pupil who achieved As in Maths, Computer Science and Welsh Baccalaureate, and a B in Physics, confirming his place at the University of York to study Physics with Astrophysics; and Chester University and a degree in English Literature and History beckons for Ellis Eccleston after he garnered an A* in History and As for English Literature and Film Studies.

Final praise goes to Freya Owen, who progressed from GCSEs with Wrexham Pupil Referral Services (Haulfan) to achieve amazing results and a place at Oxford University to study History of Art.

Freya, from Wrexham, received an A* in Geography, an A in Religious Studies, and an A in Classics.

Admitting she felt “sick to her stomach” ahead of opening her results, she said: “I am so very happy and am so thankful to my sister, my family and friends and everyone at the college for helping me to get here.”

During her visit, Mrs Neagle was also given a tour of the new £14m health and wellbeing complex currently under construction at Yale.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A Level and BTEC results and the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Student on the road to caring career after overcoming adversity

ZOE BAYLEY-JONES is on the road to a caring career after overcoming adversity to secure top A Level results.

The Coleg Cambria learner – Yale Sixth Form’s Student of the Year – plans to become a Children’s Nurse in the future.

Having studied Psychology, English and the Welsh Baccalaureate, she will now move on to a degree in Children’s Nursing at the University of York.

Zoe, 19, from Wrexham, reflected on the “challenges’ of learning post-pandemic and thanked staff at Cambria for their support, notably progress coach, Natalie Kaye.

“My time at college has been so up and down but I’m thankful to have had people to help me get me through my downs and the difficulties I faced to grow into the person I am now,” said the former Ysgol Bryn Alyn pupil.

“The wellbeing team supported my journey, alongside my amazing English teachers Liz and Helen and my progress coach Natalie, who helped me through things in college that I thought I could never overcome – I’m so grateful to have had her by my side.”

She added: “I realised through my college journey that completing A Levels wasn’t simple or easy and was instead a mountain of obstacles.

“But I went from believing I couldn’t make it through this time of my life to coming back, trying again and getting offers from universities.”

Zoe’s dedication and determination also led to that Student of the Year title, which came as a surprise but was well deserved after all her hard work.

“I am so proud of myself to have been named Student of the Year, it’s something I never thought would have happened!” she said.

“I’m so grateful to everyone that supported me in and out of college these past few years and looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Former Manchester United starlet heading to Oxford University

NOTHING could stop Daniel Mayers-Jones achieving his dream to study at Oxford University.

The former Manchester United Youth Academy Goalkeeper – who played in the same side as England star Kobbie Mainoo – will study Chemistry at the prestigious University’s Lincoln College from September.

Daniel, from Buckley, secured A Levels in Maths, Business, Chemistry and the Welsh Baccalaureate and is looking forward to the next chapter in his education.

Thanking mum Cathy, dad Kenny and sister Charlotte for their support, the 18 year-old also praised staff at Coleg Cambria Deeside’s Sixth Form Centre – where he was recently named Student of the Year – for their part in his academic success.

A former pupil at Elfed High School, Daniel said: “I am thrilled to be attending Oxford University, it was a rigorous process, but I have the grades I need and can’t wait to get started.

“I had three interviews online, so I didn’t get a chance to experience the city and the university in person, but from a computer screen here in North Wales! I have been down since and it’s amazing, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Having spent a week on work placement with biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, Daniel is even more determined to pursue a career in the sector.

He is targeting a role in in process or chemical engineering but admits his journey to the industry was not straightforward.

“I’m not sure how I went from football to chemistry, I think it was the love of experiments and science,” he said.

“I started to really enjoy the subject after the pandemic towards the end of high school, as I had struggled with it a little beforehand. I worked even harder to get myself up to speed and got better and better until I realised it was interesting and an area I could succeed in long-term.”

Daniel added: “My family have always been a great support to me, since childhood when they would drive me over to Manchester for training and matches, they’ve sacrificed a lot.

“They are of course proud that I’ve made it into Oxford, and they have played a big part in it. I’m quite low key and just want to get there and get my head down, but I’m going to enjoy it too!

“I’ve had so much help from Coleg Cambria every step of the way, the lecturers, the progress coaches and all the staff are brilliant. They’ve all had a positive impact on my time there and I can’t thank them enough.”

Head of Deeside Sixth Miriam Riddell congratulated Daniel on not only his exam results but on being one of the “kindest and most helpful” students they’ve ever had.

“Daniel embodies everything that is good about young people, he was popular with staff and students and has a work ethic like no other learner I have ever come across,” she added.

“He deserves his place at Oxford University as he is so motivated and works so hard, always going the extra mile.

“Daniel was always seen around college helping his peers and is just the nicest person, he never missed a lesson and is so polite and courteous – we will miss him and wish him every success for the future.”

News

Independent school smashes national average with outstanding A Level results

A YEAR of redevelopment, rebranding and significant investment culminated in stellar A Level results for St Gerard’s School.

The Bangor institution – whose learners are continually among the best performing in Wales – achieved a staggering 96% at grades A*-C, compared to the national average of 76.5%.

For A*/A the figure was 60%, more than double the national average of 29.9%.

Regularly placed in the top 10 independent schools in the country for A Level and GCSE exam figures, the future looks bright for St Gerard’s following a hugely positive 12 months that included a 10% rise in pupils.

And there is more to come; revamped sports facilities including tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) are proposed for this autumn and follow the construction of a wildlife ‘wellness walk’ and an upgrade to the gardens, access, and external and internal redecoration.

Reflecting on today’s (Thursday) results, headteacher Campbell Harrison thanked learners, their families and staff for their “unwavering support and hard work” post-pandemic.

“It’s been pleasure to watch these fantastic young people grow throughout their time at St Gerard’s, culminating in these outstanding A Level results,” he said.

“Together we have overcome the challenges of recent years, I could not be prouder of them all.”

Among those celebrating were Evelyn Fisher, who achieved grades AAC and will go on to study Filmmaking at Nottingham Trent University; Anwen Hockley (AAA*B) who plans to pursue a degree in Medicine at the University of Dundee; Hannah Howick, who received two As and a B to study Philosophy, Politics and Economic (PPE) at the University of Exeter, and Jonatan D’Avossa (ABB) who will take a GAP year.

Mr Harrison said: “They’ve all done so brilliantly, as has Adam Wymer – the last of the Wymer family to study at St Gerard’s having been with us since 2019.

“He scored AA*B and will study PPE at the University of Warwick.

“There are so many pupils to mention, they are all a credit to the school, but I must give a special mention to Nanda, who has been with us for 14 years, having joined our Reception class. Nanda scored AAA and will take up a place to study medicine at Cardiff.”

He added: “We wish them the very best of luck, they have worked so hard and can now move on to the next stage of their lives with excellent results behind them.

“They are all well-grounded, humble and talented individuals. A huge well done from all of us at St Gerard’s, we will follow your journey with interest and thank you for your contribution to school life over so many years.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

News

Cost of living rap workshops headline student budget events at college

CASHING IN on college support is helping students to budget and better manage their money in preparation for the coming years.

Coleg Cambria’s Learner Experience team has had a busy start to the academic year, hosting Money Matters sessions focused on the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring learners are independent and ready for financial challenges when they enter the world of work or higher education.

These included four rap workshops with Big Ideas Wales mentor Joseph George – AKA Joey G – and a popular Clothing Swap shop at the college’s Yale site, supported by a £250 contribution from the Wrexham County Council Youth Grant which enabled them to buy steamers, hangers, and rails to present the items.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander said: “Throughout the year we will be holding events in partnership with leading organisations and individuals to shine a light on the pressures of modern society, notably rising energy and fuel costs, the cost-of-living crisis and more.

“This is not to alarm the students, it’s to ensure they are in the best possible position and able to handle whatever life throws at them when they leave college and go to university or begin their careers.”

She added: “We would like to say a big thank you to Big Ideas Wales and everyone who has supported us, this information and guidance will be invaluable for the learners now and in the future.”

Among the visitors to the swap shop was Music student Tilly Cook, who said: “This has been great for those of us who don’t want to buy into big industries, and support recycling and reusing rather than throwing things away.

“To have it at the college and so accessible in such a warm, fun environment was a big plus as well.”

For a full list of events taking place this year, email judith.alexander@cambria.ac.uk or tim.feak@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Top college on hand to support GCSE students with advice and guidance

SCHOOL pupils receiving their GCSE results today (Thursday) can contact Coleg Cambria for support and guidance.

College staff are on hand to speak to anyone concerned about their grades and to discuss options and opportunities at its sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi, where there are a wide range of courses and vocational qualifications available.

They will also be free to answer questions on exams and any other issues, according to Principal Sue Price.

“Our team are already busy processing applications and speaking to learners and their families ahead of the next academic year,” she said.

“We are here for anyone who needs advice on our courses and other opportunities at Cambria, as well as information on A Levels, apprenticeships, or work-based programmes.

“Whatever you need please give us a call, we have an amazing team of support staff and lecturers who will be happy to speak to you about next steps and the best way forward following your GCSE results.

“Please get in touch to find out more.”

There will also be a live chat facility and learners and their families can keep up to date with the latest news and information via the Cambria website and social media channels.

For more information, visit the website www.cambria.ac.uk or call 0300 30 30 007.

Accountancy & Accounts, Apprenticeships, News

HURST to welcome school leavers on to its trainee accountant programme

Accounting and business advisory firm HURST is offering school leavers the chance to join its trainee accountant scheme for the first time in its 40-year history.

HURST is opening the programme to applicants with three A-levels or equivalent.

The firm is also offering places to graduates with lower second-class honours degrees for the first time. Until now, there has been a requirement for trainees to have at least an upper second-class honours degree.

Another change sees HURST open its programme to those seeking qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) rather than solely from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill said: “We have seen placement and work experience students make a fantastic impression with us over the years, demonstrating that there are quality people out there without university degrees who would be great additions to our team.

“Our rapid growth means we need more applicants, and we also want to improve diversity and reduce barriers to entry. As we look to build our business at an even faster rate while continuing to develop our own talent, the time is right to offer careers to school leavers.

“We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds, and will be using the same recruitment process for school leavers as we have in place for graduates. The standard to get a place at HURST will remain the same. The process is under way, as we are seeking trainees for our 2022/23 intake.”

School leavers joining HURST will receive paid leave for study and examinations, leading to the same qualifications they would get had they graduated from university.

Each newcomer will be assigned a mentor and will have a tailored career plan, which will see them working with partners and managers on a range of assignments with clients, and including possible secondments overseas.

Meanwhile, HURST has also launched a development programme for accountants seeking to progress through the ranks all the way to manager and partner level.

Simon added: “Our retention levels have been phenomenal, and this has been down to a focus on working with the very best clients, a supportive culture, and providing career development. As the firm grows, we want to give more people these opportunities.”

 

News

Students praised for resilience as Cambria achieves ‘outstanding’ A Level results

COLEG CAMBRIA Chief Executive Yana Williams praised learners and staff for their incredible resilience following another unparalleled year.

As A Level and BTEC students from college sites in Deeside, Wrexham, Northop and Llysfasi receive their grades today (Tuesday), Ms Williams reflected on “outstanding” overall results for the college.

She commended them for meeting the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic head-on and thanked staff and the community for their continued support.

Ms Williams added the primary focus in the coming weeks is ensuring all students are prepared for the upcoming academic year, whether that be in college, university or as they prepare for their future careers.

“A year ago, when we were in uncharted territory, the way our students met the challenges of the Coronavirus was truly inspiring,” she said.

“Here we are 12 months later and again much of the learning has taken place online, though sites did begin to reopen in the Autumn and then Spring so face-to-face teaching could take place, while adhering to Coronavirus safety measures.

“Like other colleges we have had to adapt and be flexible, use innovative methods to ensure standards remain high and help our learners reach their potential.

“To do that, they and our staff have shown incredible resilience; we are so proud of them all and continue to be amazed by the levels they aspire to… and achieve.”

Ms Williams added: “We continue to prepare for the next academic year and look forward to welcoming new students to the college this autumn. Well done again to all of the learners for your efforts.”

As well as students entering higher education, many will begin advanced apprenticeships with industry-leading organisations.

Principal Sue Price said the college has made strides forward and will learn from the past 18 months, notably in the way blended learning is delivered.

“Whatever challenges are put in front of us, we will always ensure the students are our number one priority and support them to success in whatever they do,” said Mrs Price.

“The college and learners have demonstrated amazing fortitude and also great innovation as lessons were brought online; together we adapted to continue delivering a first-class education with their health and safety at the forefront of all decisions.

“Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today and best of luck for the future.”

For more on Coleg Cambria’s A Level and BTEC results, visit www.cambria.ac.uk