A Levels & Beyond
The Class of 2020 have handled the challenges and uncertainty of their coronavirus-impacted exam year with incredible aplomb.
Students were awarded moderated grades via email on results day, only to have these adjusted to Centre Assessed Grades a few days later. This year’s Upper Sixth leavers have so far secured places at top universities to pursue a diverse array of courses, from Astrophysics and Archaeology, to Middle Eastern Studies and Mechanical Engineering. The majority will be heading to their first choice destination, predominantly Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities, as well as US Ivy League colleges, Harvard and Yale.
Aspiring medic Sarya, who joined the Sixth Form last year, was initially disappointed on results day to discover that her teacher assessed grades had been downgraded, one grade below her conditional offer from the University of Oxford to read Medicine. But, by the end of the day, she was delighted to hear she would be accepted regardless. Sarya was awarded the Dr Lucy Campion GDST scholarship last year and planned to use the award to go to Paris to work with Medicine Sans Frontieres, an opportunity she still hopes to pursue next summer; she is also keen to work for the organisation in the future.
“Results day was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. The pandemic has been unsettling in many ways, but it’s also strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in Medicine. The whole Sixth Form team have been amazing throughout my two years here. I’m so grateful to have received such fantastic teaching and support in the Sixth Form, and am over the moon to realise my dream to go to Oxford.”
Last year’s Head Girl, Sophie, who joined South Hampstead at the age of 11, secured her place to study Fine Art, a five-year degree at the University of Edinburgh, with top grades in Art, Art History and Spanish; she was one of a number of South Hampstead students awarded straight A* grades. She hopes to spend her third year in Italy and has aspirations to become a street photographer or travelling art critic.
“It was a huge disappointment not to get a fair chance to prove ourselves via the usual rite of passage. But throughout our time at South Hampstead, we have many opportunities to shine… to make mistakes, to enjoy successes and to grow… it’s such a supportive, spirited community. I’ve played at amazing jazz nights; photographed school productions backstage; spray-painted a Gillian Ayres-inspired mural in Waterlow Hall; done work experience in Paris; spoken at major events; featured in The Times, championing sustainable period products… Despite the unforgettable impact of coronavirus this year, it’s these happy memories and lifelong friendships I’ll take with me. It’s been an honour to be Head Girl in such a vibrant school.”
Amid the upheaval of cancelled exams, students continued to work hard, demonstrating both resilience and patience. In preparation for their future studies, they embarked on fascinating new electives as part of South Hampstead’s guided home learning programme last term. As Sophie explains: “It was so refreshing to be given time to learn beyond the syllabus and for genuine curiosity – I explored Medieval culture, documentary story-telling and studied comparative literature from Brazil to South Korea – it was eye-opening.”
Mrs Bingham praised the students for their adaptability and grit. “Our students were disappointed not to be able to sit their A Levels, but an education is about so much more than exams. As I remind them each year, their results do not define them. I am proud of all they have achieved throughout their school careers – not least how they have handled the challenges of this year – and wish them the very best as they embark on the next exciting chapter.”
South Hampstead’s Futures Programme provides bespoke advice and one-to-one support, including preparation for Oxbridge, international universities and gap years. In the Sixth Form, a number of free, means-tested bursary places are available, as well as Academic, Art, Drama and Music Scholarships. Find out more about how to apply.