TO OUR YEAR 11s
Results day is inevitably a stressful time for students up and down the country.
This is even more so the case in the unprecedented times that we find ourselves in!
The government’s decision to use teachers’ predictions for results is particularly welcome, after the controversial algorithm led to nearly 40% of A-levels being downgraded.
Feeling nervous about results day is perfectly natural, but do not keep your emotions to yourself! Do remember to:
Talk to your peers about your worries - they are probably feeling the same as you!
Ensure you are well-rested
Take the time to do something to help you unwind before tomorrow that will distract yourself.
If you achieve the grades you hoped for - congratulations! However, if you are disappointed, have a chat with your teachers or ring The Exam Results Helpline (0800 100 900, 8am-10am), who can advise you about further education routes.
All in all, this was a hugely difficult year for all students. We are proud of each and every one of you and are always here for support should you need it! Details of how to get in touch with us are below.
YEAR 13s - UNIVERSITY - WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Clearing and more.
We know that it can feel like that one little piece of paper you’re about to open will govern your entire future from here on out. Emotions run high as the elation of getting that grade you so desperately wanted and securing that university place or new career becomes a reality. But this is not the case for everyone. We know of course that some of you will not have received the results you expected or wanted and so were forced into the stress lottery that is clearing.
Some of you will have managed to secure a place through clearing. University life will likely be very different than in previous academic years, but you should be proud of your achievements. If you’re the first person in your family to go to university, then an even bigger congratulations is in order. This is a strange time, but you deserve to celebrate your success in the context of such adversity.
For those of you who have not yet secured a university place through allocation or clearing, DON’T WORRY! We know how hollow that might sound, but we really mean it. The situation is changing all the time, and although that is going to feel incredibly stressful for many of you, it also means that the normal rules do not apply. With teacher estimates being used for grades rather than the algorithm and exam appeals being free for schools, this is by no means the end of the road. Many universities are honouring their conditional offers based on teacher estimates, so you may yet be able to secure a place. If you still don’t meet the terms of your offer, or if places at all of your choices are full up, you still have options.
Here are a few links we’ve found which may shed some light on your next steps:
A-level results 2020: What's next for university students
Covid-19 A-level support from the Student Room
Mental health advice from the Student Room
The most important thing to remember is that you should not be too hard on yourself. The word unprecedented seems to have lost all meaning, but this really is a situation no-one has ever experienced before. Perhaps there are fingers to be pointed at the powers that be for a lack of foresight, but if anyone should get the blame, it is not you. This situation is not your fault and whatever grades you received, they do not represent you as a person, merely a part of you.
WHAT WE SAY
Our CEO and Founder, Robin Chu, has been working with other organisations to highlight the importance of supporting young people through this difficult period:
“We welcome the government's decision to revert to teacher estimated grades rather than using an algorithm based on a school's prior performance data as this provides a higher level of equity for young people. The results period has highlighted the growing inequality gap between the rich and poor. Unfortunately, we know this existed long before the pandemic as today's Teach First report highlights only 45% of disadvantaged pupils achieve a pass in GCSE English and Maths compared to 72% of pupils from more affluent backgrounds. This figure has remained stubbornly the same since 2017.
Still now in 2020, where a young person was born (their postcode) has a huge determinant on that person's lifetime earnings, quality of life and health. At CoachBright, we believe the disadvantage gap is becoming a gulf and radical action is needed to break this cycle. The creation of a National Tutoring Programme (NTP) is a welcome step - we think this needs to be longer and extend to Year 12 and 13 to ensure it is sustainable. Internally, we are officially launching a primary strand to support young people earlier in their school journey at Year 5 and 6 as we know that work around this transition period is important to maintain attainment trajectories through secondary schooling and beyond”
As always, the CoachBright team are here to offer support to our alumni. If you’re having difficulties figuring out the next step for you or need someone to chat through options with - we’re just an email or phone call away.
To get in touch, email us at team@coachbright.org