York College: Students have ‘created new ways of learning’ to score A level success

‘Creativity and innovation’ in the face of the COVID pandemic has seen students from York College achieve A Level and Vocational success on results day.

Students gathered at the York College campus on Tuesday to receive their results following more than 18 months of lockdowns and social distancing – requiring students and tutors to adapt to new ways of studying.

Teams meetings and online learning have all played a part in successfully overcoming the challenges of COVID, as well hybrid learning, which involved students attending lectures on alternate weeks to facilitate social distancing

One of those celebrating was Jack Creaser, 19, from Pocklington, a former Woldgate School pupil who is now considering his study options after gaining a Distinction* in Sports Coaching.

He said: “It’s been pretty overwhelming because of COVID but the teachers have been spot-on. They have taken a lot of their own time to help us out.

“But when we were finally able to come back to College it was ace. I was able to get on with the practical stuff and get out on the playing fields.  I’m now progressing to university and would like to work in the police force or in teaching in the future.”

Former Archbishop Holgate’s pupil, Hamza Salman is looking forward to studying Computer Science with Cybersecurity at the University of York, after achieving A* in Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Physics.

“During COVID, the College was really quick to deal with the situation and continue our studies,” he said.

“At College it has been nice having the freedom to manage your studies and be treated like a young adult, as well as use of the great facilities,” he said. “You choose how you want to study but there’s still always support for you.

There to congratulate students on their hard work and achievements was college principal, Lee Probert.

He said: “This results day marks a huge milestone for staff and students, who have together, created new ways of learning. 

“Our staff and students have embraced technology in an unprecedented way, reflecting their strong creativity and innovation.  Our staff have worked with integrity to ensure these results reflect students’ abilities and will enable them to progress to whatever they have chosen to do next. 

“I am exceptionally proud of our students’ achievements and wish them every success for the future.”