UPDATE AUTUMN 2021 NEW CANINE MEMBER JOINS THE COLLEGE PERSONNEL - Varndean College
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UPDATE
AUTUMN 2021 NEW CANINE MEMBER
JOINS THE COLLEGE
PERSONNEL
BEST EVER INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE RESULTS
SUCCESS FOR VARNDEAN
COLLEGE STUDENTS IN
CHALLENGING TIMES
SUCCESS FOR
VARNDEAN COLLEGE
STUDENTS IN
CHALLENGING TIMES
Varndean College celebrated the point assessments under exam
high achievements of its students conditions. Our teachers worked
in August, who yet again achieved tirelessly with students to ensure
an outstanding record of A Level that their results were accurate,
and Vocational course results. fair and reflected their abilities and
Students completing their studies hard work.
this year have had an educational
journey like no other, with much of THE OVERALL PASS RATE AT A LEVEL WAS
their education spent in lockdown
and online learning, as well as
99% WITH THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECTS
the Government’s cancellation of
ACHIEVING 100% PASS RATE WITH 65%
exams.
ACHIEVING A*-B AND 86% A*-C GRADES.
Despite this, students were All vocational courses, BTEC and Other subjects with exceptional
exceptional in their capacity CTEC had a 100% pass rate, as well success include: in languages, A
to rise to these challenges and as our Level 3 CACHE course having Level French has a 100% pass rate
continued to engage with their exceptional results of 100%. with 88% A*-B, in A Level German
studies. Final results, which were 80% of students gained A*-B. In
based on attainment over the Visual Arts courses (Art, Graphic Humanities; in History A Level
past two years, proved a very Design, 3D Design, Textiles 88% of students gained an A*-B,
unsettling and worrying time for and Photography) once again in Maths and Science all subjects
them all, but we were immensely continued to be outstanding, gained a 100% pass rate with
proud of how they responded. The with 97% of students achieving 100% of Further Maths students
grades students earned were very A*- C grades, 86% achieving gaining an A*-B grade, in Maths
well deserved, having undergone A*-B grades and 86 students 76% gained an A*-B, in Physics
rigorous assessments throughout achieving the prestigious A* 71% of students gained an A*-B.
their studies and especially so grade. In 3D Design, all students Similarly, Film students gained
from Easter 2021 when there was gained an A*-B grade, and in 100% pass rate with 70% getting
an ‘assessment period’ where Photography 94% of students the very highest grades of A*-B; in
all students carried out final gained an A*-B. Drama and Theatre Studies 72% of
students achieve an A*-B.
VARNDEAN
IN TOP 1% OF
UK PROVIDERS
FOR VALUE
ADDED
We are pleased to announce
that Varndean College also
this year received an ALPS
score of 1 in the Department of
Education’s “16-18 Schools and
Colleges Performance Table for
Value Added”, placing us in the
top 1% of UK schools and sixth
form colleges.
College Principal, Donna-Marie amazing and they and their ‘Value Added’ scores are
Janson, said; “We were incredibly loved ones should feel as proud Government calculations which
proud of our students this of themselves as we do for their provide a measure as to how
year, particularly under the spirited determination and for all much more or less successful
extreme circumstances they they achieved. I would like to thank students have been by declaring
found themselves to be in due and commend my entire staff for how much ‘value’ has been
to the global pandemic. They their hard work and dedication added to their results. This
dealt admirably with all of the working throughout the pandemic, means that Varndean students
uncertainty of the past two years, adapting and responding perform better than 99% of all
to the lockdowns, self-isolations throughout and ensuring that other schools/sixth forms in the
and online lessons, as well as students had the best possible country compared to students
huge changes to the system of opportunities and the best with the same GCSE grades on
assessment, taking everything possible experience. I would also entry. This confirms the high-
in their stride and continuing to like to thank all the parents and quality teaching support, care
focus. They were inspiring to work families of our students who have and guidance that takes place
with, to teach and to get to know. supported us throughout, we could here.
Our students were quite frankly not have done it without you.”
BEST EVER
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE
RESULTS
Students and teachers at Amongst those achieving the Level Maths and Visual Arts and
celebrated their best ever set highest grades were: Standard Level Physics.
of results in the prestigious • Hayden Newnham (ex-Oathall) • 43 points were achieved by
International Baccalaureate whose perfect score of 45 ex-Sir Robert Woodard Academy
Diploma Programme in July, with points - comparable to five A* student Lucy Ayres and
students now off to study at some at A Level - placed him in the ex-Hove Park student Circe
of the UK’s leading universities top 1-2% of 170,660 IB students Marden-Rull seeing them head
including Cambridge, UCL, Imperial worldwide. Hayden is taking a to Leeds to study Sociology and
College London, Bristol, Warwick, gap year but is looking to apply Internal Relations, and Bristol to
Sheffield and Leeds. for BA in Modern Languages, read Comparative Literatures
Forty-one students completed studying French, German and and Cultures respectively. Also
the international qualification Russian in 2022. achieving 43 points Lillian
which requires them to study • Sammy Doublet (ex-Varndean Laffan (ex-Varndean School)
English, Maths, Science and three School) with 44 points reading now reading Philosophy at
other subjects alongside a range Architecture at UCL having Trinity Hall, University of
of other activities. The College achieved grade 7’s in Higher Cambridge.
achieved a pass rate of 98% and
• Scoring 42 points (equivalent
received its highest marks ever,
to three A*): Tabitha Fawfus
with an average score of 36.61
securing a place at Warwick
points, equivalent to at least three
University to read Politics,
A grades at A Level and beating a
International Studies and Global
global average of 33.02.
Sustainable Development and
• 82% of our UCAS applicants Leyona Bray Kaji, heading to
were successful, with 77% Glasgow to study BioChemistry.
securing places at Russell Group
• Our two Medicine applicants
universities.
this year were also successful in
• 63% achieved 36 or more securing places. Miaya Harman
Diploma points, with 15 gaining is heading to Cardiff University,
an impressive 40 points or more, whilst Anthea Gabot has a
equivalent to A*A*A and placing place at UCL.
them in the top 9% of students
• Four of our learners scoring
worldwide.
SAMMY
40 points this year included
DOUBLET
Jessica Daniels and Lewis Lee Finlay-Gray, said: “I would like
Edmunds who are embarking to commend all of our IB students
on Art Foundation courses for their maturity, flexibility and
before heading to university; commitment to their studies during
Madeline Downie, now at UCL their time at Varndean. I would like
reading Natural Sciences; and to thank them all for embracing
Ruby Duck, at UCL studyinf online learning, being patient with
Mechanical Engineering. their teachers and encouraging
As a global qualification, the IB them in their own development. I
created a dual pathway model am moved by how supportive our
this year for schools who were able learners have been to one another,
to safely host exams and those
building strong friendships and VARNDEAN REAPS
who were not. Out of 170,660
positive working relationships which THE AWARDS
I hope they nurture and treasure
students globally, 104,275 were in During this past year, Varndean
moving forward. They have been
the non-exam route and 65,576 is been proud to have been the
a fun, dedicated and hardworking
in the exam route. Similar to A recipient of two awards.
cohort and I am hugely proud of
Level and GCSE, IB exams were Pearson’s Certificate of Excellence
each and every one of them.”
cancelled in the UK this year, in ‘The 2021 Lockdown Hero Award
however grades were awarded Principal Donna-Marie Janson
for Learner and Community
in a slightly different way. Each said: “These fantastic results are a
Support’, part of this year’s
student completed a piece of testament to the energy, hard work
Pearson National Teaching
coursework for every subject as and endurance of the wonderful
Awards. A huge thank you to Year
normal, however these were then IB students at Varndean College.
2 student, Amanda Burton, for her
sent to the IB to be marked rather While their time at college has been
truly wonderful nomination and
than by their teachers as per challenging in ways we could not
well done to all the staff involved.
usual. These coursework grades foresee, their exceptional focus on
their studies saw them all make the The SFCA (Sixth Form Colleges’
were then combined with teacher
most of every opportunity. They Association) ‘Covid Above &
predictions to calculate the
have been a truly delightful group Beyond Award’. The SFCA Annual
students’ final grades. Awards initiative represents
of young people to teach and to
It has been a challenging time get to know and they have inspired an important opportunity to
for all involved, with students their teachers throughout their identify, celebrate and showcase
spending approximately half of time here. We wish them all the very exceptional practice across the
their studies online since March best in their future endeavours. I sixth form sector and we are so
2020. However, students and would also like to thank the tireless proud of our Additional Support,
staff rose to the occasion and efforts of the teaching staff who Wellbeing and Safeguarding
demonstrated great resilience, have gone above and beyond and Team whose dedication and
working together to progress and done everything they can for our hard work over this past year has
support each other. students. This considerable success been recognised. Well done and
Varndean College IB Coordinator, is well deserved by all.” congratulations to every member
of staff involved.
NEW CANINE MEMBER
JOINS THE COLLEGE
PERSONNEL
2021 saw the welcoming of a new
member to our College personnel
... Simba, the College Dog!
Simba, a Goldendoodle and still
very much a puppy in training, is
based in our International Office
and joined the International
team on a trial basis last summer
to help make the international
students who join us feel more
at home if they feel homesick.
Non-international students may
of course also
enjoy time with
him too. Here is
what Simba has
been up to over his
first six months at
Varndean.
DREAM BIGGER WORKSOP BY NATWEST BANK
In March, our Business Studies exciting but also rather unnerving. in Year 2 A level Business! One
students attended an all-day As always, our students were of most fascinating elements
workshop facilitated by NatWest brilliant and engaged with all the of the workshop was seeing
Bank. Students needed all their wits videos, workbook, interactive chat, real life entrepreneurs such
about them for this face paced, polls etc. as Jessica Black - ‘Jecca Blac’
engaging and interactive set of It was great to see how the makeup brand explain how they
sessions. They reflected on the skills ‘real’ corporate world was developed the skills and mindset
and personal qualities required to considering new opportunities to be successful, as well as how
be an entrepreneur. Growth mindset and researching future business they turned any setbacks around.
was a real focus and students developments which we also cover A very full and successful day!
reflected on how all the qualities
and skills required would help in
their wider lives as well as the
business world. Skills such as a clear
vision, effective communication,
resilience, creativity, adaptability,
curiosity, self-awareness and
reflection were discussed and
how these help entrepreneurs
to be successful. The future of
the business industry was also
discussed, including globalisation
and new technological ways of
working - some of which were
EX-VARNDEAN STUDENT
AND NOW QUALIFIED
DOCTOR, TALKS TO
VARNDEAN’S ASPIRING
MEDICS
Ex-Varndean student, Natasha
Wilcock (2013-15), made a very
welcomed return visit in September
when she gave an informative and
inspiring talk to current students
CHEMISTRY NEWS aspiring to follow a career in
medicine.
Natasha studied Biology, Chemistry,
A LEVEL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS WIN Maths and French, as well as AS
AWARDS IN RSC CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD Modern History. She went on to
University College London where
A strong team of Year Two Chemistry students once again took part in the she followed a six-year degree in
Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Annual Chemistry Olympiad this year Medicine (in which her final year was
and yet again finished with an impressive array of individual awards. during a pandemic), graduating in
Designed to challenge and inspire students to excel in the field 2021. She is now a qualified junior
of chemistry, this competition is one of the leading UK chemistry doctor working in London.
competitions for students, providing an enriching experience and an
opportunity to push themselves further. Aimed at students aged MED/VET/DENT
16+, students will develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think STUDENTS FLY HIGH
more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in real-world
Our Medicine, Veterinary Science
situations.
& Dentistry students came first in
This year, our students won 6 Gold, 9 Silver and 2 Bronze awards. Pictured Brighton & Sussex Medical School’s
are some of them receiving their certificates from Chemistry tutor, John ‘Global Health Charity Challenge’.
Luton, in our brand new STEM Centre. Their presentation on ‘Neglected
Tropical Diseases’ was an incredible
UNIVERSITY OF copper, silver or gold award), and opportunity to develop presenting
CAMBRIDGE those who perform best win an and time-management skills, whilst
C3L6 CHEMISTRY invitation to a residential camp acquiring an understanding of the
CHALLENGE at the University of Cambridge. socioeconomic factors affecting
Once again, 21 students won disease. This only reinforced their
Varndean students also competed an impressive array of awards; motivation to study Medicine,
in Cambridge University’s annual 2 gold, 14 silver and 5 copper. Veterinary Science or Dentistry even
C3L6 Chemistry Challenge. The Congratulations to everyone. further. They are donating their £100
C3L6 competition is open to any prize money to charity ‘Evidence
UK student in Year 12 Action’s Deworm the World Initiative’.
studying either A Levels
They also competed and were
or the International
finalists in the British Heart
Baccalaureate and
Foundation’s ‘Science at Heart’
takes the form of a
competition, researching the
90-minute written exam.
future of mRNA technology for the
Students who do well
treatment of heart disease and the
in the competition are
mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. Well
awarded certificates of
done everyone.
achievement (either a
VARNDEAN COLLEGE EARLY
YEARS STUDENT SUCCESS
Congratulations to ex-Varndean (ex PACA) (A*A*A*) now studying Special mention also goes to
College Early Years students, Childhood and Youth at University Naomi Kerse (ex Downlands)
Libby Heffernan, Emily Davis and of Sussex, Enya Stanford (ex who was awarded the Chubb
Kate Smith who have successfully Lewes Priory) (A*A*A*) employed Foundation Scholarship to study
completed their BA(Hons) in as a Teaching Assistant and Isobel Primary Education (5-11 years)
Primary Education (5-11) with Brewster (ex Peacehaven School) with QTS at Brighton University
QTS at the University of Brighton (AAA) studying Primary Education from September. Hendon Chubb
and are now newly qualified at University of Chichester. established the foundation to
teachers. These three students provide scholarships to deserving
became close friends whilst on the students in families of qualified
Childcare and Education two-year Chubb employees. Naomi
course at Varndean and went on said “In order to be given this
to study and graduate together opportunity I had to write about
from university. We look forward my past experiences, details of my
to seeing them in action in local course and why I thought I would
schools and wish them every be a suitable recipient for the
success for their future. scholarship. After getting into the
This year once again saw an semi-final I was then required to
outstanding record of success write a statement highlighting the
from the students studying charity work that I had undertaken
Childcare & Education at Varndean. and reasons why I wanted to
With a 100% pass rate, most have become a primary school teacher.
now gone on to higher education I was delighted to hear that I had
courses at university or directly been awarded a full scholarship for
into employment in the childcare my 3 years at Brighton University”
or education sector. Examples of
success include; Amber Holland
NAOMI KERSE
CHILDCARE & EDUCATION
‘STUDENTS OF THE YEAR’
Earlier this year, our Childcare and Education Department
introduced a ‘Student of the Month’ award, given to those
students who produced great work, showed exceptional
effort in their work, or who were outstanding in their work
placement.
First to win the award were Anna Sykes and Magda
Sochocka, whose assignment brief was to plan opportunities NEW STUDENT UNION!
for children from 0-5 years to support physical development.
Students had to show their knowledge of developmental needs, After a brilliant campaign back
use the current framework to support their ideas and present their in March, with hustings and
plans in an interesting manner. Anna and Magda produced two student voting taking place over
leaflets that met all the criteria in a unique and thoughtful way. several weeks, our brand-new
Student Union for 2021-22 were
Next, the award again went to joint winners, Isobel Brewster and
announced.
Amber Hill, for their volunteering duties during lockdown, helping
reception teachers at Telscombe Cliffs Primary school with zoom Congratulations go to the 11
lessons. Teaching phonics and maths to 60 children aged 4-5 students who make up the new
online was no mean feat. With microphones muted (apart from the 2020-21 Executive; Jack & Robyn
teacher), hand gestures and facial expressions were all that could (Joint Presidents), Maddie (Social
be used to support the children’s learning. Media), Ellie (Communications),
Tanusha (Graphic Design), Ruby
Other winners of the award were:
(Equality), Isobel (Wellbeing),
Year 2 student, Enya Stanford, for fully completing the practical Ushika (Democracy), Bruno
aspects of her course and producing an excellent ‘Play Sack’ for the (Environment), Matilda (Charity/
children in her placement. Enya used the Hungry Caterpillar as her Events) and Maria (Enrichment).
starting point and the children loved all the various activities she
designed. Enya completed her studies with us this year, achieving
A*A*A* and is now employed as a Teaching Assistant. STUDENTS
Twins, Ruby and Lily Brooks - Ruby for successfully completing AND STAFF
her Level 3 Diploma and Lily for achieving some of the highest CELEBRATE
marks for assignments in her class. Both girls deserved the NATIONAL
award for their hard work and excellent professional practice. POETRY DAY
Students and staff celebrated
National Poetry Day on 7
October at a ‘poetry café’ run
by enrichment group ‘voice@
varndean’. With the theme being
‘Choice’ this year, participants
celebrated poetry written by
both students and staff, as well
as published poets throughout
the centuries. Everyone came
together to read, perform or
just simply listen and enjoy the
RUBY AND LILY BROOKS poems.
ADULT EDUCATION CHILDCARE CLASS
OF 2021
AT VARNDEAN
Whether you wish to learn new skills or simply take year. Read about the success of one of our adult
part in an activity that appeals to you, Varndean learners, Kelly, below.
College has a course for you and is taking enrolments Courses take place at our main Varndean College
for its Adult Education courses commencing site in Surrenden Road, or as part of our Community
throughout the year. Learning outreach programme in Hollingbury,
There are a wide variety of leisure courses for those Hollingdean, Bevendean, Moulsecoomb and
looking to learn a new hobby, such as Painting, Woodingdean. Learning changes lives and it is never
Flower Arranging, Photography, or Bridge; you can too late to upskill or take up a new hobby. To find out
get fit with one of our many health and fitness more or enrol, go to the Varndean College website
classes, such as Circuit Training, Yoga, Pilates or Tai www.varndean.ac.uk/adult
Chi. Alternatively, why not learn a new language
or musical instrument? Our popular qualification
courses can provide a pathway to becoming a
qualified counsellor or working in the childcare and
education sector and places can still be taken up on
the introductory and level one courses this academic
Kelly enrolled on the Level 2 Supporting Teaching
& Learning in Schools (STL) in 2019. She had been
a stay-at-home mum for nine years, but when her FLOWER
ARRANGING.
youngest child started school wanted to return to
work but had no idea what she was good at. Seeing
an advert for the Level 2 course and thinking it out of it and I also gained new computer skills. One
looked interesting and something she would enjoy, of the great things I really got from both courses was
she asked her children’s school if she could do her meeting people from different cultures and learning
placement with them and they readily agreed. about each other; I now get to call them my very dear
friends.
Kelly said “The course was more than I expected it to
be. I learnt so much, not just from my tutor, but also I have been working as a TA since finishing my Level 3
from the other students and the teaching assistants course and I absolutely love working with the children
I worked with in school. As the weeks went on, I and feel honoured that I get to help support them
knew I had made the right decision in every aspect of their school life and well-being.
in choosing this career path. I made Completing both courses at Varndean gave me the
lifelong friends whilst studying at confidence to study a degree with the Open
Varndean and went on to study University in Childhood and Youth studies.
Level 3 STL which really helped me Varndean offers many courses in childcare
prepare for working as a Teaching and I am sure at some point in the future I
Assistant (TA). Studying whilst in will study with them again to enhance my
lockdown was very strange, but my knowledge and increase my chances of
amazing tutor really took the stress career progression even further.”SAM PATERSON
AWARD 2021
This year’s recipient of the Sam Sami’s Performing Arts
Paterson Award went to Year 2 tutors, Nicky Jones and
Performing Arts student, Sami Steve Bates said: “Sami has PHOTOGRAPHY
Al-kizwini. been given this award for his STUDENT MAX MISTRY
Now in its eighth year, the incredible transformation into SECURES WINNING
Sam Paterson Award was a dedicated, outgoing and ENTRY IN ‘SHOW AND
established back in 2014 to inspired student, performer TELL’ PHOTOGRAPHY
commemorate the sudden and and creator. His work is COMPETITION
unexpected death of Varndean outstanding and he takes every Congratulations to A Level
College Drama tutor, Sam opportunity to demonstrate Photography student, Max Mistry,
Paterson. Set up by Sam’s his insight into performance whose photo ‘Jumbled’ was one
father, Ian Paterson, each year techniques and styles with of the final 83 winning entries in
a sum of £500 is awarded to a verve and enthusiasm. Sami is the ‘Show and Tell’ photography
student who upon completion determined to pursue a career competition this summer. Out of
of their course is judged by in the performing arts and we over 20,000 entries from young
Varndean College to have made wish him all the very best for the people answering the important
the most of their opportunity to future.” question ‘how are you feeling?’,
fulfil their potential. Max’s image was selected by
photographic artist Daniel Regan.
Winning entries had their images
displayed at an online exhibition,
as well across national billboards
and bus advertising sites.
VARNDEAN’S FILM
STUDIES STUDENTS
AWARDED A MOVING
IMAGE AWARDS
CERTIFICATE OF
COMMENDATION
Earlier this year, Varndean’s Film
Studies students were delighted
to have been awarded a Moving
Image Awards ‘Certificate of
Commendation’ to acknowledge
their high standard of work entered
in the Moving Image Awards
SAMI AL-KIZWINI. competition this year. Well done
everyone involved.CLASS OF 2021
WE SALUTE YOU!
On Friday 25 June we said a heartfelt farewell to our Class of 2021
who left Varndean to move on to pastures new, whether it be to
further their education at university, follow an apprenticeship or FESTIVAL OF
move directly into employment. Students gathered on our back PROGRESSION
field to share their goodbyes with one another, whilst savouring the Varndean College students were
delights of Prosecco, pizza and ice cream! Due to the pandemic, our treated to a two-day ‘Festival
2021 leavers endured two years like no other and we are so proud of of Progression’ in June after
everything they have achieved. They have been an inspiration to us enduring over a year of lockdowns,
all and we wish them all the very best in the future. cancelled exams and general Covid
restrictions.
A variety of local employers were
able to impart their knowledge
to Year One students, after which
they welcomed Q&A. These
included Sussex Partnership
NHS Trust, Martin Cray & Co,
Bouygues Construction, National
Apprenticeship Service, SECAMB
and Shoreham Port Authority.
Speakers from further afield
included Channel 4’s Senior Film
Editor, Tim Highstead; Company
Director of Edward Selden
Recruitment, Rafe Knowles; and
freelance editor Paul Simpson, to
name but a few.
Local universities; Solent, Kent,
Portsmouth, Sussex and not so
local Aberystwyth University,
were also engaged with students
in application and statement
workshops. Other exciting
workshops/talks were held face to
face, ranging from Oxbridge Talks,
Gap Year Talks, Apprenticeship
Workshops, CV Writing Workshops,
as well as our extended Speakers’
Stage offering talks by external
speakers from a wide range
of careers such as Medicine,
Midwifery, Engineering, Politics,
Occupational Therapy, Air Cabin
Crew, Pilot Training, Social Work,
Law, Construction, Journalism,
Teaching, TV Production and many
more.
And to give it a festival feel, there
was also a BBQ, music and even an
ice cream van and pizza van!You can also read
