AFTER a turbulent two years, relief was the overwhelming emotion as college students across Basingstoke received their A level and BTEC results this morning (Tuesday, August 10).
The Gazette spoke to several young people at QMC, who were pleased to be able to gather outside and celebrate together, after their May leavers’ celebration was cancelled.
Abigail Adams was very happy with her results - a B, C and Distinction* - which see her head to Bournemouth University to study social work.
“I think for me it’s been better because the whole idea of taking an exam after all of this was quite stressful,” she said.
“My time here has been eventful. There was always something to do and I made lots of friends.”
Her mum added: “I’m trying not to cry!”
And it was a fantastic moment for Asha Raja as she opened the envelope to find 3 A*s inside. She is now heading to University of Southampton to study medicine.
“I’m just so happy,” she said. “It’s such a good feeling.”
She added: “In ways it’s been better [this year] because we have had more chances to prove ourselves. I’m excited to get to uni now.”
Charlie Pergusey, who is heading to the University of the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham to study film production, said: “I’m surprised, I got on much better than I thought. I prefer the in-class exams, but online classes I didn’t like at all!
“Overall, I don’t feel like I’ve been robbed. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m relieved!”
Also heading to UCA is Zoe Vankempen who got A, A* and Distinction* and is excited to begin studying Graphic Design.
“It’s been interesting to say the least,” she said. “But I’m very happy, and relieved!
“It’s been difficult, but QMC has handled it really well.”
Cora Matthews added: “It’s been a couple of the best years I have ever had at school. It’s been really good considering everything.”
Meanwhile, twins Kirsty and Lauren McNally were both really happy with their results. Lauren is heading to Wolverhampton to do adult nursing, while Kirsty is off to do paramedic science at Coventry.
Talking of being separated for the first time, Kirsty said: “It’s going to take some getting used to!”
She added: “This year has obviously been hard. We’ve had to adapt, but we just had to keep positive.”
“I’m so proud of everyone,” said Molly Finklaire, who is heading to Arts University Bournemouth to study make-up for media and performance .
Lucy Beynom, who is going to University of Warwick to study Politics and Sociology added: “I’ve not seen anyone not happy, which is great.”
Ollie Whately said: “I’m into uni, so it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m looking forward to living by myself, I think that will be fun.”
And it was strong grades across the board for friends Jasmine Baker and Rosie Burgess
Jasmine said: “It felt like we had done our exams because we did so many tests.”
Rosie added: “These results feel earned!”
Ali Foss, principal at QMC, said she was “so pleased” that the students have been able to come together for results day.
She said: “After such an odd couple of two years, I’m glad they have the opportunity to be with their friends and see their teachers.
“We kept people absolutely in their classes from day one and that was more important than we even realised. It’s not just about the academic stuff, we learned quite quickly that we could do the extras from home too.”
Ms Foss has worked at QMC since 1987 and is this year stepping down as head.
“I have seen Basingstoke grow up!” she said.
“This cohort came in as the best qualified group we’ve ever had and that’s testament to the schools. Basingstoke is a small town but a close-knit town so the schools work really well together.
“They are proud to be QMC students, and that’s really nice.”
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