The future looks bright for Pocklington School 2021 leavers.

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Students at Pocklington School celebrate receiving their A level and BTEC results today and reflect on their time at school and what lies ahead for them.

Students at Pocklington School are looking forward to a varied and ambitious range of exciting futures, as they celebrate receiving their A level and BTEC results.

Sixth Form students have continued to receive outstanding academic, enrichment and pastoral provision despite the multiple challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

During both lockdowns, the students accessed their full timetable remotely, through online lessons with teachers, assemblies, and a wide range of enrichment activities. Whilst physically in school, they were able to participate in wider school life whilst operating within their ‘Sixth Form Bubble’. International boarders have faced additional challenges, with quarantine and extended periods of online learning. However, the flexible provision on offer to all students has ensured that their support and academic progress has been ongoing, and facilitated independent learning that will serve them well whatever path they choose to take next.

Following Leavers’ Day, students were able to participate in a range of transition topics to support their preparations for the future, whether it be higher education, an apprenticeship, employment or gap year. Students accessed reading lists, podcasts and lecture-style presentations compiled by subject departments as well as practical advice relating to studying or working and living away from home. Many of our students also continued to be involved in sports fixtures and gave their support to events in school.

Tim Morris, Head of Sixth Form at Pocklington School said: “When I joined the school last September, I challenged every student to be the best version of themselves; they have certainly risen to that challenge! Our Upper Sixth students have shown courage, resilience and integrity. Their strength of character, determined spirit, and adaptability in the face of change and uncertainty has been particularly crucial during the majority of their two years in the Sixth Form. I have been hugely impressed by the kindness and empathy they have shown one another.

He concluded: “These fantastic results reflect their outstanding approach and the strong progress they have made; we are tremendously proud of all they have achieved and they should be too! We wish them all the very best as they move forward onto their chosen paths.”

Now armed with their results and ready to take on new challenges, the students can reflect on their time at Pocklington.

Oliver Kettle is looking forward to moving to Manchester University to read Geography. Oliver enjoyed a multitude of sports and co-curricular pursuits alongside his academic studies whilst at Pocklington School and reflected: ”The school teaches more than just the academic syllabus. It has taught me a range of life skills, including acting on every opportunity that comes your way… and more importantly, the art of preparation!”

Anna Robinson believes her time spent at Pocklington School as a boarder has helped her feel fully prepared for her next step studying Primary Education at Leeds Beckett University. Anna reflected: “The guidance I received from boarding staff and my teachers has helped me grow to be the person I am today and make the decision to go to university. I’m really excited to meet new people, go to a new city and live independently, which I feel boarding at Pock has prepared me for.”

Henry Kay said: “I’m so excited to be going to Magdalen College, Oxford, to study History and Spanish next year, especially due to the endless opportunities, both academic and otherwise, that will be on offer, in particular, the year abroad element. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Pocklington for giving me support, inspiration and fuelling my ambition, which has allowed me to develop not just as a student, but as a person, and successfully reach my goals. From the classroom to the theatre, from the cricket pitch to CCF training, Pock has constantly given me new challenges and experiences, and looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of them.”

Gabbie Innes is planning a gap year and is keen to embark on different challenges whilst she prepares for her future. She has a confirmed place at Loughborough University to study Textile Design. Gabbie commented: “Pocklington has provided endless opportunities for me and I can’t thank teachers and staff enough for their huge support, especially throughout one of the most challenging years yet! I will truly miss all the laughs, smiley faces and positivity around Pock – the ‘family-like’ community is something which makes it so, so special.”

Tom Kirby is hoping to use the business acumen and skills he has developed during his A level studies in Business, Economics and Geography to set up his own company. He said: “In Lower Sixth I entered the Young Enterprise Programme with three other students which helped me to develop my business skills. The teacher support available, and always taking the time to talk about additional topics outside of lessons, helped me to progress my knowledge further and develop higher skills.” Tom is currently working part-time for three different companies, which is allowing him to investigate different industries and help him find one he would like to work in.

Toby Seth, Headmaster at Pocklington School, concluded: “All of our Sixth Form students should be extremely proud of their achievements in this most unusual of years. Their tenacity, determination and commitment to succeed was on show for all to see over the whole of their two years, but in particular in their last six weeks at school. Faced with significant upheaval as well as a challenging set of assessments, their attitude was exemplary. I congratulate all of our leavers on their efforts and wish them the very best of luck in wherever their next steps may take them.”

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