Pupils celebrate outstanding IB results

Despite the challenges and disruption that COVID-19 has caused for schools everywhere, the Upper Sixth pupils studying the International Baccalaureate now have reason to celebrate as they receive their IB Diploma results today. They have demonstrated tremendous resilience with over 43% achieving 6 and above (equivalent to A*and A at A-level) and 74% gaining 5 and above (equivalent to A*-C). The Diploma represents an intellectually challenging programme of study comprising of many different elements so that students who achieve well in their Diploma demonstrate that they are creative thinkers, good at self-organisation and independent learning. These excellent skills equip them well for whatever lies beyond.

Whilst all King Edward’s pupils deserve congratulations for completing their course of study against the spectre of a global pandemic – as a cohort they achieved higher than the global average – a few pupils, in particular, deserve special recognition. Head Girl Gulfara Bekbolatova secured an amazing 44 points, out of a maximum 45. This places her just outside the top 1.2% in the world for her result. She will go on to read PPE at the University of Warwick. Alice Crisell from Godalming achieved an impressive 41 points and will go on to read Law at Exeter. Deborah Tang, who completed 4 of her subjects at Higher Lever rather than the usual 3 was rewarded with a place to study Economics and Law at LSE. Other notable achievements include Edwina Keary, from Guildford, who will study History of Art at the University of Bristol; Richie Zhang, from China, who will study Architecture; and Martin Zahariev, from Bulgaria, who will study Information Management at UCL.

Commenting on the School’s IB results, the Head, Mrs Joanna Wright said, “I am delighted that nine students achieved 38 points or above which is the equivalent of A*, A* A at A-level. The incredible array of universities and apprenticeships that our IB pupils are set to embark upon, as they enter the next stage of their learning journey, is indicative of the opportunities that are available to our pupils to enrich their learning, in the Sixth Form. I would like to congratulate them and their teachers for their commitment and dedication. I would also like to thank parents for their support. We are equally thrilled with those who secured a pass, having been concerned that this was going to be a challenge. Together with their teachers, they have worked incredibly hard.

We feel that some students may be disappointed; robbed of their opportunity to thrive in the exam, they may have missed out. We are going to be looking very carefully at how this year’s circumstances may have affected their overall performance. We will be offering support and individual follow up to help them.”

King Edward’s runs the International Baccalaureate programme alongside A-levels so pupils are free to choose either course or a combination of the two to best fit their interests and career trajectory. The pandemic has shown us the importance of being able to innovate and adapt to unexpected changes, and our pupils have adapted incredibly well. We very much hope that the skills, knowledge and understanding our pupils have acquired through their academic studies and rich extra-curricular programme will provide them with a solid foundation as they move onto the next stage of their learning.”