The government has made the decision to cancel the 2020 summer examinations. We realise there will be a lot of unanswered questions as the guidance is quite limited at this stage, but we wanted to share with you what we do know or expect to happen.

This information is applicable to the summer exams for GCSEs, A levels, BTEC and some other equivalent vocational qualifications. Other qualifications’ awarding bodies may require students to sit an exam and/or assessment at a later date.​

Students will be awarded grades which fairly reflect the work they have put in. Please rest assured we will be doing everything we can to ensure that each student is awarded the grade they deserve in recognition of their hard work. It is clear from the announcement that every effort will be made to make sure that students will not be disadvantaged and will be able to progress as appropriate, to the next stage of their lives. 

Teachers will be asked to submit judgements about the grades students would have received if exams had gone ahead. This judgement will be informed by a range of evidence and data which could include; 

• A wide range of assessments completed by students over the course of the year 
• Mock examination grades 
• Class work and coursework

This will then be combined with prior attainment data and expected pathways to produce a calculated grade that is fair and expected. We will work closely with the exam boards to ensure that every one of our students achieves the right outcomes based on what is fair and reflective of their performance. This is important for adult learners or students who have only been studying their subject in this academic year.

For those who have exams as part of a vocational or technical qualification, some units will have already been assessed and completed. These will be important evidence in informing the final awarded grade. We will follow the guidance and work with the awarding organisations to ensure there is a flexible and pragmatic approach, so these students are not disadvantaged in any way. 

It is intended that students will be awarded their calculated grades before the end of July. Be reassured that grading and certification will look the same as in previous years.

Where students feel that their calculated grade does not reflect their performance, the option to sit an exam at the earliest reasonable opportunity will be available, or in the summer of 2021.

Students should continue with their remote learning as planned and supported by their teachers. This will make a difference in readiness for their next steps, and in completion of any assessments that may be used to inform the calculated grades. You should contact your tutor/s if you need any support.

We would like to offer assurance that although our ‘in college’ normal way of working has been interrupted, you can still apply for your next steps at college. We are doing different types of (safe) interviews and you will hear from us in due course. 

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all our current students and meeting those who are yet to join us, as we plan for the new academic year ahead.

Our students are full of hidden talents and Ayse Selcuk is no exception. Alongside studying A level Art, Textiles and Business at Leeds Sixth Form, the 18 year old recently took part in a national barista competition, coming first in the regional heat. She will soon be heading to London for the finals, which are taking place in November at Bewley’s Tea & Coffee factory showroom.

Ayse works part-time at coffee shop, Insomnia, at Primark, which is how she got involved in the competition. “I was entered into the competition by my manager earlier this year, giving me lots of time to prepare. A Bewley’s coffee trainer came to visit me with some information about the day, advice on signature drinks and what’s expected.

“The competition was a full day, consisting of six candidates from across the UK who all shared a love and passion for making and drinking coffee. We each had 15 minutes to set up our work surfaces and prepare. We then had 15 minutes to present. This included making and serving four espresso drinks, four milk based drinks, (I chose lattes, decorated with a heart) and four signature drinks. I was judged by four experts, including a technical judge, two taste testing judges and a head judge.

“My signature drink was inspired by cherry bakewells as they’re my favourite pudding! I named it ‘Cherry Bakewell Moch-tail’. I created and tweaked this recipe with colleagues at work so that it was just right. It included a base of three glacier cherries layered with cherry sauce that I made at home, then I shook ice cubes, almond extract, vanilla milk and cooled espresso in a shaker and poured over the syrup. To finish, I topped it with whipping cream, a fresh cherry and a sprinkle of crushed almonds. The judges loved it!”

Ayse, whose favourite drinks include blackberry hot chocolate and hazelnut mocha was shocked to find out she came first. “It was so surreal. As it was my first competition, I wasn’t expecting it at all. I participated for the experience, but ended up gaining different life skills such as independence and confidence. I have also developed a passion for something I never thought I would.

“It would mean the absolute world to win the finals. I can’t put it into words how much it would mean to accomplish something like that. It’s a scary but exciting thought.”

The competition has inspired Ayse’s plans for the future, and she would like to take her business qualification to the next level by running her own coffee shop one day. “I’d love to have it art themed as I love being creative, and combining an arty vibe in my own coffee shop would be an amazing combination.

“I would just like to end by saying be happy and follow your dreams!”

GCSEs have undergone a bit of a transformation in the last year, with grading and qualification standards becoming tougher. However, despite this, students at Leeds City College have proved that anything is possible with hardwork and determination.

Approximately one in five UK GCSE entries scored at least an A grade, which is a 7 under the new grading system.

Charlotte and Gorsia are among many students who excelled at the academy and came out with outstanding results.

“It was quite overwhelming because I was sitting in the car thinking, I’d prepare myself for the worst and hope that I’d get the best.

I think I’ve had the best results in six years and I am really happy. The college has done so much for me,” said Charlotte.

Gorshia, who moved to the UK from Poland last summer also overcame challenges of not fitting in and struggling at school, to finding a place where she felt she belonged, winning the ESOL 14-16 Student of the Year award at the Star Awards in June.

Alongside her positive and jovial outlook on life and school, Gorsia contributed to every lesson and was an asset in her class.

“I think my teacher is the best teacher ever,” she said.

“She helped me with everything. I wasn’t the best student in my country, I didn’t learn anything, but this year, I was the Student of the Year for my course.”

Beth Whiteley studied at Leeds Sixth Form because she had the flexibility of studying creative subjects alongside maths. On results day, she was ecstatic to achieve B, A and A* grades for maths, textiles and photography, respectively. We caught up with her to find out more.

How was your time at Leeds Sixth Form?

I had a great time at Leeds Sixth Form. It allowed me to pursue my favourite subjects in a welcoming atmosphere. Other schools mainly focus on grades, whereas here, the tutors have a genuine passion for their subjects and ensure you develop vital skills that are needed for the industry.

It’s a very versatile place where I had the opportunity to meet people with a variety of different backgrounds. Throughout my time here, I felt comfortable, at home and safe.

What made you choose the subjects you studied?

I have always enjoyed making things, coming up with ideas and bringing them to life, it gives me so much freedom and creativity. Some of my projects have included photographing mouldy fruit and vegetables and creating hand embroidered flowers.

I spent a lot of time with my grandparent who showed me how to make things. I also enjoyed textiles at high school, so I decided to study it further.

As for maths, it’s something I am good at and it’s refreshing to study an objective discipline in between being creative.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities?

I took part in a sign language club which I found interesting and allows me to communicate with more people, which I think is important.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be studying a foundation diploma in art and design at Leeds Arts University. My aim is to build up a portfolio, go on to a full degree and possibly pursue a career in costume design.

Damilola Akinbolu was this year’s Leeds Sixth Form Student of the Year at the college’s annual Star Awards ceremony.

An international student with less than three years in the country, the talented 19 year old achieved A* in maths, B in further maths and C in physics. We caught up with him to find out what he’ll be doing next.

How was your time at Leeds Sixth Form?

It has been a wonderful experience. The support I received from the teachers and staff was invaluable.

Coming from Nigeria, I could already speak English but it was a different education environment, so I found it difficult to adjust at first.

What was your reaction when you opened your results envelope?

I was really pleased to see my results and I’ve got my place at university, which is great.

I got support from Leeds City College staff with everything related to UCAS; they really helped me a lot with it and I can’t thank them enough.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying A levels?

A levels are hard work, but also enjoyable. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. No exam is hard if you make sure you prepare and study beforehand.

For international students, adjusting is challenging, but you will meet lovely, friendly people at the college who will help you every step of the way and support you to achieve your goals.

What’s next for you?

I will be going to the University of Leeds to study electronic and electrical engineering, but I’m taking a gap year to study electronics with Leeds City College.

In the future, I would like to work for an electric company, and improve the electricity supplies in my home country.

Leeds Sixth Form gave Grace Firth another chance after she failed her A levels at school. Following a break from education, she came here and walked away with a B and two As in law, psychology and sociology, respectively.

She said: “I didn’t enjoy my time at school, the teaching wasn’t good and only focused on grades. Coming here made a huge difference. I wanted to start my A levels from scratch and this was the perfect setting and environment for me to do so.

“The teaching here was the biggest difference. Tutors were always willing to help and go the extra mile to meet our needs. They made me feel relaxed and gave me a homely place to start again, which made me motivated to succeed.”

Grace made new friends and met people from diverse backgrounds. Alongside her studies, she had a weekend job that was sometimes a challenge. “At one point during my time here, the pressure of trying to work, study and fit in a social life got to me and I broke down.

“Thanks to the wellbeing team at college, I got the support I needed and managed to get back on track. I was also nominated to be a student leader, which allowed me to help fellow students with any difficulties they were facing.”

The 19-year-old was pleased to see her results after two years of hard work. “I couldn’t believe it, even my mum started crying with happiness.

“I would like to say thank you to all my teachers, especially Glenis, who made me love psychology.”

Grace will be heading to Nottingham Trent University to study psychology and hopes to specialise in sport psychology or forensics.

Studying for GCSEs can be a stressful time, especially if you are facing other challenges too. This is often the case for our 14+ Apprenticeship Academy students, who come here to experience a more tailored and supportive environment; allowing them to thrive and be the best they can be.

Isabelle Walker is one of the many students who flourished at the academy. After years of suffering from unexplained seizures, mental health problems and being bullied at her previous school, she started to transform in her new environment. On GCSE results day, she walked away with her head held high and one of the best set of grades on record, for the academy.

The 16-year-old said: “I’m so shocked and happy with my results. College has done so much to support me and I’m grateful to everyone here. I definitely would not have achieved these grades at school.

“My confidence grew during my time here, which meant I was able to believe in myself, work hard and do well.”

Niki McKenna, Deputy Head of 14+ Apprenticeship Academy, said: “We’re so proud of Isabelle and the challenges she has overcome.

“It’s immensely rewarding to see students’ journeys to success come to fruition and see them go on to do things that they thought wouldn’t be possible when they first stepped through the door.”

Isabelle received six GCSEs ranging from levels 5-7 and plans to study A levels with the college.