News Archive
Another year of exceptional A level and vocational success at The College Merthyr Tydfil
Staff and learners at The College Merthyr Tydfil are celebrating after achieving another year of outstanding A level and vocational results.
For the second year running, the college has not only achieved an overall A level pass rate of 99% but we have also successfully improved our grade outcomes. The number of learners achieving grades A*-A has increased by 4% showcasing our commitment to continually improve and raise the quality of teaching and learning and achievement of high grade outcomes at the college. 76% of our learners earned A*-C grades, a rise of 3% in comparison to the 2018 A*-C pass rate.
In addition the college has also attained a 93% AS pass rate, with an increase of 2% in the number of A grades and an overall 65% A-C pass rate (4% higher than our 2018 pass rate).
Even more pleasing, the percentage of learners successfully completing their A level studies with us has increased by 3% to an overall high of 96%. This is a fantastic achievement and reinforces the college's commitment to ensuring that not only are all learners are on the right course for them but that they receive the highest quality of teaching, learning and support during their time on the course.
Vocational learners have also performed exceptionally well in their academic studies, with a record number of top grades being awarded across the board.
Lisa Thomas, Principal commented: “We are delighted that the college has exceeded its already high standards with yet another hugely successful set of both A Level and vocational results. Not only have we achieved a fantastic 99% overall A*-E A level pass rate, but we have achieved our highest ever percentage of A*-A passes. At AS level, the number of A-C grades has increased by 4%. The First Minister Rt Hon Mark Drakeford recently commented that the college was one of the “great success stories of devolution" and these outstanding results reflect this, showcasing not only the hard work and dedication of our learners but also the support and commitment provided by both our academic and support staff who go above and beyond to deliver an outstanding learning experience. As a college we aim to provide a first class learning experience for all our learners and these successes and outcomes are testament to this. Everyone has done exceptionally well. I am so proud of them and wish them all the very best for their future”
There were jubilant scenes as learners received their results.
One of the college’s top performing learners, Joel Cummings achieved 3 A*s in Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Former Cyfarthfa High School pupil Joel is now looking forward to progressing on to study Medical Physics at UCL.
A level science learner Morgan Rees achieved 3 As in Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Morgan, also a former Cyfarthfa High School pupil, is planning to go on to study Physics at Cardiff University.
Physics tutor, Martin Thomas, commented “I am so pleased for Joel and Morgan. They have worked really hard and thoroughly deserve these excellent results. I wish them all the very best for their future.”
Mathematics student Ciaran Walsh achieved excellent results with an A in Further Mathematics, an A in French and a B in Physics. Ciaran, a former Afon Taf High School pupil, commented “I have really enjoyed studying at the college. The tutors for these subjects were brilliant and helped me massively. I am now planning to study Mathematics at Cardiff University.”
Ffion Samuel, former Penydre High School learner, achieved an A in Biology, A in Chemistry and a B in mathematics. Ffion is now progressing on to study Veterinary Science at University.
Science learner Kyle Talag was also celebrating after successfully getting in to study architecture at Cardiff University.
Humanities learners performed exceptionally well across the board. The college achieved its best ever results for English Language and Literature. Amongst the top performing learners, Moya Evans, past Bishop Hedley High School pupil, also achieved an A in English Language an A in French and a B in History. Ella Hudson achieved A* in English Language and Literature, A in History and an A* in Drama.
For the second year running, Psychology and Sociology learners have achieved a fantastic profile of results. Eight Psychology learners achieved A*s with a further 11 learners achieving an A grade. One of the highest performing learners was Sophie Jenkins. Sophie, who previously studied at Cyfarthfa High School, achieved A* in Psychology, A in Religious Studies and an A in Sociology. Celebrating alongside Sophie was also former Cyfarthfa pupil, Zaina Fahmi. Zaina achieved an A in Religious Studies and an A in Psychology.
Emma Collins-Jones and Sophia Morgan both achieved A*s in Psychology. Sophie is now progressing on to study Midwifery at Bristol University.
Emily Galeozzie achieved an A* in Psychology, A in English Literature and an A in Religious Studies. Emily is now progressing on to study a Psychology degree at Manchester University. Also heading to Manchester University is Annalise Balston, who has been successfully accepted on to study a History degree.
Former St John The Baptist pupil Kate Hill, achieved an amazing A* in Religious Studies and an A* in Psychology.
Libby Owens, former Penydre High School pupil, achieved an A in Sociology and an A in Psychology. Jasmine Evans, achieved an A* in Sociology and an A in Psychology and Katlyn Brooke Giles, former Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun pupil, achieved an A in Sociology and an A* in Psychology.
Louis Price, past Bishop Hedley Catholic High School pupil, achieved an A in Sociology and an A* in Psychology. Louis is going on to study Psychology at Cardiff University. Commenting on his results, Louis stated "I've really enjoyed my time at college. My tutors have been really supportive and made the subjects really enjoyable."
History learners also achieved a superb 100% A-C success rate with 64% of learners achieving a grade A*-B. Sian Hughes, achieved an A in History, A in Religious Studies and an A in Art and Design and Sophie Morgan achieved an A in History and an A in Psychology. Ellie Baker, past Afon Taf High School pupil, achieved an A in Geography, A in English Language and Literature and a B in History. Ellie is now going on to study English and Creative Writing at the University of South Wales.
Design and Technology learners achieved 100% pass rate. Lloyd Edwards and Jordan Thomas both achieved a grade B and have been nominated for the 2019 WJEC innovation awards this year.
Creative Industries Photography learners were celebrating with 69% of learners achieving a grade A*-B. Amongst those achieving a high grade, Rebecca Arscott achieved an A, providing her with the grades she needs to progress on to study Criminology at Aberystwyth University.
Drama learners also excelled across the board, with 100% for the second consecutive year. Megan Harriman, past pupil at Tredegar Comprehensive School, achieved an A* in Drama and an A in English Language and Literature.
The college’s Business and Law learners also achieved excellent results with 100% of Law learners achieving a grade A*- D and 40% achieving A grades. Rhys Gowen, achieved an A in Law and an A in Geography.
Curtis Jacob achieved an A* in Business, A in Psychology and an A in Sociology.
AS learners also excelled with many achieving A grades across the board.
To cap off two years’ hard work, that has included amongst other things, representing Wales at Athletics, Molly Smith is celebrating excellent vocational results. Molly, who achieved a triple distinction star in her BTEC Level 3 Sports Course, commented “I have enjoyed my time at the college. My course has been very varied and interesting and part of the course helped me to decide on my next career move.”
BTEC Level 3 Business Studies learners also excelled across the board. Amongst those celebrating, Toni Moore past Idris Davies Comprehensive School pupil, achieved a triple distinction star. “I have enjoyed studying Business over the last 2 years said Toni. “My Business tutors have been very supportive and helpful. I am pleased with my results and this will help me progress at the University of South Wales where I can utilise everything I learnt in business to correspond with my new studies.”
Picking up her results, Kaitlyn James past Afon Taf pupil, commented “Over the past 2 years I have extremely enjoyed my time at Merthyr College. My tutors have been very supportive and I am proud that I achieved a D*D*D*. I’m really looking forward to progressing on to study on the college’s foundation degree in business management.”
Business learner Brandan Phillips also achieved a triple distinction star. Brandan, who is a past Cyfarthfa High School pupil, commented “Been a fun few years in this college I learned a lot, met a lot of new people and for sure learned some life lessons that’ll help me excel in life. Now because of my grades I am able to go to my first choice university in Bristol to study business and management, exciting times”
Health and Care and Childcare learners also performed exceptionally well. Bethany Williams, a past pupil from Idris Davies School, achieved a triple distinction star in her BTEC level 3 Health and Social Care course. Speaking on results morning, Bethan commented “I really enjoyed studying Health and Social Care at Merthyr College. The college is very well resourced and this helped me to achieve my grade of a triple distinction star. I am now looking forward to studying Law at university and to continuing my studies with the same hard work and determination”.
Zara Thomas, past Cyfartha pupil, achieved a triple distinction star in her BTEC L3 Extended Diploma Health & Social Care. Zara, is now progressing on to study Police Sciences at University.
Celebrating alongside Zara, was Bethany Shotton. Bethany achieved excellent results and is now progressing on to study Law with Criminology at the University of South Wales.
Ruby Jones, past Cyfarthfa High School pupil, achieved AAA in her Extended Diploma Children’s, Care, Learning and Development. Speaking of Ruby’s achievements, tutor Diane Davies commented “Ruby is a carer for her brother who has a disability has worked so hard to achieve these excellent grades alongside her carer role. I wish her the very best in University.”
Childcare learner Kate Evans, former Penydre High School pupil, has excelled on her level 3 course. Kate has overcome a number of challenges to achieve her level 1, level 2 and level 3 Childcare courses, achieving ABB in her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. Kate is now progressing on to university in September.
Also celebrating their Childcare results was Lauren Thomas-Donnelly, past Brecon High School pupil, who has successfully gained employment at Buttons Nursery in Brecon and Emily Pike and Jordan Thomas who have also successfully secured employment in local childcare settings.
Performing Arts vocational learners also excelled across the board. Jac Ellis, Ciaran O’Dea and Chloe Leigh Williams all achieved a distinction on their UAL Level 3 Performing Arts course.
Simon Evans, Director of Data and Performance, commented “This is the sixth year on the run that our A level and vocational learners have achieved outstanding academic results. Year on year we are continually improving upon our results and outcomes, achieving a higher percentage of A*-A grades and A*-C grades and a higher number of Distinction Stars across our vocational courses. This continual upward trend in outcomes reflects the high quality and inspirational teaching and learning"
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Awaiting your GCSE results? Don't miss the opportunity to study a further education course at The College Merthyr Tydfil
Are you a school leaver awaiting your GCSE results? Take the next steps towards your future career goals and apply now for a further education course at The College Merthyr Tydfil.
With over 100 courses for you to choose from, we have something for everyone. So whether you are looking to study A Levels, vocational qualifications, Diplomas, Degrees or Professional Qualifications, we have a suitable course for you. If full time education is not for you, we also offer a range of Work Based Learning Traineeship and Apprenticeship programmes, providing you with the perfect opportunity for you to achieve qualifications and skills whilst in employment or gaining valuable work experience.
Our links with local businesses and the local community, mean that whatever you choose to study we will be able to provide you with the opportunity to enrich your educational experience through work experience, volunteering and enrichment activities, enterprise challenges, sports coaching and much more. From our apprenticeship programme with General Dynamics, our Welding programme with Tenneco Walker through to our sports coaching positions with local community, football and rugby clubs, we will help you to not only achieve your qualification but also develop the skills required to make you stand out from the crowd in your employment or university application form.
Our results and success rates are also second to none; last year we have achieved a 99% A level pass rate together with 100% pass rates across many of our vocational areas. Our higher education learners also achieve consistently good results.
Whether you know what you want to study or not, our expert team of admissions advisers and subject tutors will be on hand to help and advise you on course options throughout GCSE Results Day and the following days. We'd love to show you our facilities and give you the opportunity to talk to current students about their experiences of studying with us. Our transport, finance and learner welfare and support teams will also be on hand to give you advice on how we can support you throughout your time with us and help you fund those all important things like travel to college, books and learning resources, learning materials and kits.
Don’t delay, make that next step towards your future goals and apply now at apply.merthyr.ac.uk or alternatively, contact one of our dedicated admissions advisers on enquiries@merthyr.ac.uk
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Aim Higher, Go Further at The College Merthyr Tydfil
Offering a range of university level courses, all on your doorstep!
Thinking of studying a university level qualification this September? Now has never been a better time to choose The College Merthyr Tydfil.
Whether you have just completed your A levels, looking to enhance your skills or qualifications or seeking a career change, we offer the opportunity to achieve a university level qualification at your local college – helping you to stay close to home and to fit in your study around work, family and other commitments.
With a comprehensive range of courses - from Art and Design and Photography through to Business, Accountancy, Computing, Sport, Care and Childhood Studies, we have something for everyone. What’s more, our small class sizes, high quality, experienced staff and outstanding support aims to ensure that all learners have the best learning experience possible enabling them to achieve their maximum potential.
Our outcomes of the National Student Survey are testament to this with over 83% of learners stating that they were satisfied with their experience on their higher education course during 2018-2019. Furthermore, we achieved 100% overall satisfaction rates in our Business and Psychology courses.
We have strong partnership links with the University of South Wales, providing all learners with access to the university’s learning resources and facilities with the option to progress on to the third year of a ‘top-up’ to a Bachelor Degree, if they wish to do so. In addition, the college also offers the BA Hons Top-Up Business Degree, providing learners studying on the Foundation Degree Business programme with the option to complete the full three year degree programme and gain a BA Hons Business Degree.
Learner Hannah Casey completed her BA Hons Degree in June 2019. Hannah commented “I always wanted to go to university but I didn’t think it would be possible without A level qualifications. After completing my GCSEs at school, I enrolled at the college on a level 2 Business Administration course. After completing this course, I progressed on to the level 3 course. With the help and support of my tutors, I began to realise that there were options and pathways available for me to gain a university qualification through studying on the Foundation Degree Business. After completing the Foundation Degree in Business, I have just completed the final year of study on the BA Hons Top-up Degree. The staff at the college are amazing and really help you to reach your goals, with one to one help and support available. I cannot thank the staff here at the college enough for helping me to finish the degree, and I would support anyone in their decision to study this course as it has opened so many doors for me.”
With a range of grants and loans available to help with course fees and living costs, studying could also cost less than you think.
Applying to us is easy, you can apply on-line at apply.merthyr.ac.uk or call in to our information sessions and speak to one of our dedicated Higher Education tutors on Thursday 15th or Friday 16th August. Alternatively you can contact one of our specialist admissions advisers on 0800 1693825.
Let the College Merthyr Tydfil help you take that next step towards your future career ambition.
College learners to perform ‘The Sad Club’ as part of the National Theatre Connections 2019 festival
The National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival, Connections offers youth theatre groups across the country a unique chance to perform a new play as part of the festival. Learners from the college’s Performing Arts department will join 5,000 other talented young people from right across the UK as they inspire and entertain audiences with a play for, and about, young people, that is current, challenging and relevant.
You can join the audience and be one of the first to see this brand new play by Luke Barnes, performed by our learners.
The performance will take place on March 28th,, 7.00pm in Redhouse Cymru. Tickets priced at £4 are available at the box office or by ringing 01685 384111.
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College Merthyr Tydfil named as joint top performing colleges in Wales
The College Merthyr Tydfil has, today, been named as the joint top performing vocational college in Wales in 2017/18 for the second year running, achieving an overall success rate of 86%, 2% above the Welsh sector average of 84%. In addition the college is ranked as the top performing college in Wales for main qualifications.
The success rates, published in the Welsh Government Learner Outcomes report also highlights that the college is ranked second in Wales for both A level and academic qualifications.
The Learner Outcome Report, which is published annually, shows each further education provider’s overall performance as taken from the Lifelong Learning Wales Record (LLWR). The report includes information on the percentage of all qualifications achieved by learners against current ‘national comparators’ – the average rate achieved across all FE institutions in Wales.
Over the last three years, the college’s success rates for vocational qualifications have increased by 3%, main qualifications by 6% and our A level success rates have increased by 9%. In addition, we have seen our academic success rates increase by 10%. This rise in success rates together with the growing number of awards and accolades being achieved by both our learners and the college overall, demonstrates our commitment to raising levels of achievement and providing each and every learner with the best learning experience possible.
Head of College, Lisa Thomas commented, “These are our best learner outcomes ever and are very much a team effort, reflecting the college’s unremitting focus on outstanding teaching, learning and student support. The fact that we have continually improved our outcomes over the last three years is the result of hard work, clarity of focus and an absolute determination to do the very best for every single one of our learners.”
