SERC Celebrates Student Success – Almost 50% gain triple distinctions and higher

The recent bad weather couldn't dampen the excitement of SERC students who collected their Level 3 Extended Diploma results on Thursday 15 August. And it was worth braving the elements as the College celebrated another year of superb results with almost 50% of students achieving the equivalent of 3 A grades or higher at A level.

Many students had extra reason to celebrate by achieving triple distinction stars which is the equivalent to 3A* grades at A Level. Celebrating two years hard work, Jade Salisbury from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management said, “I am over the moon. I’ve got triple distinction stars which has helped me realise my ambition and I am progressing to study veterinary medicine at University of Nottingham.

She added, “Coming to SERC was the best route for me and I want to say a huge thank you to all the lecturers who helped, encouraged and supported me to reach my full potential over the past two years. It has been hard work but worth the effort given my results and place at university.”

Classmates from the Level 3 Health and Social Care Extended Diploma, Orlagh Carson and Ciara Green were also celebrating after gaining triple distinction stars. Ciara said, “I am absolutely delighted with my grades. It was hard work, but all my efforts have paid off. I am looking forward to commencing a degree in Occupational Therapy at University of Liverpool.”

Eighty-two (82%) of students studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology and 80% on the Level 3 Electrical/Electronic Engineering achieved triple distinction or higher, equivalent of 3 A grades or higher at A level.

Dr Michael Malone, Director of Curriculum and Information Services at SERC said, “All students are to be congratulated. Their results are the culmination of hard work and focus throughout the year and I am delighted for all their efforts. This success is testament to the high level of teaching and learning that goes on within the College. We wish the students every success as they progress to further studies and careers.

He added, “More students are opting for the Extended Diploma courses which are a three A-Level equivalent qualification that extends and deepens knowledge in specialist vocational areas such as business, construction, engineering, arts and sport to mention but a few.

He concluded, “These qualifications prepare learners for employment in specific career sectors and act as an entry requirement for university or other higher education qualifications. Extended Diplomas give students the opportunity to study their chosen subject in greater depth, with more assessments through coursework, rather than exams, which can often better suit some students.”

For students awaiting their A levels, SERC’s Higher Education Open Days are taking place at all Campuses, Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards, on Thursday 15 August from 9am-5pm and Friday 16 August from 9am-3pm, offering a range of higher-level qualifications including HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships and Degree programmes.

On Thursday 22 August from 9am-5pm and Friday 23 August from 9am-3pm, students awaiting their GCSE results will be welcome to all SERC Campuses for our Further Education Open Days when students can enrol on courses including Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Extended Diplomas.

The careers team will also be available on a drop-in basis on results days.