Wrekin College has celebrated a summer of record-breaking A level and GCSEs results as it steps up efforts to prepare children for the world outside the classroom.
Headteacher Mr Tim Firth said he was delighted with how well the school had performed, recording some of its best-ever results.
But he added that renewed speculation over grading and possible exam reform meant the school would be pushing ahead with its plans to teach to more than just how to pass exams.
This term the school will open its new dance studio and artificial playing surface which will sit alongside other recent new additions including the Music School and the Business School.
“These new developments are part of an ongoing strategic plan to give children numerous avenues of opportunity to build their all-round skill set and not just learn how to pass an exam.
“This is becoming increasingly important in a changing world and will be particularly so in the aftermath of the pandemic and the disruption it has caused.”
Mr Firth said Wrekin was very proud of its results but they were to be expected of a school that had gone above and beyond to maintain as normal an education as possible.
He added that there would be further challenges ahead, adding, “While we congratulate our young people for what they have achieved after a very challenging time, we also need to look at how we step up our support for pupils going forward. Schools need to lead the way by showing exams are only a means of opening doors.
“It is time now to focus just as much on self-knowledge in children and cultivate the skills of resilience, adaptability, and employability so that they go on to have successful careers.
“With key life skills in place they will also be ready for any potential change to the current system and other hurdles they may face on the path to their chosen career.”
