Improvement in Chemistry Rewarded

Progress through effort has been rewarded in the Chemistry department at The Sixth Form College, Solihull this week, with one student being awarded the John Sleigh Award for Chemistry.

Set up in memory of John Sleigh, who was a chemistry teacher at the College, this award is to recognise achievement in Chemistry. The prize takes into account progress through hard work from GCSE level attainment to AS level achievement.

Umar Parvez (aged 18, from Hall Green) is this year’s well deserved winner of this prestigious award. A former Hall Green School pupil, Umar achieved a grade C in AS Chemistry and a Distinction in the Level 3 BTEC Applied Science. His achievement is all the more commendable, because he has also re-sat his English, Mathematics and Science GCSE during his time at the College.

Hilary Woodward, Curriculum leader for Chemistry at the College, commented: “Umar has worked really hard to achieve not only in his AS level Chemistry, but also in re-sitting some of his GCSEs. He has not found it easy, but that only makes his hard work and subsequent achievement all the more impressive. He has applied to university to study Pharmacy and Biomedical Science and we wish him luck with that.”

Umar met with College Principal Paul Ashdown and John Sleigh’s widow Jane, as he received a certificate to mark his award. Hilary Woodward and Associate Principal Sonia Wood were also present to celebrate Umar’s success.

Paul Ashdowncommented, “Umar has made great progressand should be very proud of himself. The improvement he has made is an example to every student as to what can be achieved through determination. Hard work and the support of outstanding teachers at this College have helped Umar to reach his potential.”