With GCSE results now out, students may be wondering what their next steps should be. Students can continue to A-level, or consider alternative qualifications, such as Level 3 Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas on offer at Southern Regional College. Students on these programmes achieved outstanding results on Thursday 15th August 2024, with many securing spots at top universities to progress their career plans.
Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas at Level 3 are equivalent to three A-levels and offer students the opportunity to study a subject matter in depth. Subject choices at the College are vast with eighteen subjects to choose from including Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Forensic and Criminal Investigation and Uniformed Public and Protective Services. These programmes ensure students have a high standard of knowledge and practical skills, allowing them to progress to degree programmes or employment.
The College had 338 students awaiting results for Advanced Technical Awards or Extended Diplomas this year, with 78 students receiving triple Distinctions, the equivalent to three A grades at A-levels and a further 8 students receiving triple Distinction*, the equivalent to three A* grades.
Students from the Armagh campus with fantastic results include Ryan Foster from Portadown and Grace Guy and Alexandra Phillips from Armagh. All three studied the Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma at the College, with Ryan and Alexandra planning on returning to SRC this September to embark on personal training and coaching qualifications. Ryan has turned down a spot for university as he doesn’t want the huge student debt that comes alongside a university course, preferring instead to focus on gaining practical qualifications.
Students studying the Health & Social Care Level 3 Advanced Technical Award have accepted many university places. Amy Robb from Loughrilly in Armagh will join Queens University to study Nursing for Those with Learning Disabilities. Emma Bartley from Killyman will study Social Work at Queens and Ellie Brown from Richhill and Krisi Hammill from Craigavon furthering their study in Nursing and Midwifery. Emily Armstrong who was a finalist at last year’s WorldSkills UK competition is planning on a career in Occupational Therapy, having secured a place at Ulster University, Magee. Fellow Banbridge student Jodie Patterson is switching disciplines. Having studied Health & Social Care at level 3, Jodie is excited to be starting Stranmillis University College in September to study to become a qualified teacher. Her passion for this career was born from undertaking a placement in a primary school.
Niamh Byrne from Mayobridge, who completed the Applied Science Advanced Technical Award, is set to begin her studies in Paramedic Science at Edinburgh University this September. This follows her participation in Northern Ireland’s Prince of Wales Royal College of Nursing Cadet Scheme, which is exclusively available to students at Southern Regional College. Through this scheme, students had the opportunity to observe nursing and emergency response teams. Niamh’s experiences during these placements inspired her to pursue a career in Paramedic Science.
Elsewhere Construction and the Built Environment Advanced Technical Award student Jess Wilson from Markethill will be taking up a place on the Architecture course at Ulster University, Belfast.
Engineering student Jack Dougan from Banbridge who studied the Advanced Technical Award in Engineering has secured his place on the Mechanical Engineering degree at Ulster University. While fellow Engineering student Joshua Danks from Kilkeel is returning to SRC to study the Engineering (Mechatronics) Higher Level Apprenticeship having accepted an opportunity to work with Collins Aerospace during his apprenticeship.
Likewise, Noah Bennett from Rathfriland who studied the Construction and the Built Environment Advanced Technical Award is returning to study the Construction (Digital Construction Management) Higher Level Apprenticeship following an apprenticeship job offer from Herron Contractors.
Information Technology Advanced Technical Award student Joshua Lambert from Tandragee is planning on studying an IT Higher Level Apprenticeship, and Art & Design Extended Diploma student Sawanya Leckhachok-Mallon is progressing to study Graphic Design Higher National Diploma at SRC’s Banbridge campus.
Fellow Art & Design Extended Diploma students Alice Totkova from Warrenpoint and Tommy Campbell from Markethill are both returning to SRC to undertake the Art & Design Foundation Diploma. Afterwards, both intend on applying for university to specialise in their preferred art medium.
Sport and Exercise student Matthew Morris from Kilkeel is delighted to be progressing onto a Health Physiology course at Ulster University this September.
At the Banbridge campus, the Level 3 Media Extended Diploma remains popular amongst students. Students Corey Doran and Koebe McClean from Banbridge scored the highest marks possible alongside Jordan Blair from Rostrevor who also acquired impressive results. Corey and Jordan are pursing a career in media, with both now undertaking the Creative Media Production (Film) Level 5 Higher National Diploma at the Banbridge campus. Koebe is set to study Game Design in Belfast this coming September.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented:
“The exceptional results achieved by this year’s level 3 Advanced Technical Award and Extended Diploma students is a testament to their own hard work and dedication and the exceptional teaching and learning provided by our dedicated faculty staff.
SRC is committed to offering alternative pathways for students to progress and excel. Traditional academic study does not suit every learner and the College offer a range of routes to success. When students engage with subjects they are passionate about, they inevitably thrive and succeed. Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas provide this valuable opportunity.
We are thrilled with the achievements of all our students, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming our new students in September.”
Students interested in studying at Southern Regional College’s, should visit Further Education Courses at SRC for a full listing of courses post GCSE. Applications are accepted online.
Those interested can also contact the admissions team on 0300 123 1223 or email admissions@src.ac.uk.
