New exam gives students an edge

Pictured (back, from left) are Victoria Lee, Joe Tomlinson, Caroline Lythgoe. Front: Charlotte Goodwin, Hennah Ashfaq, Alyce-Lee Whitehead , Erin McDaid and Fiona Bryson. Not present Anthonia Brown and Katherine Ward.

TEN high-flying teenagers have gained a new qualification to help give them the edge over other university applicants.

The students are the first at Oldham Sixth-Form College to sit the new Extended Project Qualification which is equivalent to half an A-level.

It allows them to carry out an in-depth, independent research project on a topic of their choice. And five of the students chalked up top A* grades, four received As and one gained a B.

They are applying for competitive university courses including dentistry, law, veterinary medicine and chemistry.

Course tutor Felicity Titjen said: “This new qualification helps students develop skills which are valued by both universities and employers.

“The group worked extremely hard and produced projects of a very high standard, which they then had to present to members of the college’s senior management team.

“I’m delighted with their results — they should all be very proud of their achievement.”