Principal, Mrs Davis, said: "This year group were caught midway between the old and new specifications at A level, and have studied in a environment where at times it has felt that the ground has been moving beneath their feet. The content of some A levels has changed this year, especially on science subjects where Mathematics features far more strongly.In addition, AS levels have been “decoupled” from A-level exams and no longer contribute to the final result. I am delighted with the students' response to this new system and can only applaud an amazing team of staff and send my most heartfelt congratulations to this cohort of 2017."
Of the students sitting A-levels at Howell's School this summer, 21% of all results were the highest A* grade, with 70% receiving A*-B grades. In addition, 86% of students who studied for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gained A*-A grades.
Despite the challenges thrown up by the reformation of the A-level system, two of the Drapers' Scholars from this year's A-level cohort have kept their heads—and their spirits—high in unchartered waters, and will be following their dreams to the UK's top universities next month. Desiree W will be studying medicine at Oxford University, and Ffion E is headed to Cambridge, where she will study Human Social and Political Sciences.
The Drapers' Scholars at Howell's are students from a variety of backgrounds given the opportunity to study at one Wales's oldest, and most well known schools. Howell's School, Llandaff was founded in 1860 thanks to a legacy left by Thomas Howell, a Tudor merchant who was a member of the Drapers' Company, one of the livery companies of the City Of London. In 2017, Howell's continues to be supported by the Drapers' Company and through its Bursary Fund it creates opportunities for girls and boys from all backgrounds to excel.