Badminton School stays “ConnectED” in a year of community spirit and digital innovation

In a year that has seen the country come together as communities, clap together for keyworkers and the use of digital technology boom, the adaptability and strength of the Badminton School community has presented itself in the outcomes of this year’s A Level results.

With pupils living across the world, the lockdown period saw Badminton girls develop into digital natives almost overnight, with 1,300 live lessons streamed online across the globe through the online platform, “Badminton ConnectED”. Jenny, who has secured a place at UCL to study Natural Sciences, said, “Remote learning allowed me to develop better self-discipline and independent research skills. I am proud to have had the chance to participate in ICHEP 2020, a virtual international conference on high-energy physics organised by CERN, enabling me to hone essential time-management and communication skills. All of these experiences will be an important asset to me in the future”.

Supporting their digital curriculum has been a raft of extra online learning opportunities in areas including Number Theory, Wellbeing, Persuasive Narratives and Film Analysis. Aditi, who is going onto study Physics at Bath University, commented: “Number Theory helped increase my reasoning skills and allowed me to use mathematics in ways I had never considered before, in order to prove things that I had otherwise always taken for granted. These new skills will set me in good stead for my chosen course."

Badminton girls once again gained places on courses at a range top universities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Durham and The London School of Economics as well as other renowned establishments such as The Caurtauld Insitute of Art and Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. 67% of girls achieved their first choice university and 64% are going on to study at prestigious Russell Group universities.

Freya joined Badminton in Year 7 and, determined to study Law, balanced her academic studies with her busy sporting commitments and has successfully secured a place at Kings College London to read Law. Zoe, who in Year 9 won an internal colouring competition to have her design painted on a model of Shaun the Sheep at the School, is taking her creative eye onto Sheffield University to study Architecture.

Mrs Tear, Headmistress, said: “This is an A level results day like never before and the recent announcement about potential use of mock grades for appeal has increased uncertainty for the pupils, teachers and parents at this significant time. However, we must remember that there has been so much to be proud of this year. This A Level cohort has risen to every challenge presented to them and the last few months have been no different. The pupils embraced the necessary move to digital learning and supported the quality enrichment opportunities on offer, allowing them to cement their skills as self-sufficient and confident independent learners. I applaud each and every one of the girls and thank the whole community at Badminton for their strength and ingenuity during such an unusual time.”