' In - shock ' over A- level results

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Last Updated: Thursday, 17 August 2006, 15:36 GMT 16:36 UK
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'In shock' over A-level results

Paul Mathias
Paul is looking forward to celebrating his results

A-level results set record high
As pupils across Wales collect A-level results, Paul Mathias, of Fitzalan High School, Cardiff, describes the tension and excitement.

NOTE: PAUL MATHIAS IS ONE BRIGHT STUDENT IN HIGH SCHOOL.

I have just received my A- level results and am still in shock.

I took A-levels in business studies and psychology in school; and law and ICT (information and communication technology) in college.

I needed to meet an offer of AAB to get into Bristol University to study law and was lucky enough to get AAAA.

It has been such a relief to get this morning out of the way; you do everything you can to take your mind off things leading up to the big day.

Waiting for the results of two years' hard work to be laid out on a piece of paper is quite scary; having people in the media constantly saying that A-levels are getting easier doesn't exactly help your confidence either.

NOTE: STUDENTS ARE NOT FREE FROM STRESS AND TENSION.

We were all nervous, especially as some of us had to open our envelopes in front of TV cameras

I know that I can only sit the papers that are put in front of me and do my best.

Receiving my results has taken such a load off my mind; I can begin to prepare for university life and the time ahead of me knowing where it is I'll be going and not having to worry about whether I'll get the right grades.

In the exam period you have to try to put the rest of your life on hold, and it's amazing to know that all the sacrifice and effort you made was worth it.

I'm delighted and so grateful to everyone around. My family and friends have been behind me all the way and it feels great to make them all proud.

Daunting

My school teachers and college lecturers have my sincere thanks for their hard graft, in particular my ICT lecturer Maura Capone, who gave up countless hours of her own time to ensure our evening class of three students was given a fair chance of even passing.

My friends have all done really well, and it's a great feeling to see them all happy and excited about the future.

We were all nervous, especially as some of us had to open our envelopes in front of TV cameras.

The prospect of reading a really important piece of paper out in front of potentially thousands of people was so daunting; in the end I was probably more nervous about being filmed than about actually receiving the results.

The best part of it all now is that all that's left to do is celebrate.


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UK SCHOOL EXAM RESULTS 2006





GCSEs
Fifth of GCSEs awarded A* or A
Concerns over maths and English
Languages 'at point of no return'
Pupils 'sitting too many GCSEs'
Students download their results

HAVE YOUR SAY
Your comments on GCSEs

A-LEVELS
Top grade for 24.1% of A-levels
Maths resurgence follows changes
Questions over future of A-levels

ANALYSIS: MIKE BAKER
Are GCSEs easier than O-levels?
What is the future for A-levels?

FEATURES AND ADVICE
The long wait is over
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SCOTLAND
'Blip' in Higher Grade pass rate
Online grades for exam hopefuls


BBC graphic South East Wales
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Fitzalan High School
University of Bristol
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