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Whizz-kid who failed 11-plus gets best A level result in country
A COMPUTER whizz-kid who who failed his 11-plus has gone on to get the highest mark in the country at computer studies A level.
Nathan Barton, 18, took an A level in applied computer studies at The Beaconsfield School in June and was astonished to be told that his mark was the highest of all candidates sitting the exam set by the WJEC exam board.
Mr Barton, from Loudwater, became fascinated by computers at the age of seven when his parents bought a family PC.
He has attributed his success in the exam to support from his parents and to a huge in-built desire to learn.
At 11, his father Richard Barton, bought him a lap top and a domain name so that he could create his own website, Runecats.
He then went on to create his own web browser, which he says is "faster than Internet Explorer."
He now runs an on-line graphic design business which brings in enough money to pay for his living expenses while he studies for a Bsc in Computing at Bucks New University.
Mr Barton admitted that many times during his A level studies he ended up teaching his three teachers.
He said: "At some points that did happen. They didn't seem to mind, I think they liked it. They would say to the class, this is how you do it, but I expect Nathan knows a better way. "
He said his aim is to achieve similar success to Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. After leaving university he wants to learn the ropes at Apple before starting up his own computing business.
John Fletcher, head teacher of The Beaconsfield School, said: "The staff are delighted to hear about Nathan's success. It is testimony to Nathan's hard work and dedication, the support of his parents and excellent support and guidance he received from the teachers at school. It just goes to show what self belief and good support can achieve."
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I think this says a lot about the 11 plus. People in Bucks need to wake up to the fact that academically segregating children at 11 or 12 is wrong on so many levels. A few kids like Nathan will succeed despite being written off academically at 11 but many others will not. Without doubt many grammar schools are excellent but *all* children should be taught to excel not just those who passed an outdated and flawed test at tender age of 11.
Beaconsfield resident
your child obviously failed then
Not that its any of your business but my child is still pre school so has none of the prejudices that label her a success or failure.
Your response speaks volumes. The 11 plus is all about pompous parenting. The fact that 65% of children in Bucks will get a 'less rigorous' academic education is of minor importance.
If you tell any group of children they are better than another, then they will achieve better results. Its called self esteem. It might be great for a few but shouldn't be the basis of any education system.