Stage 2 Results
The newsletter I didn't really want to be writing.
Hey Team,
OK. So, as some of you already know, I didn't pass the stage 2 Exam.
I didn’t pass the theory section, or the practical. I’m not sad about it now, I was for a couple of days, but it’s just an exam.
I don’t get a huge amount of feedback, just a grade for each of the eight papers (3 x Practical, 5 x Theory).
3 x C
3 x C+
1 x B
1 x E … but we’ll get to that.
Numbers and Percentages
65% is the pass mark, and that is a ‘B’ grade, so I passed one paper proper, no surprises that it was Theory Paper 4 on the business of wine.
60% - 64% is a C+, and 55% - 59% is a C.
I was pretty happy with 3 x C+ grades, meaning I was flipping close on those. The C’s need a bit of work, the pass mark for Stage 1 is C, so room to improve for sure to get to Stage 2 standard.
Overall I’m not that disheartened by it all. It’s a process, and most current MW’s didn’t pass everything first time.
I sent my grades to my mentor Siobhan, who is fantastic1 and the gist of her response was pretty similar.
“I think there is a lot of hope in these results… … while not a pass, very far from disastrous, so well done.”
The ‘E’ Grade
I was wondering about writing about this, but as ever I’m trying to be transparent, document the process, and get my thoughts down in writing for myself if anything.
If you read my run downs of the exam wines, on reflection, I’d clearly cocked up Paper 1 quite dramatically.
Only getting 3 of the 12 wines right was always going to be a fail on that paper. But you tell yourself that you can make up the marks with good arguments, and picking up extra marks for ‘Winemaking’ or ‘Quality’. Obviously I didn’t have a good day at the office.
I did waaaaay better on P2, the red wines which was the one I was convinced I’d done the worst on. Just goes to show that you can think yourself into scenarios that haven't actually happened.
It really is about identification. You really do have to get the wines right. No matter how much you think your way around it, at the end of the day you’ve got to get them right.
Have another read:
Next Steps
I’m getting straight back on the bike. I’ll register in October for the exam in June 2024.
Some really, really good people I’ve studied with2 Passed first time which is amazing, I’m excited to hear about their research paper topics.
There are some really really good people who are back in S2 for another go, some doing Stage 2 for the first time this year after passing lat week, or having deferred over the previous years.
The more I think about it, the more I think next year is going to be great.
dk
Further Reading
My friend Joan has written about his results and why he’s decided no to continue with the MW programme and I really like the honesty in it. I don’t have kids, and me and my partner are both freelance so I’m in possibly a privileged position for perusing this thing anyway.
We don’t talk much because I’m a recluse who keeps to myself, but Siobhan is so quick to respond and always offers the right dose of encouragement and insight, with a subtle “work harder and you’ll get there” vibe. I like it.
JANICE 👏 👏👏. MAX 👏👏👏