GCSE pupils make the grade
HEADTEACHERS praised the reaction of their students to new tougher GCSEs this year, following examination changes.
This year’s students were the first cohort to be marked with the new 9-1 number grades for GCSEs in English literature, English language and maths, with the top mark 9s tougher to achieve.
For now, all other subjects will still be graded from A* to G as the new grades are phased in. Nationally, GCSE pass rates dipped slightly.
Hollins headteacher Steve Campbell said: “I am immensely proud of the time and effort pupils and staff have put into our success this year. It has been a challenge coming to grips with the new GCSE exams but I could not have asked for more from everyone concerned. We have learnt a lot from the challenges of this year and will ensure we continue to support our pupils as we go forward.”
Andrew O’Brien, executive principal of Accrington Academy, said: “I am very pleased that we have continued our improvement at GCSE and that, in doing so, many more of our students will now be able to join our Sixth Form and continue to enjoy their education here.
“I am particularly impressed by the performance of those students who have achieved the new grade 9 in English or maths”.
St Christopher’s headmaster Richard Jones said: “At a time of considerable national uncertainty regarding the introduction of more rigorous and challenging GCSEs I am thrilled that our pupils have surpassed our high expectations.”
He added: “In the celebration of all our pupils and their great results today we also wish to remember the parents and family of Year 11 pupil, Megan Lee, who sadly passed away earlier this year. All her friends and teachers are thinking of her today.”
Mount Carmel High School headteacher Xavier Bowers said the school is ‘extremely proud’ of pupils who achieved the ‘prestigious’ new grade 9 and praised the dedication of parents, staff and governors.
He said: “It is very difficult if not impossible to make direct comparisons with previous years due to the significant difference between the new 9-1 examinations and the increased rigour in grades associated to the legacy A* - G examinations.
“However, our initial analysis does suggest that our pupils have made significant improvements in their achievement in Maths and in particular English and in a number of other subjects where performance appears strong.”
GCSE coverage continues overleaf