Maths whisperer leads 30 pupils to top pass at GCSE
Sacrifice... Mr Southcombe
A TEACHER dubbed “the maths whisperer” has inspired a class of 30 pupils to each achieve an A* at GCSE – six months early.
Francis Elive, 55, has been hailed a hero by his pupils after the top grades were achieved by his entire class.
The teenagers even sat their exam six months early to bag their grades as soon as possible.
Dedicated Mr Elive has been praised for his “passionate” approach to his subject.
Others have compared him to the “horse whisperer”, a character blessed with a miraculous ability to teach horses.
Assistant headteacher Jo Kemp, of Fitzalan High School in Cardiff, says of the Year 11 class: “We did a countdown so they all opened their results at the same time.
“There was a gasp as they saw their results and then all realised they had the same.”
The whole class taught by Mr Elive started in Year Seven.
Besides passing at the top grade some pupils almost got full marks in the exam.
Ms Kemp said about Mr Elive: “He’s passionate about his subject. He is quite a reserved man but he was just on pins like had been since they an expectant dad – how you would want a teacher of your children to be feeling.
“We now call him whisperer.
Magic
the maths
“He instils in them the belief that they’ve already practised the hardest maths they’ve had to face – so why be scared of an exam?
“It’s the belief that they absolutely can do it and the children think it’s magic.”
Mr Elive said: “There’s no secret method. All my pupils have worked very hard and I’m really proud of them.”
The school was awarded a “double excellent” at its last inspection. It calls itself “a highly inclusive caring community”.
Local sports team Tiger Bay Juniors FC said: “Fitzalan making history again.
“Francis is a legend of a teacher. This is a great achievement for our local school.”
The Fitzalan Maths department said: “We couldn’t be prouder of this class and Mr Elive. They’ve shown preparation, hard work and dedication pay off.”