Downs: ‘They’ve done amazingly’
‘They have faced up to all the challenges of the pandemic with immense resilience, determination and courage’
YEAR 11 pupils at The Downs School in Compton celebrated a fantastic set of GCSE examination results.
In total 16 per cent of all grades were an 8 or a 9 (A* and above), 71 per cent were grades 9 to 5 (A* to B), and 86 per cent were grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
Some 84 per cent of students achieved at least the standard pass 4 to 9 in English and mathematics, and 62 per cent achieved the strong pass 5-9 in both subjects.
Matthew Simms, who got 9s in all of his subjects, said: “Obviously I’m happy, but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I can do the A-levels that I want to do. I’m shaking.”
He is going on to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry in the sixth form and although he thinks he will pursue a career in one of these subjects later in life, he isn’t quite sure yet.
Georgie Pinckney also got all 9s and she said: “I’m really pleased. I thought I wasn’t going to do that well, definitely not. I was hoping to do well but not quite straight 9s.”
She will study biology, chemistry, English literature and mathematics A-levels.
“I was thinking science, but I chose English literature just to keep my options open,” she said, when discussing her post-school future.
Maddy Leek got six 9s and three 8s and said: “I am so pleased. I’m just really relieved because I’ve been really worried that I didn’t do what I wanted to do, but I think everything has gone how I wanted it to go.”
She is planning to study philosophy, politics, history and sociology next year and is considering pursuing a career in journalism.
Maddy is going on holiday to France so she is planning to celebrate her results abroad.
Francesca Ramachander achieved three 9s and six 8s in her GCSEs and said she was feeling relieved.
“Yeah it was really good,” she said. “I definitely did better in French than I thought I would.”
She plans to go on and study biology, chemistry, mathematics and psychology and she is considering reading medicine
I am so pleased they achieved the exam results they deserve. My staff and I could not be more proud of them
at university, but she is keeping her options open for now.
She is off to London to celebrate her great results.
Ethan Knight got all the grades he needed, including five 9s.
He will study mathematics, further mathematics, physics and economics next year.
He said: “I hope to go to a top university. I’m not 100 per cent sure what I want to do yet, but it will probably be something like engineering.”
Head of Year 11 at The Downs Sarah Wilding said: “I’m feeling very excited. I’m really happy to see so many smiling happy faces. They’ve done amazingly.
“It’s obviously been a tough couple of years, but this year group have just been absolutely phenomenal with the way they’ve dealt with it all.
“They’ve had their heads down with every mock and every exam that came up.
“They’ve done so well and it’s just a testament to them and all their hard work and the amazing personalities and individuals that are in this year group. They really are a special year group.
“I am so proud. I’ve had them since the end of Year 7 and to see them grow to the people they are today and to see some of the results some of them have got, not just the high achievers who we have got such a long list, but the ones who have just done well for themselves and have exceeded
their expected grades. Just some amazing results.”
Headteacher Chris Prosser said: “Throughout their school careers, the students in this year group have always demonstrated our values and excelled in everything they have done.
“They have been a huge
credit to the school. I am so pleased they achieved the exam results they deserve. My staff and I could not be more proud of them.
“They have faced up to all the challenges of the pandemic with immense resilience, determination and courage.
“I would like to take this opportunity
to thank the members of staff who have worked so hard to teach and support the students in this year group.
“It is also a time to celebrate the really successful partnership we have forged with our students’ parents and carers. These results are a real team effort.”