Star GCSE students on top form
A sharp drop in good grades across the country is being blamed on harsher marking tactics – but lots of Dunstable students celebrating their excellent GCSE results must not have read that particular bit of the script!
The country experienced the first fall in top GCSE grades in 24 years but it was party time for many of Queensbury, Manshead and All Saints’ finest – deservedly so after years of hard work and months of waiting in suspense for their results.
A group of Queensbury friends had A* grades coming out of their ears, and face a very promising future indeed.
Ruby Wright, 16, achieved five A*s and said: “University’s not for me – want to work my way up in business. I work at the Dunstable Downs Centre and want to manage the place by the time I’m 18!”
Eden Scott, 16, was astonished to earn a sensational seven A*s. She said: “I’ve done a lot better than I thought I would, we’re all off to party later! This school certainly hasn’t failed us!”
Perfectionist Jeffrey Pei, 16, thought he should have done better than his incredible four A*s, saying: “I’m a little disappointed, really. I guess some people just have high expectations.”
Proud interim head Jill Coughlan said: “We’re very pleased with the success of many .
An impressive 82 per cent of Manshead students achieved at least five A*-C grades – a seven per cent improvement on last year.
Molly Beswetherick got four A*s – including the one she needed to follow her dreams. She said: “I want to be a professional dancer. I’d love to study at Rambert college in London.”
Zoe Chalkley was very pleased with hher two As. She said: “I’m very happy because I got Ds in my mocks. I want to study two sciences in 6th form because I want to work with animals.”
The efforts of Oliver Perry, 16, paid off as he got the C grades he needed, and a distinction in IT. He said: “All the blood, sweat and tears were worth it.”
Headteacher Jim Parker said: “I am delighted that the students have been so successful – their hard work and effort has really paid off.
“The students and their parents should be proud of their achievements – the school certainly is.”
All Saints Academy continues to improve year on year with 48 per cent of students earning at least five A*-C grades, the school’s third year of improved results at GCSE level.
The school is also keeping well ahead of the Government’s floor argets. In 2011, the FT for five A*-Cs was 35 per cent and All Saints achieved 37 per cent. This year, the FT was raised to 40 per cent and All Saints scored a much-improved 48 per cent.
Hannah Riley was left almost speechless after her excellent results, which included four A*s. She said: “I really don’t know what to say! I’m really happy with it. I’m speechless.”
She joked: “I got an A* in English language and I can’t even speak – how terrible is that!”
Aspiring musician Vanessa Ankra said: “I’m really surprised, I did much better than I thought! I want to study music – I’ve played the piano since I was eight, and I’ve played the guitar for a few months as well as being a vocalist.”
Liam Bond got some impressive C grades a year early. The 15 year old said: “I’m happy with the results, especially because I did them a year early. I’ve also been signed up for a ‘higher maths’ qualification next year.”
Principal Tom Waterworth was ecstatic that the school is continuing to improve each year. He said: “The improvement in results since opening is astonishing. We need to remind ourselves that standards since opening have risen dramatically.
“I know that each of our year 11 students is well prepared for the next stage in their lives and I wish them all every success.”
Central Beds Council’s Deputy Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Amanda Dodwell, said:
“Provisional results from schools indicate that 79% of students in Central Bedfordshire achieved five or more GCSEs A*-Cs, a two per cent increase on last year. In line with the national picture, the number of students achieving A* - C in five or more GCSEs including Maths and English appears to have dropped slightly to 57%.
“That said, many of our students have achieved really good results and I am very proud of their achievements. The results not only reflect very well on the students themselves but also on the combined support of their families and teachers.”
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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