Students return early to school for GCSE results

Students return early to school for GCSE results

26 August 2015

STUDENTS across Down District have again been praised for their hard work in achieving excellent GCSE results.

At St Malachy’s High School the students achieved the best results in the school’s history with 68 per cent of students achieving A*-C grades in five or more subjects and 50 % achieving seven or more A*-C grades. 

“The staff are thrilled with everyone’s achievements as each student reached their full potential with the support of a dedicated team of teachers,” said a spokeswoman. “The teachers and staff are excitedly looking forward to working with the students again as they embark on the next stage of their education at the school in sixth form. 

The students at Blackwater Integrated College have also recorded the best GCSE results in the school’s history with a record number of grades A* and A grades in a wide range of subjects.

With over 76% of students attaining grades A* to C in five or more subjects and 50% achieving grades A* to C in five or more subjects including English and mathematics,   Blackwater’s results are now over 10% above the targets set by the Department of Education for non-selective schools.  

“As an all ability college there were notable achievements in both academic and vocational subjects by many students,” said headmaster Stephen Taylor. “The number of A* grades awarded to Blackwater students is more than double the previous record for the college and almost 50% of students obtained grade C or above in eight or more subjects.”

The boys of De La Salle High School achieved well above the national average for securing over five A*-C grades including maths and English.

“The staff were so proud of and extremely pleased for all the GCSE pupils,” said principal, Barry Sharvin. “Their pathway to further education has been opened and  I have no doubt that these pupils  will also achieve in their post 16 studies and reach their full potential.”

Staff and students at St Patrick’s Grammar School are celebrating another set of outstanding GCSE results. Ninety seven per centre of students achieved seven or more A*-C grades which is significantly higher than the Northern Ireland grammar school  average. 

“The achievements across all subjects demonstrate just how talented our boys are and how committed the teachers in St Patrick’s are to empowering our students to succeed and realise their potential,” said principal, Sean Sloan. 

“Following our A-level students’ record successes last week, this has been a truly outstanding year for student academic performance. I congratulate all our students on their remarkable achievements.”

A spokesman for Ballynahinch High School said the school is delighted with results this year, which are the outcome of hard work on the part of pupils, staff and parents. 

“The close connection between home and school is a proven formula for success. Our pupils should be very proud of their achievements and we wish them every success for the future,” he said.

Students at Assumption Grammar School once again celebrated “outstanding GCSE results” with 97% of all grades at A*~C. Nine five per cent of pupils attained seven or more GCSEs at grade C or better. Nearly half of the whole year group celebrated a full set of grades A*~B.

Top achiever Eilis Rowan boasted 10 A* grades and 2 As and a further 18 students had A*~A grades across the board. School Principal Mr Peter Dobbin is once again thrilled with the outcomes.

“I am very proud of the achievements of every single girl in year 12,” said principal Peter Dobbin. “I am proud of, not only these outstanding results, but of the talents and gifts that these students have displayed in extra-curricular areas and indeed of the leadership skills that they have developed during their five years at Assumption.”

Following on from last year’s successes, large numbers of pupils at Down High School secured top grades across the 24 subjects offered by the school. More than 50 pupils in the year group achieved at least seven A* or A grades at GCSE level. 

Three pupils, Lucy Heenan, Bethany Huddleston and Hannah Nelson scored a remarkable 10A* grades. It was something of a family affair for Hannah, whose older sister, Rachel, achieved the same feat in 2012. 

Principal Paul Logan expressed his delight at the achievements of all the pupils. “Once again, Down High students have shone in their GCSEs, producing outstanding results in so many areas. Their hard work and positive attitude have paid dividends. On behalf of the pupils, I wish to pay tribute to the efforts of our teaching and non-teaching staff, whose endeavour over the past two years have contributed much to these great outcomes.”

Saintfield High School has reported another year of excellent GCSE results.

There were outstanding individual performances with top student, Jordan Wilson, achieving one A*, seven A grades and two B grades. Also recording a top performance was Thomas Martin who scored two A*s, five A grades, two Bs and one C.

Principal, Vivienne Watt, congratulated the students on their hard work, commitment and determination.