Head praises first A level results

John Wilkinson, spoke of his delight that most of the sixth year pupils who left in June would be taking on degree courses with many going to university.

He said, “These results have been achieved by students who have been rejected by the selection procedure at 11 years of age but today they have made their mark.

“It is important to remember that many of our students would not have been given the opportunity to access A Levels or would have had to change schools to continue their studies.

“These results confirm our decision to develop 6th form and the Governors and staff wish all our students every success as they move on to university, college or into the world of work.

“At the moment 86% of 50 pupils have obtained university places – the rest, are going to study foundation degrees.”

He said that significant results were achieved by Andrew Sleator, Blake McVeigh, Timothy Savage, Tara Meeke, Andrew Cunningham, Amy Robinson, James Camblin, Nadine Sullivan, Andrew Martin and Neill Harrison.

“Our students will be continuing their education mainly at Queens University Belfast; University of Ulster; and other universities and colleges on the British mainland,” he said.

“Degree courses being accessed include Agriculture, Law, Education, Sports Studies, Veterinary, Product Design, Business with Education, English with Education, Maths, Finance, Archaeology and Arts and Humanities subjects.

“The overall subject rate at A Level was 82% A*-C with 40% of pupils achieving A*-C in at least 3 subjects; 65% of our pupils achieved 2+ A-C grades.

“Our 5 BTEC subjects were very high performers achieving a 100% pass rate at A*-C with all entrants achieving a Distinction.

“This cohort of pupils were able to choose from 21 subjects – 18 delivered and taught by staff in our own school.

“We consider this to be an important aspect of our curriculum offer – a curriculum offer which is set firmly in a highly organised and orchestrated 6th form programme.

“These results are only one aspect of our 6th form provision. Supporting programmes include enrichment, sport, careers, counselling, mentoring, education visits and trips, Duke of Edinburgh and MUN.

“We are continuing to develop 6th form programme. Next year we are delivering House and Social Care, ICT and personal development programmes.”