Ulidia grades ‘exceed high expectations’

With the College receiving the best set of examination results it has had to date, Ulidia Principal Eugene Martin praised the ‘dedication’ of sixth form students over the past two years.

“I am delighted that our sixth form students have once again exceeded not just the College’s high expectation and targets, but also those set out by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland to benchmark and measure academic success and high quality teaching and learning,” Mr Martin said.

“All of our sixth form students have attained three or more A-Levels or equivalent, with 64 per cent of all results being at A* or A grade. As an indication of excellence, I am extremely proud that 97.14 per cent of our students gained three or more A* - C grades, the universal benchmarking statistic used by the Department of Education to compare attainment between schools at A-Level. This represents an increase of 25 per cent from last year.

“I would also like to congratulate those students from other schools in the town who have studied with us as part of the Carrickfergus Learning Community. I am equally delighted to report that all of those students gained an A* to C in their examinations with over half gaining A* or A,” he added.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors and staff, may I wish all the students the very best for their future.”

Celebrating the end of the long wait for results was student Ciara Spurle.

“I got a B and two Cs in Health and Social Care, Applied Science and Politics so I’m hoping to do Environmental Health at Jordanstown,” Ciara told the Times on Thursday.

“I’ll be going to Jordanstown as well to study Law with Politics,” added Emma McClean, who achieved two A* grades in Double Science, an A in Politics and a Distinction in IT.

Straight A* student Adam McGivern was looking forward to taking up his place at Queen’s University, Belfast at study Computing.

“I got a double A* in sports and one in IT; after the exams I was fairly confident I’d get the grades I needed for the course but you’re never really sure,” he said.

Meanwhile, a gap year lies ahead for performing arts student Ruby Campbell, who achieved two A*s in the subject.

“I also got an A in French but I’ll be taking a year out first and doing a bit of acting work,” she explained. “After that I’ll hopefully be off to uni in London.”

Results day was also a tense time for the school’s AS-Level students, including Jane Buckley.

“I got two As and a C in Health and Social Care, ICT and Performing Arts,” she said “ I didn’t expect to do as well so I’m really pleased. Next year, if I get what I need in my A-Levels I hope to do a nursing course.”

See more coverage in this week’s Times...