Pupils collect GCSE results
12:10pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in News By Emma Ferguson, News Editor
Millie Curnow, Rachael Thomas, Bethan Crawley, Carmen Johns and Zara Mcloughlin from Helston College were delighted with their results
There were jangling nerves for 16-year-olds across the county this morning as pupils collected their GCSE results.
Happily, it was a good news day for most students, as results from across west Cornwall appear to have held up against last year's record grades;
*Falmouth School;
There were smiles all round at Falmouth School today as the year 11 students received their GCSE exam results.
Overall 72 per cent of students achieved at least five A* to C grades at GCSE and over 300 of the grades awarded were A* and A grades.
A total of 67 students achieved at least ten C grades or better, with 12 students achieving a stunning collection of ten or more A*/A grades.
Of the students taking exams, 56 per cent achieved five or more A* to C grades including English and maths.
Every student who took an exam achieved at least one or more grade.
Headteacher Sandra Critchley said: “These results reflect the hard work of the students during their time at the school and the quality of guidance and teaching from their teachers.
“I would like to thank the parents of the students for their continued support. It is fantastic to see so many students making such good progress.”
She added that many of the students would be returning to join Falmouth Sixth Form College in September, concluding: “We look forward to building on their achievements.”
*Penryn College;
Penryn College students were delighted this morning when results showed they had achieved the second best grade recorded in the school's history.
A total of 68 per cent of pupils got five or more A* - C grades, with Kai Blackmore, Tamsin Dewar, Matt Horwell, Bradley Whitehouse and Yzobel Wilkinson each amassed at least 11 GCSEs at A* and A grades.
A massive 23% of all the grades awarded are at the highest A* & A levels, breaking College records.
Headteacher Marie Hunter said: "Those students who have to work hard to overcome specific learning needs have also beaten all records with each student gaining at least 6 GCSEs and some gaining considerably more, many at Grade C and above.
"The boys performed very well, achieving a significant increase on previous years. However, they were narrowly beaten to the Gold Medal position by the girls’ three per cent lead.
"A total of 58 per cent of boys and girls gained five or more GCSEs including English and Maths.
"Congratulations also to 88 Year 10 Maths students, 179 Philosophy and Ethics students and 144 Year 10 Scientists who have been awarded GCSE early.
"Particular mention must be made of Tatiana Papastavrou in Year 9 who was awarded Grade A in Greek and Caitlin Warner in Year 10 who was awarded Grade A* in Welsh.
"These superb results indicate tremendous hard work by the young people, dedicated support from home and great teaching. Congratulations from everyone at Penryn College. Enjoy your celebrations – you worked hard for them."
*Helston School;
Huge grins on the faces of students and staff at Helston Community College said it all this morning: a record number of top GCSE grades in a year when nationally the average was down.
A quarter of all the grades achieved by Helston’s students were either an A* or an A – up by one per cent last year’s record at the school.
A total of 84 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C grades, exceeding expectations for the year group.
Headteacher Dr Pat McGovern said: “I am delighted with the results this summer and must pay tribute to the dedicated hard work and commitment of the staff.
“We have a college where emphasis on aspiration, ambition and achievement is playing a major role in ensuring students aim high, work hard and achieve top results.”
*Careers information;
Dozens of helpline staff will be on hand to help students who are receiving their results on Thursday morning.
While many will go on to study A-Levels, others may be considering other types of course or leaving full-time education altogether.
Advisors from the Exam Results Helpline, run by the Department for Education, will be on hand to offer advice.
Careers advisor Sarah Bull said: “The main message we are giving to students is that if they haven’t or don’t get the results you expected, don’t get stressed.
“Get plenty of information by talking to us, your teachers, or school careers adviser and don’t rush into anything.
“Take your time before deciding what to do next.
“It’s particularly important that students get good advice about the range of options available to them after GCSEs.
“Taking A-levels is not for everyone.
“It may be that an apprenticeship or a BTEC is a much more suitable option - giving the opportunity to gain employability skills, achieve a qualification and earn a wage at the same time.
“The bottom line is that each student must decide what is right for them.”
You can reach the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000.
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