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GCSE results in Horncastle
THERE were nothing but tears of joy when GSCE results were announced at Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School on Thursday.
Forget text books, it was record books that were being ripped up as pupils celebrated in some style.
As the results containing the all important results were eagerly opened, senior reporter JOHN FIELDHOUSE visited both schools to talk to students, parents and staff about their impressive efforts.
THE waiting was finally over, the sleepless nights at an end.
For several weeks, students, parents and staff at Horncastle’s two senior schools had been anxiously waiting for their GCSE results.
According to Government sources, GCSEs were marked even more stringently this year amid mounting criticism that exams had become too easy.
With that in mind, there were fears pass rates would drop and the class of 2012 would pay the ultimate price.
However, the smiles on the faces of everyone at the two schools said everything.
At Banovallum, the school smashed all previous records.
Amazingly, the headline figure of pupils gaining five passes in the A* to C grade range - including English and Maths - rose by 13 per cent on last year’s previous best to 68 per cent.
There was no wonder headteacher Nicki Shore was walking around on cloud nine as she expressed her delight (and no doubt a touch of relief) that the hard work and dedication of students and staff had been so well rewarded.
She said: “We were fairly certain that the talented Year 11 were going to achieve a record year as we have tracked and monitored their progress very closely.
“But to see it in print - and the smiles of joy and relief on the students’ faces - gives us great satisfaction.
“In a year when the ground has shifted rather rapidly in educational terms, the fact that 15 per cent of all the grades awarded were A or A* grades is testament to the students’ determination to succeed.
“This is what our teachers work for. It is fabulous - a day to really celebrate.”
The school recorded a number of impressive individual performances, including Muzakir Ali who achieved 13 GCSEs, including five A*’s and four A’s.
Lois Norton achieved 12 GCSEs, three of which were A*’s and six A’s. Chloe Corrigan achieved 11 GSSE’s including three A*’s and 6A’s. Aston Walker was awarded 11 GSCE’s featuring two A*’s and 2 A’s.
Ms Shore stressed every student had something to celebrate as 100 per cent had achieved five A* to G grades.
She also praised two students - Francis Osio and Nicole Peall - who only started at Banovallum in Year 11 and still managed to achieve five GCSEs.
As well as academic success, many Banovallum students had been recognised for their work within the community.
Six students have been recognised for their voluntary work during the summer while waiting for their results and completed their National Citizen programme.
And what did the students themselves think?
Head boy Stephen McConnon told the News: “Banovallum is a brilliant school. We’ve all worked hard and the teachers have been really supportive.
“I’m sure a lot of people will be celebrating but in many ways it’s sad to be leaving because we’ve all had such a good time here.”
Chloe Corrigan added: “I am very happy and so are most of my friends. My results are better than I’d hoped for. GCSEs are important and hopefully, this is the first in many steps to a career in law.”
It was a similar story across town at QEGS where headteacher Heather Payne was delighted with results.
She said: “Our year 11 students are to be congratulated on another successful set of GSCE results.
“Well over half achieved five or more of their GCSEs at A* or A, indeed half of all grades awarded were A* or A and 80 per cent of students earned the new English Baccalaureate.
“These fine results say much about the hard work and commitment of students and staff and the unfailing support of parents and families.”
Staff made special mention of Joanna Meng who gained 11 GCSEs at A*. Keeping her company were Rithika Koshy, Steven Price and Dominic Samra who achieved the same in ten of their GCSEs.
Anurag Modi, Sarah Gosling and Rhys Jones achieved the same impressive standard in nine subjects while Jacob Lawson and Elanor Siriwardena did the same in eight subjects.
Casey Burns, Lucas Fuller, George Needham, Matthew Dalton, Rhiannon Pearce, Jasmine Roberts and Susannah Yielding all achieved either an A* or A in every one of their GSCEs.
Mrs Payne added: “It goes without saying we are very proud of everything that these students have achieved.”
Delighted student Lucy Meakin, who recorded three A*’s and five A’s, said: “I’m really pleased. The results are probably what I’d hoped for. It’s been hard work but I’m delighted with the grades. QEGS is awaesome and the teachers are billiant.”
Mum, Sally Meakin, said: “We’re obviously plesased. Lucy worked very hard and it is great to see she has done so well.”
Twin brothers Ben and Dom Samra admitted there had been some sibling rivalry - with Dom coming out on top.
Ben said: “We’re both happy but Dom has done better. I haven’t kicked him yet - that will come later!”
As the celebrations at both schools died down, it was left to Nicki Shore to have the final word and challenge the class of 2013 to do even better.
She said: “Our attention turns to next year now and the new Year 11 start in a strong position after completing a remarkably successful work experience programme at the end of last term.”
The gauntlet has been set...
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Weather for Horncastle
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
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