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Teachers full of praise for pupils.....



"Published on Thursday 21 August 2003 13:35

DERBYSHIRE DALES schools have exceeded the national average for A level pass rates.

St Elphins achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, Lady Manners 97 per cent, and Highfields 96 per cent – all above the national average of 95.4 per cent.

And headteachers have dismissed claims that A levels are getting easier, focusing instead on the hard work of their students.

Mary Sellers, headteacher of Lady Manners School at Bakewell, said: "The new A level system puts students under a lot of pressure. They have to do well in public exams right through their A level career.

"There is no easy year in the sixth form any more."

The 176 year 13 students at Lady Manners achieved a record 97 per cent pass rate, and 51 per cent of these grades were at A and B grades.

Mrs Sellers said: "Were proud of this years year 13.

"These are absolutely splendid results from a year group that has worked very hard indeed."

Exceptional results were obtained by 30 students who gained three or more grade A passes, with 13 getting A in four subjects and three achieving A in five subjects.

She said many of the schools best students are fully involved in activities within and outside the school as well as working hard at four or five subjects.

Mrs Sellers added: "They are multi talented and hardworking and deserve our heartiest congratulations."

Every student at St Elphins School in Darley Dale gained grades allowing them to go to their university of choice.

The girls notched up a 100 per cent pass rate and 74 per cent of them achieved A, B and C grades.

Principal Dr Deborah Mouat said: "Im highly delighted. The girls deserve their success and its wonderful that everyone got into their university of choice.

"This shows were coming out of a difficult year. Were going to take the future by storm.

"The staff are raring to go for the start of the next academic term."

One candidate obtained full marks in textiles and another won an Open Major Scholarship to Aberystwyth University to read physics.

Students at Highfields School in Matlock have been celebrating after achieving a 96 per cent pass rate.

Half the grades were at A or B and seven students were awarded A grades in four subjects.

Headteacher Ian Alford said: "Im delighted for students who have exceeded their own expectations and our high targets.

"This is a tribute to their hard work and commitment over the very demanding two-year course."

Most students will take up places at universities or colleges, including two who have been accepted by Cambridge.

Staff and students at Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth are also delighted with their results.

Headteacher Rod Leach said: "We are very happy. This was our smallest year group ever, and they have exceeded what we expected them to do. Everybody looking to go into higher education is fixed up."

By Will Kilner and Moira Browne"

 

Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury

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