Published on Wednesday 21 August 2002 16:53 "PUPILS and staff of four secondary schools in the Peaks and Dales celebrated their A level successes last Thursday. Every one of St Elphins top year students passed their A-levels, with 70 percent getting grade A or B. And three of their pupils have achieved 100 percent in one of their subjects, which has odds against any one of them getting full marks at 10,000 to one! Bowie Lee and Vivian Cheung both got top marks in Textiles and Narinder Gill hit the jackpot in Art. Head teacher of St Elphins, Erica Taylor said: "Hard work and commitment have paid off for all our students and especially for our 100 percenters. "We congratulate all our A-level students and wish them well for the future." Deputy Head of Highfields School, Kevin Pritchard said: "Were very pleased indeed; the point scores are up on last year with 23 percent of all grades being A grades and 98 percent of grades are A to E." It is the first time year 12 pupils have taken AS level courses, which aim to give students a choice of whether to complete the second year to achieve a full A-level. Mr Pritchard said: "These new courses have been hard work and we are very pleased that the students have stuck at it. "The staff/student relationship is very good and this healthy, positive atmosphere has no doubt enhanced their performance. " Student, Pete Chapman said: "We have been helped through this as all the staff have been very committed." And student Steve Gullon added: "It has been hard but the students have all helped each other through." At Lady Manners School, pupils achieved a 96 percent pass rate and 48 percent of grades were A or B grades. Three or more grade A passes were achieved by 29 students, ten gained four A grades and four achieved an A grade in five subjects. Head teacher, Mary Sellers said: "There is certainly an increase in terms of pass rate and A/B rate compared with last year, but that does not mean that these exams have been easier. "To do well in this system requires sustained effort over two years and outstanding performance across the whole syllabus. "This cohort of students have had to work much harder than their predecessors and if that has brought results, then they are richly deserved. " Deputy Headteacher of Anthony Gell School, David Baker said: "Were absolutely delighted as all 30 of our students have achieved their higher education places. "They worked incredibly hard and weve had a very pleasant morning with some very happy staff and pupils." TOP MARKS: St Elphins students, L-R Vivian Cheung, Bowie Lee and Narinder Gill, above right. Picture submitted AS RESULTS: Highfields students, L-R Pete Chapman, Rachel Gratton, Steve Gullon, Brian Shima, Charlotte Fletcher, Tom Harvey and Holly Kirkland, below. Picture submitted By Moira Browne"
Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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