The wait is over and Shiplake College students have been celebrating this morning after collecting their GCSE results. The Thinking Space was alive with pupils, parents and teachers, generating a joyful atmosphere, on what was otherwise a dull and wet morning. Headmaster, Gregg Davies, comments:
“I am very happy with this set of results following the reformed, tougher, GCSE examinations. I am particularly pleased with the number of top 9 and 8 grades, the majority in mathematics, English and the sciences, including three students achieving two 9s in combined science. Congratulations to Matthew Waller, Rory Diez-Harrison, Rhys Ash, Farhad Huseynli, Sam Rogers and Cameron Jones for achieving at least 8 results at grade 7 or above, the equivalent to A-A**. Matthew Waller deserves a special mention for being awarded an A* with Distinction, known as an A^ or A hat, in further mathematics – identifying him as one of the top-performing mathematicians in the country.
Whatever is said in the media, social or otherwise, this set of pupils nationally (and their teachers) have been the 'guinea pigs' for a new set of examinations. I, like many school leaders, have been appalled at the way certain changes to syllabi have been introduced. It says much about the character of our pupils and teachers that the results this year are, in the majority, very positive.
89% of grades were awarded at 4 or above, the equivalent of the former C grade. Mathematics, English and the individual and combined sciences all performed strongly, with religious studies reaching an outstanding 91% at grade 6 or above, the equivalent of the former B grade.
Our preliminary average value-added scores again appear very positive with the average result meaning that there was an improvement from baseline data of around a grade. English Literature and mathematics should be highlighted as performing particularly well.
This particular year group have demonstrated great courage and resilience during the examination period and I could not be prouder of them. The majority of the boys achieved the grades required to read their chosen Sixth Form subjects and I look forward to seeing a great many of them when they return to join Year 12 in September.”
