Hard work of staff and pupils pays off

Praising the school’s Year 12 pupils on their achievements, principal Kathryn Bell commented: “There have been many outstanding performances from our pupils, with Laura Currie, Lesley-Anna Tosh, Lisa Wilson, Rebecca Howe, Leah Weatherup, Cameron Moore and Luke Abernethy leading the way. It is a delight to see so many pupils fulfil their potential in this way.

“As a whole the year group have exceeded our expectations and the grades achieved in the majority of subjects have shown a significant improvement on last year. The number of pupils achieving the DENI target of five GCSE grades at A* to C has risen by six per cent which is the result of sheer hard work on the part of pupils and staff.”

Mrs Bell said the school is continuously working to develop its curriculum in a bid to find courses which best meet the needs and talents of the pupils.

“A number of pupils have achieved very high levels of success in our recently introduced Occupational Studies Courses in Food Preparation, Office Practice, Horticulture and Carpentry and Joinery. In addition to this the pupils who completed the Equine Studies course as a link course with Greenmount Agricultural College all achieved the double award at distinction level,” she continued.

Acknowledging the support of parents and carers and the role they play in supporting their young people as they work towards examinations, Mrs Bell added: “All Year 12 pupils deserve these pleasing results and many are now anticipating their return to school to take on the challenge of further study.

“We anticipate that this year’s sixth form will once again be filled to capacity. Many others have successfully gained places in Northern Regional College and other colleges of further education and we wish them all well.

“It is always a pleasure to see pupils rewarded for their hard work and a delight to share in their many achievements. As a staff we wish them continuing success for the future and congratulate them all on a very successful year.”