STUDENTS celebrated success in style safe in the knowledge that their college is now ranked one of the best in the world
Carmel College, Darlington, has been placed first in the world for reading and science and eighth in maths, according to the Programme of International Secondary Assessment (PISA), the global benchmark for evaluating the quality, equity and efficiency of school education systems.
Former Year 13s and their families, invited back to a special awards ceremony, heard that Carmel College students were among 206 schools from across England, 550 in the UK and half a million young people worldwide to be tested by PISA.
Principal Mike Shorten said: “If Carmel College was a country, in reading and science, our students out-performed those of all 70 countries, which is exceptional, and were eighth in maths, with only three other countries performing significantly higher. This puts them one year and nine months ahead of average students in England and at the very top globally.
“This means they are as good, if not better, than anyone else, which should give them such confidence.”
As a recognised Archimedes Maths Hub, Carmel College also provides a centre of excellence to support mathematical education throughout the North East and has teamed up with STEM Learning Centre to provide high quality continuing professional development and training for the teaching of primary and secondary, FE colleges and science technicians. It is the region’s third largest provider of initial teacher training.
Prizes were presented to students by celebrated author Adam Bushnall for a range of achievements including academic, community and sport.
He said: “In my experience, when education is at the centre of any institution it becomes better. Students do not know what life is going to throw at them; I ended up writing books and travelling the world, but education remains at the heart of what I do and Carmel College truly is a unique and beautiful place.”
Two current students were awarded the coveted John Caden Cup for behaviour considered to have contributed the most to college life. They were Anna Wilson and Olivia Tarn, both 17.