STUDENTS at Trinity Academy, in Thorne, are on cloud nine after rising to the challenge of new, tougher GCSEs.
Jay Green and Jasmine Wood both achieved a clean sweep of the new top grade nine, which is higher than an A*, in both English literature and language, as well as in mathematics, under the new system.
The talented pair produced a faultless performance in their other subjects as Jasmine made a clean sweep of six A*s to go with her three nines, including 97 per cent in geography, and Jay delivered five A* and two As, including astronomy, which he taught to younger students in his spare time, and 97 per cent in his history exam.
With all schools having to grapple with the new system, staff at Trinity Academy were delighted that a significant number of students achieved grade nine in at least two subjects.
Leon Chen, Sommer Oliver, Rebecca Woodruff and Laura Collier-Philipson achieved grade nine in English literature and language, and Amy Harfield, Oliver Mitchell and Megan Williamson gained grade nine in English and mathematics.
Over 80% of students achieved the new benchmark grade four, equivalent to a C, or above in English literature, while in art 40 per cent of students were awarded an A or A* grade to match last week’s excellent A Level grades in art and textiles.
Bethan Blandford and Ellie Brown scored 96% overall in art, and Amy Barker, scored 97% overall in French.
Other notable performances included:
Oliver Mitchel – two nines, one eight, four A*s and two As;
Megan Williamson – two nines, one seven, four A*s and two As;
Amy Harfield – two nines, one eight, two A*s and four As;
Leon Chen – two nines, one eight, two A*s and four As;
Jasmine Clarke – one nine, one eight, one six, three A*s and three As.
Academy Principal David Page said: “Students at Trinity Academy were delighted to find that their performance in the key subjects of English language, English literature and mathematics – dubbed the basics – were so good. The new GCSE examinations in these subjects are more rigorous and include the new one-nine grading. The much-coveted grade nine is tougher to achieve and higher in value than an A* grade.
“We are delighted that so many of our most able students were able to perform at this highest of levels. Fifteen students gained a grade nine in one or more subjects and this represents a phenomenal achievement.
“The staff and students have worked incredibly hard. The personal motivation shown by so many is impressive and this is reflected in the high number of top grades today.”