HIGH performing students at leading North East state secondary school Emmanuel College have delivered another set of outstanding GCSE results.
Forty per cent of all grades at the college in Gateshead were an A* or A, and one in six, or 17 per cent, was an A*.
When measured against the benchmark measure of five A*-C grades including English and maths, 84 per cent of grades were on target, while an exceptional 61 per cent of students gained the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) of at least a C grade in the core subjects of English, maths, sciences, history or geography and a foreign language.
The top student was Claire Robson, who achieved 12 A*s with a performance average across all her subjects of 96 per cent.
Claire, 16, Gateshead, who is staying on at Emmanuel College for A levels in history, biology, English and maths with statistics, said: “I’m completely stunned by my results. The teachers have supported me throughout my time here at Emmanuel, and my parents too. I really couldn’t be happier.”
She was closely followed by head girl 2014-15 Jennifer Reay, drummer and basketball player Matthew Fairhurst and swimmer Hal Robinson, who each achieved 11 A*s.
Jennifer, 16, of Gateshead, said: “I’m elated. I couldn’t recommend Emmanuel enough. The level of support that my teachers have given me has been something else. I can’t fault it.” She is staying on to study French, history, chemistry and maths.
Matthew, 16, Gateshead, said: “I feel so overjoyed at my results; it’s been hard but totally worth it. Combining both my musical interests and my academic interests has been a challenge but it’s all about balance and I’m happy with the end result. The teacher’s dedication was key in getting my results.” Linguist Matthew will do A levels in French, German, Latin and English Literature.
Hal Robinson, 16, Gateshead, who put in a 5.15am training session in the pool before collecting his results, said: “Combining my swimming and my revision helped me focus; I would train in the pool for a few hours and then work my brain in revising after. Emmanuel has great teachers who give great support and I couldn’t be happier with my results.”
In total, ten students achieved at least ten A*s, including trampolinist Olivia Cossey, while a total of 28 students gained 11 or more A-A* grades.
Olivia, who has competed against trampolinists from all over the world at international competitions, said: “I’m most proud of my A* in Latin. I can’t imagine going anywhere else to continue my studies because I’ve had so much support from the teachers here.”
Nine students put in perfect performances in certain subjects. Those who achieved 100 per cent were:
Matthew Fairhurst in English and French;
Claire Robson in history and RE;
Hal Robinson in Latin;
Molly Bowden, Olivia Cossey and Jennifer Reay in history;
Michael Iveson, Lauren Johnson, and Georgia Middlemiss in RE.
Other students who achieved exceptional results were Ibrahim Muhaidi, who becomes the first at Emmanuel College to pass A level Arabic alongside nine As and A*s at GCSE, and musician Alex Walls, who complemented his grade eight in cello and piano with ten A*s and two As.
Ibrahim, 16, of Newcastle, sat his GCSE Arabic two years early in year 9 so taking his A level in the subject, also two years early, seemed like the next step.
British born Ibrahim said: “I just wanted to get my Arabic A level out of the way to I can concentrate on other A levels next year. I can’t wait to start sixth form. The support that my teachers have given me has been phenomenal and I’m honoured that I am able to add to the great reputation that Emmanuel has.”
Ibrahim will study A level maths, biology and business studies.
Departments celebrating excellent results include:
Latin – where 100 per cent of students achieved a grade A* for the second year running;
Technology – a 100 per cent pass rate and 31 per cent A*;
German – a 100 per cent pass rate and 58 per cent achieved an A or A*;
Art, music and drama – a 100 per cent pass rate with 61 per cent of students achieving A* or A grade in art.
Principal Jonathan Winch said: “Outstanding performances mean our top results are as strong as ever this year and we congratulate those students for their hard work and commitment; they thoroughly deserve their success.
“What’s especially pleasing for a college that puts character and all-round education first is that our high achieving students have combined exceptional academic results with success in a wide range of musical, sporting and leadership activities.”