IT was all change for GCSE pupils this year.
A shake-up of the qualifications has seen a new grading system introduced from 9 down to 1 – replacing the previous A* to U grades.
In comparison, a 9 is higher than the previous A*; 8 is between an A* and A; 7 equal to an A; 6 equivalent to a high B; 5 is between a B and C; 4 equal to a grade C; 3 is between a D and E; 2 between an E and F; 1 a G; while U refers to an ungraded paper.
Most exams are now at the end of a two-year course, rather than on completion of modules, and there are more essay-style questions.
Pupils also have to do at least two science GCSEs, and coursework and assessment are being dropped from most subjects, apart from practical ones such as art and drama.
The Department for Education say the new GCSEs are “more challenging and demanding” and aimed to improve confidence in the qualifications.
Solihull School:
Solihull School saw 91 per cent of pupils achieving grades at 9 to 5 under the new system.
The independent school saw 27 pupils – more than a quarter – achieve eight or more 9 or 8 grades. A further 46 achieved eight or more 9/8/7 grades, equivalent to an A*/A.
Headmaster David Lloyd said: “This year’s results represent another excellent achievement by our pupils, not least given the new system of grading. Some subjects are still graded by letters, though the majority are now graded by number.
“The new grading system was introduced alongside revised and more challenging syllabus content, making our results all the more pleasing.
“My congratulations go to all of them, along with the staff, for their hard work and dedication.”
Grace Academy Solihull:
Students at Grace Academy Solihull celebrated outstanding GCSE results building on the success that the Academy has had over the last four academic years.
Student performance in maths and English was excellent with nearly three quarters of students achieving Grades 4 to 9 in both subjects.
This is an increase of 16 per cent in comparison to last year and is well above the national average.
The academy performed well in key subjects such as English where 90 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 and a third of students achieved a grade 7 (A) or above.
High performing student Robbie Southall, who achieved the equivalent of 9 A*s said: “Through lots of stress and hard work with the help of some amazing teachers, I have achieved results that I am more than proud of.”
Successful student Kirsten Davies, who achieved 8 A* to A grades (7-9), including four grade 9s, said: “It was probably the most stressful year of my life but I can’t thank the teachers enough for their support.
“I am so proud of what I have achieved; it didn’t seem possible.”
Principal Darren Gelder said: “I am incredibly proud of the achievements and outcomes that all our students have made, there are some outstanding individual performances, which reflect the hard work of staff, students’ parents and carers.
“Regardless of the context of our setting these results put us in the same league as some of the best schools in the country.”
