Good pass rates attained by GCSE students at John Ferneley College
Students achieved impressive GCSE results at Melton’s John Ferneley College with nearly two-thirds of courses being passed with at least a grade four.
They attended the Scalford Road school this morning (Thursday) to receive those all-important envelopes and for many the nerves were replaced with smiles and hugs from family members and school friends.
Results show 58.6 per cent of students achieved at least a grade four in English and maths while 33.3 per cent attained grade five or above in those languages. And 55.6 per cent of students passed two science subjects.
Headteacher Terry Claridge stressed that academic achievement was not the whole focus for staff as they teach children moving up from primary schools to prepare them for A-levels, other studies or for starting work.
He told the Melton Times: “It is important students develop holistically as well as academically.
"We’ve had some fantastic results but for those who don’t get the grades they want it is important we make sure as a school to provide a level of support to them.
“Students need to have that sense of having many choices open to them on what they do post-16, at 18 and beyond that.”
Mr Claridge mentioned Isabelle Hawkins, who achieved very good GCSE grades while also being a great example to other students in her role of part of the ambassador team for year seven.
He also stressed the importance of students having other interests away from their studies.
Lily Grant is one of them – she balanced class work with being a star performer as Morticia in the school production of The Addams Family.
After achieving 8s and 7s in her GCSE, Lily is off to Melton Vale Sixth Form College (MV16) to do maths, biology and English language and literature. She’s interested in a career in educational psychology.
Another student off to MV16 is Lewie Worth where he will be taught A-level product design by his dad, Philip.
Lewie, who will also study physics, maths and further maths, said: “I want to do an astrophysics degree at university.”
Many parents accompanied their children to GCSE results day at John Ferneley.
Isaac Trotter’s mum, Sarah, said she ‘so happy for him’ as he celebrated some very good science results and a Distinction two stars in sports studies.
He will head off next to MV16 to do A-levels in business, chemistry and maths.
One of the top achievers this year was Katie Scoble, who attained top nine grades across the board.
She was ‘really happy’ with her grades and is looking forward to taking A-levels in maths, chemistry and Spanish at MV16.
It was a good day for Jake Clark, who got the grades he wanted, including a nine in physics.
Jake, who will now go to Loughborough College to study space engineering, commented: “The best thing about JF is the people and the friends that you make.”
Statistics was the top performing GCSE subject with more than 96 per cent of students passing, while 80 per cent got a pass in dance, 74 per cent did so in biology and 72 per cent in both French and art.