Following on from Tuesday’s A Level success, Durham High School is celebrating again as Year 11 pupils achieve an outstanding set of GCSE results.
Pupils have done remarkably well this year given the circumstances, with a 100% pass rate (9-4) and 19 pupils achieving 9 or more subjects at grades 9-7.
With examinations cancelled back in January, GCSE grades have been calculated differently this year. The grades awarded to pupils were determined through a fair and rigorous process by senior staff at Durham High School, involving a range of evidence including classroom-based assessment. These grades reflect the results that pupils would have been expected to achieve had they been able to sit their GCSE examinations last term.
Headmistress, Mrs Simone Niblock, praised students and staff for their fortitude during this turbulent period. She said, “This has been an extremely anxious period for all pupils in Year 11. However, we are absolutely delighted for our girls, who have kept their heads up and worked so hard for what they have achieved with this remarkable set of results.”
“It is also easy to focus only on the academic aspects and forget the social cost of the pandemic. Pupils have missed out on so much during this last two years, from school trips to end of year proms, concerts, sporting fixtures and, owing to restrictions during some parts of the year, even being able to attend extra-curricular clubs with their friends. They have been through so much and deserve every accolade today.”
“We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of our staff, who took on a significant amount of work and were meticulous in their efforts to ensure as fair and robust grades for our pupils as possible. They have been indefatigable in their approach throughout the pandemic to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality of learning, and ensure the best possible outcomes, for our pupils.”
