Pupils at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School in Coventry have received their GCSE results following the first in-person exams since 2019.
The school, which is part of the Romero Catholic Academy, saw an improvement on 2019 results, with 42.3 per cent of Year 11 pupils achieving grades 9-5, up from 33.1 per cent three years ago.
The school boasted 100 per cent 9-4 in Triple Science, which covers Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, with many students pursuing STEM subjects at the school’s Sixth Form, which also enjoyed improvements on 2019 grades in last week’s A Level results.
Matthew Everett, Principal, said: “After two years with no external examinations, to come back with such continued success is wonderful for our pupils who have faced many challenges, and our staff who have worked hard to ensure a successful exam performance.
“I’d like to congratulate all of our pupils for their hard work over the last year and wish them the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives, with many of them joining us for their A-level studies.”
Daniella Hall, who achieved seven grade 9s and two 8s, said: “I was incredibly nervous about the English Language exam but I ended up getting a grade 9.
“My teachers were great throughout and always happy to give me extra work, which helped me overcome the challenges that everyone faced in catching up after Covid-19. Doing the mock exams made me feel a bit more comfortable and helped me face the exams with less pressure.”
Alisha Duffy, who achieved three 9s, three 8s and three 7s, said: “Going back to exams was odd at first, but once I was in the hall I just had to focus and get on with it. Mocks helped me get used to the exam scenario and being in the hall, and revision helped me be comfortable with the content.
“I buckled down on English Literature and made essay plans and did lots of revision as it was something I struggled with in earlier mocks, so I’m really happy with my grade.
“I’m going to study Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Further Maths as they are my favourite subjects, and will be staying here where I know everyone, which will help me with my studies.”
Nana-Kojo Banafo achieved five 9s and four 8s. He said: “I’m happy with my results. I revised at home to help me with Geography, and it paid off as I got a 9. I’m happy with English Language as I’ve managed to take my grade from a 5 to a 9 over the course of a year.
“I would like to go into a career in engineering, so I’m carrying on sixth form here and hopefully off to university afterwards.”
Ciaran Fawcett, who achieved two 9s five 8s, one 7 and a Level 2* in Sport Science, said: “The last year has been different to previous years, but I’ve tried to do as much revision as possible to make sure I didn’t lose out returning to in person exams.
“I’m going to carry on at sixth form here, and I’m looking at STEM subjects. It’s a great school environment here and I have a good relationship with the teachers so it’s an easy decision to stay on.”
Hananya Emmias Mamo achieved three 7s, three 8s, one 6, one 9, D*in IT. He said: “I liked having the exams back in person as I appreciated the challenge. The teachers have all been really good and helpful in the lessons. Their help, combined with revision at home put me in a great position to do well.
“I’m staying on at sixth form for physics, maths, further maths and chemistry because I want to go into engineering.”
Adjoa Agyenim Boateng, who achieved three 9s, five 8s and one 7, said: “I enjoyed the whole experience. As I got closer to my exam days, I realised I had already covered a lot of the content, and doing the mocks first really took some of the pressure off.
“My chemistry, biology, and maths results have been a good preparation for A Levels and have given me some confidence about carrying on with these subjects.
“I’ve done really well, and I’m looking forward to having a rest before starting at sixth form here.”