Great GCSEs

Story: Ian Clifford, Nasira Amin & Douglas Johnson

Burngreave students showed some brilliant results again this year. At Fir Vale Secondary, the percentage getting five good GCSEs was up 10% to a fantastic 56%, with 22% getting at least three A or A* grades. Every full-time student left with a qualification.

Headteacher Lesley Bowes said,

“We were over the moon with the results; they are phenomenal! It’s the tenth anniversary of Fir Vale School opening and we have improved year on year. We’re really grateful to parents and families who support young people at home. Congratulations to the students.”

Help from Study Support

Study Support helped some students to achieve. Ayesha Akram, now studying A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Sociology at Sixth-Form, said:

“I attended Parkwood High School and was predicted eight GCSEs. Reach High 2 helped me a lot and I achieved ten at grades A* to C. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of fellow students and staff who always motivated me to aim higher and achieve the grades.The trip to Spain gave me valuable social skills and I will always be grateful for that opportunity.

Nakash Sadiq said:

“I achieved four GCSEs which means I can go and study a BTEC National in Sports at College. Study staff helped me a lot, especially with subjects I found difficult.”

Ayesha Saleem said:

“I would have got no A-Cs without Study Support. I have gone on to college where I am studying BTEC National in IT. I achieved six GCSEs and felt the close positive relationship with teachers and Nasira was important. I particularly remember the Scotland trip – it was a great experience.”

Fagr Alafif and Mohammed Abdulla, who attended YCA Study Support, both got nine GCSEs.

Mohammed said:

“If I had not come to Study Support I would not have got these GCSEs. Last year I was at risk of being excluded and now I am

in Longley College doing four A levels.”

Arzak Abdul Qader, who got twelve GCSEs, added:

“The holiday and weekend sessions were particularly

valuable.”

Big improvements

for primary schools There was success too in primary schools. Pye Bank's Y6 SATs results have seen a dramatic improvement – this year most children are attaining at least the national average. Some are doing significantly better, with some first-timeever “Level 5” scores. After his first complete year as head, Paul Hopkinson and his team are seeing the benefits of a stable, happy staff and good systems of support for children. Paul is keen for results to improve even further and “aspirational targets” have been set for this year's Y6 group. Year 6 teacher Ray Twining, paid tribute to teaching assistant Lynn Marsden and said:

“Both Mrs Marsden and I have high expectations for all of the children, enabling them to reach their full potential. The children of Pye Bank want to learn, which makes our jobs much easier!”

At Byron Wood, headteacher Tony Carter said,

“We’ve seen improvements in Key Stage 1 and 2. At Year 11, 56% reached level 4 or above in Maths, and 59% in science. We’ve also seen numbers reaching “Level 5” increase. We’re really pleased with the students’ achievements. The school has recruited extra teachers for Y5 and Y6 next year to give children even more individual attention