Derry students congratulated on A-level exams success
By Alan Healy
Students across Derry have been congratulated after another great showing at A-level with reassurance also for those who may not have achieved their expected grades.
Hundreds of students in the city received their results in Thursday morning, many of whom went to their respective schools to find out what they had attained.
This year witnessed a significant rise in the proportion of top grades achieved by pupils in Northern Ireland, and a widening of the gap between boys and girls.
One third of entries, 33.3 per cent from girls achieved A* or A, compared to 26.8 per cent of entries from boys getting those grades.
Commenting, Finbar Madden, principal of St Columb’s College, said that he was ‘particularly delighted’ to see so many of their students achieving the top grades in ‘highly demanding courses’.
“I am delighted to be able to report a significant number of St Columb’s students attaining three A*-C grades in their A-levels,” he said.
“There has also been a pleasing number of Year 14 pupils achieving at least three straight A*-A grades.
“I am particularly delighted to see many of our leavers achieving A* and A grades in highly demanding courses, reaping the rewards of two years of intensive study.
“Our students’ success has not happened by accident; it is the culmination of a lot of hard work by many different people.”
Mr Madden also said that any pupils who did not receive the results they were hoping for should not ‘despair’.
“Whilst I am delighted with the excellent results achieved by so many of our pupils, I am conscious that some of our boys may be a little disappointed by their grades,” he added.
“I would urge any pupil who has not achieved the results that he hoped for not to despair but rather to engage with our Careers Team over the next few days so that we can identify alternative solutions.”
He continued: “Finally, I would like to thank the other schools and educational institutions that make up the Foyle Learning Community. They assisted with the delivery of different courses for our Sixth Formers, courses - where they have achieved signal success.”
Meanwhile, Marie Lindsay, principal, St. Mary’s College said they were ‘buzzing’ due the students’ success.
“We had our best A-level results ever and a huge congratulations must go to all our pupils and our amazing staff and thanks to all the parents for their support.”
“We are all buzzing at St. Mary’s College.”
Meanwhile, St Joseph’s Boys’ School said its Year 14 A level students have again achieved a very good set of results with pupils securing the A-C grades across a wide range of subjects and a number of outstanding individual achievements.
Commenting on the results achieved the principal Mr Damien Harkin said: “This is another very satisfying set of results from the class of 2017 achieved through hard work and commitment to their studies.
“Congratulations to the pupils, their parents and the staff involved in guiding and supporting these accomplishments. I wish all our pupils well for the future and am sure they will continue to build on their achievements here.”
Meanwhile, Marguerite Hamilton Principal Thornhill College added: “We are delighted and proud of all our girls who have achieved so highly, improving on last year’s excellent results.
“92 per cent of students achieved 3+ A*-C grades or equivalent and 28 girls have achieved 3+ A*/A grades.
“These outstanding results reflect the hard work and dedication of students and teachers and the vital support of parents.
“As a school community, we value academic success but we also stress how important it is for each student to grow in resilience, personal responsibility and concern for others.
“These skills and qualities will leave them well placed to make significant contributions to society.
“Many of our students have already confirmed places at their first choice universities and we wish all our leavers every blessing in the next stage of their journeys.”