Students and staff at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) were celebrating GCSE successes today (Thursday 24 August).
BACA said that 58 per cent of students secured the top grades in maths and English. Under the new system, 9 is the top grade and 4 is the equivalent of a C.
The school, in Falmer, said: “Mathematics grades are at a record high when compared to previous A* to C grades, with 63 per cent of students receiving grades of 9 to 4.
“The number of students securing English grades 9 to 4 is at 68 per cent, well above this year’s national average.”
Students celebrating significant achievements in their GCSEs today include
- Hummd Ghouri, who secured 14 A* to G including eight grades at A* to A.
- Curtis Pilsworth, who secured 11 grades at A* to G including seven grades at A* to A.
- Kalaira Montero Munoz who secured nine grades at A* to G including three A* to A.
BACA said: “Students who made significant progress in their studies include Georgia Blake Saunders, who scored nearly two grades above the national average in all of her subjects, and Kyra Kibble, who scored nearly 1.5 grades above the national average in all of her subjects.
“Overall a quarter of students performed better than nationally based on their starting points.
“BACA is continuing to see an increase in Year 11 students who stay on to BACA College, and on the basis of BACA’s 100 per cent success rate at A level last week, these students are expected to leave in two years’ time with the qualifications they need to secure their places at university, apprenticeships or employment.”
BACA principal Dylan Davies said: “I’m proud to see so many happy students who are receiving the grades they need to progress on to the courses and colleges they desire.
“We help students believe they can achieve anything they set their mind to – and we are really seeing that mission come to life today.
“Our unique offer, which includes our robust employer partnership programme, the Brighton Digital Media Academy, superb sports facilities and coaching, such as the Aldridge Cricket Academy, the Construction Academy that offers industry apprenticeships and our exciting new partnership with BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) and BRICTT (Brighton Institute for Contemporary Theatre Training) demonstrate the positive changes happening here and great opportunities that are attracting students to BACA.”
BACA chair of governors Jim May said: “I am delighted to see so many of our students securing the results they need to progress on to study subjects they are passionate about.
“We are driven to help our students develop the work/life skills they need for success and it is evident from these fantastic results that students are being fully prepared for their futures.
“The exciting partnerships we are building are working towards bridging skills gaps across the city and helping prepare our students for success.
“We work to provide the best possible learning experiences for students across Brighton and Hove and days like today truly show the effort and determination of our students and staff.”
The Department for Education website includes an explanation of the new GCSE grading system and a visual guide.
It also includes details about the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 measures here and here.
