Portslade Aldridge Community Academy students have been celebrating their successes on GCSE results day today (Thursday 22 August).
PACA principal Mark Poston said: “Our students are celebrating some exceptional GCSE results today, with a number achieving top grades in a whole range of subjects, including maths and English.
“Over 15 per cent of all grades were top grade 7s, 8s or 9s. Among these there were some tremendous individual achievements.
“Guowei Yang and Tim Bonner are great examples. Guowei achieved six grade 9s, including in maths, all the sciences, geography and food technology, a grade 8 and three grade 7s.
“Tim secured five grade 9s – in maths, computing, geography, physics and biology – two grade 8s, two grade 7s and a grade 6.”
Guowei said: “PACA was a wonderful experience that allowed me to achieve the grades that I wanted.
“Throughout my five years here I have gained so much and am extremely thankful to the teachers and staff here who supported me through secondary school.”
The school said: “Other top performers included Melissa Thomas and Luke Kaukel who achieved over two grades higher than would have been forecast from their grades when they arrived at PACA.
“Both have a great set of results, with Melissa achieving a grade 9 in English literature, four grade 8s and three grade 7s.
“Luke achieved a top Distinction* in media and a grade 8 in maths, together with five grade 7s and two grade 6s.”
Melissa said: “I’m really pleased with my results. PACA has been a great experience and helped me make great progress. I am really looking forward to going to BHASVIC to do philosophy, history and art.”
Luke said: “It has been an absolute honour to spend my time here at PACA. I have enjoyed my whole time and I feel this school captures a sense of community and togetherness like no other.
“The staff are friendly and always willing to help – and that attitude, I’m sure, gives many students the confidence and motivation to work themselves.
“I’ll never forget my experience and I’m forever thankful to PACA – staff and students. Thank you!”
The school added: “Maths continues to be a great strength at PACA where 70 per cent of students sitting the exam this year achieved the benchmark grade 9 to 4. Nearly half gained the ‘strong pass’ grade 5 or above.”
Head girl Ciara Alleyne, who achieved eight grade 8s, one grade 7, one grade 6 and a Distinction, said: “I am really pleased. I am heading to BHASVIC and I’m delighted to have the choice between studying STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or politics.
“My time at PACA has been incredible with a great community, one I’ve been happy to contribute to during my time.”
Head boy Jake Howard, who combined his studies with representing England in the under 17 handball championships in Denmark this year, said: “I am delighted with my results, especially physics. This comes after a long year and many intervention lessons. Thank you to all the staff at PACA for the constant support and belief.”
Eighty three students sat GCSEs at PACA this year, with a provisional “progress 8” score of 42.3.
Mr Poston, in his first year as principal, said: “I am exceptionally proud of all that has been achieved at PACA.
“These results are the product of the hard work of our students, the support of our parents and the dedication and expertise of the staff, who have worked tirelessly with our students.”
