We are celebrating after achieving another year of excellent GCSE results. Over 42% of grades were at the top level of 9-7 (A* – A) and more than 8% at the aspirational grade 9. In 13 subjects, our students secured 100% pass rate achieving grade 4 (C) or above.
Our students celebrated with friends, family and staff in the Sixth Form Centre and are now looking forward to embarking on the Sixth Form journey, further education and career paths.
Principal Lynne Horner is delighted with the results. She said: “With over 42% of grades achieved at grades 9 – 7 it’s clear that our students have worked very hard, fulfilling their academic potential. Overall value added calculations show outcomes averaged a full grade higher than baseline predictions for individual students.
“More than a quarter of our Year 11’s achieved at least 7 grades at 7 or above with no grade lower than a 6 – a tremendous effort and I am very proud of them. Teachers have also continued to rise to the challenge of exam reform, embracing the changes and increased rigour. Well done to the Westholme class of 2019!”
Our Year 11 students have secured high grades in the main core subjects with one student achieving a double A* in Additional Maths – which is an exceptional outcome.
A high proportion of students are continuing their studies here at Westholme Sixth Form in diverse subjects such as Classics, French, Economics and the Sciences.
The Principal commended all of Year 11 adding:”Well done on your achievements both in these GCSEs and other aspects of school life. A talented group of young people in and out of the classroom and we wish you the very best for a bright future.”
Here are some case studies about our students:
It’s all a numbers game for Natalia.
Natalia said her GCSE results are better than expected – after achieving six 9s.
She, achieved the top grade in Music, History, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. She also achieved an 8, a 7 two sixes and an A in Additional Maths. Natalia, who likes to play the piano and clarinet in her spare time, is looking forward to continuing her education studying Maths, Physics and Economics.
Looking ahead to the future, Natalia – who is also a qualified LTA Tennis coach – would like a career in Finance as she loves numbers. Speaking about her highlights here at Westholme School, she said: “The teachers have been very supportive. My grades were better than expected.”
Eloise thanks ‘motivational teachers’ for her impressive GCSE results.
Eloise was shaking with excitement when she realised she had achieved nine 9s and an 8 in her GCSEs. She said: “I am very happy with my results. I was shaking with excitement when I opened my results. They’re far better than I expected. The teachers have been really motivational and have helped me through my studies.”
Eloise, who also plays the flute, is looking forward to continuing her education in Sixth Form studying Spanish, French, English Literature and Classics.
Just what the doctor ordered for Yusuf.
Yusuf is celebrating after achieving great GCSE results – despite taking all his exams in hospital. He was struck down with pancreatitis just days before his exams were due to start. The diligent student requested to take the exams from his hospital room and said he is incredibly proud of achieving an 8 in his first exam – despite the teacher having to scribe for him.
“I had a canular in my hand and was unable to write so School arranged for a teacher to invigilate for me and scribe. I took six exams in hospital and I didn’t think I’d do as well as I have done.”
Yusuf, who has been Form Captain since Year 7, was shocked to find out he had achieved 3x8s, 1×7, 3x6s and 2x5s. He said: “I am really pleased with the results. I wasn’t expecting any 7s or 8s. I have been very anxious, but I have put a lot of effort into my exams.
Yusuf is now back to full health and is looking forward to studying Maths, Economics and Computer Science at Sixth Form. Looking ahead the future, Yusuf hopes to pursue a career in cyber security. He said: “The teachers have been so helpful. If I had a problem, they did everything they could to help. They were really accommodating when I was ill.”
For Nayha, the world is her oyster after gaining impressive GCSE results.
Nayha said all her hard work has paid off after achieving six 8s, 3x7s, and one 6. She also achieved a B in Further Maths. She said: “I’m really happy. I did a lot better than I expected. I was very nervous before I opened the envelope and I didn’t sleep much last night – but all my hard work has paid off.”
Nayha, who is on the school hockey team, is continuing her education where she will study Mandarin, RS, Business Studies and Psychology. She hopes to eventually study Business Studies at University and said she would love a career that allows her to travel. She said: “I have loved everything about School. The teachers have been really supportive and always make sure you understand the work that you’re doing.”
Modest Saahil dreams of becoming a surgeon.
Modest Saahil hopes to pursue a career as a surgeon after achieving the grades he hoped for in his GCSEs. He achieved three 9s, five 8s, one 7 and a six in Mandarin. He also got a C in Additional Maths.
He said: “I’m really proud. I was a little nervous, but they were what I hoped to achieve. I was pleasantly surprised.”
Sahil, who enjoys playing football in his spare time, is looking forward to studying Biology, Chemistry and possibly English Language at A Level. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to one day become a surgeon. He said: “I have really enjoyed learning more about Biology and how the body works. I’d like to continue learning more and hope to pursue a career in this field.”
Oone of his favourite memories of School is the recent trip to China which has made him want to travel more and experience other cultures.
Arty Annabelle has designs on a promising future.
Annabelle is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills in Art achieving nine 7s and an 8 in her GCSE results. She said: “I’m really happy with my results. They are not what I expected – they are much better.”
The keen swimmer said she is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills in Art – her favourite subject – at A Level along with EPR and perhaps Sociology.
She said: “I don’t know what I’d like to do after that at the moment – maybe something like interior design. I’m keeping my options open.”
Annabelle said her favourite memory of School was the trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach with her year group once the GCSE exams were finished.
“The teachers were there whenever you needed them. They were so supportive.”
Academic Jasmine plans to become a Legal Eagle
Jasmine has her sights set on a career in Law after achieving five 9s, two 8s, one 7, two 6s and an A in Additional Maths in her GCSEs. She said she was surprised when she opened her results.
“I was extremely scared beforehand. I was expecting 6s and 7s. I did a lot of revision, but I did a lot better than I thought I would. I’m delighted with the results.”
Jasmine is now going to study Maths, Physics, Computer Sciences and Law. She hopes to go to university to study Law and hopes to become a lawyer one day.
She said: “Today has been a pretty momentous day. It’s really going to stick in my mind. The teachers here have been amazing and they have supported me through everything. They have really helped me to achieve the best that I can.”
Farmer Will was so surprised with his GCSE results he thought it was a mistake.
Will said he was shocked when he opened his GCSE results. He said he thought the grades were a mistake after achieving results that were better than expected.
He achieved five 9s – the highest grade – in Geography, Business Studies, Biology, English Language and Religious Studies, as well as two 8s, two 7s and a 6.
He said: “I had to double-check the name on the sheet – I thought they’d got it wrong!”
Will said he’d worked really hard leading up to the exams and he now plans to study Agriculture. Farming is in his blood, as he’s a proud 4th generation dairy farmer in Blackburn.
When he’s not working on the farm, Will’s also a keen footballer, playing for AFC Darwen’s 1st Team as Centre Back.
Results come flooding in for Anna.
Anna is hoping for a career in flood management after achieving all 9s and 8s in her GCSEs. Anna, who collected her results with her proud dad, gained eight 9s and two 8s. She also achieved an A* in Additional Maths. She said: “I was very nervous this morning and I was very shocked when I opened my results. I’m really relieved with my results – they are better than I expected.”
Anna is looking forward to continuing her education at A Level, studying Biology, Geography, Physics and Maths.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys taking part in dog agility courses with her schnoodle Bilboa.
She said: “Today is the highlight of my time at School so far. The teachers have been so helpful and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
Rosie is all smiles after gaining great GCSE results.
Rosie is considering a career in Dentistry after exceeding her predicted grades. She achieved three 9s, four 8s and three 7s in her GCSEs – which she said she is delighted with.
Rosie, who also enjoys playing the piano and flute, said: “I have put the work in, but the grades were better than expected. I was particularly pleased with my 9 in Biology – my favourite subject, and my 8 in English Language.”
Rosie, who also enjoys archery, plans to study Biology, Chemistry and Art.
She said: “I would like a career in medicine, possibly dentistry. During my time here at Westholme I have particularly enjoyed Biology and the teachers have really helped to inspire me. They have given me lots of advice and support.”
Rebecca has stars in her eyes
Star student Rebecca is amongst the top performing students in the country after achieving a A** in Additional Maths.
She has earned her place amongst the top performing students in the country, achieving the rare grade in the difficult subject. And that’s not all, her exceptional results also included five 9s in Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, three 8s and a 7. All the revision clearly paid off because when asked how she managed to achieve the highest possible mark in Additional Maths Rebecca said: “Well, I answered all the questions.”
Rebecca plans to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A Level. Following that, she hopes study for a Physics degree, with her career aim being to undertake a research role, possibly in Astrophysics.
Amy is en-route for a career in medicine, achieving fantastic GCSE results.
Amy achieved grades far higher than expected, including three 8s in Chemistry, Physics and English Language. She plans to study Maths, Chemistry and Biology at A Level and her career aspiration is to pursue a career in medicine.
She said: “The highlights of my time here at School have been my friends and teachers. The teachers have been very supportive.”
Future Architect Anique surprised herself with such fantastic GCSE grades
Anique achieved excellent GCSE grades, including four 8s in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Religious Studies. She also received a two 7s, and three 6s.
Although Anique was predicted to do well in Science, she said she was still surprised with the grades. She now plans to study Physics, Maths, Economics and 3D Design, with her goal being to work in Architecture.
When asked about her time here at School, Anique said: “It’s been brilliant. Amazing. It’s like being part a family.”
Wise Elizabeth is keeping her options open after achieving impressive GCSE results.
Elizabeth achieved four GCSEs at the highest grade 9 level, as well as four 8s and two 7s. She said the results were not what she was expecting.
Delighted with the grades she’s received Elizabeth now plans to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry or IT.
Elizabeth is not sure what career she would like to pursue and said she is keeping her options open.
Share: