Private School News

CORE SUBJECTS ON THE RISE AT ROSSALL

Core subjects of English and Maths scored particularly well for Rossall School, Fleetwood, in this year’s GCSE results and science A-grades were also encouraging, as more students opted for the traditional subject areas for GCSE. In English, the school recorded a 51% pass rate A*-A grades, 40% A*-A in Maths and 43% A*-A across all three science subjects.

The school scored very well overall with a 99% pass rate A*-G grades. Although A*-C grades were down from the 2008 high of 92% to 85%, the reduction is due to changes in the BTEC in Public Services, grades for which were last year included in the GCSE figures. The Diploma is now a post-sixteen study option, only available to year twelve students.

Individual performances were also impressive with 42% of students achieving A*-A grades across all subjects. Within the ‘A’ team are local students Bethany Clarkson and James Harkness of Poulton, Swie Joo Liem of Thornton Cleveleys- all with ten passes, which is the maximum to sit at Rossall, and Aaron Lee of Larkholme, Fleetwood, who gained nine A* grade in nine subjects. Local songstress, Steph Fraser, also hit the right note with 9 GCSEs, five of which were A* and A passes. Understandably for a youngster already with an album on the market, she sailed through her music GCSE with an A* grade and looks destined for a career in popular music once she completes her studies.

Rossall choir member, accomplished pianist and CCF band drummer, Swie Joo Liem who has been at Rossall for 13 years is “delighted” to have got ten out of ten in GCSEs and will now sit A-levels in Rossall’s Sixth Form, where she will follow her goal to study Philosophy in preparation for a university degree in the subject. Older brother Sing, graduated from Rossall Sixth Form last term with A-levels and looks set for a career in medical science. Said Swie Joo: “I don’t know what my career path will be, but I know that philosophy will play a key part, which is why I’ve opted for A-levels next year rather than International Baccalaureate. At the moment though I’m just happy to celebrate the GCSE results with my family, before getting back to study next week.”

Commenting on the results, Rossall School Senior Mistress, Jean Briggs, said: “It’s unfortunate that the change in the age for BTEC Diploma caused an anomaly in our A*-C grade percentage this year, but our overall performance is as strong as ever and I’m particularly proud of the number of A* and A grades achieved in core subjects of English, Maths and the sciences.

“Many of our pupils chose to take three separate science subjects and our pass rates in these areas reflect the hard work put in by the pupils, and the quality of teaching here at Rossall. We are a non-selective school and pupils are not dissuaded from taking GCSEs in their weaker subject areas, so our results reflect well on our policy, which gives every pupil, whatever their ability, a real opportunity to achieve their goals.”