Hard work pays off for Wirral A-Level students (From Wirral Globe)

Hard work pays off for Wirral A-Level students

12:44pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in News By Stephanie Cureton

MONTHS of hard work paid off for Wirral students as they celebrated their A-Level results today.

Schools across the borough were full of teenagers picking up their final grades and finding out if they had secured that all-important university place.

Among the high-flyers were twins David and Annie Field from Wirral Grammar Schools who will attend the University of Oxford together in September.

David, 18, picked up two As and an A* in History, English and Maths and is now looking forward to studying Law while Annie will read Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

And Wirral Grammar for Boys headteacher David Hazeldine said the school had worked to reassure students amid rising tuition fees.

He said: “Once again, we have had record results with a pass rate of 99.8% and the highest number of students getting the top grades.

“We don’t think the increase in fees gas affected people’ choices too much and we just told them not to worry about it because there is nothing to pay up front anyway.

“We had people come into school to talk with parents and tell students about the options available to them.”

Hilbre High School were also marking a successful year with Claire Chambers, Liam Brassey and John Smethurst being among the best students.

Headteacher, Jan Levenson said: “These results give real cause for celebration and we are all proud of the successes which we have seen in our post-16 examination performance this year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our students on their considerable achievements, and to thank my team of dedicated teachers and support staff who have worked incredibly hard in order to bring about these improvements.”

Students at South Wirral High School proved they could score highly with 18-year-old Calum Richards securing an A* and two A grades in English Literature, History and Drama.

And classmate Rob Smith managed to make the grade to study basketball at a university in Belgium.

Weatherhead High School headteacher Neil Dyment also announced that five students had achieved three or more A* or A grades and paid tribute to everyone’s commitment.

And St John Plessington Catholic College were celebrating “phenomenal” results with a 99% pass rate and students securing their first choice of university.

Across Wirral almost 50% of A level entrants achieved top grades A*-B - up from 47.5% last year while the overall pass rate has risen from 97% to 97.6%.

Councillor Tony Smith, Wirral’s cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “We are still collating results, but the emerging picture is very promising, and a testament to the hard work of pupils and staff.

“A levels are very demanding, and the students who are getting their results today can be proud that they have made it thus far.

“I would like to congratulate all those who have achieved the results they need today, and wish them the best for the future.

"I would also urge those who may be disappointed to get the support and direction they need promptly to turn things around.”

Julia Hassall, Wirral council’s acting director of children’s services, said: “A’ levels are hard work and results day is a nerve wracking occasion because there is so often so much hanging on the grades.

"I would like to congratulate all the students today for their hard work over the past few years, and wish them the very best for the future.”

In all, more than 2,000 students sat A-level and their equivalent exams this year.