As the GCSE landscape shifts, one thing remains unchanged - students at The Grange, Hartford continue to master the challenges and achieve excellent results. Despite reports that the new system would make the top grades a rarity, one in four of all of The Grange’s entries were at Grade 9 and over half of all entries were achieved at Grade 8 or 9 (the two most challenging grades). With only 732 students obtaining a clean sweep of the top grades nationally, three students at The Grange have achieved grade 9s across all of their GCSE subjects.
Head of Year Andy Lumley said, “Examination reforms have created uncertainty for students and parents, adding to the usual demands of GCSEs. Whilst national news stories have reflected this, I have been so proud of the way The Grange students have approached this - with great determination to succeed and a sense of balance. Today’s results are testimony to all of their hard work and thoroughly well deserved”.
After the success of last week’s A Level results, the Grange’s academic pedigree continues to impress. Almost 70% of all Science entries were at either Grade 8 or 9. Over two-thirds of Physics results were at the top two grades, whilst Chemistry’s results were outstanding with 97% at Grade A* or A. Whilst the new examination reforms suggested that Grade 9s could be more elusive in the Humanities, 34% of all students achieved the top grade in Geography, History or Religious Studies. Leading the way was Religious Studies, with 87% of Grange students achieving a Grade 8 or 9.
Not to be outdone, four out of every five entries were Grade 7 or higher across the different Visual Arts specialities offered by The Grange. In these subject areas, students gained almost one whole grade on average, surpassing expectations. Hot on the success of having one of her GCSE landscape paintings bought by Lostock TATA, Lauren Davey achieved all Grade 8 and 9s at GCSE. In the newly introduced 3D Graphics course 100% of students achieved the equivalent of a Grade A or higher.
14 of the students have just returned from Borneo with the Biology department, conducting surveys of rainforest species and observing orangutans in the wild. With 88% Grades 7 to 9s between them, these students have shown dedication in the classroom and in the field. Such is typical of life at The Grange, incorporating a diverse range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities. Not content with their success on the water, The Grange rowers surpassed themselves with over four in every five grades at the equivalent of a Grade A or higher. Sebastian Paisley, who attended the GB J16 sculling camp in Nottingham earlier in the year, achieved all Grade 8s and 9s including the highest mark in GCSE Further Mathematics.
Head of The Grange Deborah Leonard commented “To achieve over half of all entries at the two most demanding grades in a challenging new examination system is really pleasing. This year group have made the most of Grange life, guided by Grange staff and supported by their parents. With 82% of the class of 2018 heading onto their first choice universities, we cannot wait to see what the class of 2020 achieve in our Sixth Form!”
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