GCSE results success for Cheshire West young people | |
24 August 2017Young people across Cheshire West have been celebrating today (Thursday 24 August) after receiving their GCSE examination results.Almost 3,300 Year 11 students from across 19 academies and secondary schools took part. In 2017 new GCSEs in English language, English literature and mathematics have been examined for the first time. These are linear courses in that all the examinations are taken at the end of the two years of study. The A*-G GCSE grades in these subjects are now replaced with a GCSE grade scale of 9 (high attainment) to 1. The examinations are designed to assess a more demanding curriculum. Under this new system, students with a grade 4 will achieve a ‘standard pass’ whilst those with a grade 5 will achieve a ‘strong pass’. A grade 4 or above is equivalent to a grade C and above. The government is clear that a ‘standard pass’ is a creditable achievement but does expect to see the percentage of pupils achieving a grade 5 ‘strong pass’ to increase over time. Provisional data shows that 76% of 16 year old students in those schools in the borough gained a GCSE in English at grade 4 or above, 6 percentage points ahead of the national figure. In mathematics, 70% of 16 year old students in those schools in the borough gained a maths GCSE at grade 4 or above, in line with the national figure of just under 71%. Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “These results are a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by students and the dedication, support and encouragement of teachers and parents. “I would like to send my best wishes to the young people as they choose their next step of further education, apprenticeship or employment.” | |