Bar of excellence raised again

Portora Royal headmaster Neil Morton said his students “excelled themselves” this year, placing the school in the very top group of high performing schools in Northern Ireland.

“With over 90 per cent of the students achieving at least three A levels at grades A* to C, they produced the best results in the school’s recent history. The results were so outstanding that the average attainment of each student totalled 390 UCAS points, the equivalent of more than three A grades each. Almost 60 per cent of the grades achieved were at A* or A grade and over 83 per cent at A* to B. There were exceptional performances from pupils Andrew Morrison and Paul Johnston both of whom achieved four A* grades while Head Prefect James Houston achieved three grades at A*,” said Mr. Morton.

Fivemiletown College Principal, Alastair Dunne says he is “very happy” with the progress made by his students: “Our whole school community is delighted with these A Level results, which reflect the hard work of the pupils over the past two years and of course the dedication and support of our staff and parents during that time. Once again our A Level students have an almost 100 per cent pass rate at A-E grade, with 73 per cent achieving A-C at A2 level and 49 per cent achieving A-C at AS level this year.” Mr. Dunne said he was “pleased to highlight” the achievements of several students in particular. At AS Level, Alastair Browne, Nathan Rutledge, Rachel McNeill and Zara Stubbs all excelled in this first part of their A Level Course. At A2 level, Stephen Hazelton, Sarah Bleakley, Lindsay Booth, Stephen Nelson and Graham Dunne have enjoyed continued success in 2010.

There was good news at Erne Integrated College too, as pupils celebrated achieving an overall pass rate of 93 per cent, with 60 per cent of the grades in the top band A* to C and 25 per cent of grades in the A* and A band.

The College’s delighted Principal, Tom Noble said: “This is a real milestone in the lives of young people, an exciting time as they look to the future; it is also a challenging time, with evident cut backs in higher education places and an increasing burden of student debt. Our young people are certainly well-placed to make a valued contribution, and we wish them well in their futures.” And it was a successful time for St. Comhghall’s College in Lisnaskea too. The school had another 100 per cent pass rate at A Level with 10 per cent of pupils achieving the new A* in their subjects for the first time this year. Principal Gary Kelly says the pupils are “a credit to themselves and their teachers”.

Vice Principal of St. Michael’s College, Marie McKenna said she was “thrilled” with the achievements of her students.

“92 per cent of all the A Level grades awarded were A to C, while A grades accounted for over half of all the grades awarded. Twenty three of our students achieved three A grades or better. We would like to congratulate all our students on their excellent results,” she said.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Armstrong, Principal of Enniskillen Collegiate said 22 girls sitting their A2 exams had at least three Grade A passes and 24 girls secured at least one of the new A* grades. At AS level 21 girls had three Grade A passes or better and ten girls had four Grade A passes. Almost three quarters of the grades awarded were from A to B.

Among the top results were Stephanie Allen (3A*), Samantha Connor (1A* and 3A) Christina Bell (4A), Julie Graham (2A*, 1A and 1B), Rachael Griffith (1A*, 2A and 1B), and Claire Hilliard (2A* and 1A). Miss. Armstrong said: “Their hard work in co-operation with their teachers, together with the support of their parents has allowed them to achieve a very strong set of results which have secured places on courses as varied as Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Geo-Science, Actuarial Science and Risk Management, Engineering, Food Studies and Nutrition and Product Design and Development, as well as the more traditional university routes. As well as celebrating each and every girl’s contribution to another fine set of examination results we acknowledge too their most positive contribution to school life through their involvement in music, sport, drama, public speaking and voluntary service.” “We are also very pleased that Shirelle Wilson, who twice captained the Ulster Champions Tag Rugby Team, has been awarded an Elite Athlete scholarship at the University of Ulster where she plans to study Sport and Exercise Sciences,” added Miss. Armstrong.

Mount Lourdes Principal Maureen McKeever says she is proud of the “outstanding results” of her students, describing their achievements as a “fitting conclusion” to a busy centenary year.

“As always, such achievement is due to a number of factors -- a group of highly motivated and ambitious students aided by dedicated, hard working teachers and supportive parents. The School Management is delighted that the vast majority of our students have secured the grades to progress into their preferred third level courses in what is at present a very competitive climate. We wish all our students continued success and fulfilment in the future,” she said.

28 students achieved three A grades or better this year: “Of this group seven students gained four A Levels. One student, Bronagh Carson, achieved four A*’s and one student, Emer Cox, achieved three A*’s. 80 per cent of students achieved three A* to C grades, 100 per cent of students achieved three A* to E grades, 73 per cent of grades were A or B grades and 92 per cent of grades were A, B or C grades. 138 students sat AS Level examinations. 28 students achieved 3A grades or better. Of this group nine students gained four A grades, 70 per cent of students achieved three A to C grades, 97 per cent of students achieved three A to E grades and 100 per cent of students achieved two A to E grades,” she said.

Staff and pupils at Devenish College were celebrating success again this year as well. Proud Principal Mervyn Walker said 73 per cent of the grades achieved at A Level were A, B or C: “There were many fine individual performances with Head Girl Grace Wallace achieving two A grades and an A* whilst Head Boy Simon Johnston was delighted with his three A grades. At AS level Karen Wray got four A’s and one B grade in her five courses whilst Katie Collum achieved three A’s and one B grade in her four courses. After a long wait for results the students can now go on to the next stage in their chosen career path and everyone at Devenish College wishes them well,” he said.

Principal of St. Fanchea’s College, Martha Smyth said she was “very pleased” with the results of her pupils: “Thanks to the dedicated work of both pupils and teachers 100 per cent of our students achieved three A Levels,” she said.