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GCSE Case Studies part 2
Posted: 27th August 2019Students as young as 13 collected top grades in their GCSE exams at Burnt Mill Academy.
Children in Year 9 and 10 at the school pick two GCSE options each year, easing the pressure on them when they reach Year 11.
This year, for the first time, a group of Year 10 students were also put forward for their core subject of biology a year early – with impressive results.
Francis Collins, deputy headteacher - Year 11, said: “This is the first year we have put students in for the 9 to 1 graded biology exam a year early and they have surpassed all expectations.
“We wanted to be able to relieve the pressure on them a bit more going in to Year 11 and these guys were ready for it. They now have two less papers to sit in Year 11.”
Saule Nainyte picked up grade 8 in biology, grade 9 in citizenship and grade 8 in photography.
She said: “I am really happy. It is hard to believe it now, but I started in set four for science in Year 7. I was really motivated to move up as I really enjoyed it. Ever since Year 7, it has been my goal and my dream to move up to set one to get the best education I could in terms of science.
“I was happy with the decision to take biology early as it takes lots of pressure off of our shoulders.
“This result is crazy; I was not expecting a grade 8.”
Head boy Asa Fletcher-Snow collected grade 9 in biology, geography and French.
He said: “I was predicted a grade 8 in French, so was not expecting this result. I am really happy.
“The results have happened because I worked hard in lessons, paid attention and did lots of revision. We are lucky to have had really good teachers. Saturday school really helped to prepare us for the exams, too. I realised how important those sessions were.
“The results today go to show how much difference those sessions make as I am sure I would not have got those results without the extra sessions. They make sure you get everything done and our teachers are there to help. They are definitely worthwhile and they definitely help.
“Taking exams early has helped to get me used to the whole system. I know what I need to do for next year to make it easier for me. I like this system; it helps with the results and lightens the load for Year 11.”
Amy Short picked up grade 8 in biology and grade 9 in French.
She said: “I hoped to get these results, but I was nervous collecting them. I was a wimp and got my mum to open them! I feel really happy.”
Mum Lynn said: “I am very proud; she’s a clever girl.
“She has got three in the bag now from Year 9 and 10, which makes a big difference in calming the nerves. I think it is a really good system. I am a teacher and work with lots of different schools; this system works really well.”
Isaac Cook achieved a grade 8 in biology and grade 8 in statistics.
He said: “I realised I had to put in that extra effort at school to get these results. I liked that it meant I didn’t have to do quite as much at home.”
Mum Julia Bull said: “By attending the extra revision sessions, it means they get some downtime, playing their music or on the computer or whatever. Otherwise, it would be stressful for the family as well.
“I think the way the system is here is really good.”
Shreyas Pouli picked up a grade 9 in biology and grade 7 in French.
He said: “At first, it was a bit daunting to take biology early, but it is way better to have done things the way we have as it gives us less stress in Year 11. Now we have got used to science and the way it is done, I feel a lot more prepared for next year.
“The study clubs have helped so much; I owe everything to my teachers. It has been phenomenal. Yes, getting up early on a Saturday can be annoying, but I look back now and realise it has helped me so much. You do not realise it at the time, but it has been an amazing help.”
Year 9 Tia Allison collected a grade 8 in music.
She said: “I made sure I picked a subject I loved doing. It was clearly the right decision as I got a grade 8!
“I came to Saturday school and study clubs because you get more one-to-one time with your teachers which is better than learning on your own. I think it helps a lot.
“I feel confident now going into Year 10 after this. By Year 11, I hope to be even more relaxed with the exams. When I speak to people who do not go to our school, they say they wished they could take some of their GCSEs in Year 9.”
Tia will take biology a year early in Year 10, along with her chosen options of history and Spanish.