GCS-Easy does it for pupils (From South Wales Guardian)

GCS-Easy does it for pupils

8:00am Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News

YOUNGSTERS across the region were again celebrating a fantastic return in terms ofGCSE results this year.

In Carmarthenshire, percentages for grades A* toCand overall passes surpassed the Welsh averages again to maintain the excellent achievements of last year.

According to official figures, 98.9 per cent of Carmarthenshire pupils achieved grades of A* to G, compared to the 98.7 per cent national average.

For pupils gaining the top A* grade, the figurewas 6.6 per cent compared to the Welsh average of 6.5 per cent, while 20.5 per cent of pupils were awarded the highest two grades – A* and A – compared to 19.2 per cent across the nation.

At Ammanford’s Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, head teacher Steve Perks praised another set of “outstanding performances”.

“I would again pay tribute to the efforts of pupils and teachers with the consistent support we receive from parents,” said Mr Perks.

Meanwhile, pupils at Llandovery College celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate. Headmaster Guy Ayling said: “These youngsters have achieved some incredible results today but we are, as always, equally proud of those who surpass expectations and get the Bs and Cs that at one time they didn’t believe possible.

“As a broad-ability school, we are able to stretch all pupils to achieve their full potential.”

Carmarthenshire county council’s director for education Rob Sully said: “These figures represent considerable effort and achievement by individual students, all of whom deserve our warmest congratulations.

“We wish to acknowledge the dedication and support given to them by their schools, teaching and support staff and, naturally, the parents for whom today will be a proud day.

“These results further reinforce the very positive comments made by Estyn inspectors in the recent local authority inspection.”

Councillor Keith Davies, executive board member with responsibility for education and children’s services, added: “The results are once again outstanding and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the students and staff on their successes.”

At Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradgynlais, head teacher Sally Speedy said: “We are delighted in the marked improvement in our results, particularly the percentage of students attaining five A* to C grades, including English andmaths.”

And it was a similar story at Pontardawe’s Cwmtawe Community School, where pupils returned the best ever set of results. Head teacher Alan Tudor Jones said: “Everyone in the school deserved to be proud of these results.

“This reflects the hard work of the young people within our community and the support they receive from their parents and teachers.”

Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera was also celebrating better than the national average results.

Head Matthew Evans said: “I am very pleased to congratulate Year 11 students on their outstanding success this year. It is of paramount importance that pupils of all abilities are able to reach their potential and are able to progress their studies to a higher level.”