HCS GCSE pupils have done it again!

Top performing student, Holly C (above left), was awarded a clean sweep of grade 9s in her twelve subjects and is looking forward to continuing her studies in HCS Sixth Form with A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Spanish and Art. She said: “I’m most proud of my Art grade because I worked really hard for the coursework and the exam project. The Art Department has been really supportive. After Sixth Form I’d like to study Medicine or Veterinary Medicine and go into the Forces.”

Georgia E (above centre) and Evie H (above right) achieved an incredible 19 grade 9s and five grade 8s between them.

Georgia said: “I’m so proud, and my teachers have definitely helped me so much. I was most proud of my Economics grade. I tried really hard and put a lot of work into that. For Sixth Form I’m hoping to study Maths and Further Maths, French, Chemistry and Economics.

“In HCS Sixth Form, I’m looking forward to having more freedom and the chance to do more extra-curriculars, maybe a bit more sport and meeting new people.”

Evie is also looking forward to her next step in the School’s Sixth Form: “I’m doing Latin, French, Chemistry and Geography with a Greek GCSE alongside. I think the Classics Department at HCS is really good, and really supportive. I’m really looking forward to doing more with CCF; I’m in the Navy Section and it’s a real highlight of my week.”

Oar-some results for GB rower

Another of the School’s high achievers this year was Xeni C (below left) who managed to achieve an impressive set of GCSE results while also dedicating a huge amount of time to his rowing training programme this year. Xeni was selected to represent Great Britain in the J16 GB versus France match earlier this summer and qualified for Henley Royal Regatta this year with the HCS J18 crew. He gained six 9s, five 8s and a 7, plus a grade 9 in GCSE German.

Along with Xeni, Charlie R and Mairead D were amongst the 72% of students gaining top grades in the sciences. Charlie said “I’m feeling really good. I got some good grades, and I’m really happy about them. I got all 9s in my sciences, 9 in Maths, 9 in Geography, and 7s for all the other subjects.”

He continued: “It’s been really supportive; the teachers are always there when you need them. My chemistry teacher, Mrs Burdett, was really good at keeping the class focused and always made learning really entertaining.”

Mairead added: ““I’m chuffed to bits, I’m really, really pleased. It’s been a long, hard road but it’s been really good. Mr Jackson, the Head of Economics, and Mr Croot, my Maths teacher, have both been really supportive throughout my school career but particularly in my GCSEs.”

Astounding results in the Arts

The Music department has achieved an outstanding set of results this year, with just under 80% of students scooping top grades 9-7. Joe B (below left), who achieved a 9 in Music amongst a set of excellent results, was elated: “I’m surprised, in shock, and just really happy overall, to be honest! The support here has been really good. All the teachers have been really helpful whenever I’ve needed them.”

Joe is looking forward to continuing his studies in Music in the sixth form, alongside Chemistry and Maths. Fellow musician, Grace Edwards (below left), added: “It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve had lots of support from all my teachers and all my friends.”

Fred Miln (below left), who was successful in gaining a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales last year, was equally pleased with his grade 9 in Music and credits the department with his success. Fred is going on to join the UK’s leading specialist music school, Chetham’s, in September.

The Art department is celebrating another strong year with 70% of students achieving grades 9-7 in Fine Art. Millie Y (below right), was one of those who bagged a grade 9 and credits her “kind and generous” teachers with supporting her to achieve her exceptional results. She said: “I got five 9s, four 8s and a 6. In Sixth Form I’m going to study Fine Art, Business Studies, Spanish and an EPQ. You get more freedom in Sixth Form, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Cassie A who achieved grades 9-7 across all her subjects is also looking forward to the next chapter: “I’m staying here for Sixth Form, and I’m doing History, Geography, Classics and French. I’m most looking forward being able to hang out with my friends in the Sixth Form Café, and have smaller classes and be able to work with teachers more closely.”

Headmaster Dr Gray congratulated the students on the hard work they put into achieving these outstanding outcomes: “Our Year 11 pupils should feel tremendously proud of all that they achieved; there are some wonderful outcomes here, which demonstrate the hard work that this cohort has put into their studies.

“These results have laid an excellent foundation for their A-Level studies with us next term and we are excited about building on these over the next two years. I extend my sincere congratulations to every pupil in Year 11 for such an impressive set of accomplishments.”