Last updated at 16:43, Friday, 24 August 2012

BEAMING students were amazed by their own achievements on GCSE results day.

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Furness Academy’s deputy head boy, Ryan Sharkey, was blown away with his six A*s, four As and a B.

The 16-year-old, of Barrow, said: “It’s two year’s hard work paid off.

“I’m so pleased for everyone, there are some outstanding results, everyone has shocked themselves.

“The teachers have been so supportive. They work you hard, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Ryan starts Barrow Sixth Form College next month with ambitions to become a teacher. He said he wants to come back to the academy to see it develop.

Also heading to Barrow sixth form with a string of great results are Lok Wah Ho, Vanessa Graham, Euan Greenop, and Sophie Killip, all 16 and of Barrow.

Vanessa was chuffed with her eight As, one B and merit in ICT, she said: “I feel good, it’s been quite a nervous wait.

“It’s been really good being at Furness Academy.”

Lok Wah achieved five A*s, three As, a B and a distinction in ICT and said: “I feel proper good.

“There are some really good teachers who help you out, even in their own time.”

Euan Greenop achieved four A*s, three As, two Bs and an ICT distinction, and said: “I’m pretty chuffed, it’s pretty amazing.”

Euan was a house leader at the academy, and said: “It’s been great, it was good having more responsibility.”

Sophie Killip, a Preston North End women’s first team footballer, achieved three As, six Bs, a C, and a distinction in ICT, said: “I’m really pleased.

“I’ve really enjoyed being at this school and I’ll miss it.”

Principal Douglas Blackledge said: “We acknowledge and celebrate the fantastic successes of all those academy students whose hard work, alongside that of their dedicated staff, has led to them achieving their personal best.

“I am not going to single out our highest attaining students for praise, though there are many of them and such recognition would be well deserved. That is because some remarkable achievements, of equal value, are also credited to those students that the education and examination systems often deem to be not quite so gifted as others, in academic terms that is. Therefore, on behalf of our staff, sponsors and governors, I would like to congratulate our students at all levels on their achievements.

“For the future, the majority of students’ course choices and aspirations will be confirmed and reinforced by their results, but for some, as is the case in all schools, choices and aspirations might have to be adjusted, either up or down.

“If any such academy students wish to access further guidance and support from us, they are very welcome to make an appointment to come in and access that help.

“We would like to believe that in consultation with Furness College, Barrow Sixth Form College and other providers, every single academy student will secure their most appropriate route to future employment, via high quality further education and training.”

The academy has not revealed its percentage pass rates, and said it had to resolve issues with exam boards.

Nationally there has been criticism of the ‘harsh’ marking of English exams. There are complaints that exam boards have substantially increased grade boundaries.

Barrow school's, Furness Academy, Walney and St Bernard's, all said they were looking closely at the grades in this subject.

First published at 16:42, Friday, 24 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk