Derbyshire students succeed in new GCSE exams
Provisional results show that 75% of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades four to nine in English this year and 59% achieved grades five to nine.
In maths, 70% of Year 11 students achieved grades four to nine and 49% achieved grades five to nine.
The traditional A* to G grades have been replaced with a nine to one system, with nine being the highest mark. Grade seven is equivalent to an A under the old system and a four is equivalent to a C.
More than 7,200 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results on Thursday 24 August 2017 with many outstanding stories from both schools and individual students.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said:
“It’s fantastic news that early indications show our GCSE students have done so well.
“Not only are GCSEs qualifications for life but they also teach young people valuable skills such as time management, organisational skills and revision techniques − skills they can take with them to the next stage of their career − whether that’s vocational or academic.
“I want to congratulate all the students for their hard work and dedication. I also want to thank heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people in achieving their success.”
This year English and maths are the first subjects to be graded under the new system. By 2020 all GCSEs will be graded in this way.
Further education or training options open to Year 11 students are:
– full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning
– an apprenticeship
– part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.
Councillor Dale added:
“Whatever results students may have received it’s important they know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training.
“Staying on in education or work-based training opens up a lot of doors for young people and offers a range of opportunities to learn new skills to get a future career they will enjoy.
“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Derbyshire Skills Festival.”
Students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school are invited to attend the Derbyshire Skills Festival. This year’s event takes place on Thursday 14th September 2017 (3.30pm – 8.00pm) at Queen’s Park Sports Centre.
Training providers, the Armed Forces, larger employers and our community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities.
There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training will also be invited.
