GCSE results day 2020: Malcolm Arnold Academy teachers full of pride for hard-working students

Teachers at Malcolm Arnold Academy are full of pride for their GCSE students as they received their coronavirus-affected results today (Thursday, August 20).

Grades have been decided by teachers after exams were cancelled because of Covid-19 and the government's U-turn over its controversial statistical modelling initially used for A-level results.

Staff at the Trinity Avenue school have worked extremely hard to make sure the results for every student are as fair as possible, and allows students to take their next step, a David Ross Education Trust spokesperson said.

However, some students will still be waiting for final grades as the awarding bodies for BTECs and Cambridge Nationals take more time to adjust their calculations.

Head teacher Kimberley Lawton said: "We are so proud of our students here at Malcom Arnold.

"Their results and achievements are a reflection of their hard work and determination over the last five years and we could not be more pleased for them.

"As we saw last week, we have a high-performing sixth form and we would be thoroughly delighted to welcome these students back to continue their studies at Malcolm Arnold sixth form.”

Among the academy's top-performing students were Elouise Griffiths, who received five grade 9s and four 8s, and Finbar Myers, who earned three 9s.

Takunda Nhema got seven 9s, Daisy Clarke received two 9s and four 8s, and Eva Osborne received four 9s and three 8s.

Aleksandra Rosinska, Jake Thomas, Finlay Ward and Michael Ward all earned several 9s and 8.

Since 2018, a new grading system has been in place, with 9-1 replacing the old A*-G.

David Ross Education Trust chief executive Stuart Burns said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our year 11 students today – they have shown great resilience in the face of unprecedented uncertainty.

"There have been some outstanding results for individuals, notably Elouise, Finbar, Takunda, Daisy, Eva, Aleksandra, Jake, Finlay and Michael.

“Clearly this year has been extremely challenging, and we are committed to supporting every student make the right decisions about their next step, whether that is into the right courses at our own sixth form or onto other destinations of choice.

“As well as my congratulations to each and every student, I want to pay tribute to our staff – none of this would have been possible without their outstanding support and tireless work to guide our students safely through the trials and tribulations of the recent months.”