BYNUALA MCALOON
It's been another good year for Fermanagh's students, teachers and schools alike as the A-level results continue to present a healthy academic picture in the county.
At Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Principal Maureen McKeever reported that out of the 157 candidates who sat A-levels at the school, eight were awarded four 'A's, 30 were awarded three 'A's and a further 30 received two 'A's and a B. Some 49 per cent of the overall grades were A while 95% were A, B and C grades. Of the 146 students who sat AS level exams, 83% were A, B and C grades.
"The school management is delighted with the results at all levels', she said. " The achievement of the girls is a reflection of their hard work, the commitment of staff and the invaluable support of parents. Hopefully, it will result in the girls getting access to the courses of their choice so that they can achieve their career aspirations."
Marie McKenna, vice-principal at St. Michael's College, Enniskillen said it had been another hugely successful year for post 16 students.
"We are absolutely delighted with the results achieved by our students this year", she said. "We had 92 boys sitting A level examinations and 91% of all grades awarded were A – C, while A grades accounted for over a third of all grades awarded. Five of our students achieved four grade A's.
Ms McKenna was equally pleased with the achievement of the 99 boys who sat AS examinations. "86% of all grades awarded at AS were A – C and 36% of all grades awarded were A grades. We had six students who achieved four A grades.
"We would like to congratulate all our students on their excellent results. It is a testament to their dedication, the support provided by parents and the hard work of our very committed teaching staff who have guided the students so expertly. We wish the boys every success as they embark on the next stage of their careers."
Meanwhile, at the Collegiate Grammar School, 13 girls were awarded three Grade A passes or more at A Level and five girls got four Grade A passes. Some 72 per cent of all the entries were at Grade A or B and 83% of the girls have three or more passes at A to C. At AS Level, 21 girls got three Grade A passes or more and 12 girls have four Grade A passes. Seventy eight per cent of the entries were at Grade A or B.
"Behind these statistics", said Principal Elizabeth Armstrong, "there are many examples of individual success which are so pleasing to see,"
"Each of these success stories bears testimony to the hard work and positive efforts of staff and pupils working together. It is also important to acknowledge the on-going support and encouragement of parents in the partnership between home and school."
Neil Morton, Principal at Portora Royal School said it was 'gratifying' to see his students achieve the results which will allow them to take up their university offers and move on to the next stage.
"Once again, Portora boys achieved 100% pass rate at A level and 16% of the year achieved three or more A levels at A grade with 84% of the grades achieved being at A-C. These good results bring to a conclusion a rich year of achievement in sport and the Arts."
St. Joseph's College, Enniskillen boasted a 100% pass rate at A Level. Over 60% of Year 14 students are now looking forward to further study at university. The Principal Jimmy Jackson-Ware emphasised that the College was a genuine all ability non-selective school and that he was proud of all students achievements.
At St. Comhghall's, Lisnaskea, 20% achieved three A Grades in their A-Levels. The school also had
100% pass rate at A-level, which the Principal, Gary Kelly, said was due to the hard work and partnership of the pupils, teachers and parents.
At Fivemiletown College, vice-principal Ian McConaghy said results there reflected hard work and dedication.
"The whole school community is very proud of these young people. It is always our aim that each student is to be encouraged to achieve their personal best in every field, and we are sure that each student, whatever their results, will feel enabled to move on to the next important stage in their life with confidence.
"Once again, our A Level students have an almost 100% pass rate, with 70 % achieving A to C grades."
