by Mickey Ferry
LAST Thursday morning could not come quick enough for the A-level and AS-Level students of Strabane Grammar and Holy Cross College.
The nail biting finally ended with the opening of those all-important envelopes and for Holy Cross student Rachel Kelly, receiving three Grade-A's for A-Level History, English Literature and Drama more than made up for the sleepless night she had the night before.
"I didn't sleep a wink last night," she told the Strabane Chronicle. "But this more than makes up for it. I now plan to go to Kingston in London to study Drama and English Literature."
Rachel's friend, Romano Mullen was able to share in her delight as he, too, achieved three Grade A's in the same subjects. He now plans to go to Queen's University to study English.
Another student with a Grade-A grin was Sean McDermott, who achieved three A's in Politics, History and PE. "I wouldn't say I was expecting it but I was certainly hoping for it. I now hope to go to Queen's University to study Law," he told us.
Friends Roisin Devine and Ellen McGonigle now have to wait and see if they will both get to go to Jordanstown together. Ellen achieved two Grade B's in RE and History and a Grade C in PE. Meanwhile, Roisin managed two Grade B's in Business Studies and Maths and a Grade C in PE. "We're going to have to check to see if we have enough points to get into the courses we want," explained Ellen.
Kate O'Neill can now start making her plans for Liverpool. "I got A's in Spanish and English and a B in Politics. I'm delighted because it means I can now go to Liverpool to study Law, which was my first choice," she told us.
Also among the delighted students at Holy Cross was Niamh Houston, who achieved a Grade C in Media, Grade B in Art and Grade D in English Literature. Niamh is how planning to begin a hairdressing course. "The hairdressing is something I want to do but I'm glad I did these exams and I will always have the A-Levels as a back-up," she explained.
The Principal of Holy Cross, Mrs Maria Doherty, wished to extend warmest congratulations to all the A Level students who by dint of effort, commitment and ability have managed to secure a pass rate of 97 percent for the school.
"Our continued collaboration with South West College, Omagh, has also been very productive since 70 percent of our students taking National Awards in engineering, construction and child care have received a distinction (Grade A) as their final accreditation.
"During the months of May and June 108 students sat 300+ papers over a range of 25 subjects. 77.33 percent of grades were within the A to C boundaries.
20 students in total achieved all their grades as either A or B and five students succeeded in scoring three A's or better.
"In spite of the annual begrudging and negative comments appearing in the national media, teachers and students are only too aware of the heavy demands that A Level studies continue to exact over the two years of the courses. In this series of examinations only those with high calibre intelligence, skills and knowledge succeed regardless of the unfounded media allegations.
"The college staff is yet again very proud of the exceptional performance of this student cohort and we hope that they will continue their success whether it is at university, in further education or in the world of work," Mrs Doherty said.
Meanwhile at Strabane Grammar, David Bogle was a very happy young man after learning that he had achieved Grade A's in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
"I now plan to go to Queens to do Actuarial Studies, which involves risk assessment and things like that," he explained.
Fellow A-Level student Rachel Breslin was also delighted with her results. "I got an A in Art and two C's, one in Business Studies and the other in RE. I'm really happy and did better than I thought. I now have a place in Huddersfield to study RE," she told us.
Laura Smyth was also celebrating after achieving three Grade A's in AS-Level. "I got them in Maths, Geography and PE. I seriously wasn't expecting it and up to last night I was convinced that I did poorly. I'll be back next year and hopefully further down the line will be doing something either in accounting or PE teaching," she explained.
Strabane Grammar Principal, Lewis Lacey, was delighted with the school's success this year.
"There was a 100 percent pass rate - No-one failed any A2 level subject. 91 percent of grades were in the A and C category, almost half of the grades were in the top A category. This is the first year of the 'new' vocational 'A' levels in Engineering, Media Studies and Childcare Development in which 70 percent of pupils gained 'A' grades. Overall it is another excellent year for AS and A2 results, which is due to the diligence and commitment of staff and pupils as well as the support of parents which is a vital element in our success," Mr Lacey said.
