GCSE results: Students celebrate 'grades they deserve' at Skegness Grammar School

Following the Government’s announcement on Monday, grades submitted by teachers for each student have now been awarded to reflect the effort they put in over the course of their time in education.

David Ross Education Trust, which runs the school, says staff and teachers have worked extremely hard to make sure that the grading for every student is as fair as possible and allows students to take their next step, many of whom will return to SGS to embark upon exciting A-Level or BTEC courses.

Following this morning's results, DRET say staff at Skegness Grammar School are incredibly proud of all students for the way in which they have dealt with the unprecedented events of 2020.

In particular two students should have been commended for their academic achievements:

Ben Mowbray received six grade 9s and three grade 8s and will go on to study Physics, Mathematics and Business Studies A-Levels at SGS

Jessica Ward gained six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7 and will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Levels at SGS/

The Standard's Theo Griffiths, also a student at Skegness Grammar School who is working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Award in journalism, caught up with other students celebrating their GCSE results.

Alisha Beall hopes to work in a career involving History or Psychology after receiving 8’s in Biology and Business. "I’m very happy with my results overall," she told Theo.

"I’ve met the requirements of the A-level subjects I really wanted to do, so I’m really pleased about it.

"I think overall I would have received similar results. Thankfully, the results I got today were either the same as I had been expecting or slightly higher, which I was really relieved by.

‘Other than ourselves, our teachers know us academically the best out of anyone. Therefore, without exams, think it makes sense that they should be the people who assign grades to their students.

"An algorithm hasn’t taught the students it’s grading and so it isn’t the fairest system to use. Obviously it’s a very difficult situation to be in but I think predicted grades should have been used from the beginning.

"I’m planning on going back to SGS for sixth form and doing history, psychology and biology for my A-levels."

Maria Morawska, who got a 9 in Polish and 8 in Geography, told Theo: "I’m happy with my results. I find it very fair - my school books and homework had a lot of effort put into them. However, I don’t think I would get the same results in a test.

"‘When it comes to tests and revising, I am very anxious so that stops me from doing so well. I also find it hard to remember things at home and I seem to lose motivation to revise.

"Whereas in school and homework, I do really well especially if I’m passionate about the subject."

Emma Shelbourn, Assistant Principal at Skegness Grammar School said: “We are delighted that the vast majority of SGS students will return to us in September to begin their A-Level and BTEC courses in a wide range of subject disciplines.

"We are committed to our promise to broaden the horizons of our students in Skegness, despite a challenging year. In fact, we can’t wait to get back to school to restart the mission; developing the next generation of inquisitive, determined and resilient sixth form students with the qualifications and skills to choose any pathway in life that they so desire. It’s an exciting time to be part of Skegness Grammar School.”

The new grading system has been in place since 2018, with 9 – 1 replacing the old A* - G. Under the new system a Grade 7 equates to an A and 4 reads across to a C. The new grade 9 was designed to reward the very brightest and best students across the country.

Jude Hunton, Headteacher designate of Skegness Grammar School, part of the David Ross Education Trust, said: "“We’re delighted that the students have been awarded the grades they have proven they deserve as we navigate incredibly difficult circumstances this year.

"I congratulate our students on their results, and I am looking forward to meeting our new Y12 students when they return in September.”

Stuart Burns, Chief Executive of the David Ross Education Trust 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.

“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 6th 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.”