BEFORE re-marks and appeals the most pleasing observation initially looking at the GCSE results at Holsworthy Community College (HCC) was the 70 per cent A* to C achievement of all 151 candidates in English Language.

Added to this was the achievement in English Literature of a pass rate of 97 per cent A* to C for the top four sets out of seven, representing nearly 100 candidates. This means that 60 per cent of the cohort achieved two or more higher level passes in English. Congratulations to all candidates and the English department staff.

Despite difficulties in Maths, the A* to C figure in Maths was a creditable 63 per cent. Consequently the 5+ A*-C figure including English and Maths GCSE saw about a 5 per cent improvement on last year's figure of 50 per cent. Performance in English and Maths combined with the 67 per cent A* to C for two or more higher level passes in Science subjects saw the 5+ A* to C figure sit at 69 per cent.

For the first time ever triple science was examined at GCSE thanks to specialist status funding and 95 per cent of candidates achieved all three subjects.

There were the usual strong performances from Art and Design (88 per cent), German (82 per cent), Health and Social Care (100 per cent), as well as pleasing additions such as 100 per cent of the after school GCSE RE group achieving either an A or A*.

Business Studies followed on from its successful Ofsted subject inspection last December with 69 per cent A* to C. Sports Studies candidates did particularly well this year.

Many students at HCC take vocational day release courses in Motor Vehicle maintenance, construction and land based subjects and these results are still awaited and will not feature in the GCSE results tables.

See this week's 'Post' for a full round up of GCSE reports, results and photos.