Audenshaw School sees success

‘RESULTS a whole community can be proud of,’ is how principal Pete Taylor described the exam success of Year 11 students at Audenshaw School.

 

Having spent much of their journey navigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and conducting lots of their learning online for the very first time, students achieved a strong set of results which leaders at the school say demonstrate respect, responsibility and resilience.

 

71 per cent achieved Level Four or above in English and 72 per cent in Maths.

 

Alongside core subjects, there has also been strong performance in art, food technology, music, photography and the three sciences.

Success stories include 15-year-old Nathaniel Mountain, who achieved a nine in Maths after taking his exam a year early.

 

Leo Morris, of Droylsden, scored nines in French and English Language and eights in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science, allowing him to head to Manchester’s Loreto College to study Classical Civilisation, French and English Literature.

 

The 16-year-old has faced true adversity, being diagnosed and hospitalised with Chron’s Disease just before his exams took place.

Leo said: “Being diagnosed with Chron’s made it difficult to study as much as I’d like to, but I have the results I need to get into college and study what I want.

 

“I don’t know where I want my career to take me – I’m going to take some time to decide.”

 

Haughton Green’s Jeremy Okuwa gained Level Nine in Religious Studies, Spanish, English Language and English Literature and eight in Combined Science and Business.

Ryan Davies earned Level Nine in Maths, Statistics, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Spanish and English Literature, which he admits were better results than he had ever expected.

 

Ryan said: “I have worked really hard because I wanted good grades, but I didn’t think I’d do as well as I have – it’s a brilliant surprise and I can’t wait to tell my parents.”

And Tom Jackson scored passes in English, Maths and Science. Attending Ashton Sixth Form to study a T Level in Health.

 

The 16-year-old, of Mottram, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and went through several surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and also caught Covid-19.

Despite this, his results have set him on the right path for a future as a physio.

 

Tom, a member of the junior England cricket team, said: “It’s been a very difficult couple of years but my aim with my exams was to work hard and make my family proud – and I think I’ve done that.

“I’ve always wanted to do something in sport and did consider a career as a physio before I got ill, but the help we’ve had from various physiotherapists since my diagnosis has made me even more certain it’s the right path for me.

 

“Thankfully, I won’t need to receive any more treatment and I can focus on my college studies while also working on improving my mobility.

“I’ve still a long way to go but I know I can get back to full health and play cricket again soon. I’m a batter and wicket keeper with a top score of 112. I know I can beat that in the future!”

 

Tom’s mum Clare said results day has been emotional, but that she is extremely proud.

 

She said: “Tom’s diagnosis was a difficult time for the whole family, but the school have been incredible and supported us every step of the way. Tom can achieve anything he puts his mind to, so we are all excited about this next chapter, in both his rehabilitation and studies.”

Mr Taylor, who joined the school in January, said: “We are immensely proud. What pupils have achieved, in the face of adversity that we have never encountered before, is nothing short of outstanding.

 

“The challenges students have faced in the last two years have been well documented – their five year journey through our school has been severely disrupted. That makes us prouder than ever of their academic achievement and personal development.

 

“We must give a special mention to the pastoral care in the school, as well as our students’ parents and carers.

 

“Going through the rigour of an exam period requires the support of a whole network, and without them our students wouldn’t be in the position they are today, unlocking such fantastic opportunities and looking forward to their next steps, whether that’s college, apprenticeships or the workplace.”