Key features of the provisional 2016 GCSE results
The provisional GCSE results for the Island’s students in the Department of Education and Children’s five secondary schools are strong and reflect a continuing pattern of improvement in attainment in recent years.
Key features of the provisional 2016 GCSE results
Nearly 800 Year 11 students were entered for GCSEs and equivalent qualifications in the DEC’s five secondary schools in 2016. There were entries in approximately 50 separate examination titles ranging from performing arts to business studies and from leisure and tourism to statistics. Nearly every student was entered for maths and English and also had at least one entry in science.
The total number of full GCSE (or equivalent) entries was approximately 7500. Approximately 1500 of these (around 20% of the entries) were International GCSEs.
Provisional analysis shows:
- Provisionally the percentage of Island students gaining 5 A*-C with English and Maths has exceeded 60% for the first time.
- 18.8% of the entries produced A or A* grades. This is broadly in line with last year’s figure and above most previous years.
- 70% of year 11 students gained 5 plus GCSEs at grades A*-C which is slightly up on last year’s figure of 69%.
- The A*-G overall pass rate for full and short course GCSEs at 98.7% is in line with recent years, which have consistently been above 98%.
- The average number of subjects entered by our students – (9.2 GCSE or equivalent) was in line with last year’s figure.
Joel Smith, School Improvement Adviser, said:
‘This is a strong set of results, made more impressive when set against the challenges schools have faced in recent years with wide ranging qualification change.
‘There were good results in English and maths, with many of these being IGCSE qualifications.
‘Attainment at 16 is just one measure of the success of an education system, but it is a crucial one. This success of our students today will help to open doors for them as they look to continue in education or enter employment.’
Once again, there are reports from the schools of students attaining 11 A* or a mixture of all A* and A grades. One headteacher said their top three performing students were boys, with one achieving 11 A* grades and another achieving 9A* and 3 A grades.
At another school one student came out with 11 A* grades and 1 A and will now pursue their desired A levels.
Another headteacher was full of praise for students who have achieved excellent results in challenging circumstances, saying:
‘A number of our students have faced considerable adversity over the past two years and today have come out with excellent results. I am extremely proud of all of our determined students and staff.’
Lastly, a special mention must go to the students of one school who, despite losing their English teacher who passed away shortly before the exam period, have come away with fantastic results in that subject. These outcomes are a credit to the determination of those students and staff who have been faced with considerable unexpected challenges over recent months.
The results published today are not comparable with results released in the UK this week. The UK results include all exam entries, including those from students in the Isle of Man as well as UK selective schools, independent schools and further education colleges, where some of the candidates may be adults sitting just one GCSE. The Isle of Man data relates solely to 16-year-olds in Year 11 in the DEC’s five secondary schools.
Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, said:
‘The Island’s students and our schools have built on the successes of previous years and have met the challenges associated with changing qualifications.
‘This has resulted in continuing success with an impressive percentage of passes at higher grades.
‘I would like to congratulate all of our young people on their achievements and thank the teachers and school leaders for their continued hard work and, especially, for their determination to improve outcomes.
‘I am confident that decisions we have taken on GCSEs will continue to serve schools and pupils well.
‘Whether our young people are looking to undertake post-16 courses in schools or at University College Isle of Man (UCM) or, for a smaller number, seeking take up employment, I wish them well for their futures.’
