GCSE results Northern Ireland: Tears of joy as Jenny overcomes obstacles to keep dream of teaching alive
A Dromore mother has told how she shed tears of joy at her daughter's GCSE results - coming as the school celebrated its second best year of results ever.
Heather Douglas was speaking to the News Letter just after her daughter Jenny opened her results this morning.
"I am beyond delighted," the proud mum said.
"She's worked so hard the last few years. She's overcome a few things, and the results show how hard and dedicated she has been to her school. And yeah, we're just so pleased with her."
She confirmed shedding a few tears of joy at the results.
"Yeah, it was quite emotional but I think it was warranted," she added.
Jenny was also really pleased with her achievements.
"I am just really proud of myself with everything that I've gone through, it's just what I have needed to push me forward with my A levels,” she said.
Her ambition is to go on and become a primary school teacher.
"Yes, it's been a long term aim of mine.”
Her intention is to come back to Dromore High to study German, Religious Studies, and Drama.
Her results included a A* in Religious Studies, A in English Literature, A in English language and a B in drama.
Jenny's Head of Year, Vicky Ennis, confirmed that she also shed a few tears over Jenny's success.
"Definitely," she told the News Letter.
"Yeah, you work so hard with these young people and to see Jenny especially overcome every single obstacle just makes my heart sing.
"I'm so, so proud of her, genuinely so proud of her."
The teacher noted that this year's results came from students who had been particularly impacted by the pandemic.
"This is our COVID year. These guys had a very difficult start with the transfer test, everything was so difficult.
"And to see them now, as adults going into this final stage of their education, is just so huge, and I'm so, so proud."
Principal Ian McConaghy told the News Letter the school is celebrating its second best year ever for GCSE results.
"That's true, yes, it is, indeed," he said.
"There has been only one, only one set of results better than these ones. That's a real joy and a real celebration for everyone."
Almost every pupil in the High School achieved five GCSEs from grade A-C, and the English and Maths results in particular were "a real celebration for us, because they've performed exceptionally well".
He added: "And those, of course, those two subjects are the currency that takes pupils to their next stage, whatever that might be. So those two results are really commendable and along with the excellent performances across all subjects, we're really pleased."
Banbridge Academy saw 99% of the students achieve at least 5 A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics, which the school said was "truly amazing". In addition, 80% of all entries resulted in grades A* - B. Thirteen pupils obtained at least 9/10 A* grades.
Principal Robin McLoughlin praised "the commitment and efforts of the pupils in their studies" along with "the vital support" given by parents, adding that they should be" very proud of the achievements of their sons and daughters".
At Campbell College in Belfast pupils attained the highest ever percentage of A* grades (12%). The school retained its highest A*-A performance from last year (40%) and the highest number of sixth form scholarships ever awarded across the College. Headmaster of Campbell College, Jonathan Anderson said: "Congratulations to every one of our boys receiving their GCSE results today. These outcomes are a direct reflection of their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence over the past two years, alongside the steadfast guidance of our teaching staff and the support of their families."
Brendan McComb, principal of St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Belfast, said he is “incredibly proud” of their staff and students.
“We’ve achieved a fantastic set of results,” he said. “This year group that has got the results today, they’re a special year group because they did not complete the transfer test. We’re an academic selective school, but this was a non-selective year.
“We’ve achieved 72% seven A* to C including maths and English, and 85% five A* to C including maths and English. So it really is a testament to pupils, their parents, and our entire school community.”
Hazelwood Integrated College in Newtownabbey announced its best GCSE results to date, with 95% of students achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*–C. In addition 68% of candidates secured A*–C in English and 73% achieved A*–C in Mathematics. A further 57% attained at least 5 A*–C grades including both GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics.
Principal Alix Jackson said: “I share deeply in the pride felt by so many parents, carers, and families today as we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our Year 12 pupils. These fantastic GCSE results are a direct reflection of their perseverance, hard work,and determination.”