The academic expectation on British Asian students is immense. GCSE pass rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have risen this year - despite an overhaul to make the exams more demanding, particularly given the more rigorous reformed marking scales 9 to 1 for many GCSE boards. Grades 8 and 9 both denote the A*, with Grade 9 allowing for sharper differentiation at the very top end of academic achievement.
The BBC reported that proportion of students reaching the pass levels - England's new grade 4 and grade C in Wales and Northern Ireland - is up by 0.5% to 66.9%. About 4% of entries received the top grade 9 - and 732 pupils scored a clean sweep of grade 9s in all subjects. Girls continued to do better than boys - in terms of both the highest grades and in the pass rate. But the gender gap has narrowed this year with boys catching up. In total, 17.2% of boys' entries scored an A or a 7, up from 16.4% last year, while girls' remained static at 23.7%.
On Thursday 23 August, The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School celebrated another outstanding set of GCSE results right across the academic spectrum. 72% of all numerical grades awarded were Grade 9; 83% of grades in Mathematics were awarded Grade 9 and overall 97% of Habs pupils achieved a Grade 9 or 8 (A* equivalent). The diversity of talents was shown by 90% of Drama grades being awarded Grade 8 or 9 (A* equivalent). 89% of pupils achieved at least one Grade 9; 22% of pupils achieved straight A*s / Grades 8 and 9 and a further 49% of pupils achieved all A or A* / Grades 9-7.
The School is celebrating unprecedented results in a number of subjects. This success reflects the School’s ethos to develop the skills needed by the global leaders of the future. Habs pupils develop independence of learning, self-motivation, passion, confidence, motivation and an enquiring mind, among many other traits. These are nurtured both inside and outside the classroom and are further encouraged early on at Haberdashers’ through initiatives such as the Keith Dawson Independent Study Project in Year 9.
Zamaan Dudhia, who was awarded 2 Grade 9s and 8 A*s, said: “I’m ecstatic. The support from Habs and my parents was immense.”
Ashley Turner, who achieved 2 Grade 9s and 8 A*s, said: “I am very, very happy! Thanks to all of my subject teachers.”
Manav Sharma, who received 1 Grade 9 and 9 A*s, said: “I’m delighted that the hard work has paid off. The reaction of my parents when I opened my results is something I’ll never forget. I’d like to thank my teachers at Habs for their support and dedication.”
Enuka Balasuryia, who achieved 3 Grade 9s and 7 A*s, said: “I’m so very pleased with the amazing results. The hard work has definitely paid off.”
Yohaan Gokhale, who was awarded 11 A*s, said: “I am over the moon and absolutely delighted. I would also like to thank my family and teachers.”
Jamanvir Kumar, who achieved 10 A*s/Grade 9s, said: “I’m very happy that my hard work has paid off. Thanks must go to my parents and the staff at Habs for the expert teaching.”
The School’s new Headmaster, Mr Gus Lock, warmly congratulated the boys, their parents and staff on their dedication and hard work. Mr Lock said: “These outstanding GCSE results demonstrate, at the very highest level, the breadth and depth of skills which will enable these young men to thrive in an increasingly complex future. It is clear that the Habs curriculum is as strong, broad and successful now as it has ever been and I warmly congratulate all our pupils, as well as their teachers and families, for these outstanding results.”
