Sitting in assembly I contemplate the horror of failing my GCSEs, the dreaded exams have been on my mind an awful lot since I began Year 11, and after hearing the astounding announcement that yet again our GCSE year have beaten all previous school records of achievement, I must admit I started to worry, how would I do in my exams?

“Over half of the year group have gained A* or A in all subjects, with a fifth of the girls gaining at least nine A* grades.” I listened sleepily to the singsong voice of our Headmistress while glancing at my friend who looked rather worried and slightly green. How on earth was our year going to compete? Mrs Aughwane tossing her blue shawl over her shoulder happily announced “The AS results are exceptional, with almost a third of the year group gaining A grades across all their subjects.” We were then treated to the A level results “This year’s results” she purred “maintain the excellent record for which we are renowned, with 82% of all A Level grades at A or B.” She glanced around the hall “the girls have again demonstrated their strength across all subject areas.”

So there it was, the final nail in my environmentally friendly coffin, not only had the year above performed exceptionally , but in fact all three years above me had achieved excellence. I laughed as my neighbour nudged me in the ribs whispering cynically “No pressure on us then!” Which brings me back to the beginning, what would the school do if I failed all my GCSEs? Kick me out? Unlikely, I feel certain that my school would support me in my hour of need, but it is also unlikely that in this environment I could fail, (no arrogance intended, I assure you). I simply mean the teachers here do their best to provide the girls with as much knowledge, and chance of reaching their full potential as they possibly can. The girls in turn also do their fair bit, working hard and encouraging others. I think if anything our year would have to work hard to fail, as it is difficult not to do well in such an atmosphere.

So, well done to all of you who achieved outstanding results and I wish my own year luck as I know we have a hard act to follow but hopefully we will do our school proud.

Written by Poppy Sparling, Year 11 student

10/11/08

Congratulations to the girls who obtained fantastic GCSE results this year!