Good grades at all levels

That was the view expressed by Mr David Mehaffey, principal of Craigavon Senior High School, following the publication last Thursday of this year’s GCSE results.

From the school’s smallest cohort for many years 107 pupils passed five or more subjects at grades A*-C, many with A*, A and B grades among the total.

Best results on the Lurgan Campus were obtained by Faith Parks with nine A*-C grades. She was closely followed by Hannah Gardiner, Jordan Matthews, Katherine McCauley, Matthew White and Leah Wilson all achieving nine A-C grades.

Other high achievers on the Lurgan Campus included Dylan Russell, Jack Hanna, Curtis Doak and Courtney Watson, all of whom had a number of top A* or A grades among their eight or nine GCSE passes.

Mr Mehaffey also highlighted the fact that good grades have not been confined to those pupils considered to be the most academically able.

“I am very pleased this year by the achievements of pupils at all levels throughout the school.” he said. “We only ever ask that our pupils do their best and it is very satisfying when young people who have worked very hard at their own level get grades that surpass their expectations.”

Mr Mehaffey paid tribute to the pupils and all those who had supported them.

“I am very happy for those young people who have done so well and very encouraged that the hard work undertaken by both the pupils and their teachers has proved to be worthwhile,” he said. “I am also very grateful for the support we have had from parents. I have no doubt that young people benefit greatly when the school and the home work closely together.”

Most of these young people will be continuing their studies in sixth forms and in a wide variety of further education and training courses.

“We wish them well,” said Mr Mehaffey, “and we look forward to following their progress throughout the coming months and years.”