Our GCSE Students Shine On

Our students have really shone in this year’s GCSE exams, with 67% of grades being awarded at Levels 7-9, and a startling 43% of grades being awarded the equivalent of an A*.  

These results, once again, ensure that TGGS is amongst the best state schools in the country. A particular highlight was that thirteen students achieved all levels 8 and 9 in their subjects, with Yen Li Yeap achieving all Level 9s.  However, Head of Key Stage 4, Sophie Bucklar was keen to praise all the students, saying: ‘I would like to congratulate the entire year  – they coped with the exam pressure well, and these results are a testament to their commitment and determination.’ She also commented on how busy the students often are; for example, Eve Boswood-Clark achieved all 7, 8 and 9’s despite training regularly abroad with the English Schools Ski Association and being a nationally recognised skier. As Ms Bucklar said, ‘It’s not just about the grades but about knowing you have done your best – and these students did.’ Mr Gregory, Deputy-Head, added his praise too, saying how much more there was to this year-group beyond examination grades; he has enjoyed speaking with students in this year and hearing their views in such things as charities and the state of the environment, and has often felt he has learned from them.

Whilst we are very pleased for our students, Headteacher Dr Nick Smith is keen to stress that his key priority remains student welfare – as he points out, happy students will always do well with quality teaching. As extensive research into the communities in the world where people live longest and are said to be happiest has found, the key components to long and happy lives lie in a sense of belonging, excellent diet, exercise and the ability to relax. Dr Smith wants Torquay Girls to be a national leader in promoting these qualities. He says: ‘While academic achievement is what we enable to happen, ensuring that our students know how to enjoy being successful is more important and we will continue to explicitly teach this going forward’.