THERE were plenty of smiles from students and teachers at Tavistock College last week, following the publication of some excellent GCSE results on Thursday. Like last week?s A-level results, students? performances at GCSE have again improved on last year?s results, and are consistently above the national average. The overall pass rate was 98.5%. The rate for A* to C grades was 61.7%. Among many students with top grades, there were outstanding attainments from Romin Pajouheshnia with nine A*s, Luke Harrison and Rebecca Ward with seven A*s, and Jacqui Jefferies with six A*s. Special mention also goes to Millie Dobson, Kate Evans, Sarah Guy, Esme Johnson, Becky Walsh and Alex Whalley for their excellent grades, all of whom will continue their education in the college?s sixth form. Colin Eves, Tavistock College?s new principal, said: ?Following the success of sixth form students, these GCSE results add further credit to the work of staff and students at the college. ?I hope the whole community will join me in putting aside the annual debate about the value and rigour of the GCSE examination and take the opportunity to congratulate those involved. ?The results represent a substantial amount of work over the last five years and the standards achieved reflect very well on everyone.? Mr Eves said he was ?delighted? so many students would be staying on to join the sixth form at Tavistock College and thanked present and former staff ? and parents ? for their hard work and support of the students. ?It is evident from my visits to the college that the partnership between parents, students, staff and the local community is very strong and provides an excellent foundation for future progress,? he said. Head of year Tony Welsh and his deputy Poppy Phillips said tribute should also be made to a number of students who overcame many difficult personal circumstances to achieve results well above expectations. Mr Welsh said the results were the culmination of much hard work by Year 11, ?the year of 2000?, and of the successful implementation of the graduation scheme which included a special ceremony in the parish church and a ?fabulous? end of year prom and yearbook, overseen by the students themselves.
