By Matt Scorer
Hope Valley College invited back the class of 2004 - the class which broke all College records - to present them with their GCSE certificates at an awards ceremony last week.
This year recently retired College Assistant Principals Rosa Stevens and John Stoddard returned to the College to present certificates and awards to the students who smashed previous records with 82% of students achieving five A*-C grades - 10% higher than ever before.Mr. Stoddard said: "We are here tonight to celebrate the success of our students - including record results achieved through the hard work and dedication of the whole community of Hope Valley College. The students, their parents, the teachers and support staff all played a part in this success and I congratulate you all."
As well as students receiving their certificates there was also the presentation of several special awards for students who especially excelled in certain subject areas. This year's award for Outstanding Academic Achievement was awarded to Chris Payne who achieved more than 10 A's or A*in this summers examinations.
This year also saw the inaugural Rose Stevens English Prizes awarded. The award was left to the College by former Head of English and Assistant Head Teacher Rose Stevens who retired in January after over 30 years at the College in which time she also served as a Governor.
The award is to be presented annually to the student who not only excels in English but also shows a passion and dedication to it. This year's recipient was Holly Bee.
Presenting the award Mrs. Stevens said: "Hope Valley College played a major part in my life for so many years and it is a pleasure to return here to present this award. When I look back at my time at Hope Valley I feel it was all worthwhile as I have contributed to educating so many young people."
Chair of Governors Paul Thomas said: "The fantastic results that the class of 2004 achieved reflect the work of a large circle of people - the students themselves, staff, parents, technicians and a whole host of unsung heroes like the backroom staff. It is great to see so many of you here to celebrate this success."
An exceptional 26% of all entries received either a grade of A or A* with 58% of students attaining at least one A or A* this summer compounding the year groups fantastic achievements.
Principal Bernie Hunter said: "It is important that we celebrate the individual and collective academic success that the class of 2004 achieved. Tonight was about recognising students individual success, in some cases against incredible odds, and to see them here tonight makes us incredibly proud. Make no mistake every student here tonight deserved what they achieved and worked hard for their rewards. I wish all of them every success on their chosen pathways and hope that they cherish good memories from their time here."
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
