Year 11 pupils and staff at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School (MACS) are celebrating the best ever results achieved in a ‘normal’ examination year. The percentages of pupils in Year 11 achieving at least 5 A* and A grades and at least 5 A*-C grades, including English and Maths, are the highest ever based on external examinations (grades were centre assessed in 2020 and 2021). The average Literacy, Numeracy and Science points scores, and the Average Capped9 points score (Literacy, numeracy, science plus the best 6 others) are also significantly higher than in 2019, when results were last based on external examinations.
Headteacher Samantha Evans said “We are extremely proud of all of our pupils and staff who have worked so hard under very difficult circumstances over the past two years to achieve this magnificent set of results. I am also very grateful to our parents and governors who have supported our pupils to ensure that they achieved their potential. We wish our Year 11 students all the very best for the next stage of their career”.
The number of pupils achieving the top A*/A grades is particularly pleasing with 28 pupils (15% of the cohort) achieving at least 5 A*/A grades. The highest performing pupils in terms of points scores were:
- Carys Evans – 10A*, 1A
- Luke Parfitt – 9A*
- Ffion Ellis – 9A*, 2A
- Evan Osborne-Morgan – 8A*, 3A
- Cai Edmunds – 6A*, 4A
- Ellie Thomas – 6A*, 5A
- Maddison Nunn – 5A*, 1 Distinction*, 3A
- Hannah Wills – 5A*, 5A
- Tomos Evans – 5A*, 3A, 1 Distinction
- Calimay Jones – 5A*, 4A
- Brandan Prosser – 5A*, 2A
- Connor Rasmussen – 5A*, 2A
- Harvey Griffiths – 4A*, 5A
- Rhys Griffiths – 4A*, 5A
- Charlotte Watkins – 3A*, 1 Distinction*, 6A
- Keira Duffy – 3A*, 5A
- Cira Griffiths – 2A*, 7A
- Maddison Jones – 2A*, 9A
This followed what was also a really positive summer for our Sixth Form learners as MACS A level students have achieved an outstanding set of A Level results again this year with 98% achieving the Level 3 threshold – the equivalent of at least 2 grades A*-E at A Level. Also, nearly two-thirds of students have achieved at least 3 A*-C grades which is an outstanding achievement considering the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years. Headteacher Samantha Evans said regarding these outcomes; “I am so proud of our students, staff and parents. The students have worked extremely hard during very difficult circumstances and have been rewarded with some outstanding results. All students have secured places at universities and colleges and a number have also obtained some highly sought after apprenticeships”.
There were a number of notable performances:
- Lowis Saunders: A in History, A in Biology, A in Mathematics and A in Welsh Baccalaureate. Lowis will go on to study Law at Oxford University.
- Carys Francis: A in Biology, B in Chemistry, C in Physics and A in Welsh Baccalaureate. Carys will go on to study medicine at Cardiff Medical School.
- Hannah Hayman: A in English literature, A in Health and Social care, C in Biology, A* in Welsh Baccalaureate. Hannah has started studying at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
- Daniel O’Neill: A in Chemistry, A in Mathematics, B in Physics and A in Welsh Baccalaureate. Daniel will go on to study Physics at Lancaster University.
- Kia Stephens: A in Biology, B in Chemistry, B in Mathematics and A in Welsh Baccalaureate. Kia will go on to study Dentistry/Dental hygiene at Cardiff University.
We wish all our leavers the very best for the future, and look forward to welcoming all other pupils in all year groups back to MACS in September – lets make it another great year!