Another record year for Honiton

This year Honiton Community College has achieved a 15% rise in our 5+ A* - C figure, placing us, once again, in the top 25% of schools in the country, and all this from a cohort of students that had lower than national average results at KS2.

We also doubled the number of A* grades awarded in 2011. Likewise, the average points score jumped 35 points indicating each student has achieved better grades overall.

We are delighted to declare that virtually all our significant indicators are up on last year and College trends continue to be positive.  Testament to this proud declaration are some fantastic individual performances from our students, these include:  

 

Sam Johnson      8 A*, 2 A’s Rory Norrington   3 A*, 4 A’s, 3 B’s Max Mason      3 A*, 3 A’s, 3 B’s Amy Hutchings 2 A*, 5 A’s, 5 B’s Ione Pidgeon 2 A*, 6 A’s, B, C Meg Falkner 1 A*, 6 A’s, 2 B’s, C

 

Mr Smith stated he was concerned about the Exam Boards grading for the Summer English Units.It appears that the boundary between a C and D grade has been moved in-year. Many Devon Headteachers have experienced the same problem.   Given that GCSE Language is down across 4 Exam Boards around an average of 10%, in at least 20 of Devon’s Secondary schools so far (and still counting) and also in schools across the country, then it seems that orders have gone out from on high to raise the C/D grade boundary. Heads find it beyond belief that this should happen without any warning. Students have been given estimated grades based on Exam Board criteria which turn out to be far too ambitious. To put this issue into perspective a student who took the Summer paper and got a D grade could have achieved a C grade (with the same marks) if they had sat the Autumn paper – this is preposterous;  that boundaries can be changed in-year – it is bad enough it happens form year to year!   For Honiton, it means that our main national indicator, % A* - C (including English and Maths) is down about 10% on expectations. I understand this will impact all schools in an equal fashion.  More to the point about 15 of our students, and proportional numbers in all schools, will have to reconsider their options as a consequence of this meddling. We should not be allowed to play with our young people’s lives in this manner – our students are not pawns in a political game! I have already written to our MP, Mr Neil Parrish and the College will be contesting the results – this is the general consensus in Devon schools.

Despite the issue with English Mr Smith would like to thank all my staff for their hard work and dedication. Each year the pressures on staff and the expectations of students increase and each year we manage to rise to the challenge. He would also like to thank governors, parents/carers, and the local community for your continued support throughout last year.  

Finally, I Mr Smith would like to congratulate our Year 11 students on their all-round performance. He looks forward to working with many of you next year when you embark on your Sixth Form studies. Whatever you do and wherever you go HCC wish you well.

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