We worked hard (From Barry And District News)

We worked hard

BARRY pupils have hit back at critics who claim that A-levels have become "completely meaningless".

As the advanced exam pass marks increased for the twenty-first year running, the Institute of Directors launched a scathing attack on the standards of work.

Barry student Joe Weekley gained four As in biology, chemistry, maths and physics and plans to leave for Southampton University to read medicine, with hopes of becoming a paediatrician.

He said: "I worked extremely hard, made sacrifices to get these results. I had the support of my family behind me, but these people, year after year, degrade the efforts of exam candidates by criticising standards."

Fellow student Louise Tucker achieved three As in art, textile design and history and will be studying a foundation art course in the Glamorgan Centre of Art and Design.

She added: "It annoys me, and can be upsetting for those who don't do all that well.

We work hard and deserve the results we get. When critics run the exams down, it devalues accomplishments."

Headteacher at Barry Comprehensive School David Swallow was thrilled with his pupils' bumper crop: "This year, our results have reached an all-time high of 99 percent success at A to E level, from 94 percent last year.

Our A to C grades soared from last year's 54 percent to an incredible 70 percent.

The students' rewards will be gaining entry to their chosen courses, and their teachers and I wish them every success."

Overall, Welsh pupils did better than their English counterparts. In the Principality, 96.4 percent of those who sat A-levels gained A to E, and 23 percent got A grades, compared to 95.3 percent A to E and 21.3 percent A grades across the border.

And in the battle of the sexes, girls have done better than boys in all subjects, increasing their lead in many.