Staff and students at Murray Park School are celebrating another fantastic year of GCSE results, with some brilliant individual performances leaving students elated.
Based in Mickleover, the school recorded Grade 4+ pass percentages of 75.4% and 66.3% in English and maths respectively, whilst also recording a 6% uplift on pre pandemic results in English and a 10% rise in maths for students who achieved a grade 5 or above.
Headteacher Nicola Caley said, “I am tremendously proud of all our students who have worked against the odds to beat pre-pandemic results. Big thanks to all of our staff who have adapted practice to ensure students could achieve at optimum levels.
“Though students were massively affected by the pandemic, they have managed the situation impressively and the results reflect their hard work and determination to be successful young adults.”
Salwa Katmawi, with her GCSE results.
One student who exceeded her own expectations was sixteen-year-old Salwa Katmawi, of Littleover. Having moved to England in 2018 from Saudi Arabia speaking limited English, Salwa was delighted to have achieved the top possible grade in nine of her 11 subjects.
It was an 8 in English Language that thrilled Salwa the most however. She said: “I struggled to understand even half of the lessons when I first arrived. Moving to a different country was mentally the hardest thing I ever have been through.
“The teachers here at Murray Park have been incredible,” continued Salwa. “They made sure that I never felt left out or ignored. And by the end of Year 10 I started to believe I could achieve good grades.”
Salwa’s results means she can now study A-Levels at Littleover Community School and hopes to move into the field of nutrition or food science.
Head boy, Daniel Blurton with his GCSE results.
Head Boy, Daniel Blurton (16), from Mickleover, also excelled, receiving four Grade 9s and five Grade 8s.
“I pushed myself and persevered throughout the pandemic,” said Daniel. “I now want to go to Derby College and hope to study micro-biology at university. I’m overjoyed with getting a 9 in English Literature – I never expected that one.”
Muhammad Alam (16), from Normanton, was overjoyed to receive the top grade in biology, chemistry and physics as he pursues his dream to become a doctor. Muhammad said: “I believe that consistency is always rewarded and although it was difficult during the pandemic you have to adapt to your own situation to achieve your potential.”
Hadeeqah Zarif with her GCSE results which she is very pleased with.
One step nearer to her dream of studying medicine, Hadeeqah Zarif, from Normanton, achieved top grades in eight of her 11 subjects, including top marks in all three science subjects. She also said that her love of history had helped her through the last two Covid hit years: “I think the past teaches you so much about the present. I know that we have been through Covid, but other people have had it tougher, going through war times.”
Carl Taroni (16), of Mickleover was also in shock to discover he had received seven top grades from the ten subjects he studied and is now excited to continue his academic journey at sixth form to study maths.
Assistant head of Murray Park, Phil Gregory reflected, “These outcomes are a reflection of the hard work of the students, staff and the school community – we wish them every success on the next step of their journey.
“Overall, this has been another fantastic year for Murray Park School, demonstrating our focus on improving the lives of all our students.”
ENDS/
For further information please contact Sarah Newton at Penguin PR on 07974 502 764 or email sarah@penguipr.co.uk
