15 August 2001
MARTIN McGUINNESS AND SEAN FARREN PRAISE GCE A AND AS LEVEL RESULTS
Martin McGuinness MP MLA, Education Minister and Dr Sean Farren, Minister for Employment and Learning, have congratulated local students and their teachers on the standards achieved in this year’s GCE A level and the new AS level examinations.
Mr McGuinness, said: "I want to congratulate all the candidates who have studied hard to achieve the best possible results for themselves. The results are a credit to the efforts of not only the pupils themselves, but also the dedication of the teachers and lecturers in our schools and colleges.
"Local pupils have again, this year, achieved high standards in GCE A level examinations. Just over 92% of pupils achieved pass grades at A level, an increase of 1% and the proportion of pupils who achieved the top grade A has also increased by 1.5% to 24.6%."
With regard to the new AS levels, Mr McGuinness, said: "The position in relation to the new AS levels is less clear as candidates have up until 20 September to decide whether to cash-in their result but a comparison with the results so far in England and Wales shows our pupils in a very good light.
"I recognise the difficulties faced by both pupils and teachers in introducing the new AS levels and I intend that the CCEA review of the arrangements, which will be completed by the end of this year, will lead to an easing of the burden for all concerned. In the meantime, CCEA will be introducing further guidance for schools early in the new school year."
In conclusion, Mr McGuinness wished young people every success for the future: "While it is right for us to congratulate those pupils who have helped achieve these results, some young people will not have done as well as they would have hoped. It is important to remember that school is not just about exam results and I hope that all of the young people leaving school will have benefited from their experience at school and will be better prepared for adult life and the world of work. I wish them all every success in the future."
Commenting on the results Dr Farren, said: "This is one of the most important days for all those who have sat exams and are getting their results. This year’s figures show that standards have improved once again and I congratulate everyone involved, from the pupils themselves through to school and college staff and, of course, parents.
"Clearly, however, some young people will receive what they might consider bad news because their results have not lived up to their expectations. They should not be downhearted or despondent.
"Everyone who has come through the process has achieved something and, while they may not be able to follow their first preference, there are many other opportunities open to them to continue learning through training or studying in the work place. We all have to realise that learning is a lifelong process."
Dr Farren reminded students that his Department, and particularly the Training and Employment Agency, was there to help and added: "Students may wish to discuss their options further and, if so, the Training and Employment Agency Careers Officers are on hand to offer objective and tailored advice. Anyone who wants to can arrange an appointment with a careers officer at their local JobCentre by calling in or using the freephone number 0800 353530."
NOTES TO EDITORS
PART 1: 2001 GCE A LEVEL RESULTS
2001
NATIONALLY
NI ONLY
ENTRIES
748,866
29,205
% A
18.6
24.6
% A - E
89.8
92.1
Overall there was an increase on last year’s results of 0.8% at grade A (18.6%), and an increase of 0.7% at grades A- E (89.8%). In NI as a whole, there was a 1.5% increase at grade A (24.6%), and an increase of 1% at grades A – E (92.1%).
PART 2: 2001 GCE AS LEVEL RESULTS
2001
NATIONALLY
NI ONLY
ENTRIES
794,117
19,059
% A
17.0
28.0
% A - E
86.6
92.5
The cashing-in arrangements are designed to allow pupils the opportunity to repeat units of or a complete AS level and to choose when they wish to claim their awards.