NINETY-SIX percent  of Year 11 students who applied to study overseas have secured the points they needed, the Falkland Islands Community School announced today after GCSE results were released.

This is a 12 percent increase in students compared to last year. 

A number of students are progressing to Falklands College to follow apprenticeships, announced the school.

This combines study with work experience and represents an important route for young people to contribute to the Islands’ skills needs it was stated.

76 percent of the cohort have secured five GCSEs, or more, at grade A* to C or 9 to 4; with 48 percent securing 5 GCSEs, or more, including English and Maths, at grade A* to C or 9 to 4. 

Penguin News was able to catch up with three students who decided to go ‘old school’ and pay a visit to FICS on Thursday morning.

Ella Clement achieved a rather mind-boggling five A* three As and one B. She intends to study A Levels Chemistry, Biology and Maths and in the longer term hopes to study Veterinary Science at University.

Regan Newman achieved a fantastic two A* three As,  four Bs and two Cs and intends to study Geography, Environmental Science and English at Symonds and is interested in studying Travel Journalism in the longer term.

Danielle Harris was delighted with her results. She achieved one A two Bs, a B/B and two Cs and intends to study Business and Maths at Peter Symonds College.

Director of Education Marie Horton said: “FICS pupils and staff should be congratulated for an extremely strong set of outcomes, 2020 has been a complex year in Education.  We are thrilled to see so many young people gain the results they need for the next phase of their education.”

Executive Head of the Falkland Islands Schools Karen Steen commented: “18 months of dedicated focus on improvement has dramatically improved education throughout the Secondary School.  For Year 11, this has delivered the outcomes that both staff and students have been working so hard to achieve. 

“The unusual events of this year and uncertainty around the award of GCSE results has created an unprecedented situation.  I would like to recognise the ethical and robust process carried out by staff, led by Principal, Ms Watson, which has ensured a fair set of results for our students.”

Christina Watson, Principal of Secondary, said: “I am delighted with what our students have achieved in the most difficult of years. Our Year 11 students were working extremely hard before the examinations were cancelled and the results are a testament to their hard work and perseverance over many years. Students have had much support from their teachers and their parents and we all celebrate their individual and collective successes.

Picture: Peter Symonds College in Winchester England is the Sixth Form College of first choice of many Falklands students and has a close relationship with the Islands. Student Ella Clement with proud mum Sarah receives her grades at the Falkland Islands Community School