OUTSTANDING A-LEVEL RESULTS

PRESS RELEASE FRIDAY 19th AUGUST 2011

OUTSTANDING A-LEVEL RESULTS AT ABBEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A Level 2011

The Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry is celebrating yet another exceptional set of A-Level results.

The most significant statistic from these results is that more pupils at the Abbey are obtaining the top grades. Almost 50% of all results were grade A, 74% were grades A*, A or B and 93% grades A*-C.

Another highlight for the ‘Class of 2011’ is that a quarter of Upper Sixth achieved at least one A* grade. The examining boards introduced this new level only last year to acknowledge ‘super A grades’. Candidates must achieve 90% in their A2 exams to be awarded this. As competition for ‘high demand’ university courses rise, candidates are under pressure to meet third level offers. With 10% of total grades being A*, Abbey pupils have continued to obtain their first choice university course.

A total of 25 pupils achieved 3 or more A’s.

Nine pupils achieved at least 4 ‘A’ grades. Two pupils couldn’t be separated with an outstanding four A* grades and a A grade (AS). Daniel McCullagh obtained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He added to this impressive haul with an A grade in AS Further Mathematics. He shall be studying Aerospace Engineering at Bath University. Ryan Walsh obtained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He also excelled with an A grade in AS Further Mathematics. Ryan wishes to take a Gap Year this year. Dean Carolan obtained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Business Studies. He shall be studying Medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast. Hua Jian Liu obtained A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He shall be studying Medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast. Stephen Doherty obtained A* grades in Biology and Physics, A grades in Chemistry and Mathematics. He shall be studying Medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast. Niall McCavitt obtained an A* in History and A grades in Government and Politics, English Literature and English Language. He shall be studying Law at Queen’s University, Belfast. Garbhan McKevitt obtained an A* in Psychology and A grades in Geography, Spanish and English Language. He shall be studying Psychology at Queen’s University, Belfast. Callum McLoughlin obtained an A* in Biology and A grades in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He shall be studying Medicine at Glasgow University. Adam Magill obtained A grades in History, Government and Politics, English Literature and Irish. He shall be studying Law at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Another 16 pupils achieved at least 3 ‘A’ grades. John Joe Aitken obtained A grades in Biology, History and Government and Politics. He shall be studying Ancient History and Politics at Queen’s University, Belfast. Jack Bradley obtained A grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a B grade in Mathematics. He shall be studying Medicine at Dundee University. James Burns obtained A grades in History, Sociology and Construction. He shall be studying Quantity Surveying at University of Ulster. Patrick Burns obtained A* grades in Biology and Physics, an A grade in Mathematics and A grades (AS) in Chemistry and Further Mathematics. He shall be studying Actuarial Science and Risk Management at Queen’s University, Belfast. Conleth Cull obtained A grades in Government and Politics, History and Business Studies. He shall be studying History and International Politics at Queen’s University, Belfast. Conor Devlin achieved A grades in Physics, Technology and Design and Mathematics. He also achieved an A grade in AS Further Mathematics. He shall be studying Mathematics at Queen’s University, Belfast. Gavin Donnelly obtained A grades in Biology, Physics and Mathematics. He also added an A grade in AS Further Mathematics. He shall be studying Physics at Queen’s University, Belfast. Kevin Gribben achieved A grades in Government and Politics, History, Mathematics and a B grade in Physics. He shall be studying Accounting at Queen’s University, Belfast. Owen Jones obtained A grades in Technology and Design, Physics and Mathematics. He also added a B grade in AS Government and Politics. He shall be studying Electrical Engineering with Computer Science at University College, London. Rory Keenan achieved A grades in ICT, Physical Education and Construction. He shall be studying Quantity Surveying at University of Ulster. Mark McAlinden achieved an A* grade in Sociology, A grades in Government and Politics and History and a B grade in English Language. He shall be studying Law at Queen’s University, Belfast Turlough McEvoy achieved A grades in History, Religious Studies and Sociology. He shall be studying Environmental Planning at Queen’s University, Belfast. Paul McNulty obtained an A* grade in Biology and A grades in Chemistry and ICT. He also added an A grade in AS Mathematics. He wishes to take a Gap Year this year. Dermot McVeigh achieved A grades in Biology, Geography and History. He shall be studying Land Use and Environmental Management at Queen’s University, Belfast. Aidan McVerry achieved A grades in Biology, Physical Education and Construction. He shall be studying Business Management at Queen’s University, Belfast. Conor O’Hare obtained an A* grade in Mathematics, A grades in Biology and Chemistry and a B grade in Physics. He shall be studying Dentistry at Dundee University.

Mr Dermot McGovern, Headmaster congratulated this exceptional group on their results. He indicated that virtually every boy achieved his first choice university place. He was also delighted with the Lower Sixth performance in their AS examinations as they now have the potential to outperform this years A-Level results next year. He paid tribute to his hard working staff, both teaching and support staff and thanked them for all their efforts and dedication to the welfare of their students. He also acknowledged the strong school-parental links that helped the boys to achieve their best.