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Belvoir pupils on a high after first year of GCSEs

Posted on 04/07/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

2 July 2009

Belvoir pupils on a high after first year of GCSEs

The first ever Year 10 pupils at Belvoir High School in Bottesford have almost completed the first year of their GCSEs.

The year group of 99 pupils have been studying core GCSE subjects and a wide range of options including catering, product design and drama.  From 2010, the offer will be extended to include media studies, electronics, Spanish and triple science.

From the start of this academic year, Belvoir High School changed its age range from 10-14 to 11-16.  This was part of the £45 million reorganisation of education in Melton Mowbray and the Vale of Belvoir which aims to raise standards of attainment and achievement, building on current school excellence.

The change in age range means there is no need for pupils to change school at age 14 – just before they start their GCSEs – which is a transition pupils can find difficult.

Lily Feasby and James Burdett are two of the Year 10 pupils who have enjoyed the first year of their GCSE studies at Belvoir High.

14-year-old Lily said: “It’s a good thing that we have been able to stay here and study for our GCSEs.  I feel settled here and know the teachers.

“I’ve really enjoyed the first year of my GCSEs and particularly enjoy catering.  It’s good fun and different to the other lessons we have.”

15-year-old James added: “My favourite subjects are core and optional PE in which we study both the practical and theory side of things.  I’m pleased we’ve had the opportunity to stay at the same school until age 16.”

Jon Sherwin, headteacher at Belvoir High School, said: “I am delighted pupils have enjoyed their first year of GCSEs here at Belvoir High School.  The transition we have made in changing the age range at the school has been smooth and we are optimistic of excellent GCSE results once pupils have completed their studies.”

The secondary schools in Melton Mowbray are to follow Belvoir High and become schools for 11-16-year-olds from the autumn term ’09.  Students will then go on to study at a brand new state-of-the-art Post-16 Centre on the King Edward VII campus.

For more information about the Melton Mowbray and Vale of Belvoir schools’ reorganisation, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/meltonvob