A bright new year for Cecil Jones College
Published Monday 6th September 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Back to School means Back to the Future at Cecil Jones College, where staff, students, and Governors are eagerly anticipating this new academic year.
The College, in Eastern Avenue, Southend, saw strong individual and subject performances in the recent A-Level and GCSE exams. Achievements from individual students - some of whom have confronted daunting challenges - will help to encourage and motivate others.
Such was the case of Anna Bashlykova, a Russian student, who came to Cecil Jones in Year 10, speaking little English, and yet achieved grades A, B and C in her A-Level examinations.
Meanwhile, Rosie Goring who entered Cecil Jones Year 12 with grade C at GCSE, went on to gain A* in Textiles, and A*A in Double Applied Art.
Lifelong learning was ably demonstrated by Mrs Shirley Page, the Sixth Form Learning Mentor, who achieved grade A* in her AS English Literature, undertaking her studies alongside Year 12 students. She hopes to complete her A2 this year.
GCSE proved to be a further success story, with the College making a substantial 13% gain in the proportion of 5+A*-C grades achieved - the best result since 2007.
Mrs Pauline Harris, Executive Head Teacher said: "We are extremely proud of what our students have achieved this year. We would like to thank them for their dedication, the tireless commitment of the College staff, and the steadfast support of parents and carers.
'We are going into the new academic year with renewed vigour and confidence, and we are well placed to consolidate and surpass our well deserved achievements of last year.'
Mrs Jackie Raja, Chair of Governors, echoing the comments of parents, said: "Despite the challenges which the College has recently faced, students have done very well and brought great credit to themselves, their families and the College."
A highly visible sign of the changes introduced by the College is the new blazer, adopted with enthusiasm, and worn with pride by the students, who selected the badge.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Roger Hadley said: "We would like to congratulate everyone involved with Cecil Jones College for making notable strides together and gaining these achievements. We feel confident the College will continue going from strength to strength."