GCSE Success for Dunottar School

Reigate, 20^th August 2020 – After last week’s excellent A-level results, Dunottar School pupils are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results this week.  Many pupils achieved top grades and there was strong value-added from right across the mixed ability cohort.  These results are a testament to the pupils’ hard work and the school’s unique focus on pastoral care.

Every pupil is encouraged to achieve their best possible outcomes, academically and beyond the classroom.  Pupils have not only demonstrated Warrior Learning characteristics during their GCSE year, but they are also committed sportspeople, talented musicians and performers and enthusiastic contributors to our extensive co-curricular programme.

Headmaster, Mr Tottman, said, ‘Dunottar pupils should be proud of their individual achievements; these GCSE results are excellent and the pupils are a credit to the Dunottar community. Learning at Dunottar is not just about exam results which are only one measure of success.  Our Year 11s, many of whom were the pioneers of ‘new Dunottar’ have developed firm friendships, wonderful memories and the confidence to succeed in all that they do.  They are individuals who can solve problems, be resilient and they possess a strong set of values. I am proud of them all and look forward to seeing what they can achieve as they embark on the challenges of Sixth Form.’

During lockdown and with GCSE exams cancelled, pupils continued to follow a full school timetable via their school iPads. In addition, Year 11 pupils undertook A-level preparation courses, providing them with the essential skills required to meet the demands of A-level study. Significantly, our pupils remained on track with their academic learning and supported by their teachers – ensuring an important sense of normality and structure to their day.

Mr Phil Cooper, Head of Year 11, said, ‘The last few months have been challenging for students nationally and globally. The uncertainty surrounding students’ futures and how the GCSEs would work has understandably made many students anxious. However, I have been incredibly proud of the resilience of my year group and their continued tenacity over the year and specifically the last few months. They are a fantastic group of young adults who have handled and represented themselves brilliantly.’

Many pupils, along with pupils joining from other local schools, will now progress into Dunottar School’s Sixth Form to study A-levels. Dunottar’s state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre provides pupils with an inspiring, modern, university-style working space, café and recreation area. Dunottar Sixth Form’s impressive infrastructure provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their academic potential to the full, broaden their own interests and become increasingly independent thinkers and learners.