Oasis is ‘closing achievement gap’

Holly Repton (left), from the Oasis Academy, plans to study performing arts. She gained a distinction in dance.

OASIS ACADEMY GCSE RESULTS
OASIS Academy is celebrating the end of its first year with individual successes which show what pupils can achieve.

Several students achieved a “clean sweep”, gaining five or more A or A* grades.

Vice-principal Rachel Quesnel said some pupils had got “fantastic results in A*s and As, and we are really proud of them.”

Sir Iain Hall, the principal, said the academy’s first set of GCSE results showed an improvement in the number of students achieving five or more A*-C grades, including English and maths, over the combined results from its two predecessor schools.

The school’s leaders say the results show the school is closing the achievement gap for the most vulnerable children and groups — which is a cornerstone of the Oasis ethos.

Delighted Dylan Hardy was pleased with his one A, five Bs, 1 C and an A distinction in businesses studies and a B merit in I-media.

He said: “I was very nervous, but I got what I needed to get on a course at Manchester College, where I will study physics, chemistry, biology and maths.”

He is aiming for a career in dentistry.

“I have done quite a lot of work experience with my dentist, it’s fun, and it is incredibly good money,” said the 16-year-old.

Joanna Lee was celebrating two A*s in maths and statistics and an A-grade in a freestanding maths qualification.

Holly Repton plans to go to college for performing arts after gaining five Cs and a distinction in dance.

“Singing, dancing and acting is all I have ever wanted to do,” she said.

Delighted Nicola Taggart (16), who scooped one A* and six A grades is off to study archaeology at Oldham Sixth Form College.

She said: “When I was little I was really into palaeontology and dinosaurs, my mum used to buy me all the toys to dig up and brush down.

“I’m so pleased to be able to study it now.”

Sir Ian said: “I am really pleased, but results can always get better and we will get better.

“As lead principal I have set some really challenging targets for next year, including at least 10 per cent of five A*-C grades, to include English and maths, and it will happen.

“In a place like Oldham employment is difficult for any youngster to find, and we will work hard to give our students opportunities.”

Associate principal Michael Taylor added: “These results are an excellent foundation on which we can build for the future, as we approach our move to the new building. They are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and staff.”