AS A TIGHT-HEAD prop, rugby player Ben Copp is used to getting his head down and it paid off as the Cefn Hengoed Community School pupil’s hard graft was rewarded on GCSE results day.
He was thrilled with his better-than-expected haul of two A-stars, including history, three As and one B.
“I was not expecting this to be honest,” said the 16-year-old. “I’m feeling brilliant. I could not have asked for more – this is something else.”
Ben, of Winch Wen, said he had revised a lot and his efforts have paid off. Outside of school he plays rugby for Birchgrove RFC and also goes to the gym and does a bit of running.
In September he’s going to Gower College Swansea to study history, law and politics A level at the Gorseinon campus.
Cefn Hengoed Community School, Winch Wen, has more than 900 pupils and was a mixture of nerves, relief and other emotions as envelopes were opened on August 21.
Lexi Hanford’s results were a little different to her predictions, but her overall verdict was: “It’s fine.”
She got an A* in Welsh baccalaureate, As in Welsh and history, three Bs and three Cs. “I’ve always been quite good at Welsh – I think it’s because I enjoy it,” she said. “I also had a really good teacher, Mrs Thomas. This is down to her, not me.”
Lexi, 16, of Winch Wen, is going to Neath College to do A-levels in law, politics and sociology. Since leaving school she has been working part-time at Sports Direct, Morfa Retail Park.
“It was really strange leaving school,” she said. “I was really sad.”
Charli Turner is starting a one-year equine apprenticeship in Llanelli after leaving Cefn Hengoed with a spring in her step.
Charli was said she was “shocked” in a good way with her twoAs and three Bs, with the rest Cs. Her As were in chemistry and health, social care and childcare.
“I’m happy,” said the 16-year-old, from Bonymaen. “Chemistry was a surprise!”
Charli said she has always liked being around horses and has three of her own. After the apprenticeship she said she might look to do an Open University course, potentially in law.
Tom Norris will start his A-levels in ancient history, textiles, and travel and tourism at Neath College with a good set of GCSE results under his belt.
“I’m really pleased – they were much better than I expected,” said the former deputy head boy. “I put in as much revision as I could.”
Tom, 16, of Port Tennant, added: “History was the hardest subject.”
He also took time to thank deputy head teacher Mr Harrington, English teacher Mrs Varney and art teacher Mrs Browning for their support.
Head teacher Carl Bale said he was delighted with the GCSE results achieved by pupils.
“It’s great to see the continuous improvement in the core subjects,” he said. “Our staff work tirelessly, and their standards of teaching are reflected in the results.”
He added: “Best of luck to all our pupils. We will miss them all.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said Wales has seen some strong GCSE results at top grade and across subjects including maths and English.
Congratulating pupils, she said: “I hope you got the grades you wanted and whether you decide to carry on with education, choose vocational training or employment there are many options available. ”
Councillor Lis Burnett, education spokeswoman for council body the Welsh Local Government Association, said: “Behind every result is a huge amount of effort, not just from students but from teachers, support staff and families too. Thank you to everyone who’s helped young people reach this point.”
