OUTSTANDING A-LEVEL RESULTS AT ABBEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry is celebrating yet another exceptional set of A-Level results.

The most significant statistic from these results is that more pupils at the Abbey are obtaining the top grades. An unbelievable 51% of all results were grade A and 76% grades A or B.

Following the national media coverage during the Summer regarding A-Level performance for last year, the Abbey is listed in the Irish News in the top 10 of all Grammar Schools and as the top boy’s only school in the Province with 84% of pupils who achieved three or more A-Levels at grade A-C in 2006/2007, again the number of pupils achieving top grades in their 3, 4 or even 5 subjects continue to rise. A total of 21 boys achieved 3 or more grade A’s.

Two Newry pupils share the ‘Top of the Class’ spot with Damian McParland and Homesh Sayal having achieved 5 ‘A’ grades each. Damian McParland attended Abbey Primary School. His ‘A’ grades were in English Language, History, English Literature, French and Spanish. He shall be studying Law at Oxford University. Homesh Sayal attended Cloughogue Primary School. His ‘A’ grades were in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He also achieved a merit in Mathematics Advanced Extension Award (AEA). He shall be studying Actuarial Studies at The London School of Economics.

Eight pupils achieved 4 ‘A’ grades each. Michael Boyle from Rostrevor attended Killowen Primary School. His ‘A’ grades were in Psychology, English Language, Mathematics and History. He shall be studying Law at Queens University, Belfast. Martin Davidson from Warrenpoint (St. Dallan’s Primary School) got A’s in History, English Literature, French and Spanish. He shall be studying Law with Spanish at Queens University, Belfast. Dermot Markey from Warrenpoint (St. Dallan’s Primary School) got A’s in Psychology, English Language, Drama and History. He shall be studying Law at Trinity College, Dublin. Fergal McAlinden from Rostrevor (Killowen Primary School) got A’s in History, English Literature, French and Spanish. He shall be studying History and Politics at Oxford University. Ronan McDonald from Dromintee (Dromintee Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, Politics, English Literature and Spanish. He shall be studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University. John-Paul O’Hare from Newry (Abbey Primary School) got A’s in Business Studies, Mathematics, ICT and Geography. He shall be studying Actuarial Studies at Queens University, Belfast. Conor Sweeney from Newry (Abbey Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Spanish. He shall be studying Actuarial Studies at Queens University, Belfast. Adrian McNamee from Newry (St. Gregory’s Primary School, Ealing, London) got A’s in Mathematics, Physical Education, Biology and History. He shall be studying Psychology at Queens University, Belfast.

11 pupils achieved at least 3 ‘A’ grades each. Stephen Campbell from Newry (Cloughogue Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, History and Politics. He also achieved an ‘A’ in AS Technology and Design. He shall be studying Law with Politics at Queens University, Belfast. Darragh Dobbin From Newry (Abbey Primary School) got A’s in Biology, ICT and History. He also got an ‘A’ in AS Geography. He shall be studying Quantity Surveying at University of Ulster, Belfast. Kevin Holsgrove from Newry (Killean Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, Physics and ICT. He also got a ‘B’ in Music. He shall be studying Physics at Queens University, Belfast. Christopher Kerrin from Newry (Abbey Primary School) got A’s in Chemistry, Geography and Technology and Design. He also got a ‘B’ in Biology. He shall be studying Radiography at University of Ulster, Belfast. John McBride from Killeavey (St. Joseph’s Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. He also achieved ‘B’ grades in Spanish and Music. He shall be studying Chemical Engineering at Manchester University. Philip McClory from Poyntzpass (St. Joseph’s Primary School) got A’s in History, English Literature and Irish. He shall be studying Ancient and Modern History at Oxford University. Conor McGuigan from Newry (Cloughogue Primary School) got A’s in Psychology, Biology and English Literature. He also got a ‘B’ in Chemistry. He shall be studying Medicine at Trinity College, Dublin. Aiden Murphy from Newry (Abbey Primary School) got A’s in Mathematics, Physics and ICT. He also got an ‘A’ in AS Geography. He shall be studying Actuarial Studies at Queens University, Belfast. Sean O’Hagan from Newry got A’s in Accounting, Business Studies and Mathematics. He also got a ‘B’ in Spanish. He shall be studying Finance at Queens University, Belfast. Vincent O’Rourke from Newry (St. Ronan’s Primary School) got A’s in Psychology, ICT and History. He also achieved a ‘B’ in Irish. He shall be studying Law at Queens University, Belfast. Liam Turley from Saval (St. Colman’s Primary School, Saval) got A’s in ICT, History and Construction. He shall be studying Quantity Surveying at University of Ulster, Belfast.

With building work on schedule for the new school opening in September 2009 and an increase in the number of subjects on offer to pupils in Lower Sixth the demand for places continue to rise each year.

Mr Dermot McGovern, Headmaster congratulated this exceptional group of pupils on their results. He indicated that virtually every boy achieved his first choice university place. He paid tribute to his hard working staff and thanked them for all their efforts and dedication to the welfare of their students. He acknowledged the strong school-parental links that also helped the boys to achieve their best.

Lower Sixth students also received their AS results and all at the Abbey are confident that the exceptional standard of ‘A’ Level results shall be repeated next year.