September saw two Laois students earn a staggering 613 points in their Leaving Cert exams.
Two students in Knockbeg College got 613 points in the Leaving Cert results announced on Friday.
Fergus Langton from Barrowhouse and Colin Phelan from Maganey both received a hugely impressive 613 points.
Fergus now hopes to study Acturial Mathematics in DCU while Colin is off to NUI Maynooth to do study Science and Physics.
Meanwhile, the principals of Mountmellick CS and Heywood CS have praised their students for their “great achievements”.
“Once again, we are delighted to see the outstanding achievements of our Leaving Cert students,” said Mountmellick CS principal Larry Curtin.
“Not only do we take great pride in our students who aspire toward 600 points but we are equally pleased with the great achievements of those who worked really well, applied all of their talents and aspired towards and achieved points in the 300 to 500 points range.
“All of these achievements rely heavily on the pastoral care, persistence and professionalism of our staff and the influence that they have had on these students over the past five to six years.
“It also has to be acknowledged that none of this would have been possible without the support of Parents and Guardians not only in the past five to six years but also for the many years prior to that.
“It is a pleasure to see this group of students doing so well particularly in the context that COVID had such a negative impact on their second level education.”
123 Leaving Certificate students received their results on Friday at Heywood Community School.
“The staff, students and parents were very pleased with the results,” said principal Philip Bowe.
“The Heywood tradition of hard work and dedication among staff and students had paid off once again.
“Over 20 students scored well over 500 points, one student achieving over 600 points, with all students surpassing expectations and achieving sufficient results to have a very good chance of securing places in their chosen third level courses.
“With students getting their results online for the third year in succession it was strange for school management not to have students coming to the school to receive results.”
The school reported a substantial number of students taking the higher level paper in Mathematics encouraged by the bonus of 25 points on offer for all grades.
The Principal Philip Bowe and Deputy Principals Mary Harrington and Peter Malone feel that the extra 25 points will once again benefit students applying for courses in technology, computer science and Engineering.
Similarly, the Principal was of the opinion that taking transition year was a contributing factor to success for many students, and that the adjustments made to Leaving Certificate papers as a result of Covid 19 also contributed to the very good results in the school.
“Students did very well in all subjects both the academic and the practical,” he added.
“Results in Irish and the modern languages reflected the percentages allotted to the oral examinations, particularly Irish which awards 40% for the oral.”
The Principal stressed that all students realizing their potential, and being contented with their results was the most important factor for the school.
“However, there is real concern for students that they may not be able to get accommodation near their chosen college.
“Some uncertainty and anxiety also around the prospect of points for certain courses going up as a result of Grade Inflation over the last few years of predicted and accredited grades.”
He wished to thank parents for their support of the school and the teachers and SNA staff for their hard work and commitment. The rewards were to be seen in the results today. He congratulated all Heywood students and wished them well in their courses, work and careers.”
