Exam Results 2018

We are proud of the fantastic GCSE results achieved by our year 11 students who have surpassed the achievements of previous cohorts.

In 2018 over 34% of our students achieved English and Maths at grade 5 or above (compared to the National average of 38.6%), an increase of over 12% from the previous year. In addition, over 59% of students achieved English and Maths at grade 4 or above. (Grade 4 is equated to the legacy pass at C grade).  

In English, over 77% achieved grades 9-4 (the equivalent of legacy pass at C or above), a continued increase; 13% achieved Grades 9-7 (Grade 7 is equated to the legacy pass at A grade). 56% of our students attained 9-5 in at least one of their English qualifications. In English Language over 49% achieved 9-5, and 75.2% achieved 9-4 compared to 62% national average, and in English Literature 44% achieved 9-5 compared, and 65% achieved 9 to 4.

In Maths, over 66% achieved grades 9-4, a continued increase and above the national average of 59%, with over 38% achieving grades 9 to 5, an increase of 12% from the previous year and 11% attaining grades 7 to 9.

In Science, 66% achieved at least one grade 9-4, an increase of 11% from the previous year and 35% achieved at least one grade 9-5, whilst 54% of students achieved two 9 to 4 grades in Science and 29% achieved two 9 to 5 grades. All three separate sciences were significantly above the National Average, seeing significant improvements from the previous year at 9-4.

Other notable successes include:
Drama – 69.2% at equivalent grade 9-5, and 92.3% at equivalent grade 9-4

Sports Studies -71.8% at equivalent grade 9-5 and 97.3% at equivalent grade 9-4

Media Studies – 54.5% at equivalent grade 9-5 and 78.8% at equivalent grade 9 - 4

Music – 100% at grade 9 -5 and grade 9-4

Dance - 100% at grade 9 -5 and grade 9-4

Graphics – 75% at grades A*-C

The EBacc certification is awarded to students achieving A*-C grades in English, Maths, Science, a Language and a Humanities subject. In 2018, 16% of our students achieved this at a standard pass and above (Grades 9-4 in English and Maths), with 8% achieving a strong pass (Grades 9-5 in English and Maths).  49% of our Year 11 cohort (70 students) were entered for this, a rise of over 22% from 2017.

Our EBacc average point score was 3.56, across all students in the year group.

Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores measure students’ success in their 8 best subjects (English, Maths, three EBacc subjects and any other three).

Progress 8 scores are calculated for pupils for the sole purpose of calculating the school’s Progress 8 score. A pupil’s Progress 8 score is defined as their Attainment 8 score, minus their estimated Attainment 8 score. The estimated Attainment score is the average Attainment 8 score of all pupils nationally with the same prior attainment at key stage 2 within that cohort.

In 2018, a pupil’s prior attainment will be defined as the average of their key stage 2 reading and maths results, in fine graded levels.

The school’s Progress 8 score is the mean average of its pupils’ Progress 8 score. For all mainstream schools nationally, the average progress 8 score will be zero. The government floor target is -0.50. Our unverified Progress 8 score in 2017/18 is -0.29, showing consistent improvement over the last three years. We are working hard to consistently improve our results, to at least national average in the first instance.

In 2018 our students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 41.63 an increase of over 2 ½ points from 2017.

Destination data

According to the Department for Education, our most recent destination data shows that, of the 167 students who left The Dorcan Academy in 2015-16, 94% went on to sustained education, employment or training, in line with the national figure of 94%.  Information provided by Swindon Borough Council indicates this figure was 98%.

Summary of GCSE Examination Results 2018