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NI students top of A-level class | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Northern Ireland A-Level students have again outperformed those in England and Wales, with 35.4% gaining an A grade compared to the 25.9% overall figure. | |
Despite fears of declining interest in science subjects, Biology was the most popular A-Level with 10.9% studying it. | |
Girls again outperformed boys, but the gap between those achieving A grades this year narrowed from 3.9% to 2.5%. | |
Students disappointed by their results were advised by the Careers Service not to make any hasty decisions. | |
Careers advisor Margaret McGuigan said students should be careful if they did not get the grades they wanted. | |
"They feel they just need to take a course, for the sake of a course. We would utter a word of caution, just try not to make hasty decisions," she said. | |
Students who want to query a grade can ask for a remark. Last year, about 200 students got higher grades after paying for a remark, but applications must be made by 22 August. | |
Traditional subjects | |
Northern Ireland's awarding body, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CEA), said traditional subjects remained the most popular. | |
Biology was the most commonly taken subject, followed by English, Mathematics, History and Religious Studies. | |
There was a increase in Chemistry and Biology entries, while Physics remained constant, CEA said. | |
Languages also continue to do well, the examinations body said, with increased entries in French and German and a slight decrease in Irish and Spanish. | |
Overall, the gap between girls and boys achieving A to E grades was just 0.5%. | |
The number of students receiving A-Level grades was 30,020, a slight decrease for the third year running. | |
Students or parents with concerns over results should contact CCEA's Exams Helpline on 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, or visit the frequently asked questions section of the CCEA website. |