Students celebrate GCSE Results at Hugh Bird Collage

CELEBRATIONS have been taking place for students at Hugh Baird College, as they collect their GCSE results and begin making preparations for their next steps to either Further Education, an Apprenticeship and or Higher Education. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, students across the College were not able to sit exams this summer. After months of patiently waiting, today students received results that allowed them to progress into their next stage of education or even their career.

Elisheva Hampton, Hugh Baird 14 to 16 College student, said:- "During my time at the 14 to 16 College, I studied Performing Arts (alongside the compulsory GCSE subjects). The College has helped prepare me for my future, today I achieved a grade 7 (GCSE English) and a grade 5 (GCSE Maths) and will be enrolling at Liverpool City College to study Digital Art and Graphic Design in September. For someone who has always been home Schooled, I was amazed by the support provided by the College. I couldn't have done it without the Teachers and Teaching Assistants, I have gained valuable experience and built my confidence. Even during the confusing and scary times, me and my fellow classmates have remained supported throughout."

Abbie Walker, Hugh Baird Learning for Life student, said:- "I knew I wanted a fresh start after School and Hugh Baird College looked perfect for me. Since starting at the College, studying the Learning for Life programme, my confidence has increased and I have made friends for life. Today I achieved a grade 5 (GCSE English) and a pass (Level 1 Functional Skills). I wouldn't have been able to do it without my Tutors always being there for me every step of the way, encouraging me in everything I do. My goal is to 1 day work in a Nursery as a Nursery Nurse."

Sarah Lewis, Hugh Baird College GCSE English and Maths student, said:- "I decided to come back to Hugh Baird College after previously studying here and really enjoying it. As a mature student I worried that my experience would be different, but I have loved every minute of it. English and Maths are two basic skills that everyone needs and will use daily, I am over the moon I achieved a grade 7 (GCSE English) and a grade 4 (GCSE Maths) and hope to 1 day land a job working with children."

Rachael Hennigan, Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, said:- "I am really proud of all of our students. This year has been extremely difficult for all our students, having to adjust to the ‘new norm' has been really hard, yet they have given 100% commitment to their studies and the results show it has paid off. We wish our students every success as they take the next step towards their future. We also hope that their results have encouraged their self belief and determination to succeed in the next stage of their journey."

All GCSE classes are FREE at Hugh Baird College and spaces for students to start this September 2020 are still available. Individuals interested in taking those first steps to apply for the 14 to 16 College are encouraged visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK  or alternatively call:- 01513534444.

---

Dr Nick Smith from Oxford Home Schooling comments on GCSE results

AS the GCSE results got released, Dr Nick Smith, Principal, at Oxford Home Schooling, commented that:- "After months of unprecedented disruption to education, GCSE students are finally getting their grades. GCSE results day is a big moment in any child's life and for thousands of children across the country, it will be a day of celebration. The results can be a springboard for a variety of exciting careers and it's great to see so many students rewarded for their hard work. But for those who don't quite get the results they hoped for, we're here to reassure them that you shouldn't worry! For those who don't get the GCSE results they expected, there are a number of options available. To begin with, students should get in touch with the course representative at the 6th Form or College they applied for. They might say it's possible to let them on the course anyway, or perhaps find an alternative subject. Alternatively, it might be worth considering less traditional pathways, such as Apprenticeships, work experience or a gap year. Such options do not mean that students have to simply leave education behind, as they can still re-sit GCSEs while working. There's also the possibility of doing your A-levels at home. Many students have enjoyed Home Schooling over lockdown and if they want to carry on learning, but didn't meet their College or 6th Form's entry criteria, they could take the qualifications independently. You can complete ALevels in a wide range of subjects at home, from maths and English, to psychology and business, so there really is something for everyone."

---

Liverpool City Region steps up local support for GCSE and A level graduates

LIVERPOOL City Region is part of a new ₤600,000 programme to support young people who have just received their A level and GCSE results and are trying to decide what to do next. Liverpool City Region Careers Hub, managed by Growth Platform, is 1 of 28 regions across the country who are part of the programme, supported nationally by The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC). The programme is focused of delivering local careers support in the Liverpool City Region for the class of 2020 of students who have just received their exam results. It comes at a time of heightened concern about the increased levels of uncertainty facing this generation of School Leavers in the face of Covid and exam result uncertainty. A recent poll of 5,000 Teachers by Teacher Tapp for CEC found 43% reporting young people were facing additional uncertainty about their future choices due to the impact of the pandemic and lockdown. The additional support is being provided to help young people either choose what courses of study might be best for them to take next or make the step from education into employment. 59% in the poll said support from Schools, Teachers and Careers advisers will be essential to help students prepare for the post-Covid environment. 74% believe employability skills like teamwork and public speaking skills are now the most important way to improve pupils' career prospects in these uncertain economic times.

John Yarham, interim CEO of the Careers and Enterprise Company said:- "Our young people have faced considerable uncertainty in recent months, in particular GCSE and A' level students. They continue to face the significant challenges of the post pandemic economic environment and it is vitally important we increase the support and guidance they need in making informed choices about their next steps. Connecting young people in the local community with expert advice and local employers, so they can make the most of their talents and opportunities is now more important than ever before."

On GCSE results day Liverpool City Region Careers Hub partnered with:- 'All About Futures' to host a digital takeover day:- "LCR Careers Hub - All About Futures."

The team will be supporting young people with the information they will need to find a career pathway that's perfect for them. There will be links to local Colleges, courses and advice, Apprenticeships, employment opportunities and careers support, as well as resources on how to build a CV and complete College / Apprenticeship applications.

Sally Beevers, Careers Hub Lead for Growth Platform said:- "The class of 2020 has experienced unprecedented disruption to their education and confusion regarding examination results. Nevertheless, there are excellent opportunities available in the Liverpool City Region and the additional support we are able to provide locally will ensure comprehensive awareness and clear direction to support our young people at this crucial time."

---

Government announces plans to combat environmental challenges

THE Government has 19 August 2020, outlined its plans to combat climate and environmental challenges the farming industry faces through setting legally binding targets underpinned in the Environment Bill. Responding to this, CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:- "Farmers and landowners have a crucial role to play in meeting these long term Government targets to conserve and restore the natural environment. Businesses can do more if they know there is a long term target to reach. The timeline of new targets being brought forward to 2022 is certainly ambitious, yet achievable. But for progress to be made, the Government must work closely with the private sector to ensure the necessary resources and enabling policies are put in place. This includes the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, which will give farmers access to public money to deliver environmental benefits. With this scheme not being available until 2024, there's still much uncertainty on how this will work in practice, while in the meantime the old payment system is due to start being phased out in less than 4 months, leaving farmers with a significant cash flow problem."

---

Total UK cases COVID-19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by 1,182 cases and the total number now stand at 322,280, that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The number of COVID-19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be 6 according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is 41,403..

The number of COVID-19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 867. The current number of COVID-19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 70.  Daily number of COVID-19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 97.

In England, there are a total of 278,551 confirmed cases. North West - total of 50,706 confirmed cases:-.