bbcuk--2020-08-12--Exam results: 'Mocks aren't a fair way to decide grades'

If the government calls mock results a safety net , in some cases they are deluding themselves .
I 'm Mia , I 'm 18 , and I 'm waiting on my A-level results .
The Department for Education has announced a last-minute `` triple lock '' - saying our final results will be no lower than our mock exams .
My mock results were far lower than I need for university , and whilst not being entirely bad , they 're not the grades I need .
The decision to tweak the methodology of results day at the 11th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as panic , or certainly poor planning from the government , and potentially puts more stress on the shoulders of some students in an already anxious year group .
So what do I think is wrong with mocks ?
Some schools do n't give you a grade for mocks , but feedback for you to focus on instead .
Others do them at different times , they use old papers , or teachers set the questions themselves .
It is n't fair because it is n't standardised .
One of my teachers used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us plenty of advice and hints on what to revise , as well as timings we needed to follow .
Another teacher gave us no hints in regards to possible questions , and pretended it was the final exam so we would be more prepared .
In other words , one took it seriously , the other was far more laid back .
• Universities told to keep places open for A-level appeals It 's not a standardised process even within the school , let alone the country as a whole .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see where students need support , and often use the feedback as lesson plans for the lead up to exams , focusing on problems shared by the whole class .
So it 's fair to assume we 're expected to get things wrong , at least to some degree .
This expectation of some errors , or more than would be expected in the final exam , could mean that mocks are not reflective of the highest ability of a student .
One teacher told me they had their `` head in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plan .
`` The mock exam means many different things to many different people , '' they said .
`` Even within our college , from department to department they 're treated differently . ''
`` In one department , which is under scrutiny from college management due to recent results '' , the teacher said , `` they took the decision to inflate their grades for political reasons . ''
Meanwhile , another department was `` harsh '' .
They said it `` used the final mock to ensure that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them that bit of extra incentive for them to put the work in . ''
This shows how different teachers approach mocks - some mark with the benefit of the doubt , others mark very harshly .
In the final exam , I feel like there is not the same spectrum of leniency .
`` It 's just going to cause so much trouble , '' the teacher said .
`` I know that a lot of them will genuinely believe they have been hard done by , and for some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my class there were those who barely revised and preferred to use it as an opportunity to find out what they needed to work on , and others who stayed up until 2am to cram all the knowledge in to get the best mark they could .
People react differently to mocks than to final exams - I think there is an understanding that if you mess up your mocks , then you can fix whatever needs to be fixed by the final exam .
And some students also do n't necessarily try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the real thing .
One student who admitted he had n't tried his best also explained how the system affects people with learning difficulties .
• How will exam results day be different this year ?
`` When it actually comes to the real thing you focus more , '' he said .
`` Leading up to the real exam you put more effort in .
During a mock exam you do n't do those things .
`` I have dyslexia .
They did an assessment with me and gave me 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` During the mock exams I was n't given that extra time , just because the class was n't long enough . ''
Again , it varies from school to school - my sixth form allows for extra time , and takes students off timetable so they can sit the mock with the time that they would have in the `` real thing '' .
So what should we do ?
I would have preferred to stick to the predictions given by teachers .
The teachers know the students best , they understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this can all be factored into their predictions .
It would perhaps be a fairer system on which to calculate someone 's future .
Using mocks as a backup glosses over a lot of issues that come with them , and a student 's performance in those mocks should not be indicative of their final academic ability for the course of two years .
The way that a student treats their mocks varies spectacularly from individual to individual , which makes it difficult to moderate , and make `` fair '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical to ensure that schools are n't inflating grades without a true foundation , it is important not to conflate moderation with delusions of safety or reassurance .
One way of looking at it is to look at exams as a concert - the orchestra would not perform a rehearsal instead of their opening night as it does not reflect the ability of the musicians in the best possible light .
In the same way , using mocks would be to partially disregard the predictions of teachers , who factor them into predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application , and some extra revision .
Mia was talking to Tom Gerken and Andree Massiah .

One of my teachers used it as a practice run and gave us plenty of advice and hints on what to revise, as well as timings we needed to follow. Another teacher gave us no hints in regards to possible questions, and pretended it was the final exam so we would be more prepared.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--An armed robbery that ended in a police officer's death

The murder of a garda ( police officer ) in the Republic of Ireland is so rare and shocking to the public that there is a special offence for it .
Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead during an attempted credit union robbery close to the border in north Louth on 25 January 2013 .
The killing rekindled for many bitter memories of the Troubles - even though there was no paramilitary involvement .
Thousands of policemen and all the leading political figures in the Republic attended Garda Donohoe 's state funeral as a show of solidarity with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer - and their two young children .
Aaron Brady , 29 , the only suspect to stand trial to date , was extradited from New York in 2017 having failed to leave the US when his visa expired .
Charged with capital murder , he strongly denied any involvement in the killing or robbing €7,000 in cash and cheques from the Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan .
He was convicted of the offence at Dublin 's Central Criminal Court on Wednesday .
His trial began in January , but was suspended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses gave evidence by video-link from New York including Daniel Cahill , a barman in the city , who said he heard Aaron Brady admit three times that he was a garda killer .
Brady denied ever making any admission and described Mr Cahill as `` a lying psychopath '' .
He said Mr Cahill and two other men had assaulted him after accusing Mr Brady of sexual involvement with the girlfriend of one of Mr Cahill 's friends .
He told the trial that another New York witness , Molly Staunton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had heard him saying he had `` shot a cop '' .
In his evidence , Brady said that on the night of the murder , he had been on his own at a fuel-laundering plant .
He admitted telling lies to gardai about his whereabouts on the night , but said he was n't lying when he said he had no involvement in the murder .
He told the trial he was the victim of a garda and media campaign .
The trial in front of a jury of six men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forensic or DNA evidence to link Brady to the murder - only alleged admissions and circumstantial evidence .
That circumstantial evidence included his and other suspects ' phones going dead for two hours around the time of the killing .
It took the jury 20 hours to reach their guilty verdict .

Charged with capital murder, he strongly denied any involvement in the killing or robbing €7,000 in cash and cheques from the Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan. He was convicted of the offence at Dublin's Central Criminal Court on Wednesday.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--How it feels to finish college during a pandemic

If picking up A-level or Btec results was n't memorable enough , for students in the class of 2020 it @ @ @ @ @ to their studies unlike any that anyone 's experienced before .
We 've been speaking @ @ @ @ @ Dirar , Theo Farrar and Francesca Mills - to find out how they feel about @ @ @ @ @ .

If picking up A-level or BTec results wasn't memorable enough, for students in the class of 2020 it comes after a final year to their studies unlike any anyone's experienced before.
We've been speaking to three students - Mayas Dirar, Theo Farrar and Francesca Mills - to find out how they feel about graduating during the coronavirus pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Pardner: The young people saving money the Jamaican way

Millions of people are facing squeezed budgets and more competition for jobs , meaning the outlook for our personal finances @ @ @ @ @ are becoming more important for many of us and these young people from Coventry have @ @ @ @ @ money as a group .
The pardner savings system is common practice among people from @ @ @ @ @ .
It is essentially a partnership among people to save collectively .
When the Windrush @ @ @ @ @ they discovered credit services from banks were not easy to come by and pardners allowed @ @ @ @ @ homes or cars .
Pardners are all about trust - The Money Advice Service says @ @ @ @ @ they are unregulated so it is important to think carefully about who are chosen to @ @ @ @ @

Millions of people are facing squeezed budgets and more competition for jobs, meaning the outlook for our personal finances is increasingly uncertain.
Savings are becoming more important for many of us and these young people from Coventry have come together to start saving money as a group.
The pardner savings system is common practice among people from the Caribbean in the UK. It is essentially a partnership among people to save collectively.
When the Windrush generation came to the UK they discovered credit services from banks were not easy to come by and pardners allowed many to save to buy homes or cars.
Pardners are all about trust - The Money Advice Service says they can be risky as they are unregulated so it is important to think carefully about who are chosen to be in the pardner.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Father of Stephen Lawrence reacts to 'inactive' investigation

Neville Lawrence , the father of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in 1993 , has said he 'll never give @ @ @ @ @ ' .
The 18-year-old was killed in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a @ @ @ @ @ south-east London .
Two men were jailed for the murder in 2012 although it is @ @ @ @ @ Mr Lawrence was reacting after the Metropolitan Police said that all lines of inquiry have @ @ @ @ @ has now moved to an `` inactive phase '' .

Neville Lawrence, the father of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in 1993, has said he'll never give up fighting for 'full justice'.
The 18-year-old was killed in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Eltham, in south-east London.
Two men were jailed for the murder in 2012 although it is accepted others were involved.
Mr Lawrence was reacting after the Metropolitan Police said that all lines of inquiry have been exhausted and the investigation has now moved to an "inactive phase".


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Prime minister reacts to train derailment

Following the death of three people after a passenger train derailed in Aberdeenshire , Boris Johnson says it 's important @ @ @ @ @ `` nothing like this happens again '' .
It is thought the train hit a @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorms which caused flooding and travel disruption across Scotland .
The prime minister said it @ @ @ @ @ to look at the impact of substantial rainfall on vulnerable infrastructure .

Following the death of three people after a passenger train derailed in Aberdeenshire, Boris Johnson says it's important everyone works together to ensure "nothing like this happens again".
It is thought the train hit a landslide after heavy rain and thunderstorms which caused flooding and travel disruption across Scotland.
The prime minister said it would be a good idea to look at the impact of substantial rainfall on vulnerable infrastructure.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--The Papers: Train crash aftermath and likely outcry over exams

The Financial Times reports on official figures that show Britain has collapsed into its largest recession on record after the @ @ @ @ @ % contraction between April and June .
The UK economy suffered a bigger slump than @ @ @ @ @ in the second quarter , with Labour claiming the government 's handling of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ worst recession in Europe '' .
But there is reason to be hopeful , according @ @ @ @ @ the paper , who said although the quarterly numbers were bleak , figures from June @ @ @ @ @ by 8.7 % - suggested there was a `` strong bounce in activity as the @ @ @ @ @ .

But The Times has better news for students - saying universities are ready to rip up their admissions rules for this year. According to the paper, they have reassured ministers that they will "soften" the grades they normally require for entry to take account of the extraordinary circumstances that have led to exams being cancelled.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Lindsay Birbeck: Teenager guilty of murdering teaching assistant

A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering a teaching assistant whose body was found in a shallow grave .
Lindsay Birbeck , 47 , went missing on 12 August 2019 while walking in a wooded area and was later found buried in Accrington Cemetery , Lancashire .
Preston Crown Court heard her attacker had been prowling the woods for lone females .
The boy admitted moving her body in a wheelie bin and claimed he buried her for a stranger who promised him money .
The verdict came a year to the day since Mrs Birbeck went missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised the alarm when her mother did not return from her afternoon walk to have tea at 18:00 BST .
The mother-of-two had left her home in Burnley Road , Accrington , to stroll in a nearby wooded area known as the Coppice .
Her attacker , who was 16 at the time , is thought to have killed Mrs Birbeck shortly after she entered the Coppice .
He attended a police station several days after her naked body was discovered wrapped in two plastic bags following a police CCTV appeal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of his age , denied murder and manslaughter .
But he admitted dragging a bin , with Mrs Birbeck inside , from the Coppice across Burnley Road to the cemetery where he buried her .
Police trawled through around 3,000 hours of CCTV footage and found a young man who was seen repeatedly pulling a blue wheelie bin in and around Huncoat .
A similar-looking bin was found in Accrington Cemetery some days earlier .
After sharing the footage in a public appeal , the 16-year-old boy arrived at a police station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office pathologist Dr Naomi Carter said the injuries Mrs Birbeck sustained were the most severe of their kind which she had seen in her 25-year career .
He claimed a man had approached him with the promise of a large cash reward if he disposed of the body .
He stated : `` I have not met this man before .
I have not met him since , nor have I had any contact with him .
`` He has not paid me any money .
He told me that he would leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body had been at first once everything was clear . ''
The prosecution said the defendant 's account was `` implausible fiction '' .
The court heard another woman said a lone male wearing a grey tracksuit with his hood up had followed her on her walk shortly before Mrs Birbeck entered the Coppice .
She said she feared for her safety and he was getting closer when she startled him by glancing back .
A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of Mrs Birbeck 's death was neck injuries .
No evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An attempt had also been made to cut off a leg , possibly with a saw .
Outside court , Mrs Birbeck 's daughter said : `` Our lives have been utterly destroyed by the evil , cowardly behaviour of the defendant and the horrific manner in which she was murdered .
`` My mum went for a walk on a sunny afternoon in August and never came home , it 's unthinkable that something as brutal as this could happen in our close community to someone that was loved so very dearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sentenced on Friday .
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"He has not paid me any money. He told me that he would leave the money for me near where the body had been at first once everything was clear."


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Education Secretary John Swinney faces no-confidence vote

Education Secretary John Swinney faces a no-confidence motion at Holyrood later over the exams controversy but the vote is expected to be defeated .
The Scottish Conservatives , Scottish Labour and the Lib Dems want him to resign after thousands of teacher estimates were downgraded .
But the Scottish Greens have said they will not support the motion , following a government U-turn .
They said they were satisfied now that teacher estimates have been reinstated .
• Swinney insists U-turn not about saving his job This year 's grades were based on teacher assessments because exams were cancelled due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results were published last week 125,000 of those estimates were downgraded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority , which said it wanted to ensure the results were comparable with previous years .
But there were claims this system unfairly penalised pupils at schools which had historically not performed so well .
On Tuesday , after an outcry and protests by students , Mr Swinney said he would direct the SQA to reissue grades `` based solely on teacher or lecturer judgement '' .
At First Minister 's Questions on Wednesday Scottish Labour leader Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned the system would not work - and John Swinney had seen the results five days before they were published He said : `` He could have saved all those people from all that anguish , he could have saved you , first minister , from having to make a grovelling apology but he did not .
Why is n't his neck on the line ? ''
Ruth Davidson , leading the Conservative party at Holyrood , claimed John Swinney had been a `` common denominator '' in a series of failures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loyalty to a colleague may be commendable but her real loyalty should be to the parents and pupils of Scotland .
They deserve new leadership in education and John Swinney can not deliver it . ''
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has described Mr Swinney as `` part of the problem , not the solution '' .
Nicola Sturgeon , however , has stood by the education secretary , accusing opposition parties of caring more about political advantage than seeking the best outcomes for young people during the most `` horrendously difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MSPs : `` We will continue to lead the country through this as best we can , and we will not shy away from saying when we get things wrong and taking the action we need to do to put them right .
`` I do think that 's what people prefer to the traditional approach to politics we have in more normal times . ''
Scottish Greens education spokesman Ross Greer told BBC Scotland his party had demanded the problem be fixed as the price of its support in the no-confidence vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve the situation , that has now happened - we will not support the vote of no-confidence , '' he told The Nine .
`` All along what the Greens wanted was a solution for young people , and they are far more interested in getting their grades fixed than in the political theatrics of whether or not John Swinney goes . ''
A motion of no-confidence must be debated if tabled by 25 or more MSPs but it is an expression of parliament 's opinion , and not legally binding .

MSP Ross Greer said he had warned for months about the "fundamentally broken nature of the assessment system", saying "it should never, ever have been put into operation" - but said among opposition parties "only the Greens were actually interested in actually fixing the problem".


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Coronavirus: PM to visit NI to discuss Covid-19 response

Boris Johnson will visit Northern Ireland later on Thursday for meetings with Stormont 's political leaders and Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Micheál Martin .
It will be the prime minister 's first trip to Northern Ireland since January , when a deal was struck to restore power-sharing .
He will meet First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill .
They will discuss how Westminster and Stormont have tackled Covid-19 .
Ahead of the trip , Mr Johnson said he recognised that `` close working '' had helped during the pandemic .
`` I can not overstate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen between central and devolved government will continue to be to this , '' he added .
`` Together , we will make sure Northern Ireland is ready to take full advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead and that no part of Northern Ireland is left behind . ''
The prime minister is also set to hold his first face-to-face meeting with Micheál Martin , since the Fianna Fáil leader became taoiseach in June .
The two leaders are expected to discuss the shared fight against coronavirus and work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the UK 's ongoing negotiations with the EU to reach a trade deal , said Downing Street .
A statement from the Irish government said the meeting at Hillsborough Castle will be `` an opportunity for discussion of a number of issues of mutual concern '' .
`` Covid-19 will top the agenda and the two leaders are expected to discuss their respective experiences of managing the virus and dealing with its economic and societal impact , '' it said .
`` They will also discuss Brexit , including the continuing negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with less than six months to the end of the transition period . ''
The transition period is due to end on 1 January and a new `` trade border '' will begin operating between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK .
Last week , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove set out details of £355m in funding for a system to ease trade going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .
During his trip to Northern Ireland , Mr Johnson will also announce plans to mark Northern Ireland 's centenary year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that a centenary forum and historical advisory panel will be established to work alongside the government to mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland .
The prime minister said it was `` important '' to celebrate Northern Ireland 's people , culture and traditions , `` along with its vital contribution to the United Kingdom '' .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis also welcomed the first stage of the government 's centenary plans .
`` This is a fantastic opportunity for people right across the UK to celebrate Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` The establishment of a centenary forum and centenary historical advisory panel will offer us the opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of people , including those from across the political parties , business , tourism and the voluntary and community sectors , to deliver an ambitious and exciting programme of events to mark this significant national anniversary for the UK . ''
The government will use the centenary next year to `` promote Northern Ireland on the world stage '' , pledged Mr Lewis .

"It is important for us both in terms of the British-Irish relationship which has been the cornerstone of much progress on the island of Ireland and between our two countries for well over two to three decades, and we want to maintain that," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--A-levels in Wales: Minister makes pledge on this year's grades

A-level grades in Wales this year will be no lower than those the pupils achieved at AS-level the previous year , the education minister has promised .
Kirsty Williams made the announcement after England and Scotland changed their grading systems .
If a student gets a grade on Thursday below their AS grade a revised one will be issued automatically , she said .
Pupils in England are being told their final results will be no lower than their mock exams .
The Scottish government announced on Tuesday that all pupils would get the grades predicted by teachers .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fair' This year 's exams were cancelled across the UK because of coronavirus , with governments having to find alternative ways to assess pupils ' performance .
In Scotland 76,000 pupils had their results upgraded after being lowered by a moderating system which critics claimed was a `` postcode lottery '' as it linked students ' results with their schools ' past performances .
Earlier on Wednesday , the Department for Education in England announced a `` triple lock '' - so results will be the highest out of their estimated grades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam in the autumn .
In her statement , Ms Williams said the Welsh Government had to make sure such changes `` do not disadvantage Welsh students '' .
`` Students in Wales , and prospective employers and universities across the UK , can be assured that their A-level grades reflect their work and externally assessed exams , '' she said .
`` Almost half the final grade comes from AS-level exams - this is not the situation elsewhere .
`` Therefore , in building on that completed work , I am giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-level grade can not be lower than their AS-grade .
`` If a student receives a final grade tomorrow that is below that of their previous AS grade , then a revised grade will be issued automatically by WJEC . ''
Ms Williams said she had received assurances that `` students can speak with confidence to their prospective universities regarding their A-level grades '' .
She said she had asked exams regulator Qualifications Wales and the examinations board the WJEC to `` work closely with the qualifications bodies of the other UK nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ` The minister said she would ask Qualifications Wales to `` move forward quickly on relevant adjustments to a Welsh appeals process as soon as these plans are clearer , in order to ensure Welsh students are not disadvantaged '' .
`` All appeals will be free for Welsh students , to ensure there is no financial barrier to ensure learners feel their exam grades are fair , '' she added .
National Union of Students president in Wales Becky Ricketts said pupils who did not achieve grades they were satisfied with at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their scores were calculated .
`` It remains to be seen whether this measure will prevent a results postcode lottery as was seen in Scotland , and we will closely monitor the situation , '' she said .
Speaking later , on BBC Wales Today , Ms Williams said the Welsh Government would `` continue to monitor '' developments in England `` to ensure that results are not only fair and robust tomorrow but also the same next week '' , when GCSE grades are announced .
Gareth Evans , director of education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saint David , said her intervention on A-levels had been `` inevitable '' .
`` The promise of a free and extended appeals process is very welcome , and will go some way to alleviating the concerns of many pupils who might not receive the grades they had anticipated , '' he said .
`` The fact that Scotland and England had diverged from agreed moderation practices made it extremely difficult for Wales to continue as planned . ''
What are opposition parties saying ?
Welsh Conservative education spokeswoman Suzy Davies said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net being implemented in Wales to make sure pupils achieved the grade they had worked towards '' .
`` So tomorrow , I am pleased that pupils ' final grades are guaranteed to be not be lower than their previous grade at AS-level , '' she said .
Plaid Cymru education spokeswoman Sian Gwenllian said the Welsh Government `` will be marked down severely for leaving teachers and pupils in limbo - and their hard work , initially , unrewarded '' .
But she said it was `` welcome that the minister has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free and independent appeals process '' .
Before the education minister 's statement , Brexit Party Senedd leader Mark Reckless expressed concerns students had lacked sufficient opportunity to prove their academic progress because of Covid-19 .
`` We believe that the best option would be for the Welsh Government to offer A-level students the chance to sit an exam in the autumn so that we can give students a chance to get a more accurate grade and to maintain the integrity of the exam system , '' he said .

"We believe that the best option would be for the Welsh Government to offer A-level students the chance to sit an exam in the autumn so that we can give students a chance to get a more accurate grade and to maintain the integrity of the exam system," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Boy, 13, arrested after girl raped in High Wycombe park

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of raping a teenage girl .
Police said the girl had been @ @ @ @ @ off London Road , High Wycombe , at about 15:00 BST on Monday and were @ @ @ @ @ boy , from Buckinghamshire , was arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released @ @ @ @ @ Insp Michael Anderson said the attack was believed to be an isolated incident with no @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is naturally a distressing incident for the victim , and it will @ @ @ @ @ local community , '' he said .

Police said the girl had been raped in Rye Park, off London Road, High Wycombe, at about 15:00 BST on Monday and were appealing for witnesses.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--A-levels: Heads warn of 'unfair' grades for students

Head teachers are warning of `` volatility '' in this year 's A-level results and that some lowered grades seem to be `` unfair and unfathomable '' .
In England , 36 % of entries had a lower grade than teachers predicted and 3 % were down two grades , in results for exams cancelled by the pandemic .
But the overall results , across England , Northern Ireland and Wales , show record highs for A* and A grades .
Controversy has surrounded how results have been decided .
There was `` deep frustration '' in schools about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results system , including the use of mock grades , said Geoff Barton , leader of the ASCL head teachers ' union .
`` While there has been an overall increase in top grades , we are very concerned that this disguises a great deal of volatility among the results at school and student level , '' said Mr Barton .
`` We have received heartbreaking feedback from school leaders about grades being pulled down in a way that they feel to be utterly unfair and unfathomable .
They are extremely concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' For the top A* and A grades , independent schools in England saw the greatest improvement on last year - up 4.7 percentage points .
This compares to a 1.7 , 2 and 0.3 percentage points improvement for top grades for England 's academies , comprehensives and colleges respectively .
The Sixth Form Colleges Association has called the system for calculating A-level grades , `` flawed and unreliable '' after almost all colleges said grades were lower or much lower than predicted .
A third of college principals also reported results lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic exam performance .
But the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the `` majority of young people will have received a calculated grade today that enables them to progress to the destination they deserve , with the added safety net of being able to appeal on the basis of their mock results , as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams '' .
He also said it was `` incredibly important '' that the moderation process for results did not unfairly disadvantage deprived youngsters or black and ethnic minority communities .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were A* ( up from 7.8 % in 2019 ) • 27.9 % were A* and A ( up from 25.5 % in 2019 ) • These are the highest ever levels of A* and As - up from a previous high of 27 % in 2011 • 78.4 % of entries were A*-C ( up from 75.8 % in 2019 ) • Psychology now the second most popular subject , after maths • girls outperform boys , except in A*s • in England , the moderation means that 36 % of results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 % by two grades , 2 % have increased • there will be 25,000 university courses available in clearing , including 4,500 in top Russell Group universities • For vocational qualifications , the Department for Education says results `` broadly in line with previous years '' The proportion of entries getting an A* or A grade is at a record high this year - with the 27.9 % above the previous highest of 27 % in 2011 .
And there are increases in those getting A* to C - as the exam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Students taking vocational exams have been getting estimated results over recent weeks - with 250,000 getting BTec results this year - and the Department for Education says vocational results are `` broadly in line with previous years '' .
At Wilberforce Sixth Form College in Hull , while some students were celebrating , others were very disappointed .
Head teacher Colin Peaks said he had never seen `` such a negative feeling '' on results day in all his years of teaching .
• Live : Latest as pupils get their A-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be different this year ?
• Will the exam 'triple lock ' affect me ?
And other questions • Over a third of NI grades lower than predicted by teachers Mr Peaks said there was `` something worrying across the board '' , with many good students not getting the grades they would have expected .
`` The anomalies within the system are n't right - I 'm seeing anomalies across the piece that do not make sense to me . ''
He said basing results , in part , on last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` they 're different '' .
`` We are going to see lots of appeals , '' he added .
Almost 300,000 teenagers are finding out A-level results - some by email and others going into school , perhaps for the first time since they left in the lockdown in March .
The moderation process means almost 40 % of results are lower than the grades submitted by schools - and 2 % are higher .
In England , the key pieces of evidence for deciding grades has been the ranking order of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
There will be scrutiny of whether this process has particularly disadvantaged poorer students - a problem that caused protests and a U-turn in Scotland .
• Students warn that using mocks 'makes mockery ' of exams • In Wales students promised no A-levels lower than AS-level grades For students hoping for university places , it is expected to be a `` buyer 's market '' , with the admissions service Ucas saying universities would be `` super flexible '' , even for those who have missed grades .
In England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shambles '' at the last-minute switch to a `` triple lock '' in which students could get whatever was highest out of three assessments : • an optional written paper in the autumn • or an appeal through their school if the estimated result is lower than the mock exam Heads warned mock exams were run in many different ways by schools and it was wrong to try to use them to decide exam results .
England 's Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told BBC Breakfast he will refuse to follow Scotland 's lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be awarded the grades predicted by their teachers .
He said that would be `` unfair to so many students '' , including the classes of 2019 and 2021 .
He admitted there would be some students getting grades `` that are n't reflective of the work they 've put in '' but there would be a `` robust appeals process '' .
He congratulated students on `` getting through this extraordinary year '' , adding that the class of 2020 would not `` lose out because of Covid-19 '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's decision to change the system hours before results were published as `` shambolic '' , adding that it `` smacks of incompetence '' .
In Wales , students have been promised their A-level results will be revised upwards if they are lower than their AS-level .
Wales education minister Kirsty Williams said she had to act after other nations had changed from the system of standardisation to ensure Welsh students were on a level footing .
The exam boards have said the results do not show widening gaps or `` unconscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority students .
But the linking of students ' grades to the results of their schools in previous years will mean close attention to whether this works against disadvantaged children .
This emerged when exam results were published in Scotland - forcing a switch to using teachers ' predictions .
And in England there will be concerns that bright pupils in under-performing schools could be marked down .
England 's exam watchdog has said that if teachers ' predictions had been used it would have inflated results - so that about 38 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A grades .
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"Where pupils are disappointed, where they feel that they could have done better, where they feel that there's an injustice been done to them, there is the possibility of appeal and they can re-sit, they can take a re-sit this autumn as well."


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Weather 'had impact' on fatal train derailment near Stonehaven

Extreme weather had an impact on the train derailment in Aberdeenshire which left three people dead , Scotland 's transport secretary has said .
Michael Matheson said an investigation into the accident would establish what lessons could be learned .
Driver Brett McCullough , conductor Donald Dinnie and a passenger died when the Aberdeen to Glasgow service derailed near Stonehaven on Wednesday .
The train is thought to have hit a landslide after rain and thunderstorms .
Six other people who were on board the 06:38 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street service were taken to hospital , but their injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Matheson arrived at the site of the crash on Thursday morning .
He said : `` What we do n't want to do at this particular point is to start to speculate about what actually caused it .
`` What I think we can assess , though , is that weather has had an impact .
`` We are seeing increasingly a higher level of what are localised intense weather events that are having an impact on the transport network , including the rail network .
`` What we need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what extent it had an impact and also to see what lessons can be learned . ''
He said some parts of the country had seen a month 's rainfall in just a couple of hours on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning .
He said the derailment happened as the train driver was heading north , trying to return to Aberdeen .
It has emerged that a member of the crew got out of the derailed train to stop any other trains further down the track .
Mr Matheson said recovery crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site and make it ready for investigators trying to understand how the crash happened .
British Transport Police , the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and inspectors from the Office of Rail and Road - the independent regulator - are involved in the investigation .
Network Rail is to carry out detailed inspections of high-risk trackside slopes with similar characteristics to the site of the Aberdeenshire crash .
Dozens of sites across Britain will be assessed using in-house engineers , specialist contractors and helicopter surveys .
Kevin Lindsay , Scotland organiser for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tragic accident had affected everyone in the railway family .
`` Brett thought the world of his family , and his colleagues thought the world of him , '' he added .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday that the `` hearts of a nation '' were with those affected .
The Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have also paid tribute .
UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps is also visiting the scene of the incident .
He said he wanted to `` try to understand the situation first hand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of Network Rail , Andrew Haines , is also expected to travel to Stonehaven after cutting short a family holiday in Italy .
Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Scotland radio programme , ScotRail 's managing director Alex Hynes , said : `` Yesterday was a devastating day for everybody who works in the rail industry in Scotland .
`` Our love and support is sent to the victims of this accident and their families , those that were injured in the accident and anybody who was touched by yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of CCTV at stations where the train had stopped suggested there were nine people on the train , including crew , at the time of the accident .
Ch Supt Eddie Wylie , of British Transport Police , said he believed all passengers had been accounted for .
He added : `` Once the area has been made safe then a full and thorough search will be conducted , which is likely to take some time .
`` I know many people will understandably have questions and we will be working closely alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office of Rail and Road to establish the full circumstances of how the train came to derail . ''

"It is so heart warming to see how many people have fond memories of Donald and I am sure they have plenty of happy and funny stories to tell. He was a kind, caring and genuine person who was never found without a smile on his face. We know he will be deeply missed by all."


bbcuk--2020-08-13--UK heatwave: Thunderstorms forecast after scorching temperatures

Warnings of thunderstorms are in place across swathes of the UK after some areas saw the longest stretch of high temperatures since the 1960s .
Yellow storm warnings apply to much of England , Wales , parts of Northern Ireland and south-west Scotland following highs of more than 30C .
There is a small chance of flooding , travel disruption and power cuts in those regions , the Met Office said .
It comes after torrential rain and lightning lashed parts of Scotland .
The yellow warning applies for Wales and the majority of England until Monday night next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heatwave continues The Met Office also warned of potential damage to buildings from lightning strikes or strong winds .
Lightning struck a house in Wrexham on Wednesday evening , blowing out power sockets and setting fire to a curtain .
Fire crews were also called to deal with flooding incidents around Wrexham , as well as other parts of Wales including Denbighshire and Powys .
Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said the high temperatures triggering the thunderstorms could cause flooding .
`` If rain is falling on places that have been quite hot and dry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the rain does n't have anywhere to go , and from that we can see flash flooding , '' he added .
`` It 's still going to be warm and humid and that could then trigger some thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales through the afternoon and evening [ on Thursday ] , '' he added .
`` Generally , the rest of the week remains unsettled with showers , some of them thundery and heavy , but there will still be some warm , sunny spells at times too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get temperatures this high over several days , and that is triggering thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales . ''
On Wednesday , three people died after a passenger train derailed near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire .
It is thought the train hit a landslide after heavy rain and thunderstorms .
Scotland 's Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said extreme weather `` had an impact '' on the accident .
A major incident was also declared in Fife .
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 1,000 emergency calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather .
The Environment Agency said 10 properties in Lancashire were also affected by flooding following storms .
It has issued flood alerts for certain areas in England and Scotland , which are separate from the weather warnings issued by the Met Office .
The warnings and alerts follow scorching temperatures in the UK .
The Met Office said temperatures surpassed 34C in central London for the sixth day in a row - the first time that has happened since at least 1961 .
St James 's Park in the city saw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cornwall Police warned the south west of England is `` full to capacity '' , leading to `` unprecedented demand '' for 999 services .
The force said it saw an increase in anti-social behaviour and public order offences on Saturday and Sunday .
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Colwell said the weekend 's events , spurred on by the hot weather , had forced officers to attend a `` plethora of different incidents '' .
And in Sussex , more homeowners had water supplies cut off or restricted on Wednesday .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tap water since Friday .
Steve Andrews , head of central operations for South East Water , said more than 150 million litres of extra water were being pumped into the network as the UK heatwave continues .

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bbcuk--2020-08-13--Jonathan Pryce: Netflix's The Crown casts its final Prince Philip

After playing kings , a Pope , a cardinal - and The High Sparrow in Game of Thrones - actor Jonathan Pryce is adding a prince to his repertoire of high-ranking roles , taking over as Prince Philip in Netflix 's The Crown .
The Welsh actor was nominated for an Oscar earlier this year for his role in The Two Popes , also for Netflix .
He will now star opposite Imelda Staunton 's Queen Elizabeth II in the final two seasons of the royal drama , which is expected to cover the 1990s and early 2000s .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning the first of his two Tony Awards in 1977 for The Comedians , and an Olivier Award in 1980 for Hamlet .
He has said playing Hamlet helped him process the violent death of his own father , a grocer , who had been attacked with a hammer .
He died when Pryce was about to open The Comedians on Broadway , meaning he was unable to come home for the funeral .
His Hamlet is regarded as one of the greatest modern interpretations , and he also earned acclaim as Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pryce moved into film with roles in Brazil , Evita , Tomorrow Never Dies and Pirates of the Caribbean .
His first Oscar nomination arrived this January for playing Pope Francis in The Two Popes .
He has said he also based The High Sparrow on the pontiff , while his other TV roles have included Cardinal Wolsey in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel 's Wolf Hall .
What storylines will The Crown cover ?
The 1990s saw no shortage of royal drama .
The decade included the break-up of Prince Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Andrew 's marriage to Sarah Ferguson , the devastating fire at Windsor Castle , and the death of Diana , Princess of Wales - which plunged the Royal Family into crisis .
The drama may also go as far as the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother , seven weeks apart in 2002 , and the Queen 's Golden Jubilee that summer .
The Duke of Edinburgh is known for his decades of dutiful service at the side of the Queen , but during the 1990s was also often in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks , such as the time in 1995 when he asked a Scottish driving instructor : `` How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to pass the test ? ''
In 1997 , the Queen and Duke marked their golden wedding anniversary .
Explaining the secret of a happy marriage , he said : `` Tolerance is the one essential ingredient .
It may not be quite so important when things are going well , but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult .
You can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality of tolerance in abundance . ''
Who will play the other members of the royal family ?
Pryce will follow in the footsteps of Matt Smith and Tobias Menzies , who have played the prince in previous series .
Pryce and Staunton - who will take over from Olivia Colman as the monarch - have shared screen time before , in the 1994 film Deadly Advice .
Lesley Manville will play Princess Margaret .
Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin are playing Charles and Diana in the forthcoming fourth season , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay beyond that .
Meanwhile , Gillian Anderson will appear as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

In 1997, the Queen and Duke marked their golden wedding anniversary. Explaining the secret of a happy marriage, he said: "Tolerance is the one essential ingredient. It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult. You can take it from me that the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance."


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Tui: Holiday bookings for next summer jump 145%

Travel firm Tui has seen a sharp jump in bookings for 2021 as customers make early plans for next year .
The UK 's largest tour operator said bookings for next summer were up by a `` very promising '' 145 % .
News of a bounce-back came as Tui posted a €1.1bn ( £995m ) loss for the three months to June as lockdown brought the travel industry to a halt .
Tui 's travel operations restarted in Europe , Mexico , the Caribbean and Egypt in mid-May .
Some of the new holiday bookings for 2021 are either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by customers whose trips were cancelled as a result of the coronavirus lockdown .
In late July , Tui said it would shut 166 High Street stores in the UK and Ireland .
Bookings plunged 81 % for this summer and are 40 % lower for a scaled-back winter programme .
And the industry 's hopes of saving the rest of this summer were dealt a blow with new restrictions travel to Spain , and growing worries that France could be put on a quarantine list .
But Tui said on Thursday it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer demand '' as travel restrictions globally start to ease .
Some travellers who have skipped holidays this summer or opted for staycations have said they intend to splash out on foreign breaks this Christmas and next summer .
Last month , travel firm Kuoni said bookings for December departures to Barbados were 30 % up on the same point last year , while demand for the Maldives has increased by 20 % .
• 'We were stopped from boarding our Greece flight' Tui also said it had agreed compensation with aircraft maker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Max planes .
The travel firm is to receive `` staggered '' compensation over the next two years , credits against future orders and a deferral of 61 aircraft deliveries .
The exact amount of compensation has not been disclosed .
Tui also said on Thursday it had raised more money to help it weather the coronavirus crisis and cope with the winter , when travel bookings typically drop .
The Germany-based travel firm said it had agreed a second loan package with the German government worth €1.2bn , which would give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , Tui said it was also looking to cut costs by 30 % across the firm .
Julie Palmer , partner at Begbies Traynor , said it will be a `` difficult path to recovery '' for the travel industry .
`` The travel giant has been forced to put its hand out for a bailout from the German government to help stay afloat , but it will need to address the concerns that consumers will have when travelling again , while trying to offer a unique experience amidst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand any chance of recovery , '' she said .
`` Costs reductions must be a focus for the board over the next few months if the business is to have any chance of survival , which will likely add to the growing number of redundancies being made by UK firms . ''
Tui and other firms were this week criticised by consumer group Which ?
for being slow to refund travellers for flights and package holidays cancelled since March .
And in July , the airline regulator , the Civil Aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` not satisfied '' that Tui , Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair were processing refunds quickly enough .
Which ?
said that despite the intervention from the CAA , refunds are still too slow and airlines are `` falling short '' of promises made to the regulator .

"The travel giant has been forced to put its hand out for a bailout from the German government to help stay afloat, but it will need to address the concerns that consumers will have when travelling again, while trying to offer a unique experience amidst social distancing measures if it's going to stand any chance of recovery," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Routine operations in English hospitals down 67%

The number of patients admitted for routine treatment in hospitals in England was down 67 % in June compared with the same time last year , NHS figures show .
The number of people going to accident and emergency units in England in July was also down on last year , by 30 % .
The coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption to many areas of the health service .
But patients are being urged to seek help from the NHS when they need it .
NHS England said local staff were working hard to restore non-Covid services and record numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS 111 .
Meanwhile , the number of people going to their GP with symptoms of cancer and being urgently referred to a specialist is rising but still nearly 20 % lower than the same time last year .
A total of 153,134 urgent cancer referrals were made by GPs in England in June , compared with 194,047 in the same month last year .
NHS England said more than 92 % of people were having their cancer symptoms investigated within two weeks and 85,000 people had started treatment for cancer since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the figures were `` still worryingly low '' .
Head of policy Sara Bainbridge said : `` These results from June suggest an alarming backlog of undiagnosed cancer and a growing number of people who are yet to start treatment .
`` This could directly impact on many of these people 's chances of survival . ''
In June , more people than ever before - 1.85 million - were waiting longer than 18 weeks for planned hospital surgery , such as knee and hip operations .
NHS England figures also show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year for hospital treatment rose from just over 1,000 in June last year to 50,500 for the same month this year .
And a total of 94,354 patients were admitted for routine treatment in June , down from 289,203 in June 2019 .
The Health Foundation charity said the data showed the NHS was still `` nowhere close to business as usual following the first outbreak of Covid-19 '' .
It said there was a risk people experiencing long waits with serious conditions would see their health deteriorate , leaving the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .

Meanwhile, the number of people going to their GP with symptoms of cancer and being urgently referred to a specialist is rising but still nearly 20% lower than the same time last year.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Wales weather: Lightning strikes house and homes flooded

Lightning has struck a house in Wrexham , blowing out power sockets and setting fire to a curtain .
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to Sunnyview in Gwersyllt at 19:45 BST on Wednesday after neighbours spotted smoke following a strike .
It is thought a bolt struck an outdoor aerial and entered the house wiring , damaging switches and sockets .
Donna Curley tweeted : `` It was my house that got hit .
We have never been so scared . ''
She added : `` All okay thankfully .
Blew out electric box so currently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Elsewhere in Wales , fire crews dealt with flooding incidents .
On Wednesday an extreme weather warning was issued by the Met Office , which expired at 22:59 BST , although a yellow warning covering Wales remains in place until Monday .
The first 999 call was received from the town at 18:24 BST and then further calls came in over the following hour .
The Mid and West Wales fire service said it was also asked to attend some other isolated incidents across mid Wales .
Fire crews were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wrexham and Llangollen in Denbighshire .

"The amount of rain we had in such a short space of time nothing would have been able to cope. We had raised manholes - we had manholes actually sat in the middle of the road which we had to put back it was that bad."


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Breast screening women in their 40s 'could save lives'

Screening women for breast cancer from their 40s rather than their 50s could save lives without adding to the diagnosis of harmless cancers , a UK study has found .
The research was based on 160,000 women from England , Scotland and Wales , followed up for around 23 years .
Lowering the screening age could save one life per 1,000 women checked , the scientists say .
But experts caution there are many other considerations , including cost .
Cancer Research UK says it is still `` not clear if reducing the breast screening age would give any additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screening programme '' .
The charity says the priority should be getting cancer services `` back on track '' for women aged 50-70 , after disruption caused by the pandemic .
During lockdown , cancer screening programmes which detect early signs of bowel , breast and cervical cancer were paused in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , although not officially stopped in England .
Experts have warned of huge backlogs for screening , treatment and tests .
Currently in the UK , women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years .
Women below 50 are not routinely offered this because their risk of breast cancer is generally very low and their breast tissue is more dense , making it difficult to read the results of mammography tests used to spot cancers .
This can lead to over-diagnosis - detecting very early cell changes which may not turn into problematic cancers - and the potential for exposing women to unnecessary treatment .
Writing in the Lancet Oncology , the scientists say they found a reduction in breast cancer deaths from screening women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first 10 years they were tracked .
In the group of 53,883 women in their 40s who were screened , there were 83 deaths , compared to 219 deaths in the 106,953 women of the same age who were not checked .
The reduction in deaths came from detection of grade 1 and 2 cancers , which can progress more quickly in younger women .
After 10 years , any evidence of extra lives being saved tailed off , the researchers said .
They also found a `` modest over-diagnosis in this age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in the over-50s .
In the study , 18 % of women who went for screening in their 40s had at least one false positive result .
• Pandemic could cause thousands more cancer deaths • 'More than two million in UK wait for cancer care' Prof Stephen Duffy , lead researcher , from Queen Mary University of London , said : `` This is a very long-term follow-up of a study which confirms that screening in women under 50 can save lives , '' In the fullness of time , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of screening . ''
However , he said the financial cost of this should be taken into account , and more research was needed into the impact of modern screening equipment on diagnoses .
Sophia Lowes , health information manager at Cancer Research UK , said the charity had concerns about the study results .
`` Many women received false positive results and some women would have been over-diagnosed with cancers that would never have gone on to cause them harm , '' she said .
`` While research into improving our screening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already under huge strain due to the pandemic , and the priority right now should be getting services back on track for women aged 50-70 . ''
The charity calculates that six times more women in their 40s , compared to those aged 50-70 , would need to be screened to save one life .
Ms Lowes said it was important that women - no matter how old they are - should still tell their doctor if they noticed anything unusual about their breasts .

Women below 50 are not routinely offered this because their risk of breast cancer is generally very low and their breast tissue is more dense, making it difficult to read the results of mammography tests used to spot cancers.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--National Express to use jobs bonus to cut bus fares

National Express has said it will use £4m from the government 's Job Retention Bonus scheme to cut fares on its West Midlands and Dundee bus routes .
It said the move , which will not affect coaches fares , would help boost demand and support the local economies .
The bonus scheme will pay firms £1,000 for each employee brought back from furlough and employed until January .
A Treasury spokesman told the BBC : `` There 's no restrictions on how firms can use the bonus payments . ''
National Express said it would claim £4m from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its West Midlands and Dundee bus services , suggesting 4,000 workers will be brought back from furlough and employed until at least January .
It said a `` sizeable proportion '' of its remaining 3,000 staff had also been furloughed , and some but not all had been brought back to work .
It told the BBC it had no plans to cut jobs .
Companies including retailer Primark , property website Rightmove and catering giant Compass have already said they will reject the offer of millions of pounds in payouts .
National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West Midlands , carrying about 90 % of the region 's passengers .
Its Dundee service is much smaller but it runs the majority of buses in the city .
Tom Stables , managing director of National Express UK , said : `` By using our allowance from the chancellor 's job retention bonus to reduce fares across the West Midlands , we are investing in the future of our region .
`` Making bus travel cheaper will help get our local high streets back on their feet , lock in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get the people of the West Midlands back to work .
`` And of course as a transport operator , we always want to persuade more people to get the bus . ''
National Express Group is best known for its coach services , but also runs bus , train and tram routes in the UK and overseas .
It employs 7,000 people in the UK .
Like others , it had to temporarily close services during lockdown and has run reduced timetables since restrictions were eased .
National Express said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 80 % across the group , while revenue for the six months to June dropped more than 20 % , A number of its UK and international frontline staff have also died after contracting Covid-19 .
The government 's job retention bonus scheme is intended to provide an incentive for companies to keep workers employed as the furlough scheme , which helped pay wages , is phased out and ends on October .
If every eligible worker is covered it will cost £7bn - making it a major plank of Chancellor Rishi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defending the scheme last month , Mr Sunak said it would `` serve as a significant incentive '' to preserve jobs amid the pandemic .
But economists have questioned its value for money , while Labour has called for an inquiry into its efficacy .
Fashion retailer Asos , holiday park operator Center Parcs and retailer John Lewis are among others to have said they will not use the bonus .

"Making bus travel cheaper will help get our local high streets back on their feet, lock in the environmental benefits that came out of lockdown and get the people of the West Midlands back to work.


bbcuk--2020-08-12--Coronavirus: How can I find a new job?

Coronavirus: How can I find a new job?

How do I start looking for a new job ?
How can I find out which jobs are available ?
@ @ @ @ @ from other applicants ?
What help is out there ?

Job vacancies: Which sectors are short of workers? Published 16 November 2021
Image source, Getty Images
Job vacancies are at a record high, rising to 1.17 million in the three months to October.
Latest figures also show the number of workers on payrolls jumped by 160,000 in October, despite the end of the furlough scheme.
Who's hiring?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 388,000 more vacancies in this period (August to October 2021) than the three months immediately before the pandemic (January-March 2020), with record highs in 15 of its 18 sector categories.
Health
The health sector had the most vacancies between July and September with 183,000.
The King's Fund think tank says the NHS is facing a "workforce crisis".
According to the latest annual State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report, the sector is struggling to recruit and retain staff, with more unfilled posts now than at the start of the pandemic.
The government says extra funding and a regular recruitment drive will help boost the workforce.
Hospitality
The hospitality sector had 151,000 unfilled roles. Industry body UK Hospitality said chefs, security and front of house staff were particularly in demand.
The shortage is put down to a number a factors including job security fears in light of Covid, and Brexit.
It's leading some businesses to scale back their operations, with restaurants reducing opening hours and hotels closing off parts of their buildings.
Image source, Getty Images
Retail and transport
There were 91,000 vacancies in retail - Greggs and Next are among the high street names which have recently warned of staff shortages in the run-up to Christmas.
The British Retail Consortium said there were vacancies across the sector - for example in warehouses and logistics - and its supply chains, like flower-pickers, butchers and distribution centre operators.
There is also a UK-wide shortage of lorry drivers, with 53,000 vacancies in the transport sector
What effect did furlough have?
Furlough, the government's main coronavirus job support scheme, finished at the end of September.
There were fears this could lead to a spike in unemployment, with employers unable to keep staff on their books without the support it offered.
The ONS says it could take a few months for the full impact of furlough to be shown - but the latest figures show the number of workers on payrolls jumped by 160,000 in October, and strong demand for workers seems to have prevented the feared wave of job cuts.
How do I look for a job in this market?
Jobseekers should be ''strategic'' and target sectors experiencing shortages as well as those that are growing, says Gerwyn Davies, from human resources body the CIPD.
The shortage occupation list - used to offer work visas to people moving to the UK - shows where workers are needed. It includes fields like engineering, web programming and graphic design.
Consider your core skills, rather than hunting for a specific job title, suggests Corinne Mills, managing director of Personal Career Management.
For example, if you work in retail customer service, this could translate to other people-facing roles, such as sales.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Ten tips for getting your dream job
How can I find out who is recruiting?
Many companies list jobs on their own website or on recruitment sites.
You can also sign up with a general or specialist recruitment agency.
If you want to work for a particular company, check if it hires directly, or through a recruiter.
And if you want a specific job, be proactive and contact someone doing that role to discover how they got there.
Professional networks can also be useful. These could be LinkedIn or Facebook groups, or industry organisations, where jobs and events are posted and advice is available.
Some industries and employers have set up virtual networking events and job fairs.
How can I stand out from other applicants?
Corinne Mills suggests drawing on your personal network. Friends, family and acquaintances will collectively know hundreds of people, many of whom will be hiring.
Employers often respond to personal recommendations, and you may hear about roles before they are advertised.
Tech recruiter Amy Golding also recommends:


bbcuk--2020-08-13--How will I get my A-level, GCSE or BTEC exam results this year?

Hundreds of thousands of 18-year-olds in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level and vocational qualification results on Thursday .
This year 's results are very different , because coronavirus meant that students did not sit exams , and it 's all about predictions .
When will I get my results ?
Results come out at different times throughout the summer .
• 13 August ( 08:00 BST ) England , Wales and Northern Ireland 's A-level and AS-level results and A-level equivalent technical qualifications like BTECs and Cambridge Technicals • 20 August - GCSE results in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and GCSE equivalent technical qualifications How do I get my results ?
Schools have been agonising for weeks over the best way to give students their results .
All pupils have been told what to do on Thursday , but you should check if you are unsure .
You will either go into school , receive an email or log into an online portal .
How have the results been decided ?
The methods of deciding the results are broadly similar across all four nations and for qualifications including A-levels , GCSE 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and colleges were asked to predict the grades pupils would have achieved in each subject if they had sat the exams .
These predictions were sent to the exam boards along with the order of who they think will do best .
The exam boards put together the information , taking into account data for previous years , to make adjustments to the predictions .
The aim was to make sure the results were fair and consistent and in line with results from previous years .
England 's regulator Ofqual said the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to give them the same value as grades from any other year .
Vocational and technical qualifications come in many shapes and sizes and some of the awarding bodies lack the wealth of data available to major exam boards .
However , the majority of vocational and technical students will receive grades calculated in a similar way to A-levels , with awarding bodies carrying out quality assurance in line with national regulations .
Students are not allowed to know the grade their school or college predicted for them until results day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , students can ask for this information .
• A-level and GCSE results to be higher Can I appeal against my exam results ?
The Department for Education has announced a `` triple lock '' - so results will be the highest out of the estimated grade , a mock exam and an optional written exam in the autumn .
The change means that if pupils receive an estimated grade lower than their mock exam they can appeal - but this will have to be through their school , with the terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ofqual .
You must ask your school or college to enter you if you want to take an exam , and take all the papers in your chosen subjects .
If you achieve a different grade , you can use whichever is higher when applying for university or jobs .
In Scotland , teachers predicted grades will now be used after anger that the adjusted grades unfairly hit disadvantaged students .
In Wales , the final A-Level results will be no lower than grades earned at AS-Levels , which are done in Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final grade .
They do not count towards final grades in England .
In Northern Ireland , the system is similar to England , with grades based on teacher predictions and adjusted by their exams board .
Amid uncertainty about grades in England , universities have been urged to be as `` flexible as possible '' and keep places open for students if they need to appeal .
Students who are unhappy with their grades are advised to speak first to their school or college .
How will Ucas schemes work this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's university applicants is that there are fewer 18-year-olds than in some years .
This means it could be easier to secure a university place that you want .
Last year 70,000 students got places through the university admission service Ucas 's clearing system .
The advice is not to rush into anything .
Discuss what you 're being offered with your school or college and do n't be afraid to question university admissions teams .
If you have better grades than you expected , look at Ucas 's adjustment scheme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses or universities that suit your career plans best .
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
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GCSE results 2023, BTec Level 2 and National 5s – the full guide Published 1 day ago
Image source, PA Media
Students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are waiting to find out what grades they will get in their GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications, as results' day approaches.
It is the second year of formal exams since the hiatus during the pandemic, and some changes to how things worked continued to be implemented, depending on where pupils were based.
When is GCSE results day 2023? When are other exam results published?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, GCSE results will come out on 24 August.
Vocational technical qualification (VTQ) students, which includes Level 2 BTec and Cambridge Technicals, will receive results on, or before, 24 August.
In Scotland, SQA results (based on National 5s and National 4s) were published on 8 August, with pass rates down from last year but higher than they were before Covid.
How can I appeal against GCSE results? How about other exam results?
If you are unhappy with your grade, you should first talk to your school or college.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, your school will contact the exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed.
If you still think you have been unfairly graded after a review, you can ask your school or college to appeal.
If you are still not satisfied, you can request a review from Ofqual.
In Scotland, the process is slightly different.
If you have concerns about your final grade, you can appeal directly to the SQA for free. Speak to your school or college first.
If your appeal is accepted, the exam board will look at the marks you received.
The charity YoungMinds points out results are not the only measure of success - and if things do not turn out how you had hoped, there are lots of other ways to help you achieve your goals.
Can I resit an exam?
Yes, you can resit any GCSE or National 5 exam the following year. GCSE maths and English exams take place in November.
If you want to explore this option, you should speak to your school about the best course of action.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Students received less additional help this year compared with other years immediately after the pandemic
Will GCSE grade boundaries be lower than usual?
England
As usual, senior examiners will decide the minimum marks needed for each grade.
However, because of the disruption caused by Covid, exam boards in England will be "slightly" more lenient than before the pandemic when deciding grade boundaries.
This will protect students who performed slightly less well than expected in these exams.
Results are predicted to fall back in line with pre-pandemic levels this year, after three years of higher grades.
Ofqual, England's exam regulator, said the following support was available for GCSE exams this year:
Students in maths, physics, and combined-science exams were allowed to use formulae and equation sheets
Exams in the same subject were more spaced out than usual, to give students more time to revise between papers
Modern-foreign-language papers were no longer testing students on unfamiliar vocabulary
Wales
In Wales, grades will continue to be awarded more generously than before the pandemic, midway between the 2019 and 2022 results.
The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) exam board provided advance information for its papers across a range of subjects, revealing the focus of some of the questions, to help pupils revise.
There was no advance information for any other papers taken in Wales.
And unlike last year, Qualification Wales, which oversees Welsh exams, said there had been no changes to the content of courses.
Northern Ireland
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) exam board, which covers most pupils in Northern Ireland, provided advance information for most subjects and says examiners will take Covid disruption into account.
Scotland
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said its grading would be "sensitive" because of the continuing impact of the pandemic.
It took similar steps to last year to help students, such as removing or reducing exams or elements of coursework, but plans for exams to go fully back to normal next year.
What happens next?
Many pupils go on to study A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or Advanced Highers in Scotland.
International Baccalaureate (IB) is also an option, as are vocational courses such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), BTec Level 3s, TechBacs, Cambridge Technicals and (in England only) T-levels.
You could also consider an apprenticeship. Apprentices get paid a salary as they spend 80% of their time in the workplace, while being trained.
Other options include going straight into full-time work or an internship.
The National Careers Service has more information.
What questions do you have about results day? Whether you have queries about A-levels, GCSEs, Highers or vocational courses, you can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:


bbcuk--2020-08-13--BTec Nationals: Who are the students who didn't just do A-levels?

The summer ritual of A-level results day is so well known it 's easy to forget the thousands of students receiving their BTec National results .
Coronavirus has disrupted all courses , including vocational qualifications , so what is happening to ensure vocational students are getting fair grades ?
Studied over one or two years , BTec Nationals are vocational qualifications which provide work-based skills across areas including business , health care and engineering .
They are assessed over the course of the qualification through exams , practical coursework and often placements .
They can be used to attend university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people take them so they have the skills for a specific occupation .
How are BTecs being marked this year ?
Colleges and schools have been closed almost entirely since the end of March , meaning much of the coursework and exam-based assessments that make up BTecs will not have happened .
In April , the qualifications regulator Ofqual said that the numerous bodies who set technical or vocational qualifications - such as BTec Nationals - would be responsible for deciding how to grade this .
• How will exam results day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students , this will be based on completed assessments and predicted results for those assessments that did n't happen .
These will then be adapted based on whether the predicted grades are higher than usual for a particular college .
Ofqual has said that , where vocational qualifications are being used to progress to university , they should try and use this method .
Some courses which rely on require practical assessments , such as lab work or childcare , have had been adapted .
For example , by using video calls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complying with social distancing rules .
If your BTec National marks were calculated based on completed assessments and predicted grades , you can appeal to your education provider .
They can then take your case to Pearson , the body that runs BTecs .
It might also be possible to complete your assessments in the autumn , although you should check based on the type of course you 're on .
Who takes BTecs and why ?
It was estimated just under 250,000 students completed BTec Nationals in 2019 , compared with about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BTec Nationals can be sat by any age group - in fact , most are taken by those over the age of 22 , as they develop practical skills for their careers .
The most popular subjects in 2019 were business , sport and health and social care .
About 20 % of university students in England are accepted after studying only BTec Nationals .
Another 10 % are accepted into higher education with a combination of A-levels and BTecs .
BTec Nationals are particularly popular among white working-class students , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SMF ) think tank .
In 2016 , 31 % of this group who were accepted into higher education had studied just BTec Nationals .
Students from ethnic-minority backgrounds are also more likely to have these qualifications , including 37 % of black students .
What BTec subjects are there ?
There are more than 2,000 different courses .
These provide practical experience of everything from aeronautical engineering to hairdressing and forensic investigation .
BTecs are awarded by a private organisation , the education and training company Pearson .
While England , Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has its own Scottish Vocational Qualifications .
How do BTecs compare with other qualifications ?
However , other BTecs include those equivalent to a GCSE ( BTec Firsts ) and the first year of university ( BTec Higher Nationals ) .
What about other vocational qualifications ?
According to Ofqual , there are currently more than 12,000 vocational qualifications at all levels , offered by more than 150 awarding organisations .
Beyond BTec , other organisations , such as City and Guilds and the OCR ( Oxford , Cambridge and RSA Examinations ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students can have a wide range of courses in a single subject from which to choose .
There are currently 34 qualifications alone for those aiming for a career in plumbing .
However , in July 2016 then Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans to slash the number of courses available .
It said this would help avoid confusion for students and employers and to redress what it considered to be an imbalance between post-16 technical and academic qualifications .
So , the autumn of 2020 is still expected to see the introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or T-level .
These new two-year courses will follow on from GCSEs and be equivalent to three A-levels .
Do you have a question about your exam results ?
Use the form to send it to us .
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .

BTec results 2021: What are they and when are results out? Published 9 August 2021
Image source, Getty Images
Hundreds of thousands of students are due to receive their BTec results this week.
These exams are aimed at people interested in working in a particular industry, such as engineering, hospitality and childcare.
How will results be decided this year?
BTec students will receive teacher-assessed grades this year - no external assessments or algorithms will be used. This is the same as GCSE and A-level students.
The exception to this is BTec students taking qualifications that can only be required through practical assessment, such as an electrician. In these instances, external assessments will still be used to check skills. They were adapted to allow for social distancing.
Students will receive their results on the same days as A-level and GCSE students, which will be 10 and 12 August respectively.
What are BTec Nationals and BTec Firsts?
BTecs - which stand for the Business and Technology Education Council - are practical qualifications that are aimed at specific job or career sectors.
Construction, electrical engineering and art and design are just some of the many BTec qualifications that are available.
Courses are assessed through exams, practical coursework and often, placements.
Other vocational qualifications such as City and Guilds are also available.
BTec Nationals are studied over one or two years and are similar to A-levels. Many students take a combination of BTecs and A-levels. BTecs can be used to get into university, although many use them to have occupation-specific skills.
BTec Firsts are equivalent to one or more GCSEs, and are often taken alongside them. They can be helpful for people trying to get into further education colleges.
What do I do if I'm unhappy with my grades?
You can ask your school or college to appeal to the organisation running your BTec.
You can also appeal directly.
The awarding organisation will review the result and send you a final report.
If you're still not satisfied you can make a complaint to the regulator Ofqual.
It might also be possible to complete your assessments in the autumn, although you should check based on your course.
Image source, Getty Images
Who takes BTec Nationals and why?
It was estimated just under 250,000 students completed BTec Nationals in 2019, compared with about 245,000 who sat A-levels.
A further 200,000 are estimated to sit BTec Firsts and other BTec qualifications.
BTec Nationals can be sat by any age group - in fact, most are taken by those over the age of 22, as they develop practical career skills.
The most popular subjects in 2019 were business, sport and health and social care.
About 20% of university students in England are accepted after studying only BTec Nationals. Another 10% are accepted into higher education with a combination of A-levels and BTecs.
In 2016, 31% of this group who were accepted into higher education had studied only BTec Nationals.
Students from ethnic minority backgrounds are also more likely to have these qualifications, including 37% of black students.
What criticism has there been of vocational qualifications?
According to Ofqual, there are currently more than 12,000 vocational qualifications at all levels, offered by more than 150 awarding organisations.
Beyond BTec, other organisations, such as City and Guilds and the OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations), also offer vocational qualifications. There are 34 different qualifications available for plumbing alone.
Image source, Getty Images
Ofqual has raised concern about inflation in BTec grades.
Between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of students receiving top grades for the "old style" BTecs increased from 21% to 61%. In 2016, a new-style BTec replaced the qualification which had seen the inflation take place.
Grade inflation can mean that employers and universities do not have like for like comparison between different years of students.
What are T-levels?
The government is now introducing a new T-level qualification, which it hopes will redress a potential imbalance between technical and academic qualifications for over-16s.
These new two-year courses will follow on from GCSEs and be equivalent to three A-levels. The first two-year T-level courses started in September 2020 but most of them will be introduced in 2023.