Posted on 13th Aug
ouncillor Philip Owen, Nottinghamshire County Council’s committee chairman for children and young people’s services, has congratulated young people in schools across the county who have been receiving their A-Level and other results today (Thursday, 13 August).
This year, students have completed their A Levels under extraordinary circumstances and have engaged with their learning at home for the final months of their courses, with grades awarded primarily through sixth-form and college teacher assessment.
“I would like to congratulate all young people who have worked so hard to achieve their good results. This year, in particular, the sustained hard work of students will have been reflected in their final results, agreed with exam boards primarily through teacher assessment. Students in 2020 should be commended for their resilience and they should be proud of their achievements,” said Coun Owen.
“While many of our young people will have achieved the results required to take up places at university and higher education colleges, we know that some will be thinking carefully about the particular learning offer of higher education this year. I urge students and young people to take a longer-term view and to wherever possible continue with their education which continues to be the route to fulfilling employment in the future.
“Increasingly, young people are seeking alternatives to higher education and many employers, including the County Council, offer a range of exciting apprenticeship opportunities to develop your work and life skills. They focus on developing transferable skills and earning while you learn in careers as diverse as Digital Marketing, Finance, Youth Work, Social Care or as a Teaching Assistant.
“To those students who have perhaps not achieved what they had hoped for, I’d urge them not to feel despondent – there are still opportunities to select other courses at university or college. University isn’t for everyone – related costs may be one issue, and increasingly students are thinking long and hard about which route will get them where they want to go career-wise.
“Gap years are also an increasing possibility for some young people and whilst these experiences will be influenced by the pandemic, nonetheless our young people are living through a historic event and the opportunities to undertake alternative experiences this year also has the potential to secure essential life skills. Gap years do not necessarily have to be taken abroad; many local and national voluntary-aided organisations and charities offer high quality experiences.
“I am aware of how the restrictions of the past five months may have impacted on the emotional wellbeing of some students who may feel that these restrictions could hinder their opportunities in the future. The council’s services have worked with schools and other partners to develop nationally-recognised resources to support the wellbeing of our young people. As schools and colleges return in September, my view is that student wellbeing should remain at the forefront of what can be expected for our young people.
“Today is also an opportunity to thank teachers who have provided the learning opportunities over many years to ensure that our young people can celebrate their achievements today. Nottinghamshire teachers have been ambitious in their aspirations for all children and I publicly acknowledge their commitment to students. I would also thank the parents and carers who have supported their young people to complete their education and to prepare for a positive and fulfilling future.“
If your exams results were higher or lower than expected and you wish to explore your options, call the Exams Helpline: 0800 100 900, available from 12 to 28 August, to provide additional support to students and their parents.
Ofqual has published resources for students receiving their qualifications this summer. A student guide to post-16 qualification results that provides students with additional information.
Other useful options available to students are:
UCAS helpline: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ucashelpline
Apprenticeships: www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
UCAS Clearing: www.ucas.com/results-clearing
Apprenticeships at the County Council: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Service: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship (for Apprenticeships across Nottinghamshire)
Employer sponsored degrees: https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/working-and-learning/degree-apprenticeships; https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/sponsored-degrees-225
Degree apprenticeships: https://careerpilot.org.uk/information/apprenticeships/degree-apprenticeships; https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk
Internships and work placements: https://careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-18/internships-and-work-placements
Gap year: https://careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-18/gap-year
Traineeships and school leavers programme: www.ucas.com/alternatives/traineeships-and-school-leaver-programmes
Help with job hunting:
National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
The government’s Job Match service: www.gov.uk/jobsearch
Information about setting up your own business: www.gov.uk/set-up-business
UCAS offering career advice in the creative arts: https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/creative-arts
