Education

Facing secondary exam failure: A guide to what you should do next

Published

12 months ago

November 28, 2023

ACHIEVING success in secondary exams, particularly GCSEs is a pivotal milestone that lays the foundation for future educational and career pursuits. These exams hold significant weight, serving as gateways to various opportunities and higher academic achievements. However, what should students do when faced with the challenging reality of not meeting the expected academic standards?

How can a learner navigate the setbacks of exam failure and carve a path toward personal and academic
growth? In this post, we’ll delve into alternative routes that students facing challenges with their GCSEs
can consider to chart a resilient course toward future success.

Reflect on Individual Circumstances

Education is a lifelong journey. So, while you may not have achieved the desired results in secondary
school, you can have numerous success stories as you progress to other academic levels. The trick is to
learn from your mistake first, so you don’t repeat it. To do that, reflect on your circumstances and
consider factors that may have contributed to the exam outcomes. This could involve analyzing study
habits, personal challenges, or external factors that affect performance. Then, come up with a list of
what you should do to ensure favorable outcomes on your next education journey.

Explore Options

There are numerous alternative paths that you should consider in such a scenario. This includes retaking
exams, vocational training, or exploring different educational routes. When you explore alternative
paths, it opens up a range of opportunities beyond traditional academic routes. Alternative paths often
emphasize practical skills and hands-on experience, which provide a different approach to education
that can be valuable in various industries.

It’s also a way to align your education with career interests and goals so that you can find a more
fulfilling and suitable path. Some alternative paths, such as apprenticeships, allow students to enter the
workforce more quickly and gain practical experience while working towards qualifications.

Retake Exams

Students planning to retake exams should consider a focused study plan to address areas of weakness
and improve their performance. Consider getting a tutor to help you understand academic areas you
find challenging.

You can also pay for an essay and get quality content from a subject expert who will help you
understand more about a specific academic topic. The information from a subject expert can even come
in handy during exams and help you ace it.

Explore Different Education Routes

Some popular and different education routes to consider are vocational training, apprenticeships, higher
education courses, and alternative courses. Each option comes with its own set of advantages.
Investigating choices that correspond with your interests and long-term objectives is crucial. Let’s delve
into the details of each option.

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Explore vocational training programs or apprenticeships that offer hands-on, practical learning
experiences in specific industries. This alternative education route has advantages, such as immediate
application of skills and shorter duration.
Vocational training offers a practical and viable alternative for students who have faced challenges in
traditional academic settings. It emphasizes skills that are directly applicable in the workplace. It also
opens doors to various career options across industries and provides flexibility for individuals to explore
different paths.

Besides, many vocational qualifications are well-recognized and respected in the job market. Hence, it
can contribute to better career prospects or serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement,
with additional training and specialization opportunities.

Alternative Qualifications and Courses

Consider alternative qualifications or courses that may not solely rely on traditional academic
achievements. Look for courses that align with your interests and future goals. The great part about this route is that it gives students diverse options and opportunities to pursue subjects of interest in a less
traditional academic format. It also has flexibility in learning styles.

Access to Higher Education Courses

Look into access to Higher Education (HE) courses designed for individuals who may not have traditional
qualifications but aspire to pursue higher education. Often, such courses are tailored for mature
students, are focused on specific subjects, and can serve as a bridge to higher education institutions.
Access to such courses can be a valuable pathway for individuals who have faced challenges with GCSEs.
It allows one to pursue higher education and work towards specific academic and career goals.
However, learners should always verify that the course and the institution offering it are accredited and
recognized to ensure the qualification holds value. Finally, choose that which aligns with your career
goals and interests to ensure relevance and motivation throughout the program.

Online Learning Platforms

Explore online learning platforms offering courses from universities and institutions worldwide, such as
Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn. This option comes with flexibility, diverse course offerings, and the
opportunity to gain skills and knowledge. This choice suits those who faced challenges or didn’t get the
desired results in their GCSE exams. Be aware that you’ll have many options if you choose this path.
The trick is to ensure that the online courses or platforms are reputable and offer recognized
certifications upon completion. Then, check if the certifications obtained through the courses you want
are recognized in your desired industry and can contribute to career advancement. Read reviews and
testimonials from other learners who have taken the courses to gauge the quality and effectiveness of
the platform.

Foundation Year Programs

These programs help students gain the expertise necessary to enter undergraduate degree programs
successfully. They are often tailored for individuals who may not have met the typical entry
requirements, including those who faced challenges with GCSEs.
Successful completion guarantees progression to an undergraduate degree at that institution leading to
higher education. Students considering this option should contact the universities or institutions offering
foundation year programs to understand their specific admissions criteria and application process.

Stay Positive

It’s okay to feel sad and disappointed. After all, exams are significant milestones, and not achieving the
desired results can evoke a range of emotions. Give yourself space to process these emotions. But don’t
stay gloomy for too long. Instead, be positive and prioritize self-care.

Education

Pupils wear wellies to back farmers: Council says schools can’t promote protest

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2024

Jon Coles

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has denied trying to stop pupils from wearing Wellington boots to school in support of local farmers.

However, following a request, the Council refused to promote the wearing of the boots on its website or to allow schools to do so on theirs.

The Council communicated its decision on Monday, November 18, ahead of the national farmers’ protest in London on Tuesday, November 19.

Regardless, pupils across Pembrokeshire wore Wellington boots to school on Tuesday to show their support.

At Ysgol Bro Preseli many pupils had wellies on, and three older pupils reportedly drove to school in tractors.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Education Act 1996 clearly prohibits practitioners from promoting partisan political views, and therefore, our schools are not permitted to promote the farmers’ protest taking place in London today.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch said: “It’s is very upsetting to learn that Pembrokeshire County Council has pressured all schools across Pembrokeshire to withdraw their communications to parents and guardians, showing support to farmers regarding wellies day.

“Farmers are the cornerstone of our country. If there are no farmers, there is no food. If there is no food, there is no way to survive, meaning no Future. It really is as simple as that. Farmers deserve to be recognised.”

A local farmer was unimpressed: “Of course, Pembrokeshire County Council would roll over for their Labour paymasters in London.

“They’ve been rolling over for Labour in Cardiff Bay for years.

“It’s as if the Council doesn’t understand just how important agriculture is to the county’s economy, our identity, and our culture.

“Regardless of your political persuasion, a serious threat looms over the industry, and a show of solidarity would’ve been gratefully received by Pembrokeshire’s farmers.”

Another said: “The support for farmers is wide-ranging, and we owe much to those in London exercising their democratic right to represent rural Britain.

“It felt like a real community in London, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

“Even Londoners supported the farmers and loved the good-natured atmosphere: they said it was so much different than the usual protests they have there.”

(Image: File)

Education

Haverfordwest High VC School raise £12,775 for Children in Need

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week students at Haverfordwest High VC School have raised a record breaking £12,775 for Children in Need. The week has been led by an incredible group of Senior Prefects and their Year 12 and 13 Children in Need Army. The Sixth Form events have consisted of:

150 students taking a Big Dip at Broadhaven Beach.
Bushtucker Trial – where students went up against HHVCS staff to eat some gruelly delights.
Buffee and Barnes’ Wednesday Night Takeaway – a quiz night held at Haverfordwest RFC.
A carwash – where staff, pupils and brave members of the public had their cars washed.
Our Head Boy Harry shaved and dyed his hair. Closely followed by Year 12 Oscar and Kayden shaving their heads in front of the entire Sixth Form Block
Senior Prefects Katie and Ffion conducted a half marathon around Haverfordwest and were joined by Head Boy Harry and Deputy Head Boy Finn.
Year 12 Libby and Year 13 Molly held a sponsored silence – it was a lovely day!
Netball and football matches
A bake sale
Sweet shop led by Year 12 Leah, Queenie and Chloe.
Cyclathon – where students cycled all day outside the Sixth Form Block on spin bikes.
Leg waxing – Brave Year 12 and 13 boys had their legs waxed in front of the whole school.
Fun Run – which involved pupils from across the whole school.
Teddy and Pudsey ears sale.
The younger year groups also played a huge part in the fundraising efforts with Achievement Leaders planning a range of events including:
Year 7 danceathon – where students danced all day to some disco classics. Led by Senior Prefect Lucy and her sidekicks Brianna and Carys.
Year 8 Awesome Auction – hosted by Year 8
Year 9 Quiz
Year 10 and 11 football and bingo

The week was topped off with a whole school fancy dress. We couldn’t be more proud of what our pupils and staff have achieved. This amount of money will make a huge difference to children in need.

Community

Save Lampeter University petition hits 2,600 in two days

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A 2,600-STRONG petition has been launched calling for a sustainable future for Wales’ oldest university, Lampeter, after fears all undergraduate teaching is to end.

The change.org petition, by John Jennings, was started on November 13 and, to date, has gained 2,579 signatures

It says: “The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has announced a plan to end all undergraduate teaching at its Lampeter campus by September 2025, a decision that would sever nearly 200 years of Lampeter’s role as a centre of higher education and devastate the local community.

“As alumni, students, and supporters, we call upon UWTSD and the Welsh Government to protect Lampeter’s legacy and commit to a sustainable future for this historic campus.”

It adds: “Lampeter is not only Wales’s oldest university institution but a pillar of its educational and cultural history. By allowing undergraduate teaching to end, UWTSD would undermine the very essence of Lampeter’s mission, weaken the local economy, and sever its historic role as a centre of learning. The town of Lampeter, the alumni community, and the people of Wales deserve better.

“We urge UWTSD and the Welsh Government to halt the planned end of undergraduate teaching at Lampeter and instead work with all stakeholders to create a viable, sustainable plan for the campus. This must include a serious investment in new courses, marketing, and student recruitment efforts to ensure Lampeter’s relevance and appeal for future generations.”

The petition has three demands.

It calls for a “deep and transparent consultation,” saying: “UWTSD must engage meaningfully with all stakeholders, including current students, staff, alumni, and the local community, to ensure that any decision regarding the campus’s future is fully informed by those who care most deeply about its heritage and potential.”

It also asks for a “Commitment to Sustainable Solutions,” saying: “Rather than abandoning Lampeter’s undergraduate provision, UWTSD should commit to a strategy that revitalises the campus, leverages the unique academic and cultural appeal that Lampeter has held for nearly two centuries, and makes use of the considerable skills, knowledge, and dedication of its alumni.”

It finishes: “As outlined in UWTSD’s Royal Charter, the university has a constitutional responsibility to maintain ‘a significant physical University presence’ at Lampeter. Closing undergraduate provision would effectively hollow out the campus, eroding its educational mission and violating the university’s own mandate to uphold Lampeter’s historic role within Welsh higher education.”

A spokesperson for UWTSD said: “The university is aware of the petition. We held a very helpful and extensive meeting with our students on Wednesday afternoon in which we listened to a range of opinions and concerns which we will be carefully considering as we develop the initial proposals further.

“We are early in the process and as well as our students we are discussing the best way forward with staff and representatives of other key stakeholders.”