A-Level success for Liverpool

LIVERPOOL schools are celebrating after another year of record-breaking A-Level results.  Provisional figures show more students than ever achieved A*-E grades in their exams, with the pass rate increasing from 95.7% in 2009 to 96.1% this year.

With the number of pupils nationally achieving A*-E reported to be up by 0.1% – from 97.5% last year, to 97.6% this year – it means Liverpool’s pass rate is currently improving at 4 times the national average.

Councillor Jane Corbett, cabinet member for education, said:- "Congratulations to all of our young people who have worked so hard, with support from teachers, parents and carers, to achieve their grades.  It is fantastic news that our results are outstripping the improvement nationally, as this means we are making significant progress in reaching the average of the rest of the country.  There is no doubt in my mind that 'A' levels are a tough, rigorous test for young people. Anyone who has got children studying for the exams knows the blood, sweat and tears needed to get the grades required to get into university, particularly as competition for places is harder than ever."

Major success stories include Archbishop Beck Catholic College in Walton and St Edwards Catholic College in West Derby which both achieved a 100% pass rate.  St Francis Xavier (SFX) School in Woolton also achieved its best ever A-Level results, with its pass rate rocketing from 93.8% last year to 97.1%.

Executive Director for children's services, Stuart Smith, added:- “These record results demonstrate that the quality of teaching in many of our schools is truly outstanding.  We are working hard with our schools to make sure that every single young person achieves their full potential and can go on to get a decent job and forge a successful career."

Mind Body and Spirit Festival

ON Saturday, 11 September 2010, Pathways are holding a Mind Body and Spirit Festival at the Pathways Spiritual Centre, Unitarian Church, Portland Street, Southport, PR8 1LT. Admission on the day is 50p only. The Festival consists of Aura Photography, Crystal stall,Tarot readers various clairvoyant readers from across the north west including Wendy (the spook) Hargreaves resident psychic from Dune FM, a Aloe Vera stall and Support Our Soldiers will be selling merchandise plus taking donations for their shoe box appeal. Refreshments will be available on the day plus a charity raffle with many prizes.

Dickens readings relived

ONE of the most historic moments in Liverpool’s literary past is being recreated at St George’s Hall every day next week.

The stunning small Concert Room – in which writer Charles Dickens held his famous public readings - is throwing open its doors from Monday 23 August until Monday 30 August.  Each day at 2pm, there is a chance to hear Community Historian and Charles Dickens expert Steve Binns give a talk about the history of the room.  It will be followed by a reading from a Dickens novel acted out by James O’Keeffe, who will recreate the moment when the revered author read extracts of his works. 

An exhibition about the history of the room - considered to be the finest example of early Victorian design - will also be on display.  Queen Victoria once described the building as “worthy of ancient Athens” - and visitors will have a chance to hear from, and be photographed with, a look-a-like dressed in traditional costume.

Councillor Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said:- “The Concert Room at St George’s Hall is a hidden gem which takes your breath away when you first walk in.  It is the jewel in the crown of our rich cultural heritage, and this week of special events is designed to bring history alive and show how it was used in years gone by.   The Concert Room looks as good as the day it first opened and has been given a new lease of life since the building’s restoration was completed.  It belongs to the people of the city, which is why we are throwing open its doors in this way, so people can see how much beauty and history is in one place.''

The Concert Room was designed by Charles Cockerell and is widely considered to be the finest interior he ever created - featuring cream and gold decor, grand columns and a lavish stage. 

Admission to performances is £2.50 for adults and £1 for under 16s accompanied by a responsible adult.  Admission to view the room is £1 and free for under 16s accompanied by a responsible adult.

More information about St George’s Hall is available online via:- www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk.