Liverpool's A-Level average grade improves - provisional figures

THE average A-Level grade achieved by students in Liverpool has improved this year; whilst the national average has remained the same, according to provisional figures. Last year, the City's overall average grade was C-, and now it has risen to C, just below the national average of C+, with almost ½ of Schools, 12 out of 26, seeing an improvement in their average grades. Also, Liverpool has recorded a smaller drop in the number of A*-C grades earned. Nationally, this fell by 5.5%, whereas in Liverpool it was 4.7%. Once again the School Improvement Liverpool Community Languages Project has particular cause for celebration. 95% of students, many of whom are from minority communities and study after School, gained A*-C grades, with ½ earning A* or A grades in Arabic, Chinese or Polish A-Levels.

Councillor Barbara Murray, Cabinet member for Education, said:- "Collecting your A-Level results is a day that no one forgets, therefore, everyone will be sending their very best wishes to the students who have achieved their grades. If you have not got the grades you were hoping for, please don't be disheartened. There are many alternative options available and your School or College will be able to support you through these considerations. Our results today show that the City is continuing to make progress, even during a period which has seen changes to how students are assessed. As always, I'd like to thank all our Teachers and School staff for their commitment. Along with special thanks to families and carers who are a vital part of the wider School family that help our young people achieve their full potential in whichever field they choose."

Future sporting stars scoop funding prize

ASPIRING netballers, junior footballers and young sea cadets are among those to have won a special ₤1,000 prize from Liverpool ONE, as part of its Summer of Champions event. This summer, the retail destination is encouraging youngsters, and their families, to channel their inner champion and is giving local sports clubs and community groups the chance to win a slice of a ₤20,000 prize fund.

So far, 12 local sporting clubs have scooped ₤1,000 each to help towards their costs and nurturing young talent. And with the competition set to close at the end of August, there's still time to submit your winning entries.

Among those to have won is the City of Liverpool Sea Cadets. Lt (SCC) Marie Pagett RNR said:- "We have some of the City's most dedicated, ambitious young people and we are thrilled to have won such a significant sum of money from Liverpool ONE. We are committed to helping our cadets aged 10 to 18 learn new skills, build their confidence and develop their talents, so this funding will play an important role in us achieving this."

Other winners include Chinese health and wellbeing centre China UK, Wirral; girls football team Neston Nomads; Northcote Primary School, Walton; Wade Deacon High School, Widnes; cheerleading squad Prenton All Stars; and Ellesmere Port Youth Netball Club.

As part of the Summer of Champions, Chavasse Park has been transformed into a hub of sports, with free to play netball, athletics, rugby, tennis, boccia and football on offer, along with a special running track, winner podiums and a long jump area.

Running throughout the School summer holidays, the Summer of Champions programme of events includes meet and greets with some of the country's most decorated sporting stars. Boxer Natasha Jonas and Olympic athletes Kelly Massey and Anyika Onuora have already showcased their skills and shared their expertise, while Andy Grant, ex-marine and the world's fastest single leg amputee, was held on Friday, 16 August 2019.

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "Our Summer of Champions calendar of events is all about encouraging people to get outside and get active, whether that's trying a brand new sport or honing their skills with their sporting hero. We're fully committed to supporting grassroots sports and we're thrilled to be able to give ₤1,000 to a number of sports clubs from across the area - we've had some fantastic entries showing real diversity and variety so far, but there's still time to enter and we'd encourage sports clubs to get in touch to apply."

For further information about the Summer of Champions and how to enter the competition, visit:- Liverpool-One.Com.

History making marriage on the Mintons

HISTORY will be made in Liverpool's St George's Hall next week when, for the 1st time ever, there will be a marriage on the Minton tiles. Jennifer McPartland and Stephen Gough are set to tie the knot on Monday, with the ceremony taking place on the priceless Minton floor which consists of 30,000 handcrafted tiles.

The lucky couple who live in Woolton, fought off competition from nearly 60 couples to win a 1 off competition organised by the team, at St George's Hall, to offer a potential bride and groom a wedding package worth ₤10,000. As well as the incredible venue which will be fully dressed, the prize also includes the bridal gown and bouquet, a drinks package, photographer and videographer and wedding stationery.

Jennifer will make an impressive entrance through the huge bronze doors at the far end of the Great Hall and walk the full length of the tiled floor to the sounds of City Organist, Professor Ian Tracy, on the world famous Willis Organ. Later, Liverpool's own Mezzo Soprano, Danielle Louise Thomas will sing in celebration of the special day. The ceremony is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Jennifer McPartland said:- "Winning this competition has given me a wedding I could only ever have in my dreams. To have the chance to walk the length of the beautiful Minton floor and be a part of history in Liverpool is so overwhelming. I'd like to thank the team at St George's Hall for making my dreams come true."

Stephen Gough said:- "I'm overwhelmed that we were chosen out of so many couples to be married on the Minton floor - it's like a real life fairy tale wedding."

Along with St George's Hall, other local suppliers who have contributed to the wedding are White Closet Studios (bride's dress), Tamzyn Angela (florist and event decoration), Luna June Paper (wedding invitations and stationery), LWC (independent drinks wholesaler providing reception refreshments) and Mersey Sound (providing the PA system).