Get a Parent guide following navigating Exam Results Day

THIS year's exam cohorts will receive results based on pre-Covid marking standards. This won't feel like business as usual for Year 13s who didn't sit formal GCSEs at the height of the Pandemic and received teacher assessed grades. As education experts predict that it could be a busy few months for appeals, headlines have come thick and fast about anticipated lower results for GCSE students and increased competition for University places for those picking up their A-level grades. Against that worrying background, Parentkind unveils 'A Parent's Guide to Results Day to help families steer their way through Results Day and out the other side.

The latest resource for parents draws on the combined knowledge of staff members whose children are awaiting results, or who took their exams in recent years. The informal guide offers insights, helps parents to formulate a plan (and perhaps one or 2 back-ups!) and points them in the direction of places to go for extra help. With the wisdom of experience, dos and don'ts, and practical advice, the comprehensive guide offers parents moral encouragement, expert guidance and that crucial roadmap through what can often be a daunting process.

Parentkind Chief Executive Jason Elsom says:- "I'd like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all students on the cusp of embarking on the next phase of their educational journey or embracing their chosen career path. This can be an anxious time, and parents will be there to guide their child through to the next phase of their life. However, my staff among many other parents are well aware of just how tumultuous the past few years have been as the Pandemic has disrupted children's education. The vast majority of students this year will have taken formal exams for the 1st time in their lives. More than ever, they will want to draw on support from their family. The Parent's Guide to Results Day is a free resource that I hope will provide families throughout the country with a more stress free experience on the big day. Good luck to everyone!"

For Parentkind's 'A Parent's Guide to Results Day' see:-

• Part 1.
  

• Part 2.

47% of Brits feel unable to savour the moment in 2023

IN new research commissioned by the UK's favourite New Zealand-based wine brand, Villa Maria, it has been uncovered that as many as 47% of Brits feel unable to savour the moment, with 23% experiencing FOMO because they are always in a rush.

As busy work schedules and balancing socialising and family time have made life more hectic than ever, 84 percent claim they struggle to take some me time. In fact, it takes the average Brit up to a month to arrange a meet up with friends, and even then, 79% have cancelled plans at the last minute because they were too tired (35%) or didn't have the money (31%).

The research comes as Villa Maria launches its Live in the Delicious campaign, encouraging Brits to take more me time and savour the 'delicious' moments in life, like relaxing with an elegant glass of Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc after a long day; because you deserve it. Delicious isn't simply the way wine tastes but can be a place or a feeling where everything is vibrant, such as creating delicious experiences and moments with friends.

Despite one in 2 (51 percent) claiming good food and wine is what makes life better, 25% of Brits admit that they rarely sit down to enjoy meals at the table and always eat on the go (22 percent).

Further insights from the research show that while it takes 3 and a half hours on average to cook a Sunday lunch for the family, the average time it takes to enjoy it is just 25 minutes; including pudding! No wonder one in ten (seven percent) of the family cooks feel the work they have put in is not fully appreciated.

Sarah Szegota, Global Marketing and Communications Director at Villa Maria, which commissioned the study, said:- "To Live in the Delicious is to savour those 'delicious moments in life, and that includes a moment with our award-winning wines. Insights from our research found that people want to slow down, and it's hard to find time to wind down and savour moments of our day. A great way to do that is by enjoying the simple pleasures like delicious wine and food. As the British summer continues, we encourage all wine lovers to capture the essence of living in the delicious and find that special place whether that's 'me' time, hosting a dinner party or making plans with friends."

Testament to Villa Maria's new campaign which encourages consumers to take some time to embrace those opportunities and reward themselves, 53% say they would love to savour the moment more. Family (63%), holidays (53%), friends (43%) and food and drink (38%) are the areas we would like to enjoy more.

Villa Maria wines are distinctive, vibrant, and most importantly, delicious; so when you have a moment to stop and enjoy a glass, their award winning wines are worth taking the time to savour.'

To appreciate the simple pleasures in life, Villa Maria teamed up with food writer Alexandra Dudley to create a simple recipe to savour with friends, paired perfectly with Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, bringing the best of the British summer to life.

With over 60 years of winemaking, Villa Maria is committed to sharing the very best of New Zealand wine with the world by creating rich and rewarding moments for wine lovers everywhere. The vivid flavours of passionfruit and fresh lime in the delicious and classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc make it the perfect aperitif wine, best served chilled on a warm summer's day. A truly delicious distraction from the demands of modern life.