GCSE Joy for Ruskin Students

Staff and students at The Priory Ruskin Academy are celebrating their GCSE results which have seen progress improve as well as a number of outstanding individual successes.

Headteacher Rachel Wyles said: “The Academy is delighted that students have achieved so well and are now preparing for the next step in their education. Their hard work, alongside exceptional support from parents and staff, has led to well-deserved successes.

“I am equally proud of their non-examined achievements. Students at Ruskin study alongside a varied programme of enrichment activities and this year group has made the most of all the opportunities offered to them at Ruskin – embodying the Ruskin spirit with humour and a real sense of our values which will put them in good stead for the future.”

Progress and success for Walton in GCSE results

Students at Walton Academy, part of Diverse Academies, were celebrating another year for top GCSEs as results were announced today.

Over 74% of grades were at least 4-9 in the core subjects of maths and English, with 82% of grades at 4 and above in English, and 79% at grade 4 and above in maths. Overall, 73% of students achieved five GCSEs within the highest grades of 4-9.

In another excellent year for the academy, 32 grade 9s were achieved which more than doubles last year’s total, and the overall attainment of students was also up from 2018 results.

In Level 2 BTEC, 59% of grades were the top grades of Merit, Distinction* Distinction.

Students excelled in chemistry and philosophy and ethics, where the highest number of 7 – 9 grades were achieved. In chemistry, 79% of students achieved a grade 7 or above and 65% in philosophy and ethics.

Based on this solid set of results, many students will now remain at Walton to study Level 3 courses in the post 16 centre, with others going onto other post 16 providers and apprenticeships.

One of this year’s top performers was Jessica Ambrose who achieved eight 9 grades and one 8 grade. She said: “I am ecstatic to receive such good results – I was shaking with excitement! Me and my mum cried together.”

Zoe Mowlem celebrated achieving three 9 grades, four 8 grades and two 7 grades. On collecting such great results, she said: “I was not expecting these results, I am over the moon with what I have achieved.”

The outgoing head girl, Layla Stephenson, achieved a strong set of results with three 9 grades, three 8 grades, two 7 grades and a Distinction in her BTEC performing arts course. She commented: “I am pleased with my results and I am looking forward to starting graphic design.”

This year’s success at GCSE level follows the achievement of a Progress 8 score of ‘well above average’, which placed Walton as the top school in Grantham, the highest performing non-selective school in Lincolnshire, and within the top 5% of schools nationally.

Will Teece, Principal, said: “We are exceptionally proud of what all our students have achieved in their GCSE results, they have performed phenomenally well and should be very proud. This year’s results see a further increase on our record breaking results last year and I am immensely proud of what our academy has achieved. Our outcomes reflect the limitless commitment, resilience and hard work demonstrated by our students and the professionalism of our staff in supporting them through their studies – this really has been a team effort. Each and every student has excelled and we wish them all every success in their chosen next steps.”

The academy invites any students yet to secure a place with a post 16 provider for this September or who is considering their post-GCSE options to visit www.walton-ac.org.uk or email post16@walton-ac.org.uk for more information.

A selection of four new small-batch artisan ciders, inspired by the Duchess of Rutland’s family connections with the Welsh Marches, is now on sale at The Fuel Tank in Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard retail village.

International award-winning artisan cider producer Celtic Marches Beverages from Herefordshire was specially commissioned to develop Belvoir Castle’s new offer. The four ciders are each named after the Duchess and her three daughters.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, explains: “I was brought up on the Herefordshire/Radnorshire border and my daughters recall fondly childhood visits to their grandparents in Mid Wales. So it was important to me to celebrate our heritage, as well as paying tribute to the exquisite cider apples produced in my family’s ancient orchards.

“As a young woman, I enjoyed my first taste of cider at the Three Counties Show in Malvern; a lasting memory which brings us to this exciting endeavour. This family, female-led, artisan cider producer is the perfect pairing to celebrate each of the ladies who currently reside at Belvoir Castle. Each cider has been carefully crafted to reflect our very individual personalities. I am delighted with the result.”

The Duchess of Rutland Herefordshire Cider is a traditional apple cider, staying true to its roots in the Welsh Marches. It is meticulously balanced, with a rich apple nose, full body and is sophisticatedly smooth. RRP £4.95 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Alice Manners Mango cider is a blend of craft cider and exotic mango. Bursting with flavour, its lightly balanced sweetness gives it a tantalising finish. RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Eliza Manners Strawberry & Lime cider offers complexity. A delicate balance of fresh strawberry sweetness is complemented by the citrus zing of the lime. Both flavours work effortlessly to balance each other and are mellowed by the classic blend of cider apples. RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Violet Manners Wild Berries cider is full of the flavours of the quintessential British hedgerow. With a deep crimson hue, a delicate strawberry nose and wonderful afternotes of the blackberry finish. RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Collette Cumbes, Account Manager, Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd, says: “It’s not every day that you get invited to create a range of ciders for a Duchess and her daughters. Creating the personalised cider flavours has been a lot of fun, with a great deal of involvement from their namesakes. The artisan nature of our small batch production also resonates with the ethos of Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard and its celebration of local producers and community.”

Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd is a self-sustaining cider farm with 200 acres of orchards producing vegan, gluten-free ciders, assigned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union to protect regional foods that have a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that area.

The full range of Belvoir Ciders is now on sale in The Fuel Tank cafe and restaurant at Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard retail village.

Grantham College has been given the go ahead by the Department for Education to step up its industry placement programme this year, following the success of its placement trial last year.

This year the college will assign 80 students to substantial placements across a wide range of industries: automotive, catering, digital, engineering, hair and beauty, science and construction, helping students to develop vital technical and workplace skills. 

The college is now seeking to partner with Grantham businesses in these sectors to provide students with placement opportunities and would like to hear from companies that can host a student for two days a week over approximately 30 weeks.

Last year’s trial saw Grantham College place 30 students in industry placements across the East Midlands and both students and businesses reaped significant rewards. Businesses who took part said that alongside helping young people to gain an insight into their industry, their staff also benefitted from a useful, extra pair of hands each week and by creating a valuable recruitment pipeline.

Since these placements were completed in June, several students on the trial have begun full or part time employment with their host employers.

Grantham College is one of many colleges UK-wide participating in the industry placement trial, which is helping to prepare the way for new vocational ‘T Level’ qualifications being introduced in the coming years. T Levels, which are equivalent to three A Levels, will each include an industry placement alongside studies in college.

Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, said: “T Levels have been created by the Department for Education to ensure companies can recruit ‘work ready’ candidates who have the skills and attributes sought by industry. 

“We, as a college, are focussed on furnishing students with the skills industry needs and so are embracing the opportunities T Levels bring.  Industry placements are the first step and have already brought real benefits to students and businesses alike. 

“We are pleased to be expanding our trial this coming year, working closely with industry so that together we can create the workforce of the future.”

Companies interested in finding out more about this year’s programme are encouraged to contact the Work Experience team at the college on 01476 400200.

People will be able to do more online at their local library, thanks to a planned investment in IT.

The council’s library provider Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) is working to introduce new computers and IT equipment at libraries and community hubs across Lincolnshire.

Will Mason, head of culture, said: “Libraries are about much more than books these days, and computers and internet access are now seen as essential services.

“New-and-improved equipment will mean our customers can make the most of what the online world has to offer, whether they’re studying, job hunting or accessing online services.

“Over the next few months, GLL will be working with local libraries and community hubs to identify exactly what’s needed and put together a plan for introducing the new IT across the county.

“Obviously things are in the very early stages, but I’m sure this news will be welcomed by local communities – particularly those that rely on our libraries for getting online.”

It is expected that the new IT equipment will be rolled out to local libraries and community hubs by next spring/summer. Further details will be released as the project progresses.

The Central Support Team at the Neighbourhood Watch Network says …

Neighbourhood Watch and The Soldiers’ Charity have announced a new initiative to bring neighbours together to share a meal while raising money for both charities.

Together for Good: The Neighbourhood Watch Big Curry will run for the month of September with supporters of both charities coming together to share a meal, swap their stories and build new friendships. Each meal will be a chance for supporters to give to each charity through small individual donations as well as getting neighbours talking to one another.

Events can be held on a small scale – taking place in someone’s living room with a handful of supporters to bigger events in a community hall where everyone in a street is invited, for example. The important thing is that people come together to get to know their neighbours over lovely food to raise money for two well-loved charities.

Will you commit to holding a Neighbourhood Watch Big Curry this September? 

For more information, resources and recipe tips visit: https://soldierscharity.org/big-curry/together-for-good/

Help us spread the word by forwarding this email on to people who may be interested. Alternatively share our social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. 

County council ‘as prepared as it can be’ for no-deal Brexit

Firefighters were called to Hamilton Road to a car on fire.

Damage to 50% of vehicle.

It was extinguished using a hose reel jet & breathing apparatus.

No injuries reported

LEADING MENINGITIS CHARITY Meningitis Now has today (Tuesday) declared ‘a perfect storm’ of ignorance, risk and confusion around a lifesaving vaccine for young people that will, unless checked, lead to young people losing their lives to meningitis in the coming year.

The warning follows the publication of new data that shows that over 80 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 do not consider themselves at risk from the killer disease. Moreover, only one in four of this age group knows the signs and symptoms of meningitis and a third think the disease is not preventable.

The research, undertaken by Populus, highlights a cause for concern for all parents as their youngsters prepare for the next stage of their adult lives as A-level exam results are announced.

Whilst recognising that legal responsibility for healthcare of children aged 18 and over is down to the young person, Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at Meningitis Now, says: “Parents really need to take control of the MenACWY vaccination process and ensure that their child has received this lifesaving vaccination and in doing so ensure that they do not become one of the million young people who have so far missed out.”

Eligibility for the MenACWY vaccination, which is free from GPs for most young people aged up to 25, is confusing confirms Dr Nutt, but he goes on to say: ‘This should not be a barrier to checking if your son or daughter has received the vaccine and where necessary that an appointment is booked to get it done as soon as possible.

“If teenagers are going to university, I’d strongly urge parents to get it done at least two weeks before their child leaves home.”

Whilst meningitis remains a rare disease in the UK, there are good reasons the government introduced this vaccine in 2015 – namely an increase in cases of MenW, which was targeting young people. Knowing that one in four people of this age carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis then the risk becomes all too clear.

Dr Nutt concludes: “Our research sheds new light on the issue of poor vaccine uptake and in doing so highlights a perfect storm where deaths, as a direct result of not being vaccinated, will sadly occur.”

Parents Fiona and Gavin Mason know only too well the agony missing this vaccination can cause, after losing their 21-year-old son Tim to meningococcal group W in March 2018.

They believe Tim paid the ultimate price for professional and systems failures in the MenACWY vaccination system.

“Now we want to make sure none of those we can save by the simple administration of a vaccine are missed, as Tim was missed,” Fiona said.

Gavin and Fiona, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, are supporting Meningitis Now in urging parents to take control of the vaccination process.

Tim Mason was attending college and working as an apprentice electrical engineer when he became ill. In just over 21 hours from the first visible symptoms he had lost his life to MenW.

An inquest heard how several opportunities to diagnose and treat Tim had been missed.

“Tim’s death should never have happened”, Fiona said. “He paid the price of professional and systems failures.

“Tim, like many others, was never offered the MenACWY vaccine in spite of being in the priority vaccination group.

“Our fight is to understand how our kind, fun-loving, bright boy could have suffered this catastrophic systems and professional failure under the National Health system we are all so proud of.

“We’re determined to expose the failure of the vaccination system in the hope that we might do some good and stop another family from suffering the same loss.

“If we spread the word and encourage all those unvaccinated young people to ask for the vaccine yet more lives might be saved. Make sure your family and friends know about the vaccine – tell them Tim’s story and spread the word.

“We would then feel Tim’s approval. His mantra was ‘get your s**t together, so that is what we are now trying to do for others.”

To help drive home their message the family has recorded a moving video, which can be seen on the charity’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Meningitistrust

In addition to checking and getting the MenACWY vaccine Meningitis Now is also reminding parents to ensure that their children know the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Knowing these, irrespective of vaccine status, and knowing to take immediate action if meningitis is suspected, will save lives and reduce the impact of the disease.

For more information and advice visit the Meningitis Now website at www.meningitisnow.org or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 388.

Research carried out by strategy consultancy Populus. They surveyed 1,100 adults across the UK to understand their attitudes towards meningitis and the level of risk they think the disease poses to them. They also asked about levels of confidence in knowing about the signs and symptoms of the disease.

A MenACWY vaccine has been offered since autumn 2015 for children in school at around 14 years of age. To ensure older children also received this vaccine, it was offered to those aged between 15 and 18-year-olds in a three-year “catch-up” programme delivered through schools and GP surgeries. Teens who missed the MenACWY vaccine during the catch-up programme remain eligible for the vaccine up to the age of 25

Take up of the vaccine delivered as part of the GP catch-up programme remains low at an estimated 40 per cent. Uptake in the school-based programme is 85 per cent.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal. cord. There are about 2,000 cases each year of bacterial meningitis.

Meningitis and Septicaemia Facts

• Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord; usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
• Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia.
• We estimate that there are currently around 2,000 cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK and 6,000 cases of viral meningitis each year – equivalent to 22 a day.
• Certain age groups are more susceptible – the under 5s are most at risk, particularly those under the age of one; teenagers and young adults and older adults, particularly those over 65.
• Many people who contract meningitis and septicaemia will make a good recovery, but some will suffer physical, neurological and psychological after-effects.

For more information visit www.MeningitisNow.org. Freephone helpline 0808 80 10 388.

Registered between 12 – 16 August 2019

You can click on the following link to view the forms and plans of any planning application.

http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planningsearch

S19/1189 Barrowby Erection of single storey rear extension; Applicant: Mr Wayne Desmond 28 Reedings Road Barrowby NG32 1AT

S19/1292 Long Bennington Change of Use of part of an existing dwelling to a Proposed Satellite Veterinary Centre ( Use Class D1) with single storey rear extension at 59 Main Road Long Bennington NG23 5DJ; Applicant: Mr D. Sparks MInster Veterinary Centre Limited Malt Park Maltklin Lane Newark NG24 1HN

S19/1301 Haconby Change of use of paddock to domestic gardens on land To Rear Of 42 – 48 Chapel Street Haconby; Applicant: Mr J Goodman 38 Chapel Street Haconby PE10 0UL

S19/1342 Grantham Change of Use of 22 Bridge End Road Grantham NG31 6JQ from office use (B1(a)) to residential use (C3); Applicant: Next Step Investments C/O Agents Mr R Cole Origin Design Studio Ltd Holly House Meadow Lane South Hykeham Lincoln LN6 9PF

S19/1318 Grantham  Change of Use from Residential to Institutional Residence Class C2 to165 Manthorpe Road Grantham NG31 8DH; Applicant:Mr Paul Platt, Acorn Care and Education 1 Merchants Place River Street Bolton BL2 1BX

S19/1325 Grantham Change of use of industrial units (5&6) Chandlers Yard Greyfriars Grantham NG31 6PG to Use Class D2 dance club.; Applicant: Miss Michelle Bates 129 Manthorpe Road Grantham NG31 8DQ

S19/1349 Dunsby Installation of a Ventilation unit with an external vent to front elevation. The vent to be metal and painted black.Applicant: Mr L Todd Smithy Cottage Church Street Dunsaby PE10 0UB

S19/1371 Osgodby Erection of steel framed portal open-fronted building; Applicant: Mr I Hart Osgodby Farm, Hall Lane Osgodby NG33 4JH

S19/1382 Grantham Erection of single storey extension; Applicant: Mr & Mrs C Walker 44 Dryden Close Grantham NG31 9QS

S19/1385 & S19/1395 Grantham Erection of single storey extension, new garage and summerhouse, following demolition of prefabricated garage and outbuildings; Applicant: Mr & Mrs Edwards 17, Dudley Road Grantham NG31 9AA

S19/1439 Grantham Install two rapid electric vehicle charging stations with associated equipment within the grounds of Discovery Retail Park, London Road, Grantham NG31 6HR; applicant Mr Paul Hicks InstaVolt Ltd 6 Cedarwood Crockford Lane Chineham Park Basingstoke RG24 8WD

The A1 is shut in both directions north of Grantham, due to a lorry fire.

The lorry, at Long Bennington, is carrying fertilizer and according to police, could take some time to extinguish.

Motorists are being urged to stay in their vehicles.

The northbound carriageway could soon reopen, but the southbound is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Road closed and queueing traffic due to accident involving a van and two cars  on the A1 northbound between A43 Kettering Road (Wothorpe / Easton On The Hill Turn Off) and A1 (Rutland Water Turn Off).

This is affecting traffic between Wittering and Great Casterton.