[T]housands of young people in Cumbria will be waiting anxiously to pick up their GCSEs on Thursday.
It is reported that the 2018 papers were tougher compared to previous years, with a new grading system put in place to reflect this.
For those young people who don’t meet the set grades to continue their journey into further education, apprenticeships or work – Inspira advisers will be on hand across the County to offer advice and help.
West Cumbria – an adviser will be in the following schools on Thursday 16th August from:
- Keswick No cover needed – done via e-mail.
- Cockermouth From 9am
- Beacon Hill From 10am
- Solway From 10am
- Netherhall 8.30-12pm
- Energy Coast UTC From 10am
- Workington Academy From 9am
- St Joseph’s 10am
- St Benedict’s 10-12pm
- Whitehaven Academy 8.30-11.30
- West Lakes Academy 10-12pm
- PRU 10-12pm
Carlisle:
- The centre on Lowther Street will be open as normal from 1pm.Barrow:
We have Advisors in all schools expect Millom and there will be sessions held in the Centre in Barrow in Furness for three days following results day.
Kendal and South Lakes Area:
- Dallam, 9am – 10am
- Kirkbie Kendal, 10:15 – 11:45am
- Kendal College, 12pm – 4pm
- Queen Katherine School, from 10am
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, from 8.30am
Lancaster:
- Lancaster and Morecambe College, from 12pm
For those young people who need some more in-depth help Inspira can also offer the Government backed Launch Pad programme designed to support young people across Cumbria (Moving On in Lancashire) who need additional support to help them make the transition into further learning or training.
Peter Clark, Inspira’s Contract Lead, explains how Launch Pad aims to prepare young people for the world of work or further education, by providing one-to-one and group tuition, alongside targeted information, advice and guidance.
“Launch Pad is predominately for young people who are classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET) or potentially NEET. The label can be considered negative, but the term theoretically covers young people who have left school this year and are waiting for their exam results before they decide what to do next, those who may be undecided about their future and young people who haven’t managed to secure a position for September either in an apprenticeship or further education.
“The process is simple and straightforward – participants take an assessment to identify areas for development, a learning plan is then created to help the participant achieve their goals. Each one is individually tailored.
“Alongside vocational study in a range of sectors such as customer service, administration, warehousing and digital technology; participants can also work towards recognised accreditation and certificates in English, Maths and ICT.”
Personal development plays a pivotal role in the programme and focuses on energetic, engaging and experiential activities intended to improve essential employability skills like communication, leadership and teamwork.
So far over 600 young people have accessed support from Launch Pad since January 2016, with over 350 progressed into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships or full-time education. The rest are currently being prepared for progression opportunities this September and over the autumn period.
