Students across the Isle of Wight are celebrating their achievements on GCSE results day today (24th August 2023).
After a difficult few years for pupils, today will be an important day for many whatever the results.
The start of a new chapter
It marks the start of the next stage of many young people’s lives as they move on to new challenges – whether that is continuing to study at sixth form or college, moving on to an apprenticeship or other work-based learning opportunity.
The Isle of Wight council expects to have the full picture of GCSE and other level 2 qualification results early in the new year, when the validated data set is released by the Department for Education.
New scales
All exams are now graded on the number scale which runs from nine (highest) to one (lowest), rather than the old letter grades. A grade 4 is a ‘standard pass’ with a grade 5 or above a ‘good pass’. The bottom of a grade 7 is comparable with the bottom of an old grade A.
Jean Thorpe, county education manager (secondary and post-16), said,
“I would like to congratulate every young person who has collected their GCSE exam results.
“I would also like to thank teachers, leaders and schools for their hard work, support and partnership in delivering these results.
“GCSEs are a significant milestone in the lives of children and young people, marking the culmination of many years of hard work, and whatever the result there are lots of options available to achieve a bright future.
“Students who have received their results today will have acquired a range of skills that enable them to be lifelong learners and hopefully achieve more than they thought possible.
“For those whose results are not as hoped or are unsure about what they want to do next, there are lots of options and a great deal of information and support available to explore these.
“I wish all students every success, as they move on to further education, employment or training.”
Support and advice
Any young person who needs help or advice about their next options, having received their results, can speak to their school’s careers advisor or contact Island Futures, the council’s career service.
Visit the Island Futures website for a wealth of information and links to websites such as Flying Starts, which is an additional resource to support young people across the Isle of Wight transitioning from Year 11 to the next stage of their career pathway.
Regular drop-in sessions
Island Futures also run regular drop-in sessions for young people aged 16 to 18 (or up to 25 with special educational needs). These are taking place at:
- Newport Library, Tuesdays, 2 to 4pm.
- Ryde Library, Wednesdays, 2 to 4pm.
- Sandown Library, Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm on 7 and 28 September and 19 October.
The drop-ins are also for people who have recently left school and who do not have plans for education or training in September, and those who are currently not in education, employment or training.
Young Minds
Students who may be feeling uncertain, anxious or stressed about the future as they move on to college, employment or training can seek support from Young Minds, who will help to encourage them to look after their mental health and identify when to ask for help.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: comedynose under CC BY 2.0
