Latest news with #WestLakesAcademy
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Looking back on A-levels: an educational milestone
With exam season over, A-level candidates across Cumbria now face the anxious wait for their results, and we're remembering the successes of past students. Will Crisp achieved A*, A, A and was going to Cambridge (Image: Chris West) A-levels(Advanced Levels) are subject-based qualifications awarded as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as school leaving qualifications offered by educational bodies in the United Kingdom and the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to students completing secondary or pre-university education. Crunch time for West Lakes Academy pupils Callum Bowness, Luke Jennings, James Duguid and Sean Tait (Image: Newsquest) They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate. A-levels give students potential access to a chosen university they applied to with UCAS points. They could be accepted into it should they meet the requirements of the university. Caldew School's Lucy Wright got the three A stars and one A needed to take her to Oxford (Image: Newsquest) A-levels are typically worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A-level courses in their first year of sixth form, and most taking four cut back to three in their second year. A-level student Glen Brown was about to start an apprenticeship with Sellafield as a nuclear welding inspector (Image: Newsquest) This is because university offers are normally based on three A-level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A-levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take. Netherhall student Jessica Douglas was heading off to Manchester University to study business management after doing well in her A-levels (Image: Newsquest) However, they normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A-levels for entry. In recent years, doubt has been cast on the efficacy of A-levels and in 2023, the then prime minister Rishi Sunak announced sweeping changes to the qualifications. After receiving their A-level results, Netherhall students Chloe Pearson (left) and Rebecca Mitchell were both off to Northumbria University (Image: Newsquest) He announced that all 16 to 19-year-olds would typically study five subjects as part of the new Advanced British Standard, including some English and maths to 18. He said more teachers would be recruited and that it would take some years to implement the changes. Workington Academy's Beth Hilton, Lewis Maxwell, Heather Taylor and Glen Brown all did well in their A-levels (Image: Newsquest) One of the most striking aspects of the plan was that students would be able to combine both academic and vocational elements, with typically three major and two minor aspects. Cockermouth School's Alistair Martin goes in for a hug after getting his results (Image: Newsquest) However, it was cancelled by the Labour government after their victory in the 2024 general election.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Remembering rock ‘n' roll: from Elvis to The Beatles and beyond
TODAY is National Day of Rock 'n' Roll, and we're remembering times when we put on our blue suede shoes and sang and danced to its stirring rhythms. Gary Swanston as Elvis with sisters Caitlin, 15, and Lorraine at Solfest 2015 (Image: Paul Johnson) The genre started as a mix of various musical styles and quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon that transcended racial and socio-economic barriers. Rock 'n' roll introduced the world to legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and The Beatles, whose music still resonates with millions. Rock 'n' Rollers at Broughton Carnival in 2015 (Image: Newsquest) The day is celebrated to honour these contributions and the continued evolution of rock music, which keeps adapting and influencing new generations of artists and fans. Rock 'n' roll is celebrated for its profound impact on both music and society. It pushed technological boundaries in music production and performance, giving rise to iconic sounds and styles that defined generations. Peter Reay and Dawn Shiel at Amanda Robson's rock 'n' roll and jive class at Currock Community Centre (Image: Newsquest) It also played a pivotal role in the cultural revolutions of the 20th century. It challenged societal norms and inspired movements for change. Celebrating this day helps keep rock 'n' roll's legacy alive, ensuring that its revolutionary spirit continues to inspire and entertain. Brian and Kathleen Trotman, Jayne Petre, Betty Smith and Suzanne Storm practise their rock 'n' roll steps at Currock Community Centre (Image: Newsquest) The genre evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It originated from African American music such as jazz, rhythm and blues, boogie-woogie, electric blues, gospel, and jump blues, as well as from country music. Deanna Burns and Holly Fullerton dance to Elvis (Steve Carini) at Workington Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Newsquest) While rock 'n' roll's formative elements can be heard in blues records from the 1920s and in country records of the 1930s, the genre did not acquire its name until 1954. The West End smash hit rock 'n' roll musical Dreamboats and Petticoats came to the Sands Centre in Carlisle (Image: Newsquest) According to the journalist Greg Kot, "rock and roll" refers to a style of popular music originating in the United States in the 1950s. By the mid-1960s, it had developed into "the more encompassing international style known as rock music, though the latter also continued to be known in many circles as rock and roll'. The Alleys provided the backdrop of rock 'n' roll at Wigton Carnival in 2010 (Image: Newsquest) In the earliest rock 'n' roll styles, either the piano or saxophone was typically the lead instrument. They were generally replaced or supplemented by the electric guitar in the mid-to-late 1950s. Tom Wright was backed up by Thomas Atkinson on drums at a rock 'n' roll night at West Lakes Academy (Image: Newsquest) The beat is essentially a dance rhythm with an accentuated backbeat, almost always provided by a snare drum. Classic rock 'n' roll is usually played with one or more electric guitars (one lead, one rhythm) and a double bass (string bass). After the mid-1950s, electric bass guitars and drum kits became popular in classic rock.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cumbrian school announces partnership for Holiday Sports Club
West Lakes Academy has partnered with Chance Camp to bring an exciting and inclusive Holiday Sports Club (Image: Submitted) WEST Lakes Academy has announced a new partnership with Chance Camp to bring an inclusive Holiday Sports Club to the academy for the first time this summer. Open to children currently in years three to seven, the programme is designed for all abilities and focuses on promoting fun, fitness, and healthy habits. Advertisement The camp will run across three themed weeks during the summer holidays, operating from 9am to 4pm at the academy's facilities on Main Street, Egremont. The programme focuses on promoting fun, fitness, and healthy habits (Image: Submitted) A spokesperson for West Lakes Academy said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for local children to stay active, make new friends, and build confidence in a supportive environment. "We're proud to be working with Chance Camp to offer something that benefits both students and families in our community.' Camp dates and themes at West Lakes Academy: Week 1 – Multi Sports Tuesday, July 22 to Friday, July 25. A fun-filled week exploring a wide range of sports and games—perfect for trying new activities and building all-round skills. Advertisement Week 2 – Individual Olympic Events Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1. Focus on personal bests with athletics, gymnastics, and other solo sports inspired by the Olympics. Week 3 – Team Olympic Events Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8. Teamwork takes centre stage with football, basketball, relays, and more—celebrating the spirit of cooperation and competition. Children can explore a wide range of sports and games (Image: Submitted) Parents who have previously attended Chance Camp sessions at other venues have praised the programme for its energy, inclusivity, and positive impact on their children's confidence and happiness. One parent said: "Our boys go to Chance Camp regularly through the holidays and absolutely love it. The coaches are incredibly hands on and find ways to make every day fun – even in poor weather. Advertisement 'They get to try lots of different sports which holds their interest as well as some healthy competition in a safe environment where attitude and progress are rewarded. Can't recommend it enough!" Parents interested in learning more about the Holiday Sports Club can visit the Chance Camp website at Places are limited, and the online booking system is now open at Early booking is recommended.
