11 minute read
Sunderland College shines
Sunderland College’s students have their sights set on university and taking the next steps towards exciting careers after collecting their A-Level and vocational and technical results. Sunderland Vibe reveals all about a record-breaking results day…
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Despite the challenges faced over the past 12 months, students at Sunderland College discovered that their hard work, resilience and adaptability had been rewarded, with many accepting offers to study degrees at some of the UK’s top institutions or moving into apprenticeships and further employment opportunities. The college’s Bede and City campuses welcomed hundreds of A-Level students who nervously opened envelopes to find out their grades after exams were cancelled for the second successive year.
Following a rigorous approval process, their results were assessed based on evidence such as assessments, coursework, homework, and performance in class. The college’s sixth form recorded an impressive 100% overall pass rate for A-Levels with 65.4% of students receiving high grades of A*- B. Outstanding achievements included Sam Percival, 18, from Silksworth, who achieved A*A*A* in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and is now heading to the University of Birmingham to study Medicine. “I never expected results that good. So much hard work has gone into achieving what I have, and it’s finally paid off. “The support from the college has been excellent and at the moment, I’m thinking of becoming a GP, but we’ll see what the future brings.” Eighteen-year-old Tia Anderson, from Wheatley Hill, studied Law and Criminology alongside BTEC Sports Science. The talented athlete, who is among the top 10 runners in the country in her age group, will be studying Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University after achieving Distinction*, A* and A. She said: “Coming to Sunderland College has given me the opportunity to become more independent and study the subjects I want. I came here not knowing anyone, but the teachers are really supportive, and I would 100% recommend
Sunderland College.” Students on vocational and technical courses were also invited to collect results, which saw an overall pass rate of 97.9% - an increase on 2020 – with specialist work-related courses such as Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Engineering, Computing and Digital recording a 100% pass rate. Megan Ellison, 18, who will study Adult Nursing at the University of Sunderland after receiving Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction in Health and Social Care, said: “It’s been a particularly difficult year working independently, but the results I have received are well deserved from the assignments I have done.” Another ecstatic student, Katherine Lee, will be attending Sheffield Hallam University after gaining Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction in Applied Science. She said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic to receive my results and be going on to study Diagnostic Radiography. "Sunderland College has given me more confidence and lecturers genuinely care about the subject and helping you achieve.” Twins Keanu and Kenu Bell are looking to progress to higher education after receiving Distinctions in Engineering. “I was so pleased I had passed, said Keanu. “Sunderland College has helped us achieve good grades in our chosen subject and decide on our future careers.” Brother Kenu added: “Remote learning was difficult at first, but we had lots of resources available, and the tutors were so helpful. If you’re thinking of studying at Sunderland College, go for it!” Usually, students receive their results in mid-August, however, results day was brought forward this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Toni Rhodes, Principal, said: “We are really proud of all our students, despite what has been an exceptionally challenging time, our students have demonstrated their resilience throughout and continued to strive for excellent results. “The results really are a testament to all their hard work and how they have adapted to the situation. We wish every one of them success in their next steps.”
Enrolment for Sunderland College’s A-Level, vocational, T Level and higher education courses have now started! If you’re unsure of your next steps and want to find out how to start your journey towards an exciting future, visit sunderlandcollege.ac.uk for more information.
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Sunniside up
for city’s old quarter
From red brick buildings and cobbled streets to colourful lighting and public art, Sunniside is a stunning blend of old and new. And as the area reinvents itself as the creative quarter of Sunderland, it’s ‘Sunniside up’ for this historic part of the city centre, as Vibe discovers.
Sunderland city centre is transforming. With £350m of live development projects underway at Riverside Sunderland, there is a sense of change in the air. And though the buildings of Sunniside have stood strong through three centuries of change, they too are part of the city’s transformation, as this historic quarter establishes itself as the creative heart of Sunderland.
Long the home of professional services businesses and a range of leisure facilities, Sunniside and the surrounding old streets, are changing. From new restaurants and bars, to creative businesses, there is a wave of change in Sunniside, and much more to come.
Eighty new homes with studios are planned for the area, perfect for artists looking for an urban base that will support their work. Meanwhile, old buildings like the former lawcourts on John Street are set to become attractive student apartments, and on the same street, exciting eateries like Spent Grain and cafes like Coffeehaus are adding to the food and drink scene in the heart of the city. Throw in a new business hub on the corner of St Thomas Street, and a regenerated Mackies’ Corner – a cornucopia of wonderful independents - and this is set to become an increasingly vibrant and busy part of Sunderland.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council.
“The area’s connection to High Street West, which is a key part of the Riverside Sunderland Central Business District, means that it will become an increasingly important part of the city centre as we push ahead with the transformation of the place. With a blend of business, leisure and housing, Sunniside is becoming an evermore dynamic part of the city centre.”
For inspiration and great city centre days out, visit www.mysunderland.co.uk
Looking back to look forward…
September 1964 - September 2030
As Sunderland embarks on a bold city-wide transformation, we’re taking a look at our illustrious past as we prepare to embrace a daring, forwardthinking future for our city…
Photo: TWAM Photo: TWAM Photo: TWAM
This set of breathtaking, aerial images from the 1950s showcases the vibrant industrial era of the River Wear from the Piers to Pallion. It serves as a timely reminder as to the incredible heritage of our city, while giving us an exclusive view of what life on the River Wear looked like during the heyday years of the Twentieth Century. Home to a thriving marine engineering industry, these incredible images from Tyne & Wear & Archives & Museum showcase famous shipyards such as Austin & Pickersgill, J.L. Thompson & Sons and Sir James Laing & Sons. Also nestled in these pictures are the engine works of William Doxford and George Clark. Other industries also featured such as glassmaking and of course, the key industry of coal mining. Mining is represented by images of Wearmouth Colliery and the riverside coal staithes - a vital element to the booming coal trade online. Now, we’re looking back to look forward, as Sunderland embarks on a transformational regeneration of the city centre which will offer people a world-class place to live, work and play. The masterplan, which is backed by millions of pounds of public and private sector investment, will transform the former Vaux Brewery site and surrounding areas like Sheepfolds, Galley’s Gill, and High Street West. It will also create the UK’s first carbon- neutral urban quarter in a stunning location on the banks of the River Wear, with dramatic views across the city. A game-changing project for the future of Sunderland, sometimes all you need to do is look back, to look forward and see how far we've come…
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Healthy changes start with little changes
The last 18 months have taken their toll on everyone’s health and wellbeing one way or another.
From our mental fitness to our physical wellbeing, our energy levels, eating and drinking habits and sleep cycles, there are very few of us whose health has not been affected at some stage during the pandemic.
And with September heralding a new start - not just of the school year, but for good intentions in all aspects of our lives - we’ve put together this handy guide to help reboot your routine and kick-start new health habits.
Better health let’s do this
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, get active or quit smoking, Better Health - a campaign from the NHS - is here with lots of free tools and support. Take a look around the site for inspiration and advice
www.nhs.uk/better-health
Appy days
A healthier lifestyle can start with your phone (yes, really!) There are loads of free apps to help you kickstart your journey to better health. From Couch to 5k, a running app for absolute beginners, to Active 10 starting with 10 minutes of exercise a day, through to meal ideas, cooking tips and recipes with Easy Meals, at the click of a button your health journey begins. Find out more at
www.nhs.uk/better-health
Move more
No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good - more is better still. For ideas check out
www.sunderland.gov.uk/ active
Stoptober
Did you know that if you can manage to quit smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good? Stopping smoking is no mean feat. But with one in two smokers likely to die early as a result of smoking, the health risks are huge. Research also shows that you’re at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid if you smoke. Download the free NHS Smokefree app to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier. The app allows you to track your progress, see how much money you’re saving and get daily support. And with the annual ‘quit month’ of Stoptober just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to stop. Search and download the Smoke Free App, or contact the Sunderland Stop Smoking Service for help and support. Call 0800 169 9913 or visit
www.stopsmokingsunderland. nhs.uk
Look after your mind
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. You can find expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing at the Every Mind Matters website. Visit www.nhs.uk/every-mind-
matters
For local help and support see
www.livelifewell.org.uk
Weigh it up
Take a break from the drink
If you’re looking for help to lose weight, check out the new Sunderland Weight Management Programme. It’s free and available to anyone over 18 who lives in the city or is registered with a Sunderland GP and has qualifying body mass index. You’ll get; • 12 weeks of tailored help and support from our wellbeing experts • Meet like minded people who can help you stay on track and reach your goals • Weekly group sessions at venues across the city • Tailored physical activity sessions • Support with healthy eating • Help to make long term lifestyle changes • Tips to help your mental health with mindfulness techniques Visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/
health-wellbeing
Feel healthier, lose weight and save money by picking your days to go drink-free. One simple way to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink is to have at least a few drink free days every week. The Drink Free Days App allows you to set goals and track your progress. Cutting down on the amount of alcohol you consume each week leads to better sleep, fewer calories in your diet and more cash in the bank. Search and download the Drink Free Days App on your device or visit www.nhs.uk/better-health/
