Successful sixth form students from Chesterfield College were celebrating today as they collected their A level and diploma results. Stand out A level results came from students gaining A* and A grades in psychology, law, maths and sociology.

A* star student, 18 year old Nathan Wilkinson from Chesterfield, has secured a place at the University of Bristol to study Psychology with an A* in Psychology, A in Law and a B in Biology. He said:

“It feels great to get these results and know that I‘ve got my place at university to study something I am really interested in. A Levels aren’t easy but I’m a firm believer that you reap what you sow and now I can see that the hard work I have put in over the last few years has paid off. It takes me one step closer to the career I want to do in Cognitive Neuroscience Research.”

Eleanor Titmuss (right), age 19 from Eckington, achieved an A in Sociology and B in Biology and secured her a place at the University of Liverpool. She said:

“I am so pleased with this result it feels amazing. I still can’t quite believe it. The biology result is so important to because it means I’ve got my place to study Radiography at university.”

Friends Darcie Binsley and Katy Golding, age 19, both got the grades they needed to get places at University. Katy received an A in Sociology and will be studying Criminology at Bristol University in September.  She said:

“I’ve got what I wanted to be able to go to university and it feels amazing. It’s been a fantastic year at college. The course was great and I have made some really good friends here too.”

The college’s sixth form pass rate was 90%. The A Level pass rate was 89% and four subject areas including history, biology sociology and art and design, gained 100% pass rates. Other subject areas that make up the sixth form provision include extended diplomas in Criminology and Applied Science. The pass rate for these courses was also 100%.

David Malone, Director of Applied, Academic and Service Industries at Chesterfield College said:

“It is wonderful to see so many of our sixth form students celebrating today. It is an honour to know that Chesterfield College has helped so many future biologists, entomologists, psychologists and mathematicians to get the qualifications they need to start their careers. Academic study in further Education colleges like ours helps so many students to prepare for the next step of their journey. Results days highlight the importance of that and I look forward to seeing what our students go on to achieve in the future. ”

The University of Derby have offered UCAS Clearing advice to Chesterfield students, which can be found here.

A* student Nathan Wilkinson from Chesterfield has secured a place at the University of Bristol.

Young people hoping to study nursing or healthcare in Chesterfield are being offered advice about clearing and adjustment ahead of A-Level results day on 16^th August.

The advice comes from St Helena – the University of Derby’s newest campus, which offers high-standard facilities including an NHS-standard mock hospital ward, immersive interactive simulation suite, clinical skills suite and a business incubation unit.

The University of Derby explains that clearing and adjustment is aimed at students who are new applicants for this September, have changed their mind since applying, or expect their results will be different to those predicted.

Before results day, students are encouraged to get hold of the UCAS Clearing list by visiting UCAS Search and selecting the Clearing 2018 option. This facility is available now and will give students an opportunity to see what’s currently available (more choices will appear on results day).

For the best chance of being successful, the University of Derby recommends that students prepare the night before and ring as soon as lines open, bearing in mind that some university hotlines will open earlier than normal office hours.

On results day students should have important details to hand including their UCAS number, exam results and log-in details for Track, as well as their personal statement and any questions they would like to ask.

The University of Derby recommends finding a quiet place to call, keeping calm and remembering to ask for the contact details of people on the phone and written confirmation of any offers, as well as the expiry date.

Courses available to access through clearing and adjustment at the University of Derby include: BSc Adult Nursing (September and March start), BSc Mental Health Nursing (September and March start) and BSc Health and Social Care (Sep start only).

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “St Helena in Chesterfield is a great place to study. Our facilities are outstanding, including a full mock ward so students can practice developing new skills safely.”

“Our teaching staff are experienced professionals as well as credible academics and offer a true personal touch, getting to know our students well and supporting them to succeed on their courses.”

“All our programmes include real world learning, with nursing students spending 50% of their time in clinical practice, and Health and Social Care students having placement opportunities. These experiences prepare our students for the workplace, with 100% of our graduate nurses being employed.”

“Many of our Chesterfield students are local, and represent the full age spectrum from 18-year-old school / college leavers to those in their 50s. Some of our more mature learners have had other careers before considering the caring professions, or have been bringing up a family, with many having completed an access course.”

“As a University, we are committed to facilitating career progression and are supporting Health and Social Care Assistants to become Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners through a Foundation Degree route, equipping them with the ability to progress their careers even further in future should they choose.”

To speak to the admissions staff and find out more about clearing call 01332 592018 or visit the University of Derby’s website.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby

Derbyshire County Council is reminding parents that they may be able to access up to 30 hours of free childcare each week.

All three and four-year-old children in the county are entitled to 15 hours of free early education a week, however some working parents are now eligible to receive 30 hours following changes made by Government last year.

Use the link below to check your eligibility, get a code and apply for free childcare.

Parents who want to take up the additional childcare from the new term in September must apply now before the 31 August 2018 deadline.

Those who are already benefiting from the additional free childcare are also reminded they need to update their details every three months before the start of every new term to make sure they still qualify.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People said:

“We know that summer holidays can be a particularly busy time looking after children so we’re urging parents not to wait until the deadline but to check now to see if they qualify for extra free childcare.

“The extra funding is worth around £2,500 to families which will enable parents to work more hours if they want to while giving their children the chance to socialise and learn.

“There are only three weeks left until the August 31 deadline and it’s a good idea not to leave it to the last minute to apply so applications can be processed and details checked.”

To be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare families must meet the following criteria;

• both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a single parent family)
• each parent must earn on average at least £125 a week – equal to 16 hours at national minimum or living wage, including those on zero hours contracts. This earnings limit does not apply with self-employed parents who started their business less than 12 months ago
• each parent does not earn more than £100,000 a year

Applicants just need their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if they’re self-employed.

Families may still qualify where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, adoption leave or statutory sick pay or if one is working but the other is unable to work because they are disabled or have caring responsibilities and receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.

Derbyshire County Council is continuing to work with schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to encourage them to offer the extra hours flexibly to meet the needs of working parents in Derbyshire. Funded childcare is available at participating:

• full day care providers (e.g. nurseries)
• schools with nursery provision
• childminders
• sessional providers (e.g. playgroups)
• children’s centres
• before and after-school provision

The extra hours are Government funded and eligibility is assessed by HMRC. Even if parents don’t qualify for the extra hours they will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours of free early education.

Families can also check if they qualify for 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.

Click here to check your eligibility, get a code and apply for free childcare.

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have announced the route for the Peak FM Five Mile Run, which is set to make its debut at this year’s event.

The race, which is just under half the distance of the main Chesterfield Half Marathon, will start and finish in Queen’s Park and take in the west side of the north Derbyshire town.

As well as being a standalone event, it also forms part of the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, another new addition to the 2018 event which encourages participants to register as a team.

The Wellbeing Challenge includes two entries into each element – the 1km Fun Run, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The Five Mile run will start in Queen’s Park before heading north, taking in Mile One of the Half Marathon before turning left onto the A619, onto Chatsworth Road, right onto Barker Lane and left along Ashgate Road.

From there, the route then heads south and back onto Chatsworth Road before continuing onto West Bars and southwards back into the Park for the finish.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re extremely excited by the addition of the Peak FM Five Mile Run to this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“This year’s Half Marathon is set to be bigger and better than ever, with events catered for all ages such as the Fun Run, Five Mile Run and the Wellbeing Challenge, which incorporates all elements of the event.

“The Five Mile Run route also represents a great chance for friends and family of participants to come and watch the event and catch sight of the runners more than once, with participants starting and finishing in Queen’s Park and running along Chatsworth Road twice.

“We’re really excited about this year’s event and we can’t wait until it starts.”

Entries remain open for the Peak FM Five Mile Run and the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s various events.

For more information about all of the races click here.