Hampshire schools to test drive GCSE and Alevel alternative

Hampshire will be at the forefront of change when its schools and colleges offer an alternative to GCSEs and A-levels.
14-19 year olds will be given the choice of a range of diploma courses to take instead of more traditional pathways.
The diplomas give students the chance to take part in more hands-on activites which will carry equal weight to traditional exams.
Peter Symonds, Sparholt, Henry Beaufont School and Southampton University, amoung others will be taking part in the scheme which will be showcased at Winchester Guildhall next month.
Staff from the schools and colleges involved will be holding the event on December 2 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

I think that as long as 14-19 year olds are given access to information on all pathways available to them this can only be a good thing. Finally, the Department of Education understands that everyone learns differently. This country is lacking in skilled workers. The traditional route has failed so many students who are not academicly brilliant but could be so skilled if the right courses were made available to them. Its so important to let young people know that success doesn't depend on university and that they can find a well paid and enjoyable job that suits them and their talents through the diploma scheme.

Spitfire location revealed

The location for Southampton's Spitfire tribute has finally been announced.
The 50 metre Spitfire will rise up on disused land beside the historic Trafalgar dry dock.
The Spitfire was originally meant for the Town Quay but it was decided that the structure would be too heavy.
The monument will be seen from many vantage points in the city and will welcome cruise ship passengers as they dock in the city.
"It will be a magnificent backdrop for the waterfront and for the new Ocean Terminal.” Councillor Hannides said.
Southampton city council is also in talks with port bosses, ABP, about the possible reopening of dock gate 5 so that the public can get to the Spitfire by foot.
The project, which will cost in the region of £1.7million and is due for completion in 2011, is part of an historic regeneration scheme in Southampton.
As well as the Spitfire tribute there will be a restored tram system and historic vessels like tug tender Calshot.


Southampton has a fantastic heritage and its brilliant to see the council embracing this. Not many people realise the relationship between the Spitfire and Southampton, I lived there 18 years and only found out when plans for the tribute were announced a year or so ago, this is such a shame and the city should be proud of the association. It should also create more interest from prospective visitors. Southampton is well known for its part in the Titanic's maiden voyage and it will be good to see people down at the docks for something other than that for a change.