Childhood obesity GROWS
A report from Oxford University and the British Heart Foundation has found that three in ten British children and young people are obese. The results were blamed on a lack of exercise, a failure to meet the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables, and too many fizzy drinks.
Youthwork conference
Youthwork the Conference returns to Eastbourne in November. The long running conference combines large meetings and a wide choice of seminars on a whole heap of topics. This year will see a focus on discipleship and confirmed speakers include Gavin Calver and Matt Summerfield. For more info go to www.youthworktheconference.co.uk
UNEMPLOYMENT SCHEME FAILING The government’s flagship scheme to tackle youth unemployment has paid out for less than 5,000 placements. The Youth Contract was intended to find work for around 53,000 young people who have been out of work for more than six months in the last year.
Soul Survivor The summer’s Soul Survivor festivals once again saw thousands of young people come to faith. 1656 teenagers made a commitment over the three festivals in Stafford and Shepton Mallet. Mike Pilavachi said: ‘It’s been an amazing summer and seems like we’ve seen God do more than ever before. Again we’ve been thrilled at how many brought non-Christian friends with them.’ It was also announced that next summer will see the event head to Scotland for the first time.
DROP IN TOP GRADES For the second year in a row there has been a drop in the proportion of top grades awarded to GCSE and A Level students. The pass rate (A*-C) at GCSE was 68.1 per cent while the pass rate (all grades) at A Level was 98.1 per cent. Meanwhile a pilot payment-by-results scheme for those at risk of becoming NEET was hailed a success after it saw 55 per cent of participants attain five A*-C grades.
Fantasy football It’s not strictly news, but for those Fantasy Premier League players out there – you can join the Youthwork league and take on Team Youthwork and your fellow readers. The code to join is 127774-268948.
