Oswaldtwistle youngster: Don't panic over A-level results (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Oswaldtwistle youngster: Don't panic over A-level results

4:30pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in Hyndburn

AN Oswaldtwistle youngster is urging people not to panic if they don’t get the A-level results they want.

Abigail Smith, 19, failed to get into university last year and was faced with a gap year she hadn’t planned for.

But she was awarded a bursary to enable her to volunteer abroad with youth and sustainable charity Raleigh International in India.

She said: “Raleigh has been one of my most life-defining experiences so far.

“It helped me prepare for the future in terms of university, getting confidence and meeting new people.

“It is a great thing to do during your gap year. I also think the experience has improved my employability skills.

“It has made me more confident in my abilities and skills, which will make me more relaxed in job interviews.

“It also made me realise what I am good at – in my case, using my initiative.” Abigail reapplied to university and now has a place on a zoology course at the University of Liverpool.

UCAS figures show a 7.7 per cent decline in applications and the charity worries that students who haven’t achieved the necessary grades may panic and sign up to a course which is unsuitable for them.

Raleigh is advising young people to consider all of their options, including taking a year out to develop their skills.

Stacey Adams, chief executive, said: “With high tuition fees and an increasingly competitive graduate job market, it’s important that young people choose a course that’s right for them in the long term.

“Leaving school and moving on to the next life stage can be daunting, especially when your results aren’t as expected.

“The clearing process can be stressful and, in some cases, creates pressure to make decisions quickly.

“Our advice to young people and their parents is to take a step back and consider all of the options available.”

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