Latest news with #Year13
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Results day 2025: Students wait for A-level, T-level and BTec grades
Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive A-level, T-level and BTec National results on Thursday amount of students getting top A-level results is expected to be broadly similar to 2024, after years of flux as a result of the Covid pandemic.A record number of 18-year-olds will get into their first choice of university, the head of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) has Jo Saxton stressed that this year's Year 13s had received lower GCSE grades than previous cohorts as part of a plan to push down grade inflation that happened during Covid, and they would need universities to take that into account. The pass rate for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams in Scotland rose across the board last National and Cambridge Technical results are also due to be released on Thursday along with AS-levels - which, in Wales and Northern Ireland, will count towards students' final A-level results next is also the fourth year of results for vocational T-level qualifications in achieve the technical qualification, time is split between classroom learning and industry placements - with students awarded a pass, merit, distinction or distinction* after two years of work and teens to get their choice of uni even if they miss their grades, says UcasYour full guide to A-level results dayWhat are T-levels and what are the grades worth?What are BTecs and how are they graded? Freya, a student at Middlesbrough College, will be getting her grade for a T-level in health."It gives you a hands-on experience in what sort of things you're going to do in a real-world scenario, rather than just learning from a book," she is about to start a full-time job in an NHS maternity department, and hopes to ultimately become a midwife."I thought coming here [and] doing this course would give me the theoretical and physical knowledge to be able to achieve what I want to do," she added. Dr Jo Saxton, the chief executive of Ucas, said last week that it was a "really, really good year" for UK students applying to said universities were keen to enroll UK undergraduates because there was more "uncertainty" around international student numbers and domestic students offered universities "stability" for "financial planning".They could "quite possibly" accept students who did not meet the conditions of their offer, she much does university cost, and is it worth it?How do student loans work and when are they written off?What is an apprenticeship and how much are apprentices paid?'I didn't go to uni - now I work as a celebrity photographer' Dr Saxton also said Year 13 students would need universities to "respect and understand" the specific circumstances they have gone were in Year 8 and Year 9 during national lockdowns in 2020 and years saw spikes in pass rates at GCSE and top grades at A-level, after exams were cancelled and results were based on teachers' followed was a phased effort to bring grades back in line with pre-pandemic year that these students sat their GCSEs, 2023, was the final stage of that process in England. Grading returned to pre-pandemic standards in Wales and Northern Ireland last meant GCSE passes fell, with the steepest drop in England. Dr Saxton said the "significant national programme to deflate their grades" at GCSE represented an "important backdrop" for those getting the grades for their Level 3 qualifications this also pointed out that, with GCSE grades down in 2023, fewer achieved the results they needed to start A-levels.A-level entries fell from 825,355 last summer to 821,875 this summer, according to provisional data for England. Dr Saxton said that students' previous grades would therefore "probably" be "fractionally higher" across the year, with grading back to pre-pandemic standards across all three nations, 27.8% of all A-level grades were marked at A* or A - up from 27.2% in 2023 and 25.4% in is likely to be less emphasis this year on how grades compare to 2019 and more on how they compare to last year, since it is the second year that grading has returned to pre-pandemic levels across the heading to university will pay higher fees in England and Wales this year. They have risen to £9,535 for undergraduate loans have also gone up, meaning that students can borrow more to help with their living costs.
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Gen Z has more purpose, passion for hobbies – but new report reveals surprising truths: ‘See the rising concerns'
They're more purpose-driven, politically aware, and emotionally tuned-in than ever before – but not in the way you'd think. A new report has lifted the lid on the inner workings of Gen Z in 2025, and it paints a picture far deeper than the overused avocado on toast stereotype. Advertisement The Gen Z Wellbeing Index 2025 has revealed the subtle but powerful ways young Australians are reshaping their identities, values and mental health in an increasingly uncertain world. 5 Young Australians are reshaping their identities, values and mental health. Getty Images And some of the biggest changes are happening under the surface. On one hand, Gen Z is growing up. Advertisement The report by online youth site Year13, and Scape – the biggest purpose-built student accommodation owner and operator in Australia – found there has been a marked rise in internal resilience, with more young people reporting a stronger sense of purpose and passion for hobbies. Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters But on the other hand, their outer world is rattling them more than ever. Prominent issues such AI, political division, climate change and inequality are increasingly on their radar – and not just in a scroll-past it way. Advertisement Year13 Co-Founder Will Stubley told young Australians are under increasing pressure. 5 AI, political division, climate change and inequality are increasingly on Gen Z's radar, according to the report by online youth site Year13 REUTERS 'We can see the rising concerns of climate change, war and Artificial Intelligence sit alongside the perennial problems of youth like figuring out their future, fatigue and burnout,' Stubley said. 'Figuring out their future in particular continues to be the most widespread problem for youth. 'As industries and technology are evolving and the cost of living stays high, many Gen Zs are feeling even more pressure to make the right decisions about their future,' he said. Advertisement 'They want to know opportunity lies ahead of them but with so much change going on around us it means it's never been more important to show young people how they can fit into the modern world. 5 'They want to know opportunity lies ahead of them but with so much change going on around us it means it's never been more important to show young people how they can fit into the modern world,' Year13 Co-Founder Will Stubley said. DragonImages – 'The data shows a clear need for greater support around the transition from school to work as young people seek out future-focused pathways to give them secure careers. If we want to improve wellbeing we need to improve their readiness for the workforce,' Stubley said. Gen Z is paying attention, and they're feeling it. The emotional toll is showing up in real terms, with OCD diagnoses on the rise, and major stressors such as education, unemployment and politics taking centre stage in their lives. Even politics, once a background noise for many, has doubled in prevalence as a reported wellbeing stressor. 5 'The data shows a clear need for greater support around the transition from school to work as young people seek out future-focused pathways to give them secure careers,' Stubley said. Tj – Concern about societal and political division has doubled from 22 per cent last year to 44 per cent today among young people, while it nearly doubled for Artificial Intelligence (42 per cent, up from 24 per cent) as well. Western Australian teen Milla Penberthy believes these external factors are definitely taking a toll on her generation. Advertisement 'Most of us are a very progressive group of people and we are pushing for these rights,' the 18-year-old told Despite AI being a major concern for her peers, Ms Penberthy believes we should learn to work with it rather than fear it. 'It is such a helpful thing to have in our lives. I can see where the fear comes from become it's such a new concept, but we just need to remember that it's there to help us,' she said. Advertisement Lyvia is an international student from Malaysia who has been living in Australia for three years. The 24-year-old said that as an international student she has to 'be updated on the political side of things.' 'Especially when it comes to things about my visa. You need to be watching to see what's changing and what's being removed,' she told Both Penberthy and Lyvia said financial stress is at the forefront of their minds as they navigate living away from home. Advertisement 'Obviously the cost of living in Sydney is very bad at the moment. So that's definitely a contributing stress factor,' Penberthy said. In their quest to cope, Gen Z is diversifying their toolkit – swapping bar nights and fitbits for memes, listening to music and music. 5 'Most of us are a very progressive group of people and we are pushing for these rights,' teen Milla Penberthy said. Jacob Lund – Screen based distractions such as gaming and social media are still big, but a noticeable swing towards non-digital self-soothing is on the rise. Advertisement Lyvia told she founds comfort from the stressors of daily life with movies, and in her first year of her university studies enjoyed going swimming and volunteering, but said these days she is studying and working so much that she can't find the time for them. Penberthy said she prefers to self-soothe offline, making sure she has time to pursue her love for netball and swimming. 'I love netball and swimming. I try to get myself out of my room at least once a day doing some form of exercise,' she said. Here's the curveball: Young Aussies are drinking and vaping significantly less. The number who never touched alcohol has jumped from 13 percent to 22 percent, and daily vaping rates have nearly halved. It's a fay cry from the doom-and-gloom headlines that once painted them as lost in a haze of nicotine and cheap savvy b. 'With all the new research that's coming through about how bad alcohol and vaping are, our generation seems to be realising that we need to stop doing it or decrease our use,' Penberthy said. 'People are definitely becoming more aware.' However, confidence levels remain strikingly low, especially when it comes to self-image, with just 3 per of the broader Gen Z population reporting feeling 'extremely confident' about their looks. Interestingly, not all young Aussies are faring the same. Scape residents, according to the report, are the standouts – reporting better sleep, stronger mental health, and more energised morning than their national peers. Only 6 percent reported poor mental health, compared to 17 percent of the broader population. For all changes however, some things haven't budged. Young Aussies still aren't eating enough fruit and veggies, and sleephabits remain stuck – 78 percent identifying as night owls, with phones, stress and anxiety keeping them awake. Perhaps most telling is what hasn't changed at all: the ever-present pressure of 'figuring out my future.' In a world that's changing fast, that looming question still hangs heavy over Gen Z's heads. Bottom line? Gen Z isn't spiralling – they're evolving. Quietly quitting the chaos, they're creating new paths to resilience, questioning the status quo, and taking their mental health more seriously than ever. But the pressure of an unstable world continues to shadow their progress. And while some might still dismiss them as chronically online or 'too sensitive', the data shows something else entirely: my generation might just be the most self-aware – and socially conscious – we've seen yet.
News.com.au
14-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Report reveals surprising new truths about Gen Z
They're more purpose-driven, politically aware, and emotionally tuned-in than ever before – but not in the way you'd think. A new report has lifted the lid on the inner workings of Gen Z in 2025, and it paints a picture far deeper than the overused avocado on toast stereotype. The Gen Z Wellbeing Index 2025 has revealed the subtle but powerful ways young Australians are reshaping their identities, values and mental health in an increasingly uncertain world. And some of the biggest changes are happening under the surface. On one hand, Gen Z is growing up. The report by online youth site Year13, and Scape – the biggest purpose-built student accommodation owner and operator in Australia – found there has been a marked rise in internal resilience, with more young people reporting a stronger sense of purpose and passion for hobbies. But on the other hand, their outer world is rattling them more than ever. Prominent issues such AI, political division, climate change and inequality are increasingly on their radar – and not just in a scroll-past it way. Year13 Co-Founder Will Stubley told young Australians are under increasing pressure. 'We can see the rising concerns of climate change, war and Artificial Intelligence sit alongside the perennial problems of youth like figuring out their future, fatigue and burnout,' Mr Stubley said. 'Figuring out their future in particular continues to be the most widespread problem for youth. 'As industries and technology are evolving and the cost of living stays high, many Gen Zs are feeling even more pressure to make the right decisions about their future,' he said. 'They want to know opportunity lies ahead of them but with so much change going on around us it means it's never been more important to show young people how they can fit into the modern world. 'The data shows a clear need for greater support around the transition from school to work as young people seek out future-focused pathways to give them secure careers. If we want to improve wellbeing we need to improve their readiness for the workforce,' Mr Stubley said. Gen Z is paying attention, and they're feeling it. The emotional toll is showing up in real terms, with OCD diagnoses on the rise, and major stressors such as education, unemployment and politics taking centre stage in their lives. Even politics, once a background noise for many, has doubled in prevalence as a reported wellbeing stressor. Concern about societal and political division has doubled from 22 per cent last year to 44 per cent today among young people, while it nearly doubled for Artificial Intelligence (42 per cent, up from 24 per cent) as well. Western Australian teen Milla Penberthy believes these external factors are definitely taking a toll on her generation. 'Most of us are a very progressive group of people and we are pushing for these rights,' the 18-year-old told Despite AI being a major concern for her peers, Ms Penberthy believes we should learn to work with it rather than fear it. 'It is such a helpful thing to have in our lives. I can see where the fear comes from become it's such a new concept, but we just need to remember that it's there to help us,' she said. Lyvia is an international student from Malaysia who has been living in Australia for three years. The 24-year-old said that as an international student she has to 'be updated on the political side of things.' 'Especially when it comes to things about my visa. You need to be watching to see what's changing and what's being removed,' she told Both Ms Penberthy and Lyvia said financial stress is at the forefront of their minds as they navigate living away from home. 'Obviously the cost of living in Sydney is very bad at the moment. So that's definitely a contributing stress factor,' Ms Penberthy said. In their quest to cope, Gen Z is diversifying their toolkit – swapping bar nights and fitbits for memes, listening to music and music. Screen based distractions such as gaming and social media are still big, but a noticeable swing towards non-digital self-soothing is on the rise. Lyvia told she founds comfort from the stressors of daily life with movies, and in her first year of her university studies enjoyed going swimming and volunteering, but said these days she is studying and working so much that she can't find the time for them. Ms Penberthy said she prefers to self-soothe offline, making sure she has time to pursue her love for netball and swimming. 'I love netball and swimming. I try to get myself out of my room at least once a day doing some form of exercise,' she said. Here's the curveball: Young Aussies are drinking and vaping significantly less. The number who never touched alcohol has jumped from 13 per cent to 22 per cent, and daily vaping rates have nearly halved. It's a fay cry from the doom-and-gloom headlines that once painted them as lost in a haze of nicotine and cheap savvy b. 'With all the new research that's coming through about how bad alcohol and vaping are, our generation seems to be realising that we need to stop doing it or decrease our use,' Ms Penberthy said. 'People are definitely becoming more aware.' However, confidence levels remain strikingly low, especially when it comes to self-image, with just 3 per of the broader Gen Z population reporting feeling 'extremely confident' about their looks. Interestingly, not all young Aussies are faring the same. Scape residents, according to the report, are the standouts – reporting better sleep, stronger mental health, and more energised morning than their national peers. Only 6 per cent reported poor mental health, compared to 17 per cent of the broader population. For all changes however, some things haven't budged. Young Aussies still aren't eating enough fruit and veggies, and sleephabits remain stuck – 78 per cent identifying as night owls, with phones, stress and anxiety keeping them awake. Perhaps most telling is what hasn't changed at all: the ever-present pressure of 'figuring out my future.' In a world that's changing fast, that looming question still hangs heavy over Gen Z's heads. Bottom line? Gen Z isn't spiralling – they're evolving. Quietly quitting the chaos, they're creating new paths to resilience, questioning the status quo, and taking their mental health more seriously than ever. But the pressure of an unstable world continues to shadow their progress. And while some might still dismiss them as chronically online or 'too sensitive', the data shows something else entirely: my generation might just be the most self-aware – and socially conscious – we've seen yet.
News.com.au
30-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Doesn't actually help': University responds to Albo's HECS cuts
Campus vibes or couch convenience? A new report highlights the growing divide in preferences for university learning formats between younger and older Australians, with mature-age students gravitating towards online study while Gen Z remains attached to traditional campus experiences. The national survey commissioned by the University of New England (UNE) and run by Year13 – a digital platform that helps school leavers – examined the motivations, barriers, and preferences of more than 1,000 Australians considering university study. Young vs mature: A stage-of-life divide The study found a sharp divide between how younger and more mature age students preferred to study. Will Stubley, co-founder of Year13, said younger students in their early 20s are drawn to the communal and social aspects of campus life. 'The research shows Gen Zs really want to head into uni and be in class while Millennials and Gen Xs aren't nearly as keen,' Mr Stubley told 'It's a stage of life divide, where most students in their early 20s with more freedom on their side want to be learning with other students, meeting people and having fun around campus like uni is famous for. 'But going into class quickly loses favour for students in their late 20s and 30s when priorities shift from pub lunches between classes with their mates to their career and family, meaning university study needs to fit in around those central pillars of their life and not the other way around,' Mr Stubley said. This shift is reflected in the survey results, where more than 64 per cent of respondents overall, and more than 70 per cent of those aged 25–54, expressed a preference for online learning. For mature students such as James O'Hanlon, 40, who is currently pursuing a PhD in creative practice at UNE, online study is not just a preference but a necessity. 'Changing economies and employment landscapes has meant that I've had to be flexible and take my career in new directions,' Mr O'Hanlon said. When the opportunity came to formalise his decision with postgraduate study Mr O'Hanlon figured he'd try something new, but with kids of his own and work to contend with flexibility in study became a deciding factor. 'Flexibility and ability to learn at my own pace in my own time are a necessity when coming back as a mature aged student,' he said. Motivations and outcomes The survey found that motivations for returning to study vary significantly with age. While younger mature-age students (25–44) often seek career progression or change, older learners (45+) are motivated by personal fulfilment and a chance to re-engage with education. 'These aren't school leavers,' Mr Stubley said. 'They're experienced adults making calculated decisions. They're asking: What will this cost me? How will it fit into my life? And what's the return?' 'People want to study, but they're pragmatic,' Mr Stubley said. 'Universities need to do a better job of showing how courses fit into real lives and what outcomes students can expect.' Financial barriers loom large The survey also highlighted significant barriers to higher education, with cost standing out as the most cited obstacle. More than half of respondents (52 per cent) said financial concerns hindered their decision to study, and 42 per cent worried about accumulating student debt. Other barriers included full-time work commitments (29 per cent) and family responsibilities (22 per cent). 'Taking study seriously necessarily means other things have to step aside, such as full time employment,' Mr O'Hanlon added. 'The only way to make this work as a mature aged student with kids is often through scholarships or other financial support.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ran on the election promise of wiping 20 per cent off student HECS and HELP loans. However, UNE's executive director of future students Dr Neil Durrant said that debt forgiveness is not the same as 'changing the funding structures which allows students to not have that much debt in the first place.' 'I think clearly those things will be helpful to the students, the prospect of having less debt in the future or this messaging around the government's concern about the debts that students have … ,' Dr Durrant said. '[However] it doesn't actually help universities with the cost of providing education,' he said. 'So when you're looking at the kinds of cohorts of students that UNE is particularly expert in providing education to, they generally tend to be students that have a higher touch as far as support and that's more costly to teach those kinds of students. 
 'So changing the HECS model doesn't actually help universities provide the kind of quality education that we would be looking to provide.' Universities respond to changing demands Dr Durrant said the findings of the report justifies the university's longstanding focus on mature-age and online learners, with a huge 85 per cent of UNE students studying online. 'This research validates what we're hearing from our students every day,' he said. 'They want a high-quality university education that works with their lives, not against them.' However, online study poses its own challenges, particularly around maintaining motivation and engagement. Dr Durrant emphasised the importance of creating a robust digital experience that supports interaction and connection. 'There's a little bit of a catch 22 here with mature age students preferring online study where they've also expressed difficulties with online study in terms of staying motivated in terms of making sure that they had the intrinsic motivation to keep going with online study,' he said. 'And so I think what that signals for universities for us is this clarion call to make sure that the online experience that we provide is really high quality. 
 'It's not a simple matter of just taking what you do in the classroom face-to-face and then somehow magicing that up into something online. It's actually having a really strong focus on what it means for students to study online and how we keep students engaged and motivated.
