Education / Support on offer for local pupils ahead of next week’s exam results
HUNDREDS OF Shetland students are waiting in anticipation for their exam results next Tuesday, 8 August.
Pupils in secondary four to six will receive their results for National, Higher and Advanced Higher classes in the morning, via text message and/or the post.
Students at the college studying SQA courses will also get their results on the same day.
As it will be a stressful and uncertain time for many, help is on hand from local careers advisers at Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Vaila Angus, who works for SDS, told Shetland News the main advice is “don’t panic” and that help is always available.
“There’s lots of different options that are out there,” she said. “You might feel like everything has gone terribly wrong or your plans are going to change… but we can look at alternative ways to try and get you where you want to be.”
Advisers will be available for anyone whose results aren’t as expected, who needs help with university and apprenticeship applications, or is looking for information on resits and appeals.
As well as the national helpline on 0808 100 8000, the Shetland team will be running three drop-in clinics.
They will be in the Busta House library from 1.30pm to 4pm on Wednesday 9 August and upstairs in the Mareel café from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 10 August.
Finally, they will be at the Anderson High School’s clinic from 10am to 3pm on Monday 14 August.
Appointments are not necessary, but individuals can phone ahead if they wish.
The national line will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, then 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday next week.
Angus says the careers advisers are “very willing to help”.
“We’re here to listen and offer support,” she continued. “Whether you’re feeling really upset, or angry, or unsure, or feel a bit lost, know that there’s somebody there.”
She also emphasised that parents and carers can get in touch on behalf of their young people if they don’t feel up to it, and that SDS offers a year-round careers service.
“We’re open to support folk right throughout the year, even out with the [exam] helpline,” Angus said. “You might not feel ready to speak to us [next] week… you can get in touch out with that.”
The Lerwick office can be contacted by phoning 01595 695791 or emailing lerwick@sds.co.uk.
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