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Allowing teachers to award grades to pupils this summer is "as good a compromise as we can come to" following the cancellation of formal exams, Boris Johnson has said. The prime minister described this year's system for awarding A-level and GCSE grades in England - as well as some vocational and technical qualifications - as "durable" and the "right way forward". Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world With the government aiming to avoid a repeat of last year's grades scandal - which saw a moderating algorithm ditched after widespread complaints it unfairly downgraded pupils' grades - teachers have been told to base students' grades on a range of evidence. This includes mock exams, coursework, essays and in-class tests. Advertisement Schools will also have the option of using assessment questions provided by exam boards to help decide what grades to award, although the assessments are not expected to take place under exam … [Read more...] about COVID-19: No exams and teacher-assessed grades ‘as good a compromise as we can come to’, says Boris Johnson

A MCDONALD'S mad-man has eaten a burger every other day for over TWO decades. David Geyer, 32, first visited the fast-food restaurant in 1997 and he has been addicted ever since. From trainers and clothes to socks, David has spent £4,200 [€5000] on McDonald's merchandise. The gardener even has a tattoo of a juicy burger and fries on his leg. His home in Bergheim, Germany, features a makeshift McDonald's sign and a menu on his living room wall. David, who has eaten over 4,360 burgers, said: “McDonald's has been a huge part of my life for so many years. “It felt right to get a tattoo last July as the fast-food chain has become a part of my identity. “I never order the same meal over and over again because then it would get boring. “But a Big Tasty Bacon meal with fries is to die for. “It is my favourite.” David has no complaints about the menu but tends to avoid the ‘Filet O fish’ and vegan options. He said: “I am always hungry for a McDonalds and often … [Read more...] about I’m SO addicted to McDonald’s I’ve spent £34k on eating burgers constantly for two decades and own £4.2k of merchandise

MRS Hinch may be known for her stylish grey home, but her garden is sure to give you some serious envy this sunny lockdown weekend. Sophie Hinchliffe , who has 3.5 million followers on her popular home account, has been lovingly transforming the Essex pad she owns with husband Jamie - and the outdoor space is no exception. The 30-year-old cleanfluencer posts regular updates on Instagram about her garden - which she's kitted out with a teepee for son Ronnie, nearly one, and B&M's popular egg chair. Sophie bought the chair for £150 last summer - raving that she was "so chuffed" - and accessorised it with B&M fairy lights and fake ivy from The Range. The groomed garden features rattan furniture, potted plants, a walled flower patch, a stylish patio area and a spacious grassy area for dog Henry to enjoy. The greenfingered gal, who has a mixture of fake and real plants, previously admitted she had "no clue what I'm doing" when it came to gardening - but has since … [Read more...] about Inside Mrs Hinch’s enviable garden with B&M’s hanging egg chair, stylish BBQ area and a teepee for Ronnie

While there's light at the end of the tunnel for many British businesses after months of lockdown, there's some familiar favourites that will never return to the High Street. Many businesses have been told they could reopen on April 12 if the government reaches its Covid vaccination target, as part of Boris Johnson's plan to get the country out of restrictions. Hairdressers, salons, clothing outlets and many small, local businesses such as florists will be able to trade again after more than three months of closures. But for many towns and communities, the high street will never be the same again as one by one big chains that have been part of Britain's culture have fallen under the pressure of the pandemic. Some struggling brands will return to the high street but others will now operate online-only. Paperchase is closing 27 stores while Jaeger, John Lewis, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Bonmarché, Hays Travel and Prezzo will reduce their store counts. Sir Philip Green's … [Read more...] about High street favourites that won’t re-open in April as Covid closes iconic chains forever

School days may be lengthened and holidays shortened to let pupils catch up, Gavin Williamson hinted today. The Education Secretary confirmed he is looking at “the whole expanse” of options to help left-behind children. He announced a short-term, £300m ‘recovery premium’ for catch-up schemes - worth about £6,000 for primaries and £22,000 for secondaries on average. Mr Williamson stopped short of confirming his long-term plans as all pupils return to schools in England on March 8. But questioned by Sky, he refused to rule out either lengthening the school day or shortening the summer break. A government source indicated the two options would be considered by Sir Kevan Collins, the Government's new catch up tsar, as part of a new review. And asked about the two options, Mr Williamson said: “We’re looking at a whole range of different actions. “What we wanted to do was give schools the extra resources they needed to be able to take action immediately. “Some of the … [Read more...] about School days could be lengthened and holidays shortened to help kids catch up