Your letters - January 30

Clarify inaccuracies

FOLLOWING the letter to the editor regarding Bexhill College 'A' level results last week, the College has taken the opportunity to clarify inaccuracies that were published in the letter.

The article included facts about the College Curriculum that were inaccurate.

Firstly, the letter referred to 515 students taking 'A' levels out of a college of more than 1,300 and how this proved there was an increasing emphasis on vocational education and that the College is not putting emphasis on its A level curriculum. It also inferred that a vocational education is 'second best'.

The DCSF figures quoted state that the College had 515 second year students who completed a two year programme in Summer 2008 - this includes both 'A' level programmes and two-year vocational level 3 programmes.

The remaining 800 from the 1,300 were students in the first year of their programme.

These students are studying a mix of 'A' levels and vocational qualifications such as the BTEC National Diplomas.

In effect, around 70% of the level 3 students at the College follow the A level curriculum.

The Colleges performance at 'A' level is excellent with its pass rate being above the national average for the past 15 years. This year, as reported, the pass rate was 98%.

The value added at 'A' level, which reflects the performance in terms of grades achieved last year showed that the majority of students were making good progress above that expected based on student GCSE scores on entry.

The DCSF tables which the letter referred to confirms that the college has made significant improvements in the last three years in terms of average points score per examination and on average students achieve half a grade higher that their predicted GCSE scores would suggest.

The College would not achieve these results without significant focus on their delivery.

However, the College also prides itself on providing an inclusive curriculum which meets the needs of the students locally and reflects the curriculum offered in the local schools.

It has been recognised by educationalists for a long time that the 'A' level curriculum is not suited to all students.

The Government also recognise that for the country to achieve its economic potential, it needs a well educated workforce who can contribute a range of skills to society.

Qualifications such as the excellent BTEC National Diplomas and NVQs have contributed to this for a number of years.

These qualifications not only enable students to develop skills for the workplace but also to enter higher education should they so wish, with three distinctions equating to three 'A' grades in terms of UCAS points.

Through its vocational curriculum, the college has educated numerous talented and skilled young people and adults since starting a vocational curriculum over 20 years ago.

Many former students are now working with young children, caring for the elderly or those with special needs, working in public services as well as the leisure industry, media and business to name a few.

We are proud that we have been able to give young people these opportunities enabling them to make such contributions to the community and society.

The pass rate for the vocational courses was 99% in 2008 with very good value added; therefore to suggest this type of education lacks value shows a distinct lack of understanding of today's student needs.

Reference is made to the number of young people who are retaking their GCSE in English.

It is the case that some young people join the College at 16 having not achieved these qualifications at school.

We see it as an important part of our work to offer both GCSE English and Maths to give young people another opportunity to achieve this essential qualification.

Some young people indeed need longer to secure this level, therefore, we do offer functional skills as a stepping stone to GCSE.

This is reflective of the College's commitment to Basic Skills education both for young people and adults '“ again making an important contribution to life skills.

The staff who regularly work in these areas certainly do not feel 'disillusioned' about supporting such students but see it as important to provide a second chance.

The letter continues that the College is extending its vocational provision with the new diplomas next year. The new diplomas are a part of the Government led 14 to 19 curriculum reforms which are impacting on all schools and colleges across the country.

There will be a legal requirement that the Local Authority ensures all students can access all lines of vocational provision at both 14 and 16 within travelling distance should they so wish.

This new curriculum aims to make learning more accessible to more young people and it is important that College plays it part in offering certain areas of the new curriculum to young people who would benefit from it.

However, A levels, GCSEs and the International Baccalaureate are still a key strand within the 14 to 19 curriculum and will remain central to our curriculum offer in the future.

The College performance at all levels is equal to or significantly above the national average. Therefore, the College has plenty to 'blow its trumpet' about both for its A level and vocational achievements.

KAREN HUCKER,

Principal, Bexhill College

'Totally irresponsible'

I WRITE in support of John Lee's recent letter regarding Next Wave and the total waste of money that will be spent on this project.

So far we have heard a figure of 600,000 being bandied about on architects and advisers alone, and what fool thinks that this sum will not go up?

I wonder if Mr Leonard and the other councillors realise we are in a recession?

They may speak about Rother having the lowest Council Tax around, but surely the amount of money they are talking about taking from reserves is totally irresponsible?

I know they say that it is coming out of reserves, but I have a feeling that over the next three or four years, maybe more, this money may be needed to keep the council running, or is Mr Leonard going to do a Mr Gubby - that when a great deal of money has been spent without showing a great deal of return he will then depart for pastures new and leave Bexhill broke?

PETER MORGAN

Harewood Close

Blue badge rules

WITH regard to the article 'blue badge warning' - it is not only the selfish cheats that are at fault but also blue badge holders themselves!

If they will read the book that comes with the badge they will see that if they have an able-bodied driver who wishes to stay in the car and wait while the badge holder goes about their business, then the vehicle must not park in a disabled bay.

There are other rules in the book so hopefully they will be read and acted on. I am a disabled driver.

JAN SUTTON

Cantelupe Road

Full bin no problem

REFERENCE the letter from R. Harris, South Cliff, in answer to my letter and the bin on the corner of our road being filled with rubbish from household instead of their wheelie bins.

Firstly, if you are on your own wheelie bin would not have filled in two weeks. There are two people in our house and our bin does not get filled as we recycle as much as we can.

Secondly, for his information, the council comes once a fortnight and empty ours, so do not blame them for full bins.

Mrs M OLIVER

Eastwood Road

Saving stamps

A HUGE thank you to all who donated used postage stamps for the Society for Mucopolysaccaride Diseases. There is no cure for these diseases and at present results in death in childhood, so money raised will go towards research to help find a cure. We will still be saving stamps throughout the year so please keep saving. Many thanks for all your support.

KEITH AND SHIRLEY BOWN

9 Putlands Crescent, Bexhill

Thanks after fall

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to the three Jehovah's Witnesses who came to my aid on Thursday, January 15, when I stumbled and fell. They stayed with me until the ambulance arrived.

I would also like to thank the motorists and householders who also offered help.

Thanks as well to the ambulance crew, the A&E department, the RATTS team, also Sabina and her carers, and not least my neighbours who have been extremely helpful.

Mrs P M LLOYD,

Broad Oak Coppice,

Little Common

Glass is half full

I CAN see no objection to the expression 'green shoots'. Apart from the obvious ones - the snowdrops appearing and the daffodils showing the promise of Spring and blue sky and sun at the moment.

The sea looks beautiful with the sun shining on it and now turn into Devonshire Road.

Stewart Gallery is returning for a while and Iceland is taking over the empty Woolworth site. Both of these must be encouraging signs. So how about smiling and really meaning Good Morning when we pass people in the street?

Our daughter is always telling me that I view the glass as half empty, now I'm determined to see it as half full!

IVY GALLAGHER

Bexhill

Poetic appeal

I SHOULD be glad if you could print this little ditty in the hope of reuniting me with my coat!

I had a nice green jacket

I wore it when I went

To Christchurch in December

For the carol supper event.

Now, as I was the last to leave,

I donned the last coat there.

Alas, alack, I am a man!

This really isn't fair!

A ladies' coat was left for me,

And though it's very nice,

I would prefer my man-shaped one,

For it is more my size!

So if you'd like your own coat back,

And I can give you yours,

Please phone me, here's my number:

Two, two, oh, five, two, four!

John Cox

Arthur Road

(220524)

Sea views

My family and I enjoyed luncheon in the Azur restaurant on Hastings' seafront recently and we commented how pleasant it would be during better weather to eat on the area outside overlooking the beach and the sea.

We were therefore surprised to read the letter in the Hastings Observer on January 26 from Lee Wilson in which he objects to the situation whereby the right of way will be lost for ever.

Allowing the restaurant to have sole use of this area will, he feels, prevent pedestrians from 'enjoying the spectacular views'.

However, he seems to be ignoring the fact that the view from this point is no different to the view along the miles of promenade on either side of the Azur and there are plenty of benches where people can actually sit and enjoy these views.

If Mr Wilson particularly covets this position he can no doubt enjoy it in the summer for the cost of a cup of coffee and becoming a 'private patron' himself.

He will probably then realise that it would not be such a peaceful spot if people with dogs and children were able to pass through.

Rather than sniping about the loss of a few yards of the promenade I think we should celebrate the creation of this restaurant, which is a very welcome facility for this area and will hopefully be supported by residents and visitors alike.

Finally, I seem to recall that a few years ago Mr Wilson was instrumental in pressing the council to close the right of way through the archway at the top of Maze Hill in order to prevent vehicles passing through.

Despite a large volume of protests from nearby residents who stood to be inconvenienced by this, councillors voted to shut the archway and thereby allow Mr Wilson to enjoy his residence without disturbance from passing vehicles.

There was little evidence of democracy on this occasion. It seems that some 'rights of way' are regarded as more sacrosanct than others.

C R Daniels

Magdalen Road, Bexhill

Personal tag find

I recently found an old personal tag, the nature of which suggests it may hold sentimental value to its owner. The detail is very specific, leading to easy and positive identification. If the owner would like to recover same, would they please get in contact with the details for verification.

M Woodfine

London Road

01424 443412

Short-sighted view

Copy of letter to East Sussex

County Council and MP Greg Barker

I WOULD like to point out that this so-called link road is not a well thought out plan, with regards to a) regenerating the Hastings, or Bexhill areas, b) providing good vehicle services to the A 259 via the southeast coast area; or c) long-term sustainability or benefit of either the road use, or Hastings, and Bexhill regeneration.

Within a period of less than five years from completion this link road will provide no benefit to any of the above, in fact it will be as bad a situation as the existing A259.

Also in the meantime the area from the junction of the link road at the London Road/A259, though Little Common and Barnhorn Road will diminish any benefit of this link road!

In the past couple of years alone several accidents in Barnhorn Road have closed the A259, creating major through traffic problems, which will not be resolved by this link road, but will in fact probably make it worse!

The link road should be stopped and cost saving put towards a full bypass around Hastings and Bexhill to link up with the main A259 at either the Pevensey roundabout, or the next one down at the Eastbourne roundabout, with suitable branch junctions into Hastings, and Bexhill, in conjunction with the dual carriage way upgrading of the A21.

This and only this will provide for the regeneration of these areas, and allow the required increase in housing and industry in this area.

Anything else is, as usual, a short-sighted view and a waste of taxpayers money which in the end will achieve nothing!

I will forward a copy of this to my MP, and the Secretary of State, who I trust will acknowledge this!

C Ogborn

Little Common resident

Plea for help

I AM seeking to contact any local descendants of the late Joseph Barker Wall, FRIBA, who was a prominent local architect, Bexhill councillor, later alderman, and Mayor of Bexhill in 1917 and 1918.

Mr Wall designed the Bexhill Colonnade, constructed in 1911, but unfortunately his design drawings seem to have been lost. It occurs to me that members of his family may have information to assist in locating them.

Sandra Melvin, who runs the voluntary information centre in the Colonnade, is planning a centenary celebration of the opening of the building in July 2011, when it would be interesting to be able to put copies of the drawings on exhibition within the Colonnade Cafe.

Afterwards, the copies could be deposited in the East Sussex Records Office at Lewes, for safe keeping and future reference.

I ask anyone who may have knowledge of the whereabouts of these drawings to write to me care of the Observer office (18 Sackville Road, Bexhill TN39 3JL). All letters will be treated in confidence and will be answered.

J HODSON

Cooden Sea Road

Thanks Bexhill

I WOULD like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful people who kindly made a donation to my collecting tins outside Sainsbury's in Bexhill on Saturday in aid of Dogs for the Disabled.

I was delighted at the generosity of the donations, and I and my helpers raised a fantastic sum of 304.65 which will be very gratefully received by the charity. Thank you also to Sainsbury's for their help and support.

Every assistance dog trained by the charity offers practical help to physically disabled adults and opens doors to independence, giving a new sense of confidence and freedom.

The Children's Project also trains dogs for physically disabled children, offering a friend and helper rolled into one. You may care to take a look at their website at www.dogsforthedisabled.org for further information.

One of my next projects to raise funds will be a sponsored dog walk to take place in Bexhill on Saturday, May 2.

If you would like to take part (with or without a dog!) contact me at Donaldson Dunstall Solicitors on Bexhill 216329 or at jstrickland@donaldsondunstall.com to register.

I hope as many people as possible will come along to make this event a big success, but it is essential to register with me beforehand.

All ages are welcome but if you are under 12 please bring an adult with you. Hopefully I will see you there.

Jane Strickland

Expensive business

REGARDING the story on January 23 about abandoned dogs, in autumn last year we found two kittens in our communal gardens. The neighbours said they had been wandering around for days!

We scooped them up, fed, watered and cuddled them. We spent about 10 (mobile phone calls) to find an organisation to help

Needless to say, everyone was full up.

Barby Keel came to the rescue and her Bexhill shop manager, Elaine, was able to help. The kittens struck gold and are well looked after.

To the person who dumped the kittens, may we point out that neutering, innoculations etc is in excess of 200.

If you have any conscience please make a donation to Barby Keel's sanctuary.

Andrew & Sarah CooK

Cranfield Road

Sitting comfortably?

WHAT a bunch of old miseries we are turning into! The removal of the bench outside the Co-op in Western Road was purely done to stop youngsters sitting on it.

Never mind the other folk who like to sit on it, don't take their feelings into consideration. No let's just stop the youngsters!

So where are these youngsters going to relocate to? At least there the police knew where they were - didn't they?

'Hanging about' has always been done hasn't it? Don't anyone tell me that it wasn't!

I understand that more bench removals are on the cards - the ones by the library perhaps.

So on a lovely day don't think about sitting and watching the world go by - not in Bexhill anyway.

Stephanie Beale

Ninfield Road

Bexhill

Convenient facts

I DO despair, when reading many of the readers' letters, with their total lack of knowledge of their subject matter.

A good example is the letter 'Where are the toilets' from K G Becket in last week's Observer.

Well, I can tell the writer that a new toilet block including a disabled facility has been provided at the western end of the old museum basement at park level.

That is why the revised Egerton Park scheme does not include the provision of toilets. No need for Portaloos!

I would also like to inform the writer that the 'building works at the rear of the museum' is in fact the new Bexhill Museum.

A stroll around to the front on Egerton Road would confirm. Please check the facts before putting pen to paper.

JOHN BETTS

Eden Drive

What about incineration?

ONCE again, I have been listening to a number of residents about recycling.

Well, apparently residents have been advised to bin paper as graded. It has been noted, however, each piece is not stamped with such!

Does the council intend to do so?

Also, envelopes apparently must be stripped of the Cellophane window, as business ones.

Cardboard, so stated, must be graded also are we all chemists, or may be some rocket scientists?

A few councils will not pass on the charge for excess waste.

Is our council making this stand? Maybe they may have a spokesperson confirm or deny this?

Maybe we should all take ships and dump our waste in the three-mile depths of the ocean, as nuclear waste appears to be.

Oh then, what if there is an underwater earthquake and all is released - food waste in particular.

Really, what are we doing with our streets, countryside and our planet?

Wouldn't incineration solve some of the problem - old furniture and such?

Valda Warren

Church Street