News

Andy Burnham unveils new ‘MBacc’ qualification offering Greater Manchester students a university alternative

"If we don’t make this change now, it could be the single biggest barrier to future growth."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th July 2024

Andy Burnham has unveiled plans for a new ‘MBacc’ qualification offering Greater Manchester students a university alternative.

It’s been exactly a year since the Greater Manchester Mayor set out his ambitious plan to create what he has called a “genuine and equal alternative to the university route” for high school students in our region – with the term ‘MBacc’ as we know it explained further towards the end of last year as part of a wider vision for 2024.

Since then, Mr Burnham says he has worked with education and business leaders throughout the region, as well as young people themselves, to design seven MBacc ‘gateways’ which are each linked to a sector that is growing in Greater Manchester. 

And now, the Mayor has finally announced, for the first time, his vision for the core MBacc subjects that will underpin those seven ‘gateways’, and ultimately, provide young people with what he hopes is “a clear line of sight” from the age of 14.

The seven ‘gateways’ of the MBacc, which Andy Burnham says each align with growth sectors in the Greater Manchester economy, are Health and Social Care, Digital and Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction and the Green Economy, Financial and Professional, Education and Early Years, and finally, Creative, Culture and Sport.

ADVERTISEMENT

The core MBacc subjects are to be the three core English Baccalaureate subjects, English Language and Literature, Maths, and Sciences, as well as the addition of ICT.

When it comes to optional subjects, the MBacc will offer Engineering, Design & Technology, Business Studies, Drama, Music, and Performing Arts, while the EBacc is known for focusing more on modern foreign languages and humanities subjects.

ADVERTISEMENT
Andy Burnham has unveiled a new ‘MBacc’ qualification to offer Greater Manchester students a university alternative / Credit: GMCA | gov.uk

Unlike the English Baccalaureate – which is geared towards the subjects that the UK’s top universities value – however, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says each MBacc gateway will instead guide young people to the subjects and qualifications that are currently most valued by our region’s employers.

“For too long, the English education system has been built around the needs of just a third of young people who go to university,” Mayor Andy Burnham commented as he unveiled the MBacc last week.

“That means that every year, thousands go through school without a clear path into a good career.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our answer is the MBacc – a game-changing new plan for technical education. We’re using our devolved powers to reset the scales and give young people a clear line of sight to good jobs and the steps that will take them there.”

Mr Burnham says he believes that if we don’t make this change now, it could end up being “the single biggest barrier to future growth” and also to the “life chances” of Greater Manchester’s young people.

Read more:

“The needs of our economy are changing, and right now the system is not capable of keeping pace and meeting the needs of businesses or the ambitions of the next generation.”

Featured Image – gov.uk

News

London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.

Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.

Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.

This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.

The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Credit: Justin De Souza

Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.

Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.

We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.

If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.

There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.

Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
Credit: Justin De Souza

New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.

You had us at booze and scran.

Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.

Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Justin De Souza (supplied)

News

Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Hitler birthday party neo Nazis Oldham pub

Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.

Alarming stuff, to say the least.

The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.

Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.

Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)

The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.

Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.

As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”

Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.

During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.

neo nazi party for hitlers bday in royton oldham
oldham neo nazi party swastika cake
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)

GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.

“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.

“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”

Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps

More News

A Metrolink tram in Manchester city centre

Bury

No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend

City Centre

AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory

Lorde publicity shot

Audio

Lorde to play massive Manchester gig later this year as part of world tour

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches