Here is your Friday update, covering:

• A-Level results day in Cardiff
• Travel advice for Speedway on August 17th at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
• Splash Pad closed for the rest of the season
• Young People Help Shape the Future of Education in Cardiff

A-Level results day in Cardiff 2024

Pupils from across Cardiff have received their A-Level and AS Level results today and results are again, above the Welsh average.

Summer 2024 represents the final step in transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements in the Wales qualification system. The policy aim was to return broadly to pre-pandemic outcomes in Made-for-Wales GCSEs, AS and A-levels and Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications. There has been no advance notice provided for learners and no adaptations made to assessments.

Both WJEC and Made-for-Wales vocational qualifications have been awarded in line with pre-pandemic arrangements.

In Cardiff, based on the provisional WJEC GCE results announced today, 37% percent of A-level results for 2024 are graded A* to A, compared to the Wales figure of 29.9% percent.

The percentage of A-level entries in Cardiff resulting in A* - E grades is 98.6%, compared to the Wales figure of 97.4%. 83.1% of A-level examinations are graded A*-C, compared to 76.5% across Wales.

Outcomes are higher than 2019 but lower than 2023 when there were additional measures put in place. This is similar across Wales.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "On behalf of the Local Authority I would like to congratulate all of Cardiff's pupils who have today received results for A-Level and equivalent qualifications.

"Their achievements are a testament to the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their educational journey to date, and I would like to wish them the very best of luck as they begin a new chapter of their lives, whether they are moving onto university, employment or training.

"It is pleasing to see that performance across the city this year has continued to rise and that results are above the Welsh average for 2024. 

Cllr Merry added: "I would also like to thank the city's schools, teachers and staff for the dedication and support, in helping pupils reach their potential and preparing them for their future.

"For any pupils unsure about their next steps, a wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available on the What's Next platform  www.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk."

Read more here

Travel advice for Speedway on August 17th at Principality Stadium in Cardiff

With Speedway taking place at Principality Stadium, there will be a partial city centre road closure around the stadium on August 17th between 2.30pm until 9.30pm.  Castle Street, Cowbridge Road West, Duke Street and Kingsway will remain open to traffic.

The M4 motorway is expected to be busy due to this event - so please plan ahead - and if you are going to Speedway, please avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the former Toy's R Us site car park in the Sports Village - CF11 0JS.

For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the  Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.

Those attending the event are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early.  Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at  https://www.principalitystadium.wales/safety-and-security/  in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.

Read more here

Splash Pad closed for the rest of the season

We're sorry to share that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Victoria Park Splash Pad is closed for the remainder of the season. This is due to failures with the sump pumps that feed the water feature and the pump that distributes chlorine. Despite exploring every option with contractors, the necessary parts from Europe won't be available until autumn.

We understand how disappointing this is for our visitors and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We will have the Splash Pad fully operational in time for the next summer opening season.

Related link:

Holiday activities for children

Young People Help Shape the Future of Education in Cardiff

A group of young people, called Cardiff Young Influencers, are helping to shape Cardiff's investments in education, by contributing to the design principles for new build schools.

This summer, 14 of the Cardiff Young Influencers have taken part in interactive sessions, workshops and tours providing their opinions on key elements which will influence how Cardiff Council will invest and create the spaces within new schools being built in the city.

The young people, aged between 14 and 16 years from a number of Cardiff secondary schools have looked at developing different areas within a school, such as how spaces are arranged, where learning happens, and the support spaces and infrastructure needed.

They envisioned creating unique learning spaces for creativity and collaboration, social zones where students can relax, high-tech hubs for exploration and problem solving, peaceful spaces to recharge and dining areas that are also communal hubs for gathering.

The group toured the new Fitzalan High School, which opened in Autumn 2023, and visited Fairwater Community Campus, which is currently being built.

They were shown the draft design principles for classrooms, outdoor space and dining areas, providing the opportunity to give feedback on what they had seen, what they thought could improve their current school, and what they think would be good in a future school. Their constructive feedback will be used to update these principles before they are finalised.

Read more here