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Disadvantaged Sheffield children hit hardest by new student loan rules

Disadvantaged Sheffield children hit hardest by new student loan rules

2:09pm

New government rules for student loans have been labelled as an “attack on students from low socio-economic backgrounds” and with disabilities. The plans say that people who don't have English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4, or two A-levels at grade E, won’t be able to take out a student loan. According to the Department for Education, there will be a consultation on these proposals that came in response to the Augar Review of over-18s education. However, there are concerns about how this will affect people from working class backgrounds and those with disabilities and learning disorders trying to go to university. In Sheffield, 60% of students achieved a grade 4 or above, according to the latest data. This means just under half of the children in the city wouldn’t have qualified for a student loan in 2019 if these rules had been in place. It is also much less likely for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to pass their English and Maths GCSE’s, as their parents cannot pay for extra tutoring. 

Alexandra Lacey is a psychology student and qualified therapist

Alexandra Lacey, 23, is a psychology student who is autistic and has dyscalculia. She said: “Math was always something that I really struggled with. The only reason I managed to pass my GCSE math is because my parents could afford private tutoring, and not everybody has that luxury. People who have dyslexia and dyscalculia and autism who don't come from a privileged background are going to be left out.” She thinks that basing the student loan access on A-levels would be much fairer: “I was always under the impression that if you didn't get the A-levels, you didn't go to university.  “I just think it's unfair for students who have dyscalculia or dyslexia or autism to be left out. I would not have passed GCSE math if I wasn't tutored from the age of eight onwards. “I get that it's a cost cutting measure, but it’s kind of classist because if you can’t afford the tutoring then you're not going to pass, and its ableist because you're discriminating against these kinds of people.” In England, the academic performance of students from working class backgrounds is much lower than others. This is according to a report from the Department for Education, and many students feel that these new rules will mean less disadvantaged students will be able to go to university. This applies in Sheffield, with data showing that disadvantaged children are significantly less likely to achieve the required GCSE grades on average.
Thomas Hopkins, 18, is a student at the University of Sheffield who is autistic and working class. He thinks that the new rules will obstruct the route to university even more for people like him. “This is an absolute attack on students from low socio-economic backgrounds because it’s not stopping people from going to university full stop. It's stopping the access to student loans. If your family can afford to send you to university, pay for your accommodation, pay for your tuition, then this isn't going to change anything for you.  “This just stops children who are maybe like me, who are dyslexic, maybe on the autistic spectrum, who may have dyscalculia and may struggle in math. It's going to completely affect working class families who can't provide the difference in the cost. They rely on student loans to make university as it should be - accessible.” He described it as a “war on the arts” for students who want to study music or art and don't necessarily need a math or English GCSE. However, he did say his university is quite diverse. But he thinks this is because it's a Northern university. “I think it's just trying to price people out of university.” Soon after these plans came out, the government also announced potentially reducing the minimum wage bracket for repaying student loans from £27,000 to £25,000, with the repayment period being increased from 30 years to 40 years. This means some students will still be repaying their loans when they're starting to think about retiring, bringing more criticism on the government for being biased against low-income families.

Memorial appeal launched for “last of a great line” of Sheffield ‘Little Mesters’

Memorial appeal launched for “last of a great line” of Sheffield ‘Little Mesters’

1:50pm

An appeal for a permanent memorial to Sheffield's "most famous blade maker" was launched last night at a memorial service in Sheffield Cathedral. Stan Shaw, 94, died in February last year after an eight decade career as a master cutler, making world-class knives for royalty, celebrities and even presidents.

Stan Shaw, last of Sheffield's Little Mesters

The appeal has been launched to commemorate Sheffield's Little Mesters with a memorial and heritage trail, starting with a memorial plaque to Mr Shaw outside Cutler's Hall.

Preliminary design of the plaque to Stan Shaw

Former Lord Mayor, Anne Murphy, launched the appeal at Sheffield Cathedral last night. They aim to raise £10k for the project, which will use digital exhibits to showcase where Stan trained, worked and became a 'living exhibit' at Kelham Island Museum. Georgia Lees, Mr Shaw's granddaughter said: "It's incredible to see him recognised by the whole city today. I think it's really important that the city recognises its own history, not just my grandad but those that came before him."

Mr Shaw's family, Georgia Lees (far left), Jane Lees (3rd from the right)

Mr Shaw began his career aged 14, when wandering through a war torn Sheffield, he asked for work at George Ibberson's knife firm. Eight decades later, he has gifted knives to the likes of George W. Bush, who called his work "a fine example of English craftsmanship" and Queen Elizabeth, a event which brought a "twinkle" to his eye.

Mr Shaw was awarded a BEM in 1983

Reverend Canon Keith Farrow said: "He had a real twinkle in his eye at the thought of that. "He would probably describe himself as an ordinary Sheffield lad who went into the cutlery trade almost by accident and became the most famous Sheffield blade maker, the last of a great line. He had a god given gift." As well as royalty, Mr Shaw loved gifting his knives to friends and family. His granddaughter Georgia Lees told the Sheffield Wire that Stan gave all his grandchildren handcrafted knives for birthdays and Christmases, leaving her with a collection of 36 knives, to the envy of many collectors. In 2016, Mr Shaw was also awarded the British Empire Medal, but despite his fame, his family and friends describe him as a "down to earth", "humble", "family man". His daughter, Janes Lees, said: "He was so humble and devoted to making his knives. It was his passion and he was one of a kind and I don't think he'll ever be replaced." If you would like to find out more about life as a Little Mester, take a look at this video of Mr Shaw explaining his craft. To support the appeal please visit the Just Giving page here.      

Sheffield Wednesday fans divided over ‘harsh’ list of offences which will see fans banned for antisocial behaviour

Sheffield Wednesday fans divided over ‘harsh’ list of offences which will see fans banned for antisocial behaviour

1:45pm

A new joint initiative from the EFL and Sheffield Wednesday setting out punishable behaviour to supporters at Hillsborough, and away from home, has drawn a mixed reaction among supporters. Following a worrying report from the UK Football Policing Unit, the Owls have called out a ‘minority’ of fans that are bringing the club’s name ‘into disrepute’. The League One side issued a statement on Friday evening, ahead of the home clash against Charlton Athletic, including a written warning of offences and subsequent potential bans for each.

Offences and possible bans - swfc.co.uk

The written warning includes how potential one-year bans could be awarded for offences such as drinking alcohol in view of the pitch and foul and abusive language. Many Owls supporters online have condemned the measures as too harsh and impractical to enforce.             While the statement has incurred sneering from fans of many clubs, there are those within Sheffield Wednesday who welcome some of the measures as necessary. Peter Løhmann, Sheffield Wednesday fan and co-host of the ‘Owls About Stat’ fan podcast, supports the proposals introduced as a whole and hopes it is the first step in banning those who are openly homophobic and racist at games. "My interest is in the red box, that’s the key one for me," he told Sheffield Wire. "It’s no secret that I majorly disagree with the decision the club and Darren Moore took as manager to not take the knee this season. "When the other team takes the knee, there are significant booing sounds, from hundreds, even thousands doing it. "Almost every other club in the division has continued to do so, and this decision has emboldened the racists and fans who shouldn’t be a part of our community." Mr Løhmann says that he no longer feels safe bringing his 9-year-old to away matches, in fear of violence or discriminatory behaviour. "I’ve seen hundreds of people say they’ve stopped going to away games because they don’t feel safe anymore," he continued. "I don’t think it stops the idiots being idiots, but it stops the idiots being idiots inside Hillsborough if we want to." Sheffield Wednesday concluded the statement, stating: "The Owls are proud to report sell-out followings at almost every stadium we visit, alas the behaviour of a minority could lead to reduced allocations for the majority. Without fans, football is nothing. But fans who bring Sheffield Wednesday and our good name into disrepute are simply not welcome at Hillsborough or beyond." The Owls continued their recent on-field success on Saturday, comfortably defeating Charlton 2-0 to climb into the play-off places.

“You need to support people in their time of need”: Sheffield stands in solidarity with Ukraine

“You need to support people in their time of need”: Sheffield stands in solidarity with Ukraine

1:34pm

Hundreds of Sheffield residents attended Sheffield town hall yesterday to voice their support for Ukraine in their war against Russia. Chants of 'Putin Out, Freedom In' and 'Stop Putin, Stop the War' were popular as the crowd voiced their unhappiness with the Russian leader's actions. Attendees were invited to air any thoughts they had. Speakers included people from across Sheffield including emotional testimonials from Ukrainians worried about their families at home. Sofiya Lytvyn is a Ukrainian national living in Sheffield, whose parents currently remain in Kiev. She said: "I have been praying for rockets not to hit my house and my friends are fighting. I really appreciate any support and its shows that people care." It is estimated that 250 people attended the protest. It was originally promoted on Facebook but the demonstrators were joined by shoppers who stopped to join throughout the day. Shaffaq Mohammed, councillor for Ecclesall and leader of the Sheffield Liberal Democrats, helped organise the protest. He said: "I was very proud to see Sheffield turn out in such big numbers at short notice. "You need to show compassion and you need to support people in their time of need. If society just looks after its own, and no one cares about anyone else, that's a poor world we live in and it's not one I want to bring my children up in."  Elena Mandrik, organiser and member of the group Sheffield Stands With Ukraine, said: "I was really touched by the number of people who turned out "We need to act and we need to act now. All actions matter and the more voices there are, the more politicians will hear us and the quicker they will react." Further protests are planned for later in the week including one today outside the town hall at 6pm organised by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. All 84 councillors from Sheffield City Council are set to come together before Wednesday's budget meeting in a united demonstration backing the Ukrainian people.  

Protesters gather in Sheffield as part of nationwide movement to protect NHS

Protesters gather in Sheffield as part of nationwide movement to protect NHS

1:15pm

Crowds gathered in Sheffield city centre at the weekend to demand protection for the future of the NHS.  The protest, which took place outside the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, was part of a national day of action organised by a coalition of campaign groups and health organisations under the name SOS NHS.  With over 100 demonstrations across England, Scotland and Wales, people heard from healthcare workers about concerns over increasing privatisation, as well as the need for state funding and fair pay for staff.  Holly Johnson, a nurse and organiser of the Sheffield demonstration, was among those to address the public. She said: “Resources are being drained in the NHS due to years of deliberate underfunding.” Johnson added: “Unsurprisingly, the effect of the pandemic on patients, staff and the service has been brutal.” Last year, the NHS was said to hit “breaking point” by health chiefs, due to record numbers of patients seeking care.  Meanwhile, the government proposed a 3% pay rise for healthcare staff including nurses, paramedics, consultants and GPs. The protesters fear that the pay proposal will jeopardise the NHS further, as staff may have to take up work in the private sector to make ends meet.  Sheffield healthcare worker Alex Brown said: “It is incredibly difficult to recruit and retain staff who are working long hours in high pressure jobs, saving lives and keeping the country running yet earning less than you might do in a coffee shop.”  Low morale among staff is another concern, said Johnson: “I don’t think it’s any way to treat people who have kept us safe and work so hard, prior and during the pandemic. Staff don’t feel valued.” SOS NHS has launched an online petition to push the group’s aims further. Specifically, it calls for emergency funding of £20 billion for a fully publicly owned NHS which ensures free healthcare for future generations and ‘proper’ staff payment. For more information, visit https://sosnhs.org. 

Doncaster Fire Update: Morris Metals confirm zero injuries in the fire

Doncaster Fire Update: Morris Metals confirm zero injuries in the fire

1:15pm

Morris Metals has confirmed there were no injuries in Friday's fire after up to 45 firefighters were sent to tackle the recycling centre blaze. Tom Morris, company director, confirmed there were no injuries and damage from the fire thanks to the company’s Fire Prevention Plan, which ensured the fire was contained to a single bay. A massive fire broke out in one of eight bays at Morris Metals in Doncaster around 5:15 pm on 25 February. Nine fire engines and around 45 firefighters responded to the incident at a waste recycling site on Balby Carr Bank. Roads were closed and local residents were being told to avoid the area, keep doors and windows shut and stay indoors. In an initial message, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters were mobilised shortly after 5.15 pm on Friday and expect to remain on the scene for a significant length of time. “The fire involves mixed metals and industrial waste and covers an area around 100m by 40m in size.” A high-volume pump was set up to support the firefighting operation, with specialist waste fire advisors also in attendance. Two appliances remained on the scene on Saturday afternoon before departing after Sunday checks. Mr Morris said: “At 17.15 on Friday evening a small fire started in a segregated waste pile at our Facility on Balby Carr. The fire spread through this pile but was contained within it by our fire containment storage walls. “There are no injuries and there is no damage to any site infrastructure, with our containment strategy working to limit the size and scope of the fire.” It is believed the fire was caused by a lithium ion battery for which these units cause fires on a weekly basis in the waste site. He added: “We continue to impress on households, local authorities and government, the importance of responsible disposal of these devices. We would like to take the opportunity to thank South Yorkshire fire brigade for their assistance.”

League One leaders Rotherham United prepare to face lowly Shrewsbury Town

League One leaders Rotherham United prepare to face lowly Shrewsbury Town

12:55pm

League One pace-setters Rotherham United will aim to extend their lead at the top of the table as they visit 17th-placed Shrewsbury Town at New Meadow tomorrow night. Unbeaten in nine league matches, the Millers will fancy their chances of three points against a Shrewsbury side who lie just six points above the relegation zone. Securing a 1-0 victory on the south coast against Plymouth on Saturday thanks to a goal from top scorer Michael Smith, Rotherham are now nine points clear of closest challengers Wigan Athletic at the top of League One. Despite their concerning position near the foot of the table, hosts Shrewsbury will take confidence from their first league victory in nine matches against Burton Albion at the weekend. Tom Bloxham and Matthew Pennington were on the scoresheet as Steve Cotterill’s men picked up a much-needed win on the road. Rotherham boss Paul Warne will therefore be wary of an upset as he prepares his troops for tomorrow night's fixture. Speaking ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury, Warne reported a few selection concerns following the victory against Plymouth at Home Park on Saturday. He said: "There's a little bit of illness in the camp and one of my players is away for a scan. So we've got a few issues, but that's why we've got a squad." "I always intended to make a few changes, and knowing the opposition and their strengths it seems a perfect opportunity to do it."

Rotherham United's match against Shrewsbury Town will take place at 7:45pm at New Meadow tomorrow night.

Game Review: Glasgow Rocks hold off Sheffield Sharks in Series Leveller

Game Review: Glasgow Rocks hold off Sheffield Sharks in Series Leveller

12:49pm

On Sunday, the Sharks took on the Rocks at the Emirates Arena for the second time this BBL season. B.Braun Sheffield Sharks and The Glen Luss Glasgow Rocks have met a total of 76 times in British Basketball League matches, with the Sharks winning 75% of these games. The Rocks set the tone of the game and opened the scoring in the first quarter with a three pointer from Jonny Bunyan. The Sharks fought back with their first three pointer of the game from Devante Wallace.

Sheffield Shark's Devante Wallace (Photo: Adam Bates Photography)

Despite the Sharks efforts, the Rocks gained the lead early on, ending the first quarter with a 21-16 score. The second quarter saw the Rocks gain an early 26-19 lead. The Sharks’ Antwain Johnson helped move the game forward and shrink the gap between the score with 12 points, leading all the Sharks' scorers and bringing the game to 29-26. Similar to the first quarter, the Sharks could not surpass the Rocks’ strong lead they had obtained from the start. With just over three minutes to play in the second quarter, the Sharks’ Head Coach, Atiba Lyons called timeout as Rodney Glasgow Jr. received medical attention on court following a heavy fall. The Rocks held on tight to their lead and by halftime the score stood at 44-37, thanks to baskets from Jaycee Hillsman and Vance Johnson. In the second half of the game all was still to play for. Lyons’ side had a strong start to the third quarter outscoring the Rocks 10-7 in the first five minutes. Although there was low scoring between both teams, the Sharks looked strong throughout this quarter outscoring the Rocks 18-17. However, the Rocks still held the lead and entered the final quarter with a score of 61-55. The final quarter at the Emirates Arena saw the Rocks last push for a win. With 5 minutes left to play, the Rocks were up 68-59. Thanks to a three pointer from the Rocks’ forward, Hillsman and six points from the Rock’s MVP of the game, Boban Jacdonmi, Glasgow’s team took a nine-point lead. With two minutes to play in regulations, the Rocks were leading 74-65 and slowed down the game, resulting in a win on their home turf with a score of 78-71. Overall, the Sharks appeared to be on the back foot the entire game, not heading into a single quarter with a lead. The Rocks scored 84% of free throws while the Sharks only managed 61%, a deciding factor in a game that could have gone either way. The Sharks entered the final quarter with hope of turning the tide, but the Rocks managed to see the game out comfortably. This loss for Sheffield Sharks means the regular season series between the two teams is at 1-1. The Sharks hope to regain the series lead in front of a home crowd in their next game against the Rocks in April. Despite the loss on Sunday, the Sharks remain hopeful that they can win the championship. Rodney Glasgow Jr. said: "We can win a championship! We were right there last week against Leicester. We can play with the best of them. I just think now we just need to get our chemistry up, and come Play Off time we will be ready." The Sharks' next game in the BBL Championship will take them to London to face the Lions on Sunday.

In-form Sheffield Wednesday to continue play-off push against struggling Burton Albion

In-form Sheffield Wednesday to continue play-off push against struggling Burton Albion

12:09pm

After moving into the play-off places with an imposing victory over Charlton at the weekend, Sheffield Wednesday will go in search of another three points against Burton Albion at Hillsborough tomorrow night. Overcoming the Addicks on Saturday thanks to goals from George Byers and Callum Paterson, Sheffield Wednesday appear to be battling through their injury problems as they prepare to welcome 14th-placed Burton to South Yorkshire. Saturday’s triumph means the Owls have now won six of their last seven games in League One, and will fancy their chances of continuing this good run of form against a Burton side who have contrastingly won only one match over this same period. In the last meeting between the two sides at the Pirelli Stadium at the start of this month, Wednesday ran out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from George Byers and Sylla Sow. Owls manager Darren Moore will be hoping for a repeat at Hillsborough tomorrow as he aims to cement the club’s position in the play-off spots. Speaking after his side's win over Charlton on Saturday, the Wednesday gaffer was pleased to see the Owls move take their place in the top six. Moore said: "That's what we wanted to do. That's been one of our aims and then from the top six we start working and continue to look up the table. We've got another game here on Tuesday and we have to turn our focus and attention towards that."

Sheffield Wednesday's match against Burton Albion in League One will take place at Hillsborough at 7:45pm tomorrow night.

“Many girls don’t have the access”: Project encouraging young women in sport launched in Barnsley

“Many girls don’t have the access”: Project encouraging young women in sport launched in Barnsley

11:42am

A new project empowering young women was launched in Barnsley on Thursday, after girls reported not feeling comfortable participating in sport and exercise. The project, Us Girls, was set up by the Barnsley Youth Association and Barnsley Youth Council. It will advocate for issues raised by 12-19 year old girls in the area, and run various sport taster sessions. Rebecca Coyne, the lead youth worker on the project said: “Young women are not feeling safe in their community. You come across many more young men than young women doing sports, especially at this time of year when it’s dark and they might not feel safe.” Free taster exercise classes offered to the girls will include yoga, boxercise and self defence classes, along with match and stadium visits. The launch on Thursday was a prelude to the first session on Wednesday 2nd March, which will be a boxercise class and team building activities. According to Ms. Coyne, many girls expressed that they don’t feel comfortable doing most local team sports. She said: “If there is [a sport they’re interested in], it’s something like dance that comes at a cost. Many girls don’t have the access or don’t have the confidence” The project is based on consultations that took place with young women before Christmas, and will continue to be led by the young women themselves. According to Ms. Coyne, the girls at the launch were especially interested in campaigning on women's issues, and this is something they’d like to incorporate into the project. Ms. Coyne said: “We’ve got to really work hard now to help them go through all the group processes which make them effective, but also just to have some fun.” If you’re interested in the project and want to get involved, contact Rebecca Coyne on 07816486731 or email info@youth-association.org

Sheffield to host Cultural Programme for WUEFA EURO Cup

Sheffield to host Cultural Programme for WUEFA EURO Cup

11:00am

Sheffield will be one of the cities in England to host the cultural programme for the Women's UEFA EURO cup this summer. Many projects have been launched in Sheffield recently aimed at the regeneration of the city. Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city full of creative talent and ingenuity, which is reflected in our strong cultural sector so I know this exciting programme will be a huge hit alongside UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. Bringing sport and culture together means we can really put on a show for all our visiting fans, inspire more local people to get involved and more women and girls to take up a long term interest in football.” The Arts Council England granted them £800,000 for the commissioned projects through the National Lottery. Art Council's North Area Director, Sarah Maxfield, said: “We know the huge difference that taking part in arts and culture makes to people’s lives and so I’m delighted that the Arts Council is supporting The Football Association’s first cultural programme through our National Lottery Project Grants fund. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the combined forces of culture and sport inspire audiences during the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 and I hope it will encourage people, particularly women and girls, to get involved with both the competition and the different celebratory cultural activities on offer.” The three commissioned projects will be led by the artist Emma Smith, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Idle Women. Such artwork will celebrate women football's history to encourage young women and girls to be inspired. The Arts programme is managed by the Football Association. Chris Bryant, the tournament director, said: "We are delighted to be working with such prestigious artists and organisations on bringing this programme to life. As we work towards tournament kick-off on 6 July we will be reaching out to local artists, musicians and community groups via our host city partnerships to share in the moment and deliver a programme of events in each region."

Yorkshire Silent Film Festival returns to Sheffield for 2022 season 

Yorkshire Silent Film Festival returns to Sheffield for 2022 season 

10:46am

Abbeydale Picture House will become Yorkshire’s Silent Film hub this March, showing thrillers, comedies and westerns until July. All the films will be accompanied by a live orchestra, who will improvise their scores alongside the films.  The event will be held at venues throughout Yorkshire and beyond, with showings in Leeds, Hull, York and Manchester.  Event organiser Jonny Best said: “We’re bringing films to Sheffield that you can’t see anywhere else.  “Seeing live music with film is a really immersive and enjoyable experience, especially when you’re somewhere as atmospheric and interesting as the Abbeydale.” This year, urgent repairs in the main auditorium has led organisers to convert the picture house stage to a cinema, but Mr Best says this should not deter audiences.  He told the Sheffield Wire: “It’s a unique experience in a place audiences don’t get to see ordinarily. “It’s an absolutely beautiful space.” The smaller auditorium will create an intimate atmosphere between the audience, the film and the musicians as they create “a bridge between the audience and century old films.”  The festival is also offering free tickets for under 18s, and organisers are encouraging people unfamiliar with the genre to try it out. Mr Best said: “It’s a lot of fun. A great way to get started is to see one of the comedy shows.   “They are still every bit as funny, clever and ingenious as they were when they were made.”  To see the full line up visit the Yorkshire Silent Film website here.