Exams body is ‘working up’ grading plans
make the wedding happen in four days.”
As Kirsten wasn’t able to collect her wedding dress in time, she ended up wearing what was supposed to be her “going away” outfit.
“It’s a very traditional thing that not many people do anymore but the dress previously belonged to my sister. It had been her going away outfit at her wedding two-and-a-half years ago which she passed on to me. When I looked in my wardrobe, it felt like the right choice in the circumstances.”
Even though their 150 invited guests ones couldn’t be with them, the icing on the cake for Kirsten and Richard was being joined online by their loved ones who watched the moving wedding service in seven different countries through the Facebook live stream.
Only St Matthew’s rector the Rev Jim Trood, who led the service, and the 12 housemates were allowed in the church and all were placed at a safe distance around the building.
Among those tuned in were Kirsten’s parents, Paula and Brian, nana Anne and sister Tanita, who all dressed in their finery for the occasion and raised a glass to the happy couple.
“I think our families were so very happy that we were able to share our special day with them online, rather than them missing out all together,” Kirsten said.
EXAMS body CCEA has said it is “rapidly working up plans” for grading students in Northern Ireland who won’t be sitting examinations this year.
Last week, Education Minister said A-level and GCSE exams in Northern Ireland will not go ahead this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, pupils will still get results based on “a combination of prior achievements, internal assessments, predicted grades, analysis and modelling of existing data trends”.
Many students have complained that this is unfair, as they concentrate their efforts on final exams.
A CCEA spokesperson said: “Students understandably want reassurance, and teachers urgently need to know what to do, and when. Detailed information about the process and timetable will follow once we have advised the Department of Education. This will include the steps we would like teachers to follow.
“We will outline, shortly after this, the process that we will follow to make sure grades are fair across schools and colleges, as well as any proposals for appeals.”
Further updates will continue to be available via www.ccea. org.uk