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19/06/2012
Other News In Brief
Ofqual Call For A-Level Reforms
Exam watchdog Ofqual has said that A-levels should be strengthened by only allowing one re-sit, replacing "modules" with end-of-year exams and increasing university involvement.
Ofqual chief, Glenys Stacey, says too many re-sits by pupils can "devalue individual exams".
There are also questions over whether AS-levels should be scrapped.
Ofqual is setting out proposals on changes to A-levels, which will be open for consultation for three months.
Boots Sell 45% Stake To US Rival
A 45% stake in UK store Boots (Alliance Boots) has been bought by US rival Walgreens, in a deal costing $6.7bn (£4.3bn).
The cash and shares offer will cement Walgreen's position as the world's biggest pharmacy chain.
Alliance Boots runs a chain of chemists in the UK and more than 3,300 health and beauty retail stores in 11 countries around the world.
The company's wholesale business supplies pharmacies and doctors in 21 countries.
As part of the deal, Walgreen would have the option of buying the outstanding Boots shares by 2015, valuing the company at $9.5bn in total.
Burma Opposition Leader begins UK Visit
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has begun her four-day UK visit, during which she is set to meet Royal Family members and address Parliament.
On Tuesday, her 67th birthday, Ms Suu Kyi is visiting the London School of Economics and the BBC Burmese Service.
She is due to meet the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall later in the trip - her first to Europe since 1988.
The pro-democracy leader spent much of the last 24 years under house arrest in Burma. She was freed in late 2010.
Exam watchdog Ofqual has said that A-levels should be strengthened by only allowing one re-sit, replacing "modules" with end-of-year exams and increasing university involvement.
Ofqual chief, Glenys Stacey, says too many re-sits by pupils can "devalue individual exams".
There are also questions over whether AS-levels should be scrapped.
Ofqual is setting out proposals on changes to A-levels, which will be open for consultation for three months.
Boots Sell 45% Stake To US Rival
A 45% stake in UK store Boots (Alliance Boots) has been bought by US rival Walgreens, in a deal costing $6.7bn (£4.3bn).
The cash and shares offer will cement Walgreen's position as the world's biggest pharmacy chain.
Alliance Boots runs a chain of chemists in the UK and more than 3,300 health and beauty retail stores in 11 countries around the world.
The company's wholesale business supplies pharmacies and doctors in 21 countries.
As part of the deal, Walgreen would have the option of buying the outstanding Boots shares by 2015, valuing the company at $9.5bn in total.
Burma Opposition Leader begins UK Visit
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has begun her four-day UK visit, during which she is set to meet Royal Family members and address Parliament.
On Tuesday, her 67th birthday, Ms Suu Kyi is visiting the London School of Economics and the BBC Burmese Service.
She is due to meet the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall later in the trip - her first to Europe since 1988.
The pro-democracy leader spent much of the last 24 years under house arrest in Burma. She was freed in late 2010.
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03 July 2012
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
Stop Exam Boards Fighting To Offer The Easiest Exam, Says Education Committee
After a long inquiry the UK Parliaments Education Committee has concluded that competition between exam boards creates significant pressure to drive down standards in exams and that the time is right for fundamental reform.
07 February 2007
Britain braced for heavy snow
Britain is braced for heavy snow as forecasters predict heavy snow showers are to sweep across the country tonight and into tomorrow. The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, with predictions that between 2cm and 5cm of snow could fall in southeast England, while up to 15cm of snowfall is expected in areas of Wales and the Midlands.
Britain braced for heavy snow
Britain is braced for heavy snow as forecasters predict heavy snow showers are to sweep across the country tonight and into tomorrow. The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, with predictions that between 2cm and 5cm of snow could fall in southeast England, while up to 15cm of snowfall is expected in areas of Wales and the Midlands.
03 October 2005
Boots announces £7 billion merger
Health and beauty retailer Boots has announced that it is to merge with rival company Alliance UniChem, in a deal worth £7 billion. The merger of the two companies, which will be called Alliance Boots, will create one of the largest healthcare retailers in Europe, with 2,600 stores in the UK and sales of £13 billion.
Boots announces £7 billion merger
Health and beauty retailer Boots has announced that it is to merge with rival company Alliance UniChem, in a deal worth £7 billion. The merger of the two companies, which will be called Alliance Boots, will create one of the largest healthcare retailers in Europe, with 2,600 stores in the UK and sales of £13 billion.
21 December 2011
Ofqual Orders Paper Re-Write
The exam regulator Ofqual has ordered the re-writing of an exam paper after it emerged some exam boards were offering pre-exam advice to teachers. The watchdog threatened further action after investigating the reports into exam boards saying it found a "clear breach" of rules at a WJEC exam board seminar about a GCSE ICT paper.
Ofqual Orders Paper Re-Write
The exam regulator Ofqual has ordered the re-writing of an exam paper after it emerged some exam boards were offering pre-exam advice to teachers. The watchdog threatened further action after investigating the reports into exam boards saying it found a "clear breach" of rules at a WJEC exam board seminar about a GCSE ICT paper.
18 August 2014
No UK 'Boots On The Ground' In Iraq - PM
There will be no UK "boots on the ground" in Iraq, the Prime Minister has said. The prime minister was responding to Labour's accusation that Britain's policy in Iraq was "pretty unclear". However, David Cameron said that the government's stance on Iraq is "clear" and that keeping people in the UK safe remained his "top priority".
No UK 'Boots On The Ground' In Iraq - PM
There will be no UK "boots on the ground" in Iraq, the Prime Minister has said. The prime minister was responding to Labour's accusation that Britain's policy in Iraq was "pretty unclear". However, David Cameron said that the government's stance on Iraq is "clear" and that keeping people in the UK safe remained his "top priority".
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
