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05/09/2012
Other News In Brief
Private Schools Will Open Doors To Poorer Children
A number of independent schools have pledged to open their doors to talented pupils from non-privileged backgrounds if the government agrees to pay part of their fees.
The high performing institutions said they wanted to admit bright children regardless of family income, arguing the move would be the "single biggest policy step" towards boosting social mobility.
A total of 80 independent day schools are in support of a state-funded Open Access scheme in which they would match fee subsidies from the government with money from their own bursary funds.
The programme, in which parents pay a sliding scale of fees according to their means, was piloted at the Belvedere School (now an academy) in Liverpool over seven years.
Direct Line To Cut 900 Jobs
Insurance company Direct Line Group, which is being demerged by parent company RBS, has said it will shed 900 jobs in a bid to save costs.
Direct Line has launched a series of initiatives to target £100m of gross annual cost savings by the end of 2014.
These include the closure of a site in Stockton-on-Tees, which will affect about 500 jobs.
The company is expected to be floated by the bank in an initial public offering (IPO) later this year.
Mars Distanct Themselves From Deep-Fried Bar
Chocolate manufacturing giant Mars has distanced itself from the famous deep-fried Mars bar by seeking a disclaimer.
The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire, claims to be the birthplace of the recipe almost two decades ago.
Plans to bid for EU protected geographical status were dropped.
Mars has written to the owners saying the product is not authorised or endorsed as it does not fit the company's promotion of healthy living.
Mars is now seeking a menu disclaimer.
A number of independent schools have pledged to open their doors to talented pupils from non-privileged backgrounds if the government agrees to pay part of their fees.
The high performing institutions said they wanted to admit bright children regardless of family income, arguing the move would be the "single biggest policy step" towards boosting social mobility.
A total of 80 independent day schools are in support of a state-funded Open Access scheme in which they would match fee subsidies from the government with money from their own bursary funds.
The programme, in which parents pay a sliding scale of fees according to their means, was piloted at the Belvedere School (now an academy) in Liverpool over seven years.
Direct Line To Cut 900 Jobs
Insurance company Direct Line Group, which is being demerged by parent company RBS, has said it will shed 900 jobs in a bid to save costs.
Direct Line has launched a series of initiatives to target £100m of gross annual cost savings by the end of 2014.
These include the closure of a site in Stockton-on-Tees, which will affect about 500 jobs.
The company is expected to be floated by the bank in an initial public offering (IPO) later this year.
Mars Distanct Themselves From Deep-Fried Bar
Chocolate manufacturing giant Mars has distanced itself from the famous deep-fried Mars bar by seeking a disclaimer.
The Carron Fish Bar in Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire, claims to be the birthplace of the recipe almost two decades ago.
Plans to bid for EU protected geographical status were dropped.
Mars has written to the owners saying the product is not authorised or endorsed as it does not fit the company's promotion of healthy living.
Mars is now seeking a menu disclaimer.
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19 December 2003
Beagle 2 lander separates from orbiter module
The European Space Operations Centre has confirmed that the Beagle 2 lander successfully separated from the orbiter at around 11.15GMT on Friday December 19. The ESA announced that the Mars Express spacecraft had "flawlessly released" the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on June 2 this year.
Beagle 2 lander separates from orbiter module
The European Space Operations Centre has confirmed that the Beagle 2 lander successfully separated from the orbiter at around 11.15GMT on Friday December 19. The ESA announced that the Mars Express spacecraft had "flawlessly released" the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on June 2 this year.
02 June 2003
Mars Express set to make European first
With final checks underway, the first venture to Mars by the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to launch later today. Constructed on a shoestring budget, the spacecraft, which includes the British-built Mars lander Beagle 2, has been built in record time.
Mars Express set to make European first
With final checks underway, the first venture to Mars by the European Space Agency (ESA) is due to launch later today. Constructed on a shoestring budget, the spacecraft, which includes the British-built Mars lander Beagle 2, has been built in record time.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
27 August 2003
Mars approaches for Earth close encounter
Mars and Earth will approach each other for their closest pass in 59,000 years this evening, making the Red Planet the third brightest object in the night sky, outshone only by the Moon and Venus.
Mars approaches for Earth close encounter
Mars and Earth will approach each other for their closest pass in 59,000 years this evening, making the Red Planet the third brightest object in the night sky, outshone only by the Moon and Venus.
23 January 2004
Mars Express finds water in polar cap
Mars Express, the European Space Agency’s first mission to Mars, has revealed evidence of not only carbon dioxide ice but also water ice in the region of the planet's southern polar ice cap.
Mars Express finds water in polar cap
Mars Express, the European Space Agency’s first mission to Mars, has revealed evidence of not only carbon dioxide ice but also water ice in the region of the planet's southern polar ice cap.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
