These are the Covid-19 based issues that Sheffield young people are most concerned about

Members of the Sheffield Youth Cabinet came together with ward councillors to discuss the issues that young people have faced in the city due to Covid-19.
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Mental health, exams, stress and accessibility to education are issues raised by five members of the Sheffield Youth Cabinet brought forward in a Scrutiny Committee held earlier this month.

Jude Smith, youth cabinet member, said: “Students do not feel as if they are receiving adequate support from teachers online during lockdown and when they have to self isolate.”

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Primary Schools league table picture.Primary Schools league table picture.
Primary Schools league table picture.

Exams is another topic which the youth cabinet felt is causing a great deal of stress to Sheffield's young population.

With the majority of the youth cabinet expressing a wish that the Summer exams of 2021 be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Coun Mick Rooney said: “I think we should scrap the exams for next Summer now.

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“The exam situation seems to be chaotic to say the least and it epitomizes the government's attitude toward Covid-19”

One of the biggest fears expressed by the youth cabinet was that the exam expectations placed upon them are not achievable due to faults with online learning and accessibility to educational resources from home.

Coun Kevin Oxley, said: “It’s not a level playing field in terms of home environment and technology.”

She said: “It’s becoming increasingly worrying the lack of planning from the national government on exams.

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“It's having a really serious impact on teaching and learning now.”

Work experience is an issue brought up by youth cabinet member Isaac Wood.

He said: “I believe that it's vital to help progress from school to adult life.”

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Coun Mike Lever, said: “Work experience in the current climate is hopeless with retail and hairdressers closed chances are virtually nil.”

Other topics of concern raised by the youth cabinet include younger years exams, a loss of practical lessons, home working environments and students ability to organise their own timetable if in self isolation.

Moving forward, the committee suggested to share information from the youth cabinet with organisation Learn Sheffield to hopefully create solutions.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.