There are many ways to look positively to the future.

We can rewrite the future with hope and innovation, we can fall in love with the future and we can change how we think about the future.

Or we can be a little more prosaic, more down to earth – and perhaps more effective!

Of late, the Sidmouth Herald has been looking positively to the future:

The Devon County Council plan for 2025 until 2029 has been approved and the future of the county does indeed look positive:

The plan is built around six priorities: Positive Futures for every child and young person, supporting independence and dignity, continuous service improvement, a green Devon for future generations, economic inclusion and local prosperity, and stronger communities and safer places.

Over the summer, Sidmouth students were looking to the future as the GCSEs came in – and young people should be positive about that:

Year 11 students at Sidmouth College achieved a “fantastic” set of GCSE results, enabling them to successfully move onto their first choice next steps with confidence, the school said. There was a10 percent increase in the number of students achieving a good pass (grade 5 or above) in both GCSE English and Maths, placing them above the national average.

There were also “significant increases” in the number of students from families experiencing economic disadvantage who gained both a pass (a grade 4 or above) and a good pass (a grade 5 or above) in GCSE English and Maths. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the fantastic results they’ve achieved today,” said Lisa Whitworth, headteacher. “Our students have shown resilience, positivity, and a real commitment to their learning and today is a celebration of all their hard work.”

And finally, in a mix of the old and the new, the Herald looked to how AI joined the chorus in a new Sidmouth Folk Festival anthem:

One of Britain’s best-loved folk festivals is embracing the future while celebrating its roots by featuring the debut of its first-ever anthem co-created with artificial intelligence.

Cllr Stuart Hughes said : “It’s folk meets future, with AI helping to shape lyrics that reflect our community’s pride, traditions, and seaside soul. And yes, there’s even a line about Morris dancers dodging seagulls.”

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