London Gateway, Thurrock, 16th May 2013: Forty-five pupils from Gable Hall School, along with their teachers, recently visited the London Gateway to learn about future career opportunities.
The GCSE students were given a presentation explaining the project by Helen Woolford, a graduate of the school, who now works in the Operations Team at the port.
The presentation was followed by a tour around the site, which gave the students the chance to see how the port will operate, and the opportunities it offers for apprenticeships and careers. This was reinforced by talks from a variety of London Gateway employees, including representatives from the legal, environment, and operations teams.
Helen Woolford, Operations Administration Coordinator, said: “As a former Gable Hall student, I was very excited to be able to tell the students about the enthusiastic world-class team at London Gateway and the opportunity for a future career.”
Connor Allen, Gable Hall student, said: “I was really grateful to be given the chance to visit DP World and I am very excited about the potential opportunities there.”
Dr Sophina Asong, Headteacher of Gable Hall School, said: “Our students were delighted to be given the opportunity to visit and to see the wide range of career opportunities available to the young people of Thurrock. We plan for this to be the first of many such visits.”
London Gateway opens in Quarter 4 2013, and will create thousands of jobs in the local area. To see vacancies currently on offer, visit www.londongateway.com/careers.

David, who plays Bollo the ape in the cult comedy show, shared his industry experience and gave the eager students hints and tips on how to work their way up the creative career ladder before ending with a Q&A session.
BA (Hons) Digital Animation student Stephen Young, 27, from Grays said: “It was brilliant to hear from David, to have contact with someone who has rubbed shoulders with so many influential people is amazing. We’re often told how competitive the industry is but listening to David really made us realise that success is by no means out of reach.”

A former student of South East Essex College of Arts and Technology, as it was then known in 1990, David studied BTEC Graphic Design before moving to Buckinghamshire to study a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising, where he met his Mighty Boosh co-star, Noel Fielding.

He has 17 years experience in the creative industry and worked with top agencies in London and Sydney before setting up APE in 2007. With clients including BBC, Nike, Universal, Fearne Cotton and Jimmy Carr, David has wide ranging experience and expertise. As well as running the company, David writes, directs and performs as a comic actor and continues to be a member of The Mighty Boosh.

Course Leader for BA (Hons) Digital Animation, Tammy Ellis said: “The College has very strong industry links and frequently hosts high-profile guest speakers with strong Essex roots to inspire to our students. It was fantastic to welcome back such a successful former student, showing our current cohort just what they can go on to achieve.”

Cllr Oliver Gerrish has been in the post for two years.

The West Thurrock and South Stifford councillor’s reign got off to a bad start when after a number of months, he was asked by Tory councillor, Mike Revell, how many headteachers he had met?

Cllr Gerrish answered: “I have met a number of educationalists.”

Cllr Gerrish’s reign was one where he believed the best way to work with the growing independence of education was to forge ahead with: “Partnership work” which contrasted with cllr Diana Hale’s Cassandra-like concerns that the academy system was: “Grammar schools by stealth.”

Cllr Gerrish was handicapped by the number of primary schools being given “Requires Improvement” or “Special measures” Ofsted reports.

The genuine, articulate and personable councillor continued to believe that primary education was on way up. However, it appeared that Ofsted begged to differ with a string of underwhelming inspection reports that re-inforced the perception that standards were still far from where they should be.

He would not have been helped by the controversy surrounding Tilbury Manor primary and a Tory perception that he was too easily manipulated by council officers.

However, his brief was not just schools and he will want it to be noted that a number of depts in his portfolio received good reports from a number of sources.

There has not been an announcement on his replacement but many anticipate that the council leader, John Kent will grasp the thorny portfolio.

First year student Dannie Slade, 17 successfully gained a place onto the Sutton Trust US Programme after impressing the judges with a strong application and performance during a 3-day residential in London.

Palmer’s College recommended the programme to Dannie who aspires to be Hydrologist and has always dreamt of studying Geography at a top US university.

100 students were selected onto the programme which is delivered in partnership with the US-UK Fulbright Commission and aims to give students a taste of life at an American university with the prospect of being fully funded to study in the US.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “Congratulations to Dannie on a magnificent achievement that we are all proud of.”

A-level student Dannie said: “I’m ecstatic of the opportunity and still can’t believe that I’ve been selected. My family can’t afford the high tuition fees to study at a UK university so when I heard about the programme, I had to give it my all!

“I’m the first in my family to go onto college and “hopefully” university – I’ve made my parents very proud.”

Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator at Palmer’s College, Dr Tracey Elder said: “It has been an absolute pleasure teaching and mentoring Dannie since she joined my Critical Thinking class in September. As soon as I told Dannie about this fantastic opportunity, she showed great determination and enthusiasm in reaching her goal of securing a place.”

Students on the programme are supported over a number of months with an orientation and introduction event, a week in the US based in Yale or MIT and with visits to other campuses and a mini college fair, intensive preparation and counselling, tailored mentoring and admissions tests financed by the Sutton Trust Programme.

Every hour there will be planned walking and cycling activities suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.There will be a chance to go on led walks with Ann MacNamara who leads weekly walks on Friday afternoons too or to follow maps of the site. New this year is the Art Trail with an attractive leaflet showing you the mural and sculptures spread out around Davy Down and the Mardyke Valley.

Bike rides will be supported by Sustrans and members of the Gateway Cycling Club and will take bike-owners around the site with a quick check of brakes and gears then on to Purfleet using the National Cycling route. “Last year 6 year old Teddy Murphy completed the ride only days after dispensing with her stabilizers, thanks to the back marker who ensured that she stayed confident” said Diana Hale, Chair of Davy Down Trust.

If you just want to stay around the Stifford Pumping Station the giant garden games will be out in the grounds. Midway through the afternoon an elm will be planted in memory of Martin Wakelin who passed away in August. No child will have seen an elm in their lifetime as they were all wiped away by Dutch Elm Disease. Planting a specially grown disease free tree would have thrilled Martin.

The governors are hoping to have someone in position in January 2014 but earlier if possible.

Mr Glasby will leave the school having gained 65% 5 A* to C in last years GCSE results, leaving it in fourth place in the borough.

The new principal will have a number of issues that he or she will want to address in order to take the school to the next level.

The job spec says it is looking for a headteacher that will have:

An extensive track record of driving and managing educational excellence;

Proven success in implementing imaginative approaches to teaching and learning;

A passionate commitment to academic attainment and the pastoral needs of all students;

The vision and capability to build upon the outstanding record of the Academy and to take it further;

A flair for working collaboratively, developing and nurturing partnerships and maintaining relations with students, staff, parents/carers, governors, our feeder primary schools and the wider community.

Palmer’s students, year 12/13 students from school sixth forms across Thurrock and their parents attended the brand new event put on by the College to help support students and their parents during such a crucial time.

The evening consisted of talks from representatives of six of the highest ranking universities in the country, including Bristol, Cambridge, King’s College – London, Oxford, Queen Mary – University of London and Southampton.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “I am delighted that Palmer’s staff and colleagues in the university sector are collaborating so effectively in helping students prepare for higher level study at some of our finest universities.”

John Death, Head of Faculty and G&T Lead said: “Part of the College’s efforts is to support these most able students who, because they have the hardest choices, need to start early on the process of applying.” Staff were also available to give first hand careers advice and an insight into the College’s unique Gifted and Talented Programme.

Next Top Boss is a Thurrock based initiative that encourages students to make a contribution to finding solutions that face businesses in Thurrock today in an environmental or operational context.

Ten students from the WorkSkills Retail course beat out competition from competitors such as Palmer’s College, Gateway Academy and William Edwards who also took part in the challenge which is open to all local schools and colleges in Thurrock.

The students worked with the Port of Tilbury and RW Npower on the task at Tilbury Power station on a project based on the problems of plastic packaging waste and its impact on the environment.

To raise awareness of materials that can and can’t be recycled the group designed and produced information leaflets and posters that could be distributed to households throughout the borough and 16-year-old Bobby Bayly, from Basildon, recorded a ‘rap’ that could be shared via social media to encourage people to dispose of plastics thoughtfully.

Course Team Leader, Helen Ormond said: “The group I had with me couldn’t believe that they had won. When we shared the news with the rest of the group on Friday, the reaction was much the same. Bobby’s rapping talents are exceptional and he really put his heart and soul into the rap.”

The judges commented on how effectively the rap and the leaflets conveyed the message about the importance of recycling plastics.

Helen added: “Winning this year will hopefully encourage more students to take part next year. It’s a good experience that allows them to explore the issues that affect us all and suggest solutions to problems that face us and businesses on a daily basis. It also shows how the College links with local businesses to provide opportunities and develop the talents and abilities of students that wouldn’t be possible.”

Held at Hassenbrook School, Stanford-le-Hope, groups included OAKs (Ockendon and Aveley kids), Thurrock DofE Club, Grays Convent, Stanford Open DofE centre and William Edwards school.

Cllr Gupta said: “I was thoroughly impressed to see the hard work the young people undertook in order to achieve these awards. This has been an inspirational evening and I would like to thank everyone who helped organise the celebrations.”

The young people who received awards have completed over 2,000 hours of voluntary service to the community, over the last 12 months. Activities included coaching various sports, altar serving, teaching children to read and caring for the elderly.

Two gold participants, Hannah Mingay and Leah McArdle, presented the evening while other young people showcased their talents.

The evening also recognised the work of many volunteers who have jointly contributed over 8,000 hours of commitment to the young people and their award over the past year. Particular credit was given to Mrs Jean Jones, who after spending the last 10 years running the award in Grays Convent, has decided to retire from the role.

If you are interested in either taking part as a participant or registering as an adult volunteer to support the young people in gaining their awards, please contact Thurrock Council DofE head office on 07721 320414 or e-mail: rbaker@thurrock.gov.uk

Over 36 organisations ranging from media, finance, fashion, IT, accounting, health, sport and many more, were on hand to give students advice and information about careers and training in their sector.

CV clinics were also run by the Careers team.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “This year’s Careers Fair has been invaluable to our students especially given the current economic climate. We have many local and national employers on campus today offering excellent advice and information to our students about their future careers.”

The event was organised by the College’s award winning Careers team and the Employer Engagement Manager – Linda Jones. She added: “We are very grateful to the large number and variety of exhibitors who have given up their time today to come and meet with our students.

“The advice and information that they are able to provide greatly helps the students to make informed choices about their futures. We value and appreciate the support they have given to this year’s Palmer’s College Careers fair.”

The Challenge, which ends on 22nd May, sets participating organisations 24 activities to complete, with activities split across Game, Skill, Food and a special David Beckham 1 Minute Challenge. By taking part in all of the activities, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred will receive 200 Active Kids vouchers to spend this year and will also be in with a chance to win places at the Active Kids Challenge Live! event to meet Active Kids Ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds.

Local MP Jackie Doyle-Price is calling on Active Kids registered organisations in Thurrock to have a go at the Challenge in the coming weeks. She is one of 15 MPs across the UK who will help a local organisation in their constituency take part in one of the activities in the Challenge, as part of a special national awareness campaign.

Jackie Doyle-Price said: “The Active Kids Challenge is really easy, fun and great for team building, whether it’s in the classroom or a P.E lesson. I am I’m pleased to be support the team at Sainsbury’s Chafford Hundred. I enjoyed getting involved in one of the activities on Friday and I hope others will to as there really are some great prizes on offer”

Gemma is also expert in throwing both the discus and shot, previously winning bronze with the shot in the Commonwealth Games. Woodside Academy has a strong sporting tradition and has been building on this following the Olympics with more than 50 regular activities including new additions, cycling, archery and handball inspired by the London games.

As well as being an outstanding athlete Gemma has a master’s degree in mathematics from St Andrews University. She told children how she took up athletics following a taster day and her excitement when she won her medal.

Woodside Academy Principal Edward Caines said “ We have had visits from a number of Olympic athletes before but Gemma was truly inspirational. Her triumph in overcoming her disability to compete and succeed at such a level is a lesson we can all learn from.”

But the Thurrock Prince’s Trust Team 3 were determined that would be put right.

The fire hit the Buxton Road, Grays school’s drama studio and hall and Team 3 spent the two weeks of the Easter break fundraising and planning an event for the pupils.

They arranged transport for over a 150 pupils and staff to come to Thurrock Adult Community College in Richmond where they had a great afternoon with a silengt disco and refreshments

Thurrock Council youth worker and team leader Tom Flynn: “This was a fantastic event and the team should be proud of the hard work they put in to make this such a success.”

Angela Davies, key stage four leader at the school, said: “We would like to give a massive thank-you to Team 3 for organising the silent disco for our pupils.

“All the pupils who came had a great time and it was a really good idea and having individual control of the volume meant all the pupils – even those with sensitivity to noise – were able to enjoy the music at a level that was right for them.”

She added: “Since the fire at our school last month it’s been hard to organise large events for our students and we really appreciate the team for thinking of us and for allowing our ‘Do Something Funny for Money’ that should have happened on Red Nose Day to happen as well, it really made it a great afternoon.”

Cllr Gerrish made the bold statement a few months ago, despite a league table revealing that Thurrock primary schools were in the bottom three of the country for schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding.”

Since then, there has been a succession of inspection reports that seem to confirm Thurrock’s position in the “relegation zone” of primary education in the UK.

Corringham primary school as well as Benyon primary have been placed in special measures. St Joseph’s in Stanford, Purfleet, Harris Chafford and Little Thurrock have all been told that they require improvement.

Whilst there has been a plethora of unimpressive reports in Thurrock, Coventry and Derby, the two authorities that were placed bottom and second from bottom of the country have seem a raft of Good Ofsted reports.

Hearsall primary, Little Heath primary, Stanton Bridge, Allesley Hall primary in Coventry have all received Good reports whilst over in Derby: Asterdale primary, Redwood primary and Roe Farm have also received good Ofsted inspections.

But speaking to YT, cllr Gerrish has made a robust defence of the progress the primary schools are making.

Cll Gerrish said: “Thurrock schools are undeniably on the up. Our key aims are to improve the results that pupils are achieving and to ensure that the schools they are attending are judged “Good” or better.

To measure progress is therefore simple: are exam results improving, and are more and more schools being judged “Good” or better?

“The evidence on both counts is exceptionally strong.

“To take results first of all, there have been huge improvements in results for Early Years and Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

At Key Stage 1, we’ve turned around a large gap with national average to the point where we’re now exceeding that national average in each of Reading, Writing and Maths. Writing scores saw a 9 percentage point improvement this year, which is quite remarkable.

At Key Stage 2, a few years ago we were just about at the bottom of the bottom quartile nationally. Over the last three years, the percentage of pupils attaining level 4+ including English and Maths (the key measure) has trended up from 66% to 76% – a 10 percentage point jump that has nearly reached the national average, and we’re on course to close that gap.

On “Good” or better schools, we have seen dramatic increases.

Taking schools’ most recent Ofsted results, 13 have moved to “Good” having previously been rated “Satisfactory” or worse. Not a single school has gone from “Good” or better to a lower result.

That’s why it annoys me when people try and talk down education in Thurrock for their own political ends. We are certainly not where we need to be yet – I won’t be happy until every school is good and the results show that we are in the top quartile nationally. However, our rate of improvement both on exam results and Ofsted outcomes demonstrates that we are moving rapidly in that direction.

“Your Thurrock asked me directly what evidence it would take for me to change my mind that primary education is improving. I will say very clearly – I’d change my mind if schools were going from “Good” to worse, or if the exam results were declining. Neither of those things is happening, and in fact the rate of improvement is strong. Those that would do our schools down should perhaps be asked the opposite question: what evidence would it take for them to finally acknowledge the excellent progress being made in Thurrock?”