IF THERE is a part of the St Clere's prize-giving that encapsulates the spirit of the Butts Lane school, then it is when prizes are presented and a testimonial to the student is read out. They are touching moments, many about how the student went the extra yard in order to achieve their goal. It says a lot about the student but perhaps it says more about the school.
The Grays School Media Arts College saluted the examination and academic performance of the class of 2012 at their annual presentation evening on Tuesday 13th November. The school presented current and former students with their GCSE certificates and awarded special trophies for individual success in a range of academic areas.
BRITISH cyclist and former student, Daniel Patten was guest of honour at the Gable Hall Sports Awards Evening on Tuesday (Nov 13th). The event was an opportunity for the school to reward and celebrate the quite stunning achievements of the school's sports men and women.
ON THURSDAY night between 6pm and 8pm, Harris Academy Chafford Hundred opens it doors to prospective students and parents. This is a fantastic opportunity to see for yourself the brand new sixth form centre. Opened in September by Lord Harris, the centre stands as a shining example of what can be built.
AS part of a cultural trip, 38 year 10 and 11 from Grays Convent School spent a week in Catalonia from the 24th to the 30th October.
The girls enjoyed exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona and after visiting the still-in-construction Sagrada Familia, Joelle Cook of year 10 said:” It was really peaceful and I would like to see it again in 10 years to see how it’s improved. It was calm and made me feel holly”.
ALL LAST WEEK, music students from across the borough, descended on the Culver Centre in South Ockendon to tak epart in a series of master classes from musicians at the top of their profession. YT dropped in on the piano masterclass, being taken by Ros Pitcher, head of Southend Music services.
HEAD of Estates for the College is Geoff Stedman and his team have been instrumental in putting sustainability measures in place. He said: “When you think about being energy efficient at home you might think about changing to energy efficient lightbulbs or adding loft insulation but we’ve had to think on a much grander scale across three sites.
STAFF and students at Ormiston Park Academy gathered together at Ormiston Park Academy to remember the fallen in all conflicts around world.
Led by assistant chaplain, Ray Holland the assembly was marked by poetry recitals, songs and reflections on war and remembrance.
THE STUDENTS at Hassenbrook Academy have always been known for their enterprise, so it was no surprise that the year ten students jumped at the chance to be part of the Next Top Boss experience. Over the last two years, NTB has been open to post-16 years of age students but this year, Thurrock Council and their partners decided to open it up to year ten students.
AVELEY primary has become the first school in Thurrock to be graded "requires improvement" under Education minister, Michael Gove's new grades.
Up until a few months ago, the school on the High Street would have marked as satisfactory but the school have now been given a rating that seems more akin to the dreaded "notice to improve" or "special measures".
WE ALL KNOW, that there is a thriving academic scene at the Harris Academy (Chafford Hundred) Sixth Form. But the students are also developing their football skills with the help of Chelsea FC Foundation. The Harris Academy Chafford Hundred Football Academy has places available for the 2013/2014 season. There will be trials on Thursday March 28th and Friday April 26th, 2013.
CHILDREN born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 should be starting primary school next year and parents have until mid-January to apply for a place.
Although there are sufficient primary places across Thurrock, some schools will be oversubscribed with the result places in some areas will be very tight.
PARENTS whose children will be “going up” to secondary school next year have just a few hours to get their applications in. Applications close on Wednesday, 31 October, and can be made via Thurrock Council’s website (www.thurrock.gov.uk) and clicking on the “School Admissions” link on the front page.
Year 11 Language Ambassador Students, Megan, Katherine and Kira helped year 7, 8 and 9 to prepare presentations to teach their own languages to their class. Kira, Language Ambassador said “Taking part in language day opened my eyes to the amount of languages and diversity in my school. I really enjoyed getting to know about the girls and their different cultural backgrounds as well as helping them communicate their language to their classmates.”
Faizal Akindele from St Clere’s School was awarded the Make a Difference Award - part of the British Youth Council's 2012 Youth on Board Awards. He was nominated for his role on the Thurrock Youth Cabinet and the work he puts into his position as chair.
