As part of the Aimhigher scheme this term, Ormiston Park Academy introduced their Year 9, 10 and 11 students to the Paralympic Olympian star Danny Crates. The students were inspired by Danny’s courage and determination after he gave them a number of talks on how to accomplish their dreams no matter what hurdles come their way. The students had the opportunity to speak to Danny afterwards, took pictures and even had the opportunity to hold his Gold medal!
Kathy, the Palmer’s Continuing Professional Development Manager, made a deal with herself to run the marathon when she turned 40, 50 and 60, and Sunday’s race will see her fulfil her ambition.
South Essex College’s current Further Education prospectus is already proving to be a hit with potential students as it has seen an increase in applications this year, so as well as being a commercial success it is also proving to be a critical one after being shortlisted for the prestigious Heist Awards in the Best Further Education Prospectus category.
Motor Vehicle students at the College's Basildon Campus were recently visited by Graham Noakes, a Senior Technician at Sytner BMW in Harold Wood. Graham gave the students a talk about electronic communication within a modern vehicle. The packed hall learnt about the advancements in technology and the new features of cars such as self-parking, massage chairs and vehicles that automatically slow down when you approach a speed camera.
So where do I start? Do I start was the flawless vocals of the singers? Do I begin with the perfectly choreographed dances? Or I do commence with the fantastically executed American accent? I have never witnessed such a flawless performance in a school before. It was more akin to sitting in the West End with the cast having the talent and professionalism of adults. The dancing, particularly in Fat Sam’s was sheer brilliance, as was the outstanding singing that would put the likes of Adele in her place. The acting was nothing short of superb, so much so that it was like another world was opening up in front of you.
Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock visited Hassenbrook School in Stanford-le-Hope this week where he met with Year 11 students, Headteacher, Richard Glasby and Chair of Governors Sir Graham Bright.
YT happens to think that the BTEC class at Ormiston Park Academy are very brave to perform their coursework in front of an audience. Exams are nerve-wracking enough without having the public and cameras in front of you. However if you are good enough then you have nothing to hide and this indeed was a very entertaining "class" production of the Willy Russell play.
"Lord Harris is such an enthusiastic supporter of good education it was obvious to want to involve him in Thurrock’s schools. When Chris told me he was considering academy status last year I could see that this was a partnership which might work for the school and put Lord Harris in touch.
WHEN MELVIN Burgess' book Junk came out in the mid-nineties there was quite a stir. It was written for teenagers, it was read by teenagers but schools worried about placing a book that discussed drugs so frankly alongside Wind in the Willows and Stig of the Dump.
The Thurrock Creative and Media Diploma cohort is made up of 45 students from Ormiston Park Academy, Grays School and William Edwards School. As part of their course, they are putting on an Arts festival which will showcases artwork from local artists including students from a range of Thurrock schools.
Mark Vinall, Principal, said, “We are the experts in post-16 education in the area, and have over 30 years experience as a successful sixth form college. Palmer’s also has a fantastic team of established teaching staff who are passionate and extremely knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.”
Coach Ryan Jones said: "It is not an exaggeration when I say, the boys have given freely over 40 hours throughout the season in snow, sleet and rain all dedicated to becoming the best that they can possibly be!
Young Writers, the parent company of Forward Press, which is the largest publisher of new poetry in the world, launch their Poetry Matters Anthology every year with the intention to engage, motivate and inspire young people as well as boost their confidence in regards to writing.
It is also good to see that St Clere’s as a specialist Science school, an area I am particularly interested, is getting excellent science results. We need students to take an interest in Science to make sure Britain leads the way in innovation and ideas to attract international investment and to ensure that our businesses have the skilled staff they needed to remain world leaders.”
