- The choir performs Circle of Life to a packed hall.
Unparalleled opportunities were offered at Waltham Toll Bar Academy – but most important to leaders was students feeling they belong.
That was a key message from new Principal Joe Hermiston when prospective children and their families attended its Open Evening.
They heard him outline expectations should they select the school as their first-choice destination.
Academic success, a literacy focus, fabulous enrichment, outstanding behaviour and a quality sports offer were on offer – but he wanted students to feel part of a special community.
“We really care about GCSE results and behaviour, but what we want at the end of five years here is our young people to be well rounded,” he said.
“They will have made the most of our personal development opportunities and feel part of the local community.”
The relaunched house system created a strong sense of community and increased the sense of belonging to the school.
“We have a big focus on celebrating achievement, with e-praise points leading to rewards,” Mr Hermiston said.
He expressed concern at a national trend, with a drop off in children reading when they entered secondary school.
“Reading is at the heart of everything we do. It sets students up for success in every avenue of life.”
Performing arts was another strength. Mr Hermiston could not believe the excitement generated by the pending announcement of next summer’s big production at Grimsby Auditorium. It will be Shrek the Musical, following Peter Pan this year, which played to 2,489 people over two days.
His presentation had been preceded by a stunning, harmonic performance of Circle of Life from The Lion King by the school’s choir, under the direction of Vice Principal Nicola Law.
Executive Principal Philip Dickinson, who has led the school over the last two years, said: “The choir epitomises all what we are about as a school and as a trust.
“They’ve come together with the first rehearsal on the last week of summer term and had six in total.
“It’s an amazing achievement. It’s what we mean when we talk about aspirational education.
“Students and staff are the best versions of themselves every day. The choir is clear evidence of that.”
The school, part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, was continually improving and Mr Dickinson was proud it had achieved its best GCSE outcomes in eight years over the summer.
Visitors were impressed.
Harper, a pupil at Fairfield Primary, was enjoying samples of lunch menus in the canteen with mum Collette Law.
“I loved the choir and Circle of Life,” the 10-year-old said. “The lasagna is very good too.”
Collette said: “It was very impressive what the Executive Principal and Principal had to say.”
Arthur (10), a pupil at Tetney Primary, ‘set fire’ to a teacher in a science demonstration in one of the many interactive opportunities throughout the site for the visiting children.
“It was fun,” he said, “It wasn’t scary – I was okay. I love science and I want to be an astronaut.”
Basketball was enjoyed by 10-year-old Jacob, accompanied by mum and dad Louise and Dave Hanks.
Their eldest son Alex left the school two years ago and a third, Noah, was in Year 11.
“Jacob will come here,” said Louise. “The other two have been happy here and never said they didn’t want to come to school.”
Michaela Lord had competed alongside son Charlie on a rowing machine, part of an impressive gym.
Sister Isabelle, like her brother, attends Springfield Primary and is due to move to Waltham Toll Bar next year.
“It’s been a good evening and really interesting,” said Michaela.
Romy (10), who attends Scartho Juniors, was with twin brother Luca and their elder sibling Leo.
She had been so busy in the art room, mum Amanda Muller said they had missed the presentation. They had also visited Maths, English, Music, the library, Performing Arts and History.
“Leo’s in Year 10 here and is happy and my daughter Mya has just left and is at college, having enjoyed being here,” she said.
Hundreds of volunteer students, plus staff, were on hand to discuss their experiences of life at Waltham Toll Bar.
Mr Hermiston had told the visitors: “It is amazing to see so many people here. It is not about us but about the students and letting them speak on behalf of the academy.”
