Packed Open Evening
Huge numbers of prospective students and families packed into the Academy for our annual Open Evening.
A packed school hall listens to Executive Principal Mr Dickinson.
Executive Principal Philip Dickinson thanked everybody for coming and said it had been a “fantastic” event, with numbers significantly up on 12 months ago.
“It was a phenomenal evening and I had so many positive conversations with prospective students plus parents and carers,” he said.
“The atmosphere was electric and every child appeared to have fun and an amazing evening.
“We have been inundated with positive comments, both on the night and subsequently.”
More than 400 student volunteers from every year group helped the evening run smoothly and were proud to tell their stories to visitors, said Mr Dickinson.
“The numbers helping out were unbelievable and I’m grateful to them and staff for their much- valued contributions.”
There was standing room only for Mr Dickinson’s presentations. He told visitors about the school’s continued improvement.
“The GCSE results this summer evidence that journey. Terrific results in, for example, Photography, Dance, Drama, and Art demonstrated the balanced, broad and ambitious curriculum.
“It is also a curriculum for all.
“What was nice about the evening was the numbers of children who had already met our staff because of the out-reach work we have been doing in our primaries.
“They include Outdoor Education, Primary Maths Challenges and appearances by the cast of our big production earlier in the year, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“Visiting children recognised staff and students who had been in their school and were comfortable looking around as a result.
“Our efforts to build relationships with primaries have had a big impact.”
Following on from the huge success of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it was announced next year’s production will be Peter Pan. There will be two public performances at Grimsby Auditorium next July.
One Year 6 “really impressed” with what he had experienced at the event was Harvey Smart, who attends Springfield Primary.
Mum Liz Butler said he had been “wowed” by all the extra-curricular sport.
“Harvey can’t wait to come here,” she said. “He’s told me that, after school, he’s going to be in the gym all the time or playing football, table tennis or on the basketball courts.
“He’s just one of those who is good at everything. He came on a Year 5 taster earlier this year and absolutely loved it.
“I know he will fit right in.”
Pete and Leanne Barnatt brought son Eddie, a Year 6 student at Lisle Marsden, to the event.
His sister, Annabelle, had started at Waltham Toll Bar in Year 7 in September.
“She’s settled in really well and was actually at the event, helping out in the Maths department,” said Pete.
“When we came around with her we were struck on how nice the facilities were. The learning environment is fantastic.
“There is also a big network of staff if there are any issues.
“Enrichment is a massive part of their offer and we were really impressed. He is sporty, just like me.
“I coach the under 11s at Grimsby Cricket Club. Eddie’s in the team, as are his friends, and a lot are coming to Waltham Toll Bar so they will have a strong cricket side!”
Mr Dickinson shared an email with staff that had been sent in following the evening.
It said: “We have been around the school this evening. The students and staff could not have been more welcoming.
“It was an outstanding welcome and our number one choice now. Having visited other schools in the area in recent weeks there is no comparison.
“Fingers crossed, you have room for our little man.”
Getting into the Peter Pan spirit! Harvey Smart (fourth left) with mum Liz, four-year-old brother Ralphie, sister Rosie (5) and friends.
Lisle Marsden pupil Eddie with parents Pete and Leanne Barnatt.
George Betteridge from New Waltham Academy with Arlana Bowman from Year 7 and Mrs Plant.
Rehearsals start for next year’s production of Peter Pan.
Olivia, a Year 4 at New Waltham Academy, having fun in Science.
Theia, from Enfield Academy, is shown some of the gym equipment by Kyla Logan (Year 9).
Archie, from Bursar Academy, with Mohammad Abdul-Hawa from Year 7.
