On Monday 10th February 2025, immediately after school, the Gateway Learning Community (GLC) hosted a Cadet Taster session for students considering joining the school's Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The event attracted over 75 students, who eagerly participated in a range of engaging activities, including rock climbing, air rifle shooting, and several command tasks designed to develop communication skills and teamwork.

Cadets from Harris Academy were on hand to support the event, providing insight into the CCF experience and sharing their expertise. The students also had the unique opportunity to explore and handle military equipment, such as clothing, rations, and camping gear, sparking curiosity and excitement about cadet life.

The session was a resounding success, with all attendees enthusiastically engaging in the activities and gaining a deeper understanding of the values and opportunities the CCF offers.

Following the event, applications for the school's CCF contingent are now open, with detailed information sent to families via Edulink. This marks an exciting step forward for the CCF program at the Gateway Academy, fostering skills in leadership, resilience, and camaraderie.

The Year 10 students did an exceptional job on their Movement-themed ceramic pieces. For many of them, it was their first experience working with clay, and they demonstrated impressive creativity and skill in their work!

This week, the Year 7, 8, and 9 students have been busy cooking up a storm in Food Technology! Year 7 have really impressed with their delicious broccoli and cauliflower cheese bakes, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. Year 8 have been mastering the art of pizza-making, with students crafting their own tasty pizzas, experimenting with different toppings, and learning valuable skills along the way. Meanwhile, Year 9 students have been preparing hearty fish pies, perfecting their fillings and topping. It’s been a week full of tasty creations, and the students have really enjoyed putting their culinary skills to the test!

Please enter an introduction for your news story here.

“It was an absolute privilege to visit The Gateway Academy again to help celebrate the joys of reading and writing with the students. I couldn’t have hoped for a better day - the whole event was such a positive experience. I thought the sessions went really well and it was very impactful to see how many students wanted to ask a question! The students were a great combination of enthusiastic as well as being very polite and listening well.

“With the Year 7s, we discussed the power of reading and writing - and how sport and stories allow us to make bonds and build friendships. We also talked about resilience and how real-life stories can be weaved into fiction. Meanwhile, in the Year 8 workshop, we explored all the varied and incredible career opportunities that are available within football. The students wrote fantastic job application letters.
“It was a pleasure to speak with the students and I was particularly struck by how the school really values the positive power of physical books and reading in the overall development of the students. I hope the day encourages the students to Go For Their Goals.” - Dan Freedman 

Take a look at all the wonderful things that have been happening throughout the GLC during Autumn 2.