The GLC is involved in the Royal Ballet and Opera's @Trailblazer cultural programme, presenting a ceramics workshop for nearby schools. Students from Harris Academy Ockenden joined us to complete their final pieces for their GCSE art projects. The outcomes were remarkable!
Take a look at the wonderful things that have happened across the trust during spring 1.
These four students have been selected by their teachers for the Students of the Month in the Art department. They worked really hard to achieve their work on a very high standard! We are extremely proud of them!
Photographer - Mario R. - Year 10 Mario is a dedicated student that has worked relentlessly in Photography to ensure that his coursework is the best possible grade. The coursework currently displays his exceptional technical ability and presentation skills. Mario should be very proud of the work that he has completed!
Dancer - Millie P. – Year 7 Millie is a dedicated and hardworking dance student with a strong passion for excellence. Committed to refining her skills, she devotes her free time to attending clubs and extra sessions. She not only strives to be the best version of herself but also actively supports and encourages her peers, creating a collaborative and motivating atmosphere.
Actor - Alex G. – Year 10 Alex is a diligent and conscientious student who will always commit to the practical and written work 100%. He is willing to take on all types of challenges and characters and goes above and beyond my expectation within and outside of the classroom. This month, Alex’s performance of Oggy Moxon from John Godber’s Teechers was hilarious! His vocal expression as a school bully and physical exaggeration in Godber’s style was superb. Alex also supported the department this month by speaking to Yr. 9 students about the benefits of choosing Drama in a detailed and confident manner. Congratulations Alex!
Kara M. – Year 10 Kara has been chosen for student of the month for Art as she is dedicated to her learning, both in lessons and her own time, and she has made great progress this year. Kara applies herself to her work with enthusiasm and regularly asks for feedback and advice which she responds to with maturity. As well as creating her own high quality work, Kara helps others in class with her advice, ideas and practical solutions. She has demonstrated resilience when things have not gone right and preserved until the outcome is of a high standard.
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.
38 students sat their Mensa IQ tests in December with the results having come through last week.
4 students at the Academy scored within the top 2% of the country and are therefore eligible to join Mensa.
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!
The Year 7 students created their Worry Ugly Doll Fusions, where they not only explored their creativity but also developed a wide range of new skills. Through the process, they learned valuable techniques, from sewing to combining different materials, resulting in unique and imaginative pieces.
