4 minute read
Education
We’re incredibly proud of our people
As we reach the end of this academic year, I want to celebrate the hard work and success of all the students at Corfe Hills School. It has been a busy and eventful year and, although the Pandemic has continued to impact school life, we are delighted that we have been able to restart so many of the events and activities that had been put on hold over the last two years. The academic year began with a very positive Ofsted inspection with the school graded good in all categories. November saw the return of our annual school production with three exceptional sell-out performances of Matilda Jr. The spring term saw Year 10 work experience and success in the student led Dance Live competition with our team winning the Best Concept Award in the final at the Lighthouse Theatre. Our students have also achieved incredible sporting success this year with our U16 girls football team winning the County Cup Final and our Year 10 team winning the Town Sports Competition. The last half term has seen the return of our flagship fundraising event, the Sandwalk, after a three-year gap, and alongside these highlights there
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE have been many other extra-curricular activities and residential trips that have taken place. I am incredibly grateful to our staff team and the local community as it is their support that makes it possible to offer so much for our students. This year has also seen the return of GCSE and A-level examinations after two years without public examinations. Supported by their teachers, our students have worked incredibly hard this year and have shown commitment and enthusiasm in their studies whether that has been choosing and beginning GCSEs or the transition to A-level courses. We are incredibly proud of the determination and resilience shown by our Year 11 and Year 13 students during their examination season, and we look forward to celebrating with them later in August when they receive their results.
James Sankey Headteacher
Autism Unlimited’ Sixth Form has outgrown its current base and the charity has taken on a large part of a building in Airfield Road, Christchurch. Based in Parley, the leading regional charity - which provides specialist education, care and support to autistic children and adults - runs Portfield School which supports primary and secondary school students aged 4-15. But now major refurbishment is now under way to install classrooms, workshop areas, a kitchen and dining area and outdoor space in time for the first Sixth Form class to move in at the start of the autumn term. Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “This was the student’s first visit to the new Sixth Form site and despite it being a work in progress, they were all very impressed and are very much looking forward to moving in and making it their own unique space.” Students attend Sixth Form between the ages of 15 and 19 and the focus starts to look beyond school life and onwards to accreditations and preparation for life post-education. Siún continued: “Exploring the world of work and career and achieving fulfilment in adulthood are integral to Sixth Form, as well as wellbeing – healthy lives and healthy networks and relationships. “Every student is encouraged to undertake work experience and also benefits from expert career advice and support from the skilled Sixth Form team. “Sixth Form is also a time for exploring
FLYING VISIT: Robbie Piper with fellow students and teachers from Autism Unlimited’s Sixth Form surveying their new base in Airfield Road, Christchurch
personal independence and at this stage, students develop their understanding of meal preparation, cleaning and handling money in different situations outside of the classroom. “The new building will provide a fantastic environment which is meaningful and welcoming for students at this crucial time in life when it is so important to recognise they are maturing and need a base which inspires and engages them.” Classes will move into the new building in phases up until the end of the year.
The new location also offers the opportunity to establish links with the local business park and the wider area for possible work experience. Student Robbie Piper, 17, said: “I think it’s going to be ten out of ten when it’s finished. “There will be lots more room for us and a proper kitchen, good outside space and even a gym. “I want to learn to drive, become an engineer and have my own house when I am older, so studying here is going to help me a lot.”
An adventurous day out for children
Send children and families from Diverse Abilities’ Coping with CHAOS enjoyed a day out at Adventure Wonderland, thanks to tickets donated by the Dorset theme park. More than 70 tickets have been donated to Children’s Services at Dorset’s disability charity to allow the families to have a great day out at the beginning of the summer holidays. Amy Topp, short breaks coordinator at Diverse Abilities, said: “We are so thankful to the team at Adventure Wonderland for their incredibly kind donation of tickets, our Coping with CHAOS families love taking days out and having our staff in tow means they can really enjoy themselves.”
