THERE were smiles a plenty and happy chatter when the new Yr 7 students popped into Commonweal to take part in Summer School.

Students could choose to do Sports, Drama, Music, Science or Dance.

“The summer school is a really good way to ease the new intake into their new surroundings and to get used to the layout of the school, meet some of the staff and make new friends,” said Josie Williams, community arts development officer at Commonweal who organised the week.

“The new students were aided by older students and made to feel at home. At the end of the week parents and siblings came in to watch a showcase of the weeks work,” she added.

The scientist had a special visitor on the Friday when Tony Forsythe, a representative of the UK Space Agency visited the students and put on a brilliant display of real-life prototype rockets. Mr Forsythe, a parent of two Commonweal students, explained how the rockets were constructed and worked before students watched in awe as they jetted 100ft into the air.

“The budding year 7 scientists had a blast during their time at Commonweal Summer School. Many of their tasks included building planes and rockets, but none were prepared for the excitement that was to come. Some new Commonwealians were even involved as “scramblers” to recover the rocket once it had landed, said science teacher Miss Ben-Ali.

The last day of summer school could not have been closed in a better fashion, and it is many thanks to Mr Forsythe. Not only did this experience teach the students a whole lot about science and its applications, it also teaches us at Commonweal how valuable the skillsets of parents are to the education of our students. So if you have any skills or interests you think may be valuable to us at Commonweal, please get in touch,” said Miss Ben-Ali.

Following the successful Summer School some of the feedback from parents and pupils was:

“My son did not end up going to his feeder school and was very upset not being with his friends, however, he has made lots of new ones and has come home so happy every day. Thank you Commonweal staff and students,” Dani Colucci.

“My daughter came in feeling nervous as expected, but had a great week and staff were lovely and made her feel happy. Thank you,” Sarah Fisher.

“Summer school for the new Yr 7s is a fantastic initiative. Kody has had a brilliant few days in Drama, made new friends already, and is familiar with the school. 10/10 on all levels! Thank you.” Jane Bowler.

“Drama – fantastic week. My daughter feels much more confident about starting Year 7. Thank you.” Anon.

Yr 6 feedback

“Summer school was great and Science was amazing. I can’t wait to come to Commonweal,” Evie Dixon.

“I found Music very enjoyable and further pushed me to do better. Mrs Driver was a very good teacher and helped my group out loads. It really helped me to interact with other people also,” said Callum O’Donnell.

“I really enjoyed Sport, some of the games were amazing.” Jamie Humphreys.