School shows off academy colours (From Swindon Advertiser)
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School shows off academy colours
6:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News
Lauren Shakespear, Jodie Black, Holly Fuller, Reece Cass and Callum Wells and Jordan Leech
HUNDREDS of parents and members of the public joined the mayor, staff and students to celebrate the creation of The Dorcan Academy.
An Academy Showcase was held on Thursday to highlight the school’s new look and uniforms since becoming an academy.
It recognised the recent years of sustained success and the school becoming one of the top three per cent of secondary schools for improvement nationally.
The showcase included salsa dancing , a giant art wall, wheelchair basketball and even a fastest nappy change challenge.
The academy also welcomed partners, including St John’s Ambulance, who were planning first aid training for students at the school after last week’s tragic accident involving Joe Compton.
Eleven-year-old Joe remains in a stable condition in Frenchay Hospital after he was struck by lightning in the school car park.
Deputy headteacher Malcolm Coombes said: “Although we have been an academy since the beginning of September, we wanted to have an official launch and open day.
“We invited primary schools to come up and we have had a bulb planting area for the children so that when they eventually start at the school they can say: ‘That’s what I did’.
“We have a new image to the school. Although we have kept the same colours, we have changed the logo – we were cautious that we didn’t want to incur a lot of costs for parents. We wanted to keep part of our original identity but also move it forward and the response has been superb.”
The event concluded with a presentation from students and headteacher Scott Sissons reflecting on the school’s new image and the opportunities it will provide.
The guest of honour, Team GB’s rowing Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover, then spoke on the school’s new strapline of ‘Aspire, Learn, Achieve’ before unveiling a new honours board to recognise the achievements of students at the school.
Dr Sissons said: “This event will help to lay a great foundation for the school, preparing it for the challenges ahead and to improve still further under the new banner of The Dorcan Academy.”
