Workington Academy students are celebrating milestones in their education this week in style. The Year 11 and Sixth Form leaver’s events were disrupted by the Covid-19 outbreak in the summer term. Undeterred, the staff have worked hard to throw parties to remember in a marquee situated on the school site.
Headteacher Des Bird said “It was really disappointing to have to postpone our celebration events back in July. Public Health advice at the time prohibited us from holding the events, which seemed a real shame, particularly as we also had to cancel them the year before due to the Pandemic. We knew the students really value these events, as do their parents and the whole community. We decided to press on and hold the event in September. We have taken a range of safety precautions, including lateral flow tests, hand sanitisation and are even holding the event in a marquee to reduce the chances of transmission. I think it is really important that we give these students a positive experience to remember.”
The first of the events took place for previous Year 11 students on Tuesday night. Director of Learning for Year 11, Mr Sewell, said “It was fantastic to see the students enjoying themselves, especially given the tough time they have had. They are a credit to themselves and to the Academy.” Mr Sewell also thanked the staff who have worked hard to organise such an event. “It has been difficult for the staff who put such a lot into these events to have them cancelled and postponed. I am really grateful to a number of staff who have worked hard to make this a fantastic event.”
A further sixth form party is to be held at the Academy on Thursday evening. Head of Sixth Form at the Workington site, Andrea McAllister said “We are really excited to hold the event which was postponed from the summer. Out students have worked really hard during the various lockdowns and certainly deserve this opportunity to celebrate.” The Sixth Form event will have entertainment from the sixth form band, and will have a festival theme.
