Luke Wright Poetry Afternoon

On 8th December the poet Luke Wright visited St Gregory’s to perform and teach students with a poetry afternoon. All Year 11 and Year 12 English students enjoyed his fast paced ‘stand up’ performance of poetry and stories. After the performance Year 12 students analysed some of Luke’s poetry and other Poets work, such as John Cooper Clarke, and even had a go at writing their own in a workshop run by Luke.

Luke is a poet and broadcaster. Luke broadcasts his own show on Saturday mornings on BBC Radio 4. Every year he produces a new poetry stage show and tours it across the UK and even to far-flung places such as Australia and China. His current show just completed a sold out run at The Edinburgh Fringe.

The students were completely bowled over by Luke’s performance and made comments such as “I didn’t know that poetry could be such fun and so cool!” and “I really enjoyed the work shop, I learnt such a lot from Luke. I didn’t realise that poetry was so involved and complicated until Luke taught us how to analyse and break it down.”

Both year groups thoroughly enjoyed their time with Luke, a really inspirational visit, full of energy and enthusiasm, and hopefully one to be repeated.

Mrs Stanley (School Librarian)

Luke (middle, back row) with some of our sixth form students.

Certificate Evening

On Thursday 5th January, past and present students of St. Gregory’s joined with their parents, staff, governors, Dr Anne Bamford, Cllr. Elizabeth Thomas and Ms Olivier to celebrate their achievements in the examinations of Summer 2011.

The Speaker for the evening was Dr Anne Bamford, Director of Education, Archdiocese of Southwark School’s Commission. Anne has been recognised nationally and internationally for her research in arts, education, emerging literacies and visual communication. She is an expert in the international dimension of education and through her research, she has pursued issues of innovation, social impact and equity and diversity.

Anne advised students on the 10 most important things they will need when they leave school –
Business Acumen – think about how to use your skills,
Communication, write less & talk more – in life talking is important.
Team Work
Making strong friendships
Negotiation 
Persuasion
Problem Solving – can be shown in different ways, big or small.
Organisation – Companies will look for this.
Motivation – Do the best you can possibly do.
Confidence – Be the very best person you can be.
And an extra point – ‘Think about what Spirituality means to you’.

Sarah Cameron, Head Girl and Edward Gill, Head Boy, gave a vote of thanks to Dr Bamford, and told her how they had developed and grown as learners at St. Gregory’s.

The Canterbury Christ Church University Secondary School Prize Scheme Award was presented to Matthew Miles, for greatest progress in KS4.  The Rosemary Olivier Award was presented to Hannah Wylie, for progress in Sixth Form.

Rosemary Olivier presenting the
Rosemary Olivier Award

Dr Anne Bamford & Cllr. Elizabeth Thomas presenting the Canterbury Christ Church University Award

‘School of the Week’

On Friday 16th December Radio Kent chose St Gregory’s school to be their ‘School of the Week’. If you missed this or would like to listen again to Mr Adamson’s and Sophia King’s interviews then go to the St Gregory’s website and follow the link.

www.sgschool.org.uk