College Spotlight

‘The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.’

Vince Lombardi

As the end of the academic year, (a year like no other!) draws to a close, despite the many challenges it has brought, there is much to celebrate.

In the most challenging of circumstances, our students have demonstrated once again that they are resilient, hardworking and responsible, having had to deal with the many things that life has thrown at them this year. It has been a pleasure to walk around the different student year groups and see them working so hard. A strong work-ethic is essential if they are going to be successful in their further studies and careers, and we look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.

We are finishing the year with a fantastic fun day and we are pleased to be able to reward the students for their endeavours this year. Looking forward to September, we hope that we can all enjoy a less turbulent year that will enable us to return to an increasing sense of normality and the different opportunities it will bring.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and parents a safe and enjoyable summer break and extend my thanks for your continued support. We are fortunate to have an excellent staff team and some exceptional students and I am sure Apollo College will go on to even greater heights next year.

Have a great summer!

Pete Devlin
Head of Apollo College

'Summer has a flavour like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine.'

Oprah Winfrey

Well, what a year we have had! The Jupiter students never cease to amaze me with their resilience, regeneration and irrepressible natures, even in the most testing of circumstances.

We started the year tremendously well and saw the majority of our students return with a ‘can do and positive’ attitude, ensuring that they were able to positively re-engage with their learning. This has remained the case, whether students have been working from home or in school. The digital engagement of Jupiter students remained high during the lockdown period with many students receiving awards for the excellent work that they had produced at home.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) has seen students go from strength to strength in year 7, 8 and 9. I have been delighted to see the challenge and rigour of the MYP being embraced by all of our students. It has also been pleasing to note the increase in their resilience, independence and confidence over the course of the year.

The Jupiter year 11 students are an absolute credit to Wilmington Academy. We ensured that the Jupiter team supported every student through the recent TAG process. We are sure that all of our students have a bright future ahead of them, with many of them making the choice to return to our excellent post 16 provision in September.

In spite of the recent challenges, attendance in Jupiter College has remained high, ensuring that students are benefiting from being back in school. This is not just from an educational point of view, but also from a social and wellbeing perspective. The Jupiter pastoral team is always on hand to help students and their families when the need arises. I am really proud of the support my team provides on a daily basis to the Jupiter community. I am sure that you will join me in saying a huge ‘thank you’ to Ms Peeling and Ms McLean (Jupiter SSMs), Katie (Jupiter Admin), Mr Farr and Mr Barker (Assistant Principals) and Mr Staunton and Mr Hellyer (Head of Year 9 and Year 8).

As always, I extend my huge thanks to all of those families who support and actively encourage our students: I truly believe that because of the strong relationships built between home and school, that our students ‘don’t just fly - they Soar!’

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a sunny, happy and fun-filled summer break!

S Goodall

Head of Jupiter College

Despite all of the challenges that our students have faced throughout the year, we are so proud of the resilience shown by our college, which has been truly inspiring. With numerous disruptions to learning and an absence of ‘normal working conditions’, our students have made exceptional progress and have enjoyed many successes.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Minerva leadership and tutor teams. The dedication and unwavering support provided to our students has been outstanding. We pride ourselves with high standards, expectations and great pastoral care.

Our students continue to demonstrate all aspects of the IB learner profile. A particular example we are proud of is the caring and compassionate work completed by students during the service learning elements of the curriculum.

I would also like to congratulate all of our college for their participation in Sports Day. I am pleased to report that Minerva College were the overall winners with a huge margin of victory. Another fantastic achievement by the college!

I hope all students, families and staff enjoy a well deserved and safe summer break. We wish our Year 11 leavers the best of luck on their results day. We are also excited to welcome back our current students and the new Year 7 cohort back for a year where we will continue to excel and strive for excellence.

Mr P Lonergan

Minerva College