The Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, was the guest of honour at the official opening of The Island Free School yesterday (Wednesday).
Two members of the Isle of Wight council Executive, parents of pupils at the school and the Island media were treated to some uplifting singing from the teachers and pupils at their celebration assembly, who instead of opting for traditional hymns, bounced along to Rather Be by Clean Bandit and Rolling in the Deep by Adele.
Plans kept secret
Andrew Turner was asked to say a few words before the official plaque unveiling. He recalled how when plans for the new secondary school first emerged several years ago, he was asked to meet those behind it in secret. Many were teachers at other schools on the Island and keen for the secrecy until plans were firmed up.
A former teacher himself, the Isle of Wight MP told the audience he believed the structure of “one size fits all” doesn’t work and praised the intimate nature of the school, where, he said, “every teacher will know the name of every pupil”.
Click in image to see larger version
Mr Turner finished by saying the Island Free School was effectively, “Grammar school education accessible to all”, going on to wish the pupils and teachers the best of luck saying, “Good behaviour and hard work will be expected and achieved here”.
Pupils’ praise for the school
In their own words, several year seven pupils shared with the audience their view of the school in the first month, words the headteacher, Steph Boyd, also heard for the first time.
Highlights included,
“We’ve already made big steps.”
“If students have dreams, then the teachers will help you to fulfil your dreams.”
“Better than I could have ever wished for.”
Music specialists
Visitors were given a tour and as you’d expect for a school specialising in music, pupils have access to some great music facilities. Not only that, they even have their own radio station and took advantage of interviewing several visitors, including Andrew Turner.
He told pupils he’d learnt to play the clarinet at school, but was too lazy to carry on with it as an adult. Asked why he got into politics, Mr Turner replied,
“I thought if I didn’t do it, someone else would and I thought I could do it better.”
It was explained during the tour that a whopping 125 instruments go into the school on a weekly basis, with up to 30 cellos expected to be coming and going before long. The logistics of storing those and ensuring they’re transported safely must certainly take some logistical wizardry.
The pupils from around the Island who have joined the school for its first term certainly looked happy, engaged and motivated.
Well done to all involved.
