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  • Ukraine Donations Drives

    Published 11/03/22

    Leaving with their cars packed FULL of desperately needed supplies, we offer a HUGE THANK YOU to various Ely College staff who have facilitated the drop offs & storage of the many student donations this last few weeks. The generosity for our community to aid the Ukrainian Crisis is amazing! #SupportUkraine 🇺🇦🌻

    Any further donations, or if you can volunteer in the local warehouses, we know that Ukraine Lifeline is a local effort that would greatly appreciate your continued support.

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  • Ely College staff recognised as Parliamentary COVID Community Champions

    Published 07/03/22

    It was a pleasure to welcome Lucy Frazer MP to Ely College on Friday as she surprised four of our staff with Parliamentary COVID Community Champions Awards!

    Whilst they themselves were keen to express the 'team effort' over the last few years, we were delighted to recognise their hard work & dedication to the various aspects of our COVID response.

    Taking this time to reflecting on the collective efforts, from 'safe & well' checks in homes during lockdown to whole school testing with our wonderful team of volunteers & speedy compliance; we celebrate them as they have inspired as well as safeguarded our students!

    #aboveandbeyond #PLEDGES #communitychampions

      

     

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  • World Book Day 2022

    Published 07/03/22

    World Book Day - Photos coming soon!

     

    Everyone at Ely College enjoyed 2022 #WorldBookDay thanks to the wonderful Ms Shaw in the Library Resource Centre and our fab English department. Free books for Year 7, World Book Day vouchers for everyone, author visits and inspiration talks! This is what it's about but it's also nice to get home and just find some quiet time to read 📖🪄

    Of course we had another brilliant author visit from award winning and Carnegie nominated children's author Julian Sedgwick. Our Year 7's are inspired year after year by his visits! Poignant this year in particular as his latest book 'Tsunami Girl' offers insights into recovery after disaster.

    After his talk & a very popular lunchtime book signing, our World Book Day (UK & Ireland) celebrations continued. Our short story competition winners earned an amazing indepth experience with Julian. The creative writing workshop produced some excellent ideas & we look forward to sharing some of their stories on our website.

    As always a HUGE THANK YOU to Julian for supporting Ely College. With more WBD free books being handed out today and vouchers to spend at the weekend, we have celebrated tomorrow's #WorldBookDay is style!

      

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  • Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration

    Published 11/02/22

    Ely College participated in a range of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, which occurs annually on 27th January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

    Across the tutor groups, students were given the chance to reflect on genocides, both historical and more modern. Each tutor group was invited to reflect on the theme of ‘One Day’, that one day we may enjoy a future free from prejudice, hate and discrimination. Students were invited to anonymously write down a message to their future self about the Holocaust, or a reflection on the topic. We took these and created a collage, made up of the many messages of hope for the future.

    In our Year 9 history classes, we had the opportunity to view an interview with a Holocaust survivor,Eva Clarke BEM. We all found the experience very moving, and at times extremely difficult and challenging. Students had the following reflections after the lesson:

    “I found this very moving and would most certainly be interested in studying this in greater detail. I was struck by the fact that similar stories as to what happened to that family, the grief, the pain and the hardships, happened several million times. I found it astounding that one group of people was so determined to exterminate an ethnicity”

    “It’s scary that any person could do those things to another human being”

    “I wish we found out more from Eva Clarke such as how does life compare from the Holocaust to the present day”

    “It was very moving and revealed all the hardships people went through at that time. It also showed how evil humans can be, and why something like that should never happen again”

    “The details shared were so specific and personal that it allowed me to understand the Holocaust in a new way”

     

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  • Ely College IS the ‘School of Rock’ as opening night of their first whole school musical blows audiences away!

    Published 21/01/22

    Opening night of Ely College’s first whole school musical is a ROCKING success as students smash all expectations with an awesome showcase of talent. With shows on Friday and Saturday evening to follow, these sold out seats were the hottest tickets in town and elated audience members declare Ely College as ‘the school that truly rocks’!

    With over 150 students taking part, the decision to put Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘School of Rock’ on as a school production was an easy one; this is the first school musical in a while but it is fun, witty, involves fantastic music and provided a wonderful opportunity to get as many students involved in the arts as possible. Jonathan Newsome, Musical Director and Head of Music at Ely College continued on to say: “Such high levels of students participation and the commitment they have shown is a testimony to the vision and ethos of the college; to provide the most enriching educational experience we possibly can. The students have, in turn, shared this with our exceptional community over three show nights!”

    Catherine Seymour, Head of Drama at Ely College also directed and produced the show and commented on the array of talent at the college: “We can honestly say it has been an absolute pleasure to work with such a talented, enthusiastic and inspiring group of young people. These kids are going to have their names in lights one day! They have shown exceptional resilience during what has been the most challenging of circumstances, supporting each other and coming together to put on this amazing production.”

    The musical, based on the 2003 comedy film starring Jack Black, features new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as lyrics by Glenn Slater and script by Julian Fellowes. With Year 10 student Alfie McCreadie smashing the leading role, it follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn money by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

          

    Speaking of his decision to roll the show out to schools, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I’m delighted. I encourage teachers and their students to pick up their instruments, get going on the script and show the world everything they’ve got to give.” Ely College students have certainly taken this to heart and attacked rehearsals with an inexorable pursuit of ‘musical fusion’.

    With what was described as ‘roof raising energy’ and seats limited due to Covid measures, parents and community members lucky enough to get a ticket had rave reviews to offer as they came down from the highs of such a spectacular show: “[I emailed] to say how brilliant it was and how blown away we were with the level of talent, from the acting and singing to the musicians and the behind the scenes team. The children were all incredible and the hours that they have put in to achieve such a high standard was evident. The dedication of your staff is always something we appreciate and it is clear that those staff members involved in this production have gone above and beyond to organise every little detail.”

      

    The musical is especially relevant as we navigate changing measures and restrictions; it places a huge emphasis on togetherness, the impact of live music and the importance of protecting creativity in schools. Mr Warburton, Principal of Ely College described the show as a “love letter to live music, the arts in schools and learning”. A real feel good, high energy, positive show, he added: “It champions every one of our students, it champions music and being part of something together, playing live and putting yourself out there.”

    Show dates run from Thursday 20 January to Saturday 22 January 2022. Tickets sold out back in November but everyone at the college is keen to build off the successes School of Rock has produced and look forward to more shows and musicals like it in the coming years.

    Photo Slideshow below - more available on our Facebook page.

     

     

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  • Duke of Edinburgh Awards for Year 11

    Published 20/01/22

    Following what has been a difficult couple of years, Mr Waters was delighted last week to have awarded so many Bronze DofE awards to our Year 11 students at Ely College.

    Coronavirus has closed campsites and prevented face to face training sessions from taking place but these students in Year 11 have overcome barriers to achieve their award as well as focus on their upcoming GCSEs.

    The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme lasts for a lifetime as it imparts skills and builds character in our young people. Employers reference the Duke of Edinburgh programme favourably and Colleges and Universities look upon the challenges of the scheme as a reflection in the young people who rise to them.

    Our Year 11 Bronze award winners this year are a real credit to the college. They were fantastic on the expedition weekend back on October half term and throughout the year when completing their Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections.

    Ely College is keen to build on the success we've had in offering the DofE and looks to roll this out to more students each year! Currently, students in Year 10 can access the Bronze award scheme, and we are seeing record numbers take part.

    For now, we look forward to handing out more certificates to our Year 11 cohort shortly, and hope in the future we will be able to extend this scheme; maybe even introduce the Silver Award scheme in college!

    Mr Waters commented: "I am particularly keen that no student in the college is left behind; we can support students with disabilities to complete the expedition and offer a package of support our pupils to ensure they can access the scheme including kit hire. At Ely College, we believe in extending the boundaries of learning, achievement for all and pursuing excellence, in fact all our core values can be found in the Duke of Edinburgh Award."

       

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  • More courses launched at Bishop Laney Sixth Form during successful open evening

    Published 26/11/21

    Last week, the doors of Bishop Laney Sixth Form opened to prospective students and their parents for the school’s annual open evening event.

    Due to Government restrictions, last year’s open events had to be held in a virtual environment and so Bishop Laney Sixth Form were delighted to welcome prospective students in person this year. This gave the opportunity for visitors to meet staff and current students and find out all that the Sixth Form has to offer.

    At the open evening, Bishop Laney Sixth Form, part of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), announced they would be further increasing their choice of courses for students – now offering 37 courses in total.

    These include a blended offer of A-Level and Technical courses to allow students to tailor their Sixth Form programme and support students’ progression beyond the college in their future careers.

    New A-Level courses for this year have included Further Maths, a more challenging qualification, aimed at extending and deepening students’ understanding beyond the standard A-Level Maths subject. Music Technology has also been introduced for those who are interested in the development of popular music, and in learning and developing practical skills through creative composition, performance and production.

    Adam Steels, Head of Bishop Laney Sixth Form, said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome people into our college this year and great to see so many families in attendance.

    “We’re so proud that being a student at Bishop Laney Sixth Form has many benefits. We pride ourselves on having an enriching curriculum offer led by our dedicated team of staff who are passionate specialists in their subject areas.

    “Every student is known, valued and supported within Bishop Laney and our extensive selection of study programmes ensure we align with our students’ future aspirations. We have also developed excellent relationships with the local community and beyond, to offer students further opportunities and experience. This can be seen through our thriving partnership with Norwich City Football Club, designed to develop students’ employability and wider skills through the club’s Regional Football Development Programme.

    “We hope all those in attendance of our open evening gained a real insight into what the college has to offer, our supportive learning environment, and I look forward to welcoming many of them into our Sixth Form next academic year.”

    Prospective students were able to take part in demonstrations across the college’s A-Level science courses, try out the workshop and studio environments on offer to Design Technology and Fashion & Textiles students and test out their theoretical reasoning with the Philosophy department. Students could also visit the college’s Skills Centre, to see the Bistro laid out for a full student-led three course service, receive a mini treatment from Beauty Therapy students and visit the A-Level Maths department, where they could sample some high-level question papers.

    Families attending the open evening were encouraged to take a lateral flow test before the event and wear face coverings while in the school building to ensure a safe and Covid-secure environment.

    To find out more about Bishop Laney Sixth Form, visit: www.bishoplaney.org 

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  • Schools across Ely mark Remembrance Day ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 17/11/21

    Students and staff across Ely schools paid their respects to those who lost their lives during special services and initiatives to commemorate Remembrance Day.

    At the Lantern Primary School, which is part of Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), the whole school was able to come together via Microsoft Teams to take part in a Remembrance Day assembly at 11am. The school listened to the Last Post and sat silently for two minutes.

    Following the assembly, pupils took part in art activities and listened to poems about remembrance which helped to mark the day’s significance.

    Benita Sherrington, Acting Principal at the Lantern Primary School, said: “In addition to our special service, our Year 6 pupils recycled plastic bottles to create 200 poppies which they planted into the bank of our front playground for us all to enjoy.

    “After all the poppies were placed, pupils observed two minutes silence in front of the display which moved some to tears. The significance of the ceremony was made more poignant for the Year 6 pupils who are currently studying World War Two.

    “Throughout the day and during the two minutes silence, the children were so mature and respectful, and we are so proud of them all.”

    At Downham Feoffees Primary Academy (DFPA), which is part of CMAT, the Principal, Susan Jaques, led a whole school outdoor assembly to commemorate Armistice Day. All members of the school community, including the Chair of DFPA's Academy Council, Mr. Hollington, observed the two-minute silence at 11:00am. DFPA’s Heads of Pupil Voice read the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae.

    Julia Stead, Assistant Principal, said: “It was very moving to see such respect and consideration shown by all our children.

    “Children who are part of the Scouting and Guiding Movement came to school dressed in their Rainbow, Brownie, Beaver and Cub uniforms, looking very smart in honour of the significant day.”

    During the afternoon, as part of DFPA’s work to link maths with the wider curriculum, Year 1 enjoyed using 2D shapes to print poppies, plus different types of paper to create landscape backgrounds. Year 6 continued to link all activities to their topic this term, World War II.

    At Ely College, which is also part of CMAT, the school observed a two-minute silence at 11am on Thursday but deferred their official Act of Remembrance to Friday as the college was hosting the school vaccination team for the delivery of the Flu Vaccines for students. The following day, students gathered once again, joined by the Ely Branch of the Royal British Legion standard bearers. The college’s principal, Simon Warburton, read the Exhortation and the music students sounded the Last Post.

    Simon Warburton, Principal at Ely College, said: “It was lovely to see our students across Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form making us proud today.

    “Thank you to the Ely Branch of the Royal British Legion standard bearers for joining us for such a commemorative day. To be able to come together as a community and remember those that gave up their lives for our freedom was a special experience and I want to thank everyone for their contributions to such a respectful service.”

     

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  • Tickets on sale Friday 5th Nov!!

    Published 02/11/21

    Remember Remember... Tickets go on sale on Friday 5th November!

    Get your Tickets from 9am Friday via Wisepay for one of our three School of Rock musical dates! We had to postpone this year, but we are rocking out in rehearsals and have an amazing show lined up for you all!

    Thank you for supporting this production and Ely College!

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  • CMAT staff complete 10 Peaks challenge in aid of charity

    Published 15/10/21

     

    Staff from the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) pushed themselves to the limit as they took on the Lake District 10 Peaks challenge in 10 hours on the 10th October to mark the Trust’s 10th anniversary.

    The Lake District 10 Peaks Challenge was a one-day event which drew in 11 summits over a walking distance of 17 miles and saw CMAT staff encounter difficult terrain, lengthy ascents and steep descents along the way.

    The challenge required a great deal of endurance and strength from the brave group of staff who completed the Linear Route, which started in Buttermere and ended in Great Langdale.

    Ely College Principal Mr Simon Warburton, joined them. Each member of staff walked to raise money and awareness for a particular charity based in the local area of a CMAT academy. The charities involved include Northamptonshire Mind, Sawtry Foodbank, Wooden Spoon Charity, Ely Foodbank and Opportunity Playgroup. Any money raised will be split equally between these charities.

    The estimated completion time of the challenge is around 12 hours, but the colleagues completed the journey in just 10 hours and 10 minutes, honouring the Trust’s 10th anniversary. They also bravely returned to work the following morning.

    Mark Woods, Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of CMAT, said: “We are proud to be celebrating 10 years of CMAT and providing high quality education for all in our communities.

    “This challenge is just part of many activities which will be taking place throughout the year to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and mark this important milestone for the Trust.

    “CMAT is at the heart of its local communities, and we want to give back to our communities for the support they have given us by raising money for vital causes which have become more important than ever during these challenging times.

    “We hope everyone will get behind us and donate to these brilliant causes. Any form of support would be greatly appreciated.”

    To sponsor or donate to the fundraising initiative, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cmat10peaks

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  • Climate Change Debate with Lucy Frazer MP

    Published 15/10/21

    “This house believes no issue is more important than climate change”.... A fantastic and quite emotive debate took place today as students came together with Lucy Frazer MP to discuss climate change and other world issues.

    The students on each side were outstanding! Their arguments were cohesive and persuasive. Huge thank you to Mr Burke and Mrs Clark-Hope, for coaching and adjudicating this fantastic #PLEDGES opportunity. It was a pleasure to welcome Lucy Frazer back to oversee the debate. We hope this event might lead to further opportunities to represent Ely College in London at the House of Commons.

    Principal of Ely College, Simon Warburton, said: "We are delighted to be able to take part in Lucy Frazer’s debating competition and our students enjoyed the chance to present to Lucy in college on Friday. 

    "Our students presented to a very high standard on a emotive topic.  They showed real skill to be able to adapt their presentations to the arguments presented in the early deliveries and offer rebuttals with no preparation.

     "I was really proud of the skills our students showed and am confident that we will be able make a very strong presentation in the Palace of Westminster after half term."

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  • #Year 11 Matters

    Published 05/10/21

    The new #Year11Matters timetable has been issued, shared in Year 11 assembly and with Tutors. These take place both at break times and after school aka. #Session6. Most of them are open to all, but some are targeted and teacher will encourage students to attend. If you are unsure, please email your child’s subject teacher directly.

    Many are revision sessions for the Mocks that begin on 15th November, but some are also catch-up sessions, ideal for coursework. We hope that you will encourage your child to attend.

     

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