Westcliff school opens to students during summer holidays (From Southend Standard)

Westcliff school opens to students during summer holidays

12:00pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in Echo News

A SCHOOL’S trail-blazing move to open in the summer holidays has proved a real hit with pupils seeking to learn new skills and have fun.

In fact, pupils are enjoying the summer school so much, they have asked for the special pilot scheme at Chase High School, in Westcliff , to return next year The school has opened over the six-week break, providing a fun-filled programme to get youngsters off the streets and learning new skills.

From dance to football, Chinese lessons to food technology, there has been something to suit boys and girls, aged seven to 15, whether they are looking to be active or challenge their minds.

For Katie Minter, 12, it provided an opportunity to mix with pupils from different year groups.

After taking part in the fashion academy during the first week, she is confident she will go in to Year Eight next month with an even bigger group of friends.

The programme, which has attracted about 200 pupils, saw the youngsters design and make their own clothes, before showing them off at the end of the week in a special catwalk show.

Katie said: “One of the things I really enjoyed the most was meeting new people and making new friends.

“I loved being creative and making the dresses, and it really gave me a chance to show off my inner fashion sense.”

Staff at Chase High revealed they had been inundated by pupils and parents who are keen to sign up for the summer school next year.

Headteacher Victoria Overy came up with the idea after speaking to pupils during an English lesson who were moaning about being bored during the holidays.

The summer school is aimed at keeping children safe throughout the six-week break, extending their experiences, improving their attitude towards school and supporting working parents.

The 22 different programmes are staffed by Chase High School teachers and teaching degree undergraduates who are paid at an hourly rate.

After taking part in the hair and beauty course, 12-year-old Kitty Landells Hayward believes she has found a possible future career.

Chase has its own professional-standard salon, Blue Wave, where budding beauticians and sixth form students can try out a range of treatments whilst gaining vocational qualifications.

Kitty said: “I have really enjoyed doing other people’s hair, as it felt like I was actually working in a real salon. I would like to be a hairdresser one day, so it was a great experience.

“I honestly loved every minute of the course – it was just really good.”