Andrea today visited Jerry Clay Academy, a primary academy in Wrenthorpe, to learn more about the work they are doing to improve the school since academisation.
She was welcomed by headteacher Tracy Swinburne. They discussed the school’s progress since Tracy joined, and the challenges it faced. They also discussed her aspirations for the school in the future.
She was then shown around the school by Head Boy Thomas Skinner and Head Girl Eliza King. She toured every classroom, with representatives from each year talking to Andrea about the work they were doing and in particular their work around space. Many of the pupils were writing letters to Tim Peake, the UK astronaut currently based on the International Space Station, and they showed Andrea their ‘space menu’ for the day’s lunch.
Commenting on the visit Andrea said:
“The staff and children at Jerry Clay were incredibly welcoming, and I was completely blown away by how impressive the children were.
“They were articulate and confident at a level that I have simply not seen before. The Academy is clearly making incredible progress and I am looking forward to seeing where they go next.
“I have invited Thomas and Eliza to come to Parliament and speak at a meeting of the APPG on Education, of which I am Vice-Chair.”
Mrs Swinburne said:
“The visit was invaluable in highlighting to our children the democratic system which operates in our country.
“The children have been learning about the structure of parliament and a visit from our local MP helped to raise their awareness”.
Head Boy Thomas Skinner said:
“It was a visit that will never be forgotten at Jerry Clay and we are extremely proud that our MP has recognised our talent. We hope this link continues”
Head Girl Eliza King said:
“The visit was a chance for us to share our passion for pupil voice and the importance of learner traits to encourage life-long learning”