Celebrations as the new Art & Design Technology Centre is officially opened
Our new Art and Design Technology Centre was officially opened on 18 May 2018 , in a ceremony attended by more than 150 guests including campaign donors , governors , staff and students . Three years after we launched the campaign to raise £ 2m of the £ 3m needed to build the new Centre , guests were able to see how its success had made the School ’ s vision to continue its great tradition of inspiring creative minds a reality .
Campaign President Lord Halifax cut the opening ribbon at the ceremony , helped by three Pocklington School students . Lord Halifax praised the ‘ fantastic support ’ of the Pocklington School community for providing the facilities for future generations of art , design and technology students to develop their talents .
Headmaster Mark Ronan delivered a heartfelt thank you to all who had supported the campaign , and included a special message from campaign patron and donor , Dame Judi Dench . Old Pocklingtonian Professor Steven Kyffin , now Pro Vice-Chancellor ( Business and Enterprise ) at Northumbria University and campaign patron , praised the School ’ s longstanding recognition that creativity and innovation are the driving force behind any successful workplace . Professor Kyffin said : “ When I came here in 1970 it changed my life for ever . It made me creative , it made me a trader , it made me understand what it is to connect all the disciplines – all the things this department does so well , and will continue to do to well , to equip present students to go on and lead in the future .”
Christopher Oughtred , Campaign Chairman , said that raising the £ 2 million was a remarkable achievement . He showed guests the special commemorative ‘ Book of Benefactors ’, which will be placed in the School ’ s Archive Room and records the story of the campaign ’ s success and all its generous supporters .
Focus on Senior Boarding
“ Boarding has prepared me in many ways – from interacting with new people , to learning to manage my time effectively – clearly useful skills for university and everyday life . Take the opportunity and get stuck in ! It ’ s been amazing and well worth it ! The bonds you build here will change your life forever …” – Faircote House Deputy Head Girl
Faircote House ( Senior Girls )
This year we are approaching the end of 30 years of girls boarding at Pocklington school and look at how far we have come ! Weekly and flexible boarding numbers at Faircote continue to grow , with girls choosing to take advantage of the structured prep sessions and facilities that promote a constructive learning environment for exam season . During their leisure time this term the girls have enjoyed shopping at Meadowhall , fun at the beach in Scarborough and a day out to Flamingo Land along with home cooking sessions , Yoga , self-defence classes , BBQs and a whole boarding community fun day . It is always with a tinge of sadness that have to say goodbye to our leavers . We would like to wish the best of luck to our 13 inspiring Upper Sixth boarders and 4 hardworking Fifth Year girls , who move on to pastures new in July .
Cassie Thackray , Housemistress , Faircote House
“ I am a day pupil but have boarded and I think it ’ s amazing . It ’ s fun being with your mates and I get all my work done . At the moment I am boarding full time due to my GCSE exams and I am getting lots of revision done – much more than I would at home . It ’ s very productive at the boarding house and teachers are always there to help when it is needed .” John Wright – Fifth Year pupil
Fenwick-Smith House ( Senior Boys )
This has been yet another positive year for Fenwick-Smith House . A growing number of day pupils have tried extended day boarding , ad hoc short stay boarding and flexi-boarding for several nights a week when parents have been away , or for additional support with their academic work . Flexibility is our middle name and we are really pleased to be able to support families as pupils negotiate the trials and tribulations of GCSE and A levels . On the trips front we have enjoyed sporting fixtures supporting Hull City ( football ), Yorkshire Carnegie ( rugby union ) and York City Knights ( rugby league ). Several tribute bands featured this year , with Absolute Bowie being one of the best concerts for some time . Games nights , where boarders have taken on the day pupils who they have invited as guests for the evening , have proved popular , with snooker and indoor football being the favourites . BBQ evenings in the warm weather have proved a welcome break from exam revision . It is a pleasure and a privilege to look after such a fantastic set of lads . As we say goodbye to some of the Fifth Year and Upper Sixth leavers we wish them all the best as they fly the Fenwick-Smith nest . Patrick Dare , Housemaster , Fenwick-Smith House
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOARDING OPTIONS CALL :
MARTIN DAVIES ON 01759 321200
3