News from the Deputy Principal

3rd March 2010

Young Americans

By the time you receive this newsletter there will only be a few days remaining before our Young Americans extravaganza.

It has been amazing to learn of the support the touring company have from other areas of the United Kingdom and we are being joined for the weekend with five students from Brentwood in Essex who had a thoroughly amazing time when the troop did a similar event at their school. What a brilliant accolade to know that youngsters will travel and stay the weekend to enjoy such a fantastic opportunity.

We have opened up the opportunity to other schools and colleges and students from Abington, Bushloe and Guthlaxton are being joined by students from Sir Jonathan North, St Pauls, Gartree, Leysland and Kibworth High Schools and Melton Brooksby. What an excellent example of community cohesion.

We are looking forward to the weekend and know that all the participants will enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.

Watch this space for news in our next edition.

Oadby & Wigston Borough Youth Council Conference.

Ten students from the College joined students from across the borough in a one day conference at Parklands Leisure Centre on Friday, 26th February.

The purpose of the conference was to consult with students across the borough regarding:

It was a useful opportunity for our students to work with the Borough Council to effect future change in the borough.

Find Your Talent

Safiya Paul (11DLC) and Jason Williamson (13HGL) represent the East Midlands on the national steering group of Find Your Talent.

It is a real credit that two of our students are playing a significant role nationally for Youth Voice. Our congratulations to Safiya and Jason who recently met with Ben Bradshaw (MP) where they were given the opportunity to pose challenging questions and participate in a political debate.

J Sainsbury’s Vouchers for Schools

Once again we have joined forces with one of our local supermarkets to collect vouchers for Guthlaxton College. The vouchers are being given to customers and may be exchanged for equipment and goods for the College.

Please collect the vouchers for the College. These can be placed in the collecting boxes. Many thanks for your support.

The Learning Curve

The 2010 Change School Programme has been given the title The Learning Curve. This emphasises the aim of the programme which is to develop our students as independent learners. We are developing this programme in partnership with the Curve theatre in Leicester.

The first stage of the programme has begun with a challenge to teaching and associate staff who have been asked to send answers on a post card…. “One great idea that changed the world.”

It would be wonderful if you as parents could also respond to that statement by emailing your answers to guth@guth.org.uk marked The Learning Curve.

I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Chris Mark’s Kilimanjaro Charity Climb

We are always delighted to hear news of former students and it was wonderful to return from half term to receive an email from Chris Mark who is attempting to climb Kilimanjaro (15,000 ft) in a six day challenge.

I will share Chris’ email with you in the hope that you may be able to support him in his fund raising.

“I am writing to ask for help with raising money for the charity Childreach. In July of this year I will be attempting to climb Kilimanjaro (Over 15,000 feet) in a 6 day challenge in an effort to raise £2,500. The memory of my sister Laura and her enthusiasm for raising money for children's charities has motivated me to undertake this challenge and raise money for a good cause. Childreach help millions of children each year in the world's poorest countries with food, clean water and education. I know Guthlaxton always had a strong charitable effort from the 4 years I spent at the college.

Donations can be made easily using the web address: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristopherMark. I would appreciate any help I receive for this charity event.”

Please support Chris in this worthwhile venture, I know a number of his ex teachers are doing so.

Whistle Down the Wind

Oliver Taheri, ex student, is currently starring in Bill Kenwright’s production of Whistle Down the Wind at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. What good news for Guthlaxton and Wigston.

Sally Cox
Deputy Principal