Park Community School

Park Rocks!
Park wins 1st Place in Rock Challenge Heats.

Over 130 students from all year groups are said to be elated after grabbing 1st place at Rock Challenge earlier this month. On Wednesday 24th March, Park students rocked Portsmouth’s Guildhall. Not only did they walk away with 1st prize, they also won awards for Choreography, Drama Skills, Lighting Design, Most Entertaining, Best Performance Skills and Best Concept. Performing their 8-minute dance ‘Narration of Creation’, they will be returning to Portsmouth’s Guildhall for this year’s Rock Challenge Finals. “They are buzzing from the whole experience.” commented Ms Dare, Head of Performing Arts.

Disney
Park Community staff recently took 70 students to Disney Land Paris. Mr Payne reports...

Day 1 - After a long journey to the channel tunnel due to traffic and a road block, where only 2 students were sick, our intrepid explorers met a 70 minute delay on the channel tunnel but they were not to be deterred and everyone was still smiling and spirits were high. They managed to catch up time once in France. After checking in at the hotel dinner was at seven, followed by a long evening walk around the local area sporting PCS high vis vests. After a long and eventful day bedtime was at 10pm.

Day 2 - Students had a great day enjoying Disneyland. Paris weather was very cold but dry. “Parade was brill with a fantastic light show to finish. Students enjoyed working hard after dinner on their booklets and are now tucked up in bed.”

Day 3 - After all tucking into a nice hearty breakfast our explorers made their way to Walt Disney studios. There were rides galore all morning. They then watched a stunt show in one degree temperature but the special effect flames kept them all warm. The Disney village was the next stop followed by a return to the hotel for dinner and workbook time.

Sports Ambassadors
Sports Ambassadors are an amazing group of Year 9, 10 and 11 students who are extremely organised, reliable and competent at officiating in all aspects of sport. They regularly deliver lessons to local primary schools, and have officiated County Swimming Galas and the Dale Cup Cross Country Event.

Our Ambassadors were proud to meet Olympic Athletes Peter Waterfield, Katie Grey and Craig Figes. Cameron Mitchell and Abbie Robertson have just received an award for Unlocking Potential, from Dame Kelly Holmes. Our Ambassadors are Abbie Robertson, Bradley Carpenter, Cameron Mitchell, Darren Shields, Dean Watson, Emily Briggs, Jade Hepworth, James Rankin, Kai Razzell, Lauren Hollis, Liam Stillman, Lucy Martin, Rebecca Etherington and Shauna Matkin

‘Drawn’ to Portsmouth
Students meet The Duchess of Cambridge and Sir Ben Ainslie

In February, Park students met The Duchess of Cambridge and Olympian Sir Ben Ainslie while painting a mural of the Solent at Camber Dock in Old Portsmouth.

Led by art teacher Mr Waterfield, students from six schools in the area have been painting the hoarding outside the construction site of the new America’s Cup yacht racing facility. Students were showing off their creative skills and learning new artistic techniques, guided by three street artists, the 1851 Trust and Strong Island.

Filmed by BBC South Today, Sir Ben posed for photographs with our students. Mr Waterfield said, the students, “...were fantastic ambassadors for the school.”

Race at your Place
Students raise money for Cancer Research UK

700 students and staff walked, jogged or ran 2.4 miles for Cancer Research UK at the start of April.

Starting at 1.30pm inside the School gates, the route followed MIddle Park Way to Staunton Country Park and back.

Every student was wearing a pink shirt supporting the cause, so couldn’t be missed!

After completing the race, each student was awarded a medal for their efforts and charitable contributions.

Special thanks goes to the licensee of the Swallow who had jugs of squash for the racers.

“Well done all of you, saw the first people leave and the first person come back. It was quite a site.”

“Massive well done to each and every one of those who took part in the run today! Park Community is an amazing school bringing students together for such a good cause. Fantastic effort by staff and students alike. That’s what it’s all about.”