• Year 6 at Summerfields Primary have been very busy recently, with lots of exciting work based around books, reading and writing!

• The Y6 class teacher organised and ran an online book festival during lockdown, where pupils were able to interview (via video link and online meetings) amazing authors such as Anthony Horowitz and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. This can be viewed back online at https://www.steamco.org.uk/heykidsbookfest • Since returning to school, the Y6 class have continued their contact with authors, reading and corresponding with author Jennifer Killick (after reading her book ‘Crater Lake’) and writing and receiving replies from Fleur Hitchcock after reading her ‘Thorn Island Adventure’ novel. They have also appeared on an online radio show, with celebrity teacher and trainer Pie Corbett, and had some of their writing and poetry chosen by him to be read out live on-air!

• Of speaking to author Anthony Horowitz, pupil Louie said: ‘Probably one of the best things I’ve ever done – I love his books, so speaking to him was amazing!’

• After her description was chosen for broadcast on the radio by Pie Corbett, pupil Emily said: ‘I was really proud that my work was chosen to be read out.’

• Melody said that getting a signed bookmark from author Jennifer Killick was a highlight for her: ‘I loved how Crater Lake had loads of cliff-hangers and was a bit scary – the bookmark from Jennifer will remind me of what a good book it was!’

• Included are some pictures of the book festival, and work completed by the children after contact with the authors and reading their books. • The Year 6 teacher set up his own book review website during lockdown (www.whatiread.co.uk) and has been receiving books as donations for the class library.

• Via this, almost 600 unsold World Book Day books were donated by the amazing Jonathan Greenwood at Waterstones in Newport this week, and organised and sorted at Summerfields before being shared with , Lanesend Primary in and Gurnard Primary. ‘All our children can achieve success’ Since lockdown began we feel that all the children, staff and parents are the ‘unsung’ heroes – whether working at home or in school we have continued to strive for the best for all!

From.. ❖ Making bee hotels ❖ Creating dinosaurs ❖ Writing numbers ❖ Fishing and capacity ❖ Cooking an illusion cake ❖ Creating a tree house to support writing based on Class text Learning new skills and applying them to everyday life • Residents of Carisbrooke will now be able to use a defibrillator recently installed at Christ the King College.

• Back in February, the school launched a campaign to raise enough funds to house their existing defibrillator in a wall box, so it could be accessible to the public during the hours the site is open. Thanks to generous donations from the school community and holding a Valentines mufti day where students wore an item of red for a donation of £1, the school has been able to fund the box. In addition to the defibrillator box on the school site, funds raised also provided enough support to the Ambulance Service for a further defibrillator box to be purchased. This will be placed in the local community in the near future.

• Thanks go to TL Electrical who kindly installed the defibrillator.

• Louise Walker; Ambulance Education, Training & Engagement lead said: “It is essential our community has access to defibrillators, the use of these life saving devices during a cardiac arrest cannot be underestimated. It’s the timely use of the defibrillator and good quality effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) that can increase someone’s chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest, from as little as 5% to as much as 74%. It is wonderful news that Christ the King College has now been able to place the defibrillator already held on site in an outside wall box, making it more easily accessible to the public. This and the purchase of another outside wall box, that they are placing at an additional location, is all thanks to the incredible fund raising undertaken by the staff and students of Christ the King College. They should be highly commended for all their efforts as the Public Access Defibrillators will be absolute assets to our community”.

• Mrs. Ward, Head of School, added: “I continue to be very proud of the students at Christ the King. Supporting our island community and making a difference is very much the Christ the King Way. In addition to this fundraising, our students have had a programme of education to ensure they can react appropriately in an emergency situation. We’re thankful for the work done by our students and all at the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service to keep our neighbours, students and those visiting our site safe”. • We are very proud at Christ the King College of the Behind Locked Doors project created by our student Karmen Hirst in Year 8. We encourage you to take the time to visit her site and take part in this wonderful project. Karmen explains below what it is all about and how you can take part.

• Over Lockdown my Mum has been teaching me about Photography. We decided to start a project that we can work on together and share with everybody, even the world. The project is called Behind locked doors. This is a photography project where people all over the world take pictures on what lockdown means to them, for example: it could be the claps for the NHS, or it could be something you have been working on throughout lockdown, or it could even be pictures of yourself and your family. We also ask you to send us one word or sentence to describe the photograph.

• All the images are kept anonymous and only have the part of the world that you are from. You can get as creative as you want, so far we have been sent over 150 images from all around the world for example Taiwan, California, India, New York, Brazil, France, Denmark, Spain and even Egypt. It would be really great if the school could share this project to students and teachers, especially photography students, to see if they would like to take part in our project.

• We have already been asked to show the project in an exhibition after lockdown and we are hoping to publish all the images in a book and raise money for charity from the sales of the book. We are also going to be featured in the County Press Newspaper over the next few weeks.

• The instructions are as follows:

Please send one photograph of your experience of lockdown.

Please write one sentence or word about your image.

Please send your images via Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp.

Please let us know what part of the world you are from.

• www.facebook.com/behindlockeddoors2020

• Instagram behindlockeddoors2020 • Year 12 Physics students at , which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), have today had the unique opportunity to participate on a live video conference, speaking directly with two European Space Agency astronauts, both of whom have spent time on the International Space Station. • The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came as a result of the six students, Ewan, Jamie, Shane, Asen, Kiera and Sam, being crowned the UK winners for the European Space Agency’s Moonbase design competition. The contest required competitors to design a 3D lunar camp to host future ‘moonauts’. Creations came from 39 countries across the globe, with 1417 pupils participating. Cowes Enterprise College entered six Year 12 Physics students with the team name ‘Project Sequana’. They beat 92 other teams in their age category to win and were the only UK team to get into the top three in any category. • Alongside well-known astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Luca Parmitano, Project Sequana joined other winning teams from all over the world and had the chance to ask the astronauts questions about their time in space, gaining a first hand-insight. The webinar was livestreamed on the ESA’s YouTube channel which has nearly 1 million subscribers. • Cowes Enterprise College Principal, Rachel Kitley said: “We are all incredibly proud of our students for doing so exceptionally well in the competition and securing today’s unique and truly inspiring opportunity. They are a credit to Cowes Enterprise College and their pioneering efforts have put the school and the Island on world stage. It has been such a special opportunity for the students to represent the UK amongst the winning teams, and to speak directly to some incredibly inspiring astronauts, an experience that they will share with their peers and I’m sure hold fond for many years to come.” • Nick Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “Opportunities such as these are critical for ensuring that we are doing all we can raise to our students aspirations and broaden their horizons, so that they are equipped with the platforms, opportunities and experiences which will help them to fulfil their potential. We are extremely proud – well done to Ewan, Jamie, Shane, Asen, Kiera and Sam from everyone across the Ormiston family”. • The children of Cowes Enterprise College have risen to the challenge set by their teacher, culminating in a book launch. • Teacher, Kelly Daniels, set her pupils a creative writing task each fortnight during the lockdown, centred on different imagery 'destinations'. • She has since compiled them all together to produce an eBook, and their hard work and dedication has paid off dividends. • "It's been a real privilege to act as editor for this book," said Kelly. "I'm sure you'll all agree, there's some really special pieces of writing contained within. It not only illustrates the power of the written word, but is also a wonderful reminder of the irrepressible spirit of youth and the wonders of the imagination." • All the entries in the eBook, entitled Flights of Fancy Volume 1: Paradise, were written by Key Stage 3 and 4 students. • Students have created a video to show their gratitude to key workers — with teachers creating their own video. • Filmed in their homes and gardens, students of the Ormiston Academies Trust college, have used guitars, pasta shakers, an improvised horn and other household items to show their appreciation. Wanting to do something to say thank you to hard working frontline staff, the video has a soundtrack of a cover of Over The Rainbow and features the odd pet to help brighten the mood. • Rachel Kitley, principal of CEC, said: "It has been challenging time for our pupils, but they have all continues to show resilience and kindness throughout. They are very aware of how key workers are putting themselves on the line for all of us, and they wanted to really show them how grateful they are." • However, CEC students have not been the only ones to get in front of the camera. Staff from all departments across the academy joined together to release a cover of the song Cups from the Pitch Perfect films to show just how much they miss their students while many of them study from home. • In the video, staff performed the cup choreography, sang and played musical instruments — gaining more than 4,600 views in less than a week, with parents, carers and students commenting, liking and emailing in to say how much they enjoyed it. • Ms Kitley said: “I am delighted we have been able to gift our version of this song to our students at this time.. We think of our community as one large family and miss our students very much. The song has been a wonderful way to reconnect with them and remind them how special they are.” Students at Cowes Enterprise College Showcase Creative Talent • Students at Cowes Enterprise College, which is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), have put together videos to showcase all the amazing creative projects that have taken place during lockdown. • Although the lockdown presented inevitable challenges, the school encouraged students to take it as an opportunity to explore and express their creative side. A group of Year 13 Drama students led by shining example, creating a short movie that they wrote, directed and recorded themselves. • Meanwhile those in Years 7 and 8 focused on creating music videos, as part of a joint project set by the Drama and Music departments. Over a four-week period the students planned, rehearsed, recorded and edited their videos, until they were pitch perfect. • In addition to the group performances, there was a chance for individuals to show off their skills. There was a GCSE composition provided by a Year 10 student, as well as instrumental performances and dramatic monologues. One Year 7 student also made their debut as a musician after practicing and refining their ukulele playing during lockdown. • Alongside the performances, students from Years 7, 8 and 9 produced artworks responding to the theme ‘What’s in my head?’. Students reflected on the topics that were most important to them, from friends and family to COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter. • The students’ hard work and dedication proved that, as their video summarises, “lockdown put a stop to a lot of things, but nothing can put a lid on creativity.” • Principal at Cowes Enterprise College, Rachel Kitley said: • “I’ve been blown away by the creativity and passion our students have shown over the past six months. It’s brilliant to be able to showcase all of it in one place, which really makes you realise the scope of what they’ve delivered. We’ve always encouraged our students to find creative outlets, and I know they will continue to produce amazing things once back in the classroom.” • The videos can be viewed via the following links: https://youtu.be/6alpE0pGA54 https://youtu.be/mljjo-3dyb8

• Year 10s returned with a part time timetable, Maths, English and Humanities, in June. 75% of the year group returned. • We have been distributing to doorsteps weekly certificates and prizes to our top online learners. • Students have worked hard and taken part in a range of activities at home as well as the online learning.

• In school, students have also been participating in learning as well as afternoon activities including art, socially distanced sports and environmental projects. • On 1st July we celebrated the Virtual Festival of Remarkable which was hosted by CBBC stars Sam and Mark. The festival was streamed into all 58 AET schools and into the homes of 32,000 children, 5000 staff and wider communities to reach 100,000 people. The festival is part of the Remarkable World Programme which celebrates remarkable lives and brings schools together to nurture passion and talent and to challenge our children to find their remarkable. Our students won the most competitions out of all of the Academies, Photography, Dance, Drama and Creative Digital Media.

• This is an online board that we all contributed to on the day. https://aet.padlet.org/Website/Festival • In June, a group of dance students competed at the Southern Dance Class Awards. Southern Dance is an annual 1 day event that aims to create a friendly dance environment in which young performers can showcase their core technique and talents.

• This year it took place virtually. The students competed in the contemporary, Jazz, lyrical and commercial heats. All of the students qualified for one of the category finals and Ben Thompson came first in both the Jazz and commercial dances. It was an extremely challenging competition. Many of the competitors represent Team England in the Dance World Cup or belong to prestigious associates programmes including the Royal Ballet and Central School of Ballet so the students did remarkably well.

• Mrs Seaton, Dance Teacher and Head of PE said: ‘We were astounded by the phenomenal talent showcased by some of the competitors, some of whom have represented England at the Dance World Cup in Portugal. I was delighted with the results from our students who performed like professionals and did the Academy proud’. • Academy staff have provided primary and pre-school provision so staff could continue teaching and supporting students. • The Student Council organised a special display for Pride Month made by Paige Lumpkin one of our Cover Supervisors. It takes pride of place in our canteen. • The Student Council also launched a poetry competition on the subject of racism and discrimination.

• Benson Hardy in Year 9 and Chair of the Student Council said, ‘on behalf of the Student Council of Ryde Academy I would like to say that, racism does not have a place at Ryde Academy nor does it have a place in the community. The Student Council will continue to work with the Anti-bullying ambassadors to make sure that this issue among others is eradicated. We will also strive to teach every student in the Academy that discrimination is unacceptable and will not be overlooked’.

• Here are just two of the entries we received…. Jack Orme in Year 7 - We are united as one

We are united as one; No one can break us; We are united as one; They’re still gonna try;

We are united as one; Don’t hate us; We are united as one; Don’t destroy us because of our skin;

We are united as one; We fight this together; We are united as one; Black, white, I don’t care; Neither should anyone else;

We are united as one; Don’t put anyone down; United as one; Pull everyone up. Katie Molloy - Y8 I see the chaos in this world Recurring episodes Man on man killing Hate crimes Are we blind? Do we choose to look on the side Care for a brief second Then go about our business The world is our business Don't take Mother nature for granted We all share one home Put our differences aside Come together Let all of humanity thrive Especially at this point in time Our earth is crying Its for a purpose, it’s to call On everyone to stop the madness Will this not make you see? It is not clear enough? Will we continue to be Bystanders, unmotivated human beings? I pray for change I hope people's hearts are touched No more careless souls Enough is Enough Black Lives Matter • In an attempt not to completely abandon our Summer Fair the fundraising team at St Catherine’s School decided to plough ahead and organise the event – just in a more innovative, social distancing kind of way! • We knew that we wouldn’t be able to open to the public but decided that Friday 26th June would still be the day of our Summer fair, inviting students and staff to dress up and join in suitable activities on the day, as well as filming as much as possible to broadcast on our Facebook page. In addition to this, we set up an online fundraising page in the hope we may be able to recoup some of the funds that we would lose by not having our normal event. • Thankfully, due to technology we were able to involve students and staff as much as possible, with them voting “Under The Sea” as the theme. Those in school decorated their classrooms (as they would have no class stalls to decorate), which were judged by Principal, Mrs Thompson the day before the fair and ‘Bubble 2’ were crowned “Best Dressed Class”. • Our staff band played three under the sea themed songs “Octopus’s garden”, “Yellow submarine” and “What shall we do with the drunken sailor?”, which were filmed and shared on social media throughout the day. The staff also pre-recorded a social distance version of “Baby Shark!” which was also shared. • On the Friday morning an array of pirates, divers, underwater wildlife and even an anemone arrived at St Catherine’s ready for a day of activities. The staff opened the “event” on the field recreating their “Baby Shark” video and then judging took place for the fancy dress with a lobster and a submariner scooping the prizes. • Once the formalities were completed the students stayed in their bubbles and went round a variety of activities including throwing water at the staff and splat the rat. They all had a great hour out on the field and a relaxing end to the school week. • Through donations, from an online raffle and from parents and other members of the public who weren’t able to attend, we managed to raise and an amazing £1535.00 including gift aid! Thank you to everyone who supported us. Primary Secondary Pupils on the primary site have been receiving quality remote Students on the secondary site have also been receiving learning. The school has remained open to children of key quality remote learning. The school has remained open to workers throughout the lockdown. Pupils in reception, Year 1 children of key workers throughout the lockdown. and Year 6 returned to school in June to work in ‘bubbles.’ Despite experiencing a raft of changes, the children have Students in Year 10 returned to school to attend English, adapted extremely well and have enjoyed completing lots of Maths and Science lessons from 15th June. The core lessons fun learning activities that have been supported by the staff in focused on topics identified by subject leaders. Alongside their small groups. these core lessons they also received pastoral support centred on careers, revision and wellbeing. Year 5 children have been leading the way by using a 'live learning platform' to attend lessons (just like a Zoom meeting). From 6th July Year 10 students also had the opportunity to Every morning the children log on to their Google Classroom have specialist input from their option subject teachers. There and join a 'Google Meet' where they have an English and Maths was an excellent turn out, with students and staff very Lesson. They are even using a second virtual classroom for positive about the return to school and adjusting well to the small group work. Children are able to see each other, share new procedures and processes on site. their work and talk; not all at the same time though! The children have been brilliant with the technology, muting their There will also be the opportunity for students in Years 7, 8 mics and asking questions through a 'chat box'. They are and 9 to come into school for a face to face wellbeing check determined not to let distance come in between them and their and key academic mentoring to support them in being ready learning and are a real credit to the school. to restart in September. • Primary Pupils have been sharing the wonderful home learning activities they have been completing at home. • Secondary students have been sharing the science work and experiments they have been completing at home. • Pupils on the primary site completed some fantastic ‘Banksy’ artwork based on the theme ‘Everyday Heroes’. • Mr Mulhern, Music teacher at The Bay CE School has created lots of fun and interactive music lessons on his YouTube Channel for pupils to enjoy.

• Click here to have a look, there are over 60 video lessons available. • All students at the Bay CE Secondary have been encouraged to follow the iDEA (Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award) programme during the lockdown period. This is an International Award scheme in Digital Literacy, promoting and developing the skills our students will need in the workplace.

• Through the series of online challenges, students can win career- enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry-recognised Awards that help them to stand out from the crowd.

• One hundred and fifty students have signed up so far, and already accrued 1808 badges and points, and many of our younger students are leading the way. Twenty seven students have achieved bronze level and six students have achieved silver level. • Secondary students at The Bay CE School were asked to imagine, that during lockdown they had written their very first novel. They had to come up with a title for their novel, a pen name for themselves and write an interesting, captivating blurb. They also designed the front cover for their novel and provided a self-portrait for the back of the book. Here are the winning entries by Tru Crossley-Brook and Charlie Butchers. • Before lockdown The Bay CE Primary School planned to hold a careers event at school. However, due to Coronavirus this was changed to a ‘Virtual Careers Event.’

• It was launched on the school portal as part of PSHE learning, Mrs Birch, PSHE Lead planned the event to introduce pupils to a variety of local jobs that they may aspire to themselves as they grow up. Many local people have gave up their time to film interesting short interviews about their careers. Pupils were asked to interview a family member or friend about their job and to create a presentation.

• As part of our Careers development programme for all Year 10 students, the secondary school secured time and support from Island Futures, the Island’s Careers Advisory service for the summer term. All students were offered the opportunity to have a telephone interview with Ian Riley, the School Support officer, from Island Futures. • Year 6 pupils at The Bay CE School spent two weeks practising their socially distant cricket skills during PE so that they could enter the Isle of Wight Primary Schools Cricket Competition.

• Thirty four pupils took part achieving some amazing scores and they were crowned the winners of the competition. • For the second year running a student attending The ’s engineering facility, CECAMM, has won the national title of ‘BTEC Engineering Learner of the Year’. This year’s award winner, Caitlin Marsh Brown, has been studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. The 10th annual BTEC Awards ceremony was livestreamed on Thursday 25th June. • Caitlin overcomes adversity every day in that she lives with severe and complex language and communication difficulties, however, this does not prevent her from excelling in all aspects of life and from producing distinction level course work. Caitlin’s tutor, engineering curriculum lead Keri Hughes said: “I am so proud of Caitlin – she is an excellent example to all of us, of what can be achieved when you focus your mind, no matter what challenges you may face”. • When Caitlin first joined CECAMM she rarely participated in class activities and did not feel able to speak out in front of others. However, with patience, time and support from her tutors and peers, Caitlin has overcome her fears and now confidently participates in class - she even gives advice and guidance to others who may be struggling. • On hearing that she has won the national competition Caitlin said: "The award means so much to me as someone with speech and language difficulties, dyspraxia, anxiety and fine and gross motor difficulties. This shows that anyone can overcome challenges and achieve amazing things."​ • Principal of the College, Debbie Lavin CBE said: “This is wonderful news and I am delighted for Caitlin – it is great to see how much she has developed and grown in confidence since joining the College in September 2018. I am equally delighted that our students are recognised as being among the best in the country”. • This year we were unable to hold our usual annual awards ceremony due to the pandemic, however, we were determined to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our learners. The ‘virtual’ award presentations were recorded and are available on the college website for the award winners’ families and friends to see. ➢ Student of the Year – Johan Carman, Hairdressing

➢ Apprentice of the Year – Matthew Hall, Painting & Decorating

➢ Stuart Dyer Cup for Excellence – Steven Mouland, Hospitality & Catering

➢ Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce – Mary Hayles, Business

➢ Jeremy Davies Award for Support to other Learners – Alex Hayward, Access to HE

➢ Outstanding Work Participation Award – Annie Weber, Foundation Learning

➢ Pathways Work Experience Award – Justine Watson, Pathways

➢ Equality & Diversity Student of the Year – Tristan Bailie, Foundation Learning

➢ NCFE Student of the Year – Katie Taylor, Sport

➢ Shanklin Rotary Club Award for Hairdressing:

• 1st prize – Johan Carman

• 2nd prize – Stephanie Rainbird

• 3rd prize – Aiden Taylor • Wonderful news that all 38 of our Access to Higher Education learners have successfully completed. As the students prepare to start university, below is a selection of comments sent to our HE tutors:

Health and Social Care: Graphic Design: I just wanted to thank you - the last year has been such a rewarding I just wanted to say thank you for everything within the last two years, it experience at the college. I hadn’t experienced inspirational teaching might not be so obvious but you have really helped me shape where I until I joined the Access course. When I started I couldn’t even copy want to be, and who I want to be in the future, at least much faster than I and paste and I had very little faith in teachers being able to hold my would have if it was just me. You were the first person in this field that attention!!! trusted in me enough to achieve what I wanted and help others too. Both tutors have been so supportive in everything I have achieved as Also, fantastic job with how you went about everything in lockdown, it I began with zero confidence. DB’s lectures have been inspiring and was so fast and so unreal that it was hard for us all but you somehow showed me that learning can be enjoyable. I am very grateful for all made it work perfectly and because of that I was able to finish my of the support and encouragement that has been offered to me over diploma, so thank you x10! the last year, it has been life changing. Health and Social Care: Allied Healthcare Professions: Just got my results and I wanted to say thank you so much for being I have been accepted onto Law or Biomedical Science - just have to choose a fantastic teacher. You were very patient with me and I really which pathway I want to take. Thank you all so so much for all your appreciate it. Hope you are keeping well and good luck with next support. Honestly it has given me the biggest lift. Feel like all the years year’s classes. being told I'd never get where I wanted to be, mean nothing because I've done it now … you have all managed to pull one magic hat out the bag and I will always be grateful to you all for giving me a chance. • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. Doing their ‘DofE’ gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills. The Isle of Wight College is a DofE Direct Licence Centre, run by Terry Gaskin.

• With the current pandemic situation, the DofE put in place measures to help recognise the achievement of the participants, even though some of them will not be able to complete the expedition section at the present time.

• Nick Glover, DofE’s Regional Operations Officer said: Winners at the DofE presentation awards held at the College in January 2020 “A particular mention should be made of your Award Achievement % rate. As a Charity we have an aspiration that at least 60% of those who start the Award should achieve it the following year. Terry achieved a fantastic 67% (April 2019 – March 2020). This is particularly impressive considering your programme is very inclusive and includes a number of young people with SEND and from disadvantaged backgrounds”.

• Below is a summary of all Full Award and COVID-19 achievers for 2019/2020:

• Completed Awards: COVID-19 Certificates of Achievement:

• 13 x Bronze Award • 10 x Bronze Award

• 8 x Silver Award • 7 x Silver Award

• 5 x Gold Award • 2 x Gold Award • At the start of lockdown Platform One College of Music launched a new songwriting showcase opportunity. This was open to Island residents aged between 14 and 24 years old - not just students enrolled at Platform One. There was no limit with regards to musical genre - an opportunity to get to create original music. Each entry submitted two songs, which went to a music industry panel for feedback.

• David Pontin director of Platform One commented: ‘The response was incredible. There was such a diverse range of music from folk to metal. It was also fantastic to get so many entries from solo artists with such mature songwriting skills’.

• Jess Paine - Chief Community Officer, SyncBaby -'The level of musicianship in this year's Wight Noize songwriting initiative has been outstanding and I was blown away by the incredible talent we have here on the Island. With the challenges imposed during lockdown, I was impressed to see how resourceful and creative these young artists have been with writing and recording their music. With this kind of attitude I can see a very bright future ahead for them".

• John Giddings - Solo / Isle of Wight Festival - ‘It is wonderful that Platform One was able to continue to support young emerging artists and bands through this new songwriting showcase. Platform One does an incredible job and we are always committed in supporting them. We look forward to welcoming back the Platform One Stage in 2021 - which will be the nineteenth year that Platform One has been involved with the Isle of Wight Festival. Platform One is certainly an important and integral part of the Isle of Wight Festival family’.

• The panel has given detailed feedback to each and every entry however the three that really stood out were:

• 1.ODDA www.instagram.com/oddamusic/

• 2.EMELLIA www.instagram.com/emelliamusic/

• 3. THE OPTIMISTS www.instagram.com/theoptimistsuk/?hl=en

• ODDA – the selected front runner will receive a professional recording session at Platform One’s Studio One - with a producer. In addition, Platform One will supply any session musicians needed. Oliver Old - commented: 'I'm very humbled to have won this year’s Wight Noize and I'm grateful for the people at Platform One who still take the time to invest in music' • Platform One College of Music just keeps going from strength to strength. Since opening in 1999, results have never dropped below national benchmarks and are consistently above expectations set by the government across the country.

• Once again Platform One students have achieved outstanding results, despite lockdown from March 2020.

• “We were so impressed how Platform One students responded to lockdown. This was a difficult time for students with all live performances cancelled, including opportunities to play at the Isle of Wight Festival. Platform One students showed how resilient and creative they are, producing superb work and music throughout this challenging time”. - David Pontin - Director, Platform One College of Music

• Over fifty students completed Level 3 BTEC qualifications with 50% gaining Distinction grades. Year 2 students achieved the full BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, which is equivalent to taking three full A Levels. The majority of students exceeded challenging targets, with ten students gaining the equivalent of three straight A, full A Level grades - an incredible result. • Director David Pontin commented; “We are absolutely delighted with our students' results again this year. We are so proud of the achievements of each and every student. It is fantastic that all of our students will progress to their first-choice universities, with some students progressing straight into employment and self- employment”. • Platform One students are progressing to various universities including University of Chichester, BIMM, University of West London, Goldsmiths University and University of South Wales. Many students will stay on at Platform One to study the BA (Hons) Commercial Music, which is validated by the University of Chichester. • If you are interested in employment in the music industry, events industry, music production or media industry then please get in touch with Peter or David. If you have any good news stories that you would like to be included in this termly publication, please send them to the Schools and Learning Business Support Team: [email protected]