35 Degrees At Parish ‘University’ School !

Despite the cool summer, the heat has really been on at Parish CE Primary. Last week, the town centre school, recently graded as ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, held its annual graduation ceremony for its very own ‘University’.  The ceremony was held at Liverpool University and 35 students successfully graduated in courses as diverse as computer programming, young engineers, and photography.  The young students also needed to complete modules on ‘social skills’ and ‘British Values’ from which they had an option to study up to ‘honours level’. Deputy Head Teacher, Mark Thomas said: “The course has been brilliant in helping to raise the children’s aspirations. With ambition, we could have the next generation of vets, doctors and engineers in our school. Who knows, we may even have a future prime minister!”

Of the 35 students, 11 graduated with ‘Honours Degrees’. Abbie- Gale Mawdsley (Year 5) won the ‘Most Promising Student Award’. Rhys Howells ( a Year 6 student) said: “the university has made me believe that I can do well in life. I learnt photography and editing – one day I would like to work for the ‘National Geographic’ magazine. I think I can do it!”.

Next year the university options are set to include a ‘Masters’ level with a ‘zone of ultra-challenge’ involving modules in quantum physics and business studies. Rachel Clare, one of the university’s chancellors said: “ We have linked up with Liverpool University and large companies in the North West to provide the highest quality of challenge for our pupils. Our motto is: ‘work hard, have dreams, believe in yourself!  We want to ‘push’ our children to be the best that they can be in every aspect of life….”