Lights, camera, action at school's TV studio
Staff and students at Colbayns High School have welcomed their newest facility - a fully operational TV studio.
And to celebrate, Colbayns School, which was awarded specialist college status two years ago and is now classed as a Media Arts College, opened its doors to parents, governors and other officials and dignitaries.
The TV studio has been put together to give students an opportunity to see how the television industry works and to experience what it is like behind and in front of the camera.
The studio was formally opened by Peter Balbirnie, Chairman of Tendring District Council, who later took part in a televised chat show alongside headteacher Nick Pavitt.
Mr Pavitt said "The facilities the school now has are hugely motivational for the students, and student engagement can only lead to higher educational standards."
New studio goes live
Colbayns High School is set to boost the potential of media hopefuls through the opening of its own television studio.
Pupils at Colbayns High School in Clacton will get an insight into the industry by using the new facilities, as well as gaining experience behind and in front of the camera.
The school was awarded digital media college status two years ago, with the new studio seen as part of its long term action plan.
It was officially launched by Tendring Council Chairman, Peter Balbirnie, who was interviewed for a television chat show along with headteacher Nick Pavitt by students Ashley Britton, Charlie Pinner, Katie Sales and Kieran Wooler.
The opening ceremony also includes displays of dance, drama, music and art.
Community and Curriculum Liaisons Officer Owen Lewis said: "We are jsut so excited about this. Not only will the school benefit, but the community too."
Director of College Sandy Tate added: "This is a thrilling venture for the school.
"We foresee students creating chat shows in other languages, creating documentary and news broadcasts, and enhancing their curriculum in all areas of the school."
Mr Pavitt called the new facilities "hugely motivational" for the students.
Ballet debut for high school
Colbayns High School is set to perform its first ever full-length ballet.
Every year group at Colbayns is involved in the show which includes dance styles from ballet to break dancing.
Carrie Chapman, Head of Dance, said: "Nutcracker 2008 is an age old classic with a modern twist. Clara, a teenage school girl, goes on a magical journey to win the affections of the boy she loves."
Notes to Editors
1. For further information and additional photographs please contact Lynne Wicks, Events and Administration Co-ordinator on 01255 428131 or by email lynne.wicks@colbayns.org.uk.
2. The text of Pastor David Bavister’s act of dedication:
In this act of re-dedication of this memorial to the former pupils of this school who in their young lives sacrificed all for the peace of our land we remember them.
Father God we ask you to bless this plaque in the memory of the fallen in the second world war. May it be a visible sign of our grateful thanks to you for their sacrifice they made. Just as the seasons come around and the golden leaves are falling we remember the lives that fell on strange soil miles from here.
Let us also remember those pupils who have recently joined the armed forces from this school.
Let us remember before god, and commend to His sure keeping those who have died for their country in war, those whom we knew and those whose memory we treasure; for all victims of terrorism, and all who have lived and died in the service of mankind. To those we know who are serving today in our forces may they be kept safe and encouraged as they strive for peace.
We will remember them.
Kohina Epitaph
When you go home, tell them of us and say ‘for your tomorrow we gave our today’.
Final words
Lord God, our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all mankind, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, for the work of the British Legion and for the praise of your Holy Name. Give us wisdom; give us understanding; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always.
And the blessing of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit be with us all for evermore. Amen