Schoolchildren from across Tendring took centre stage at an event celebrating their hard work and achievements.
‘Let’s Celebrate’ was organised to mark the achievements of the Tendring Education Strategic Board (TESB) so far and celebrate the diversity of curriculum offer and support available to young people in Tendring schools.
On Thursday 16 June children took centre stage, showing off their hard work in front of peers, parents and partners at Clacton Town Hall.
Attendees were welcomed by the Grand Theatre of Lemmings and entered the venue via a red carpet. Inside a range of stallholders were set up providing information to guests in advance of the curtain call for the main event.
This saw youngsters from Tendring schools lead presentations on the Princes Theatre stage, showcasing their skills in everything from mathematics to the arts and from reading to IT.
Since the launch of the TESB, Wix and Wrabness Primary School has achieved the prestigious Platinum Arts mark award from Arts Council England. This shows the school's commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.
Children from the school took to the stage and their presentation featured the broadcast of a two-minute film made by the Royal Opera House on the achievement.
James Newell, Headteacher of Wix and Wrabness Primary School, said: “We are all incredibly proud our children and were delighted to be involved in this fantastic celebration event. The event is important as it highlights the excellence within the district, the importance of the strategic board and was a wonderful platform for children to shine.”
The TESB was formed in January 2020 with the aim of tackling educational disadvantage in primary, special and secondary schools across the district.
The board is made up of a wide range of partners including Essex County Council, Tendring District Council, schools, the Department for Education (DfE) and the voluntary sector.
Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Tackling educational inequality and encouraging lifelong aspirations for children is at the heart of the work of the Tendring Education Strategic Board. This work aligns closely with our Levelling Up Essex strategy in which Tendring has been identified as one of our six priority areas.
“We know there are long-standing issues with educational disadvantage in the district and working with our partners on the board, including Tendring District Council, we are determined to make a difference.
“The voices of young people themselves are integral to the work of the TESB, and it was fantastic to see and hear first-hand from the schoolchildren what a difference the board is making to education in the district.”
Also premiered at the event was a video aimed at attracting teachers to work in Tendring.
The TESB’s recruitment working party secured funding to create the video which has been produced by an award-winning marketing company.
The video will be broadcast and promoted on social media, helping raise the profile of the district and celebrating all it has to offer.
Read more about our Levelling Up Strategy at our website.