An artist’s impression of the new building, and below, heads Julie Derrick and Vic Ashdown
Joint project will boost two schools
WORK has begun on a £4.9m project at the Valley Invicta Academies in Huntsman Lane. Julie Derrick, head of Invicta Grammar School, and Vic Ash- down, head of neighbouring Valley Park, both donned hard hats and hi-vis jackets as they took to the wheel of a JCB dig- ger to mark the start of a project which will mean new class- rooms and improved facilities for both schools. The building at Invicta will provide a purpose-built English and performing arts building, with eight English rooms, two media rooms, a reading room and dance and drama studios. It replaces the “pod” and “podlet”which were initially built as a temporary classrooms for the English department. Mrs Derrick said: “The growth
in dance and drama at Invicta has necessitated new facilities – in particular, dance which has had a huge growth in the last couple of years. No other girl’s grammar school in Maidstone will have such great facilities.” It is hoped the building will be
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finished by October, after which new tennis courts will be built. Mrs Derrick said: “This is a double win! Our students will benefit from not only great new internal teaching rooms, but ex- ternal space as well!” The Invicta building will be named the Izatt Building, after one of the school’s vice chairs of governors, David Izatt, who has done a huge amount of work for both schools. The new classroom building
at Valley Park will be named the Taylor Building after Judi Tay- lor, chair of the trust.
Team work lessons from fire crew STUDENTS at aMaidstone school have been taking part in a pi- oneering project by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) aimed at boosting youngsters’ life skills The six-week programme has seen year 9 pupils of St Simon
Stock School tackle challenging activities aimed at helping de- velop their team working and communication skills. Students were taught the co-operative aspects of firefighting, including running out hose reels, and using breathing apparatus. They also received information on fire and road safety. Phoebe Eden (14) said: “I really enjoyed the drills, and learn-
ing how firefighters work together in themost challenging of en- vironments. The course has given me a real insight into working for the emergency services.” Pupils who completed the course received certificates at an
award ceremony attended by their families. KFRS now hopes to roll out the scheme to schools across the county.
Day nursery rated outstanding
THE care provided by Maid- stone Day Nursery, in the grounds of New Line Learning Academy in Boughton Lane, has received the highest grade possible from Ofsted inspectors. The outstanding rating is an improvement on the good rating it received at its last inspection. The nursery cares for 110 children aged from three months to five years, a number of whom have special educa- tional needs or disabilities. Inspectors found there was a very effective key person
scheme which helped children flourish. Parents have excellent relationships with staff, and are able to participate in their chil- dren’s learning. Enthusiastic staff encouraged children to explore their envi- ronment, and demonstrated a good understanding of safety procedures. The nursery could improve
early years provision still fur- ther by encouraging children to express their ideas on what might make people feel better when they are upset or cross.
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