Penrice Academy is excited to announce that it has successfully won a local funding vote, securing £1,500 for the purchase of new outdoor education equipment.

The poll took place between April and June this year when shoppers at Tesco, St Austell were invited to vote for one of three local initiatives each time they exited the store.

Thanks to the support from the community and Tesco Stronger Starts, the school has been able to invest in a range of equipment that will enhance its outdoor education programmes. The funds have been used to purchase essential new tents and backpacks, providing a significant boost to the school’s commitment to enriching students’ learning experiences and encouraging active outdoor learning.

“We are thrilled to have been selected for this funding, which will make a big difference in the lives of our students.”
 
“Outdoor education plays a vital role in developing teamwork, resilience, and a love for the environment, and this new equipment will give our students even more opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom.”

Words by Ms Penrose

On Monday 11 November 2024, Penrice Academy staff and students came together in the garden square for their annual Service of Remembrance.

Students from all year groups and a variety of organisations – from Scouts and Guides to Army and Sea Cadets – paid their respects to service men and women lost in combat around the world, dressed in full uniform.

The ceremony started with The Last Post, performed by Music teacher Miss Minear, followed by a poignant 2-minute silence observed by staff and students.

Thank you to all students who represented their various organisations today with great pride.

Date: September 2024
We have this week officially launched a new initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of medical and healthcare professionals.

The Future Medics Programme increases awareness of what it takes to study Medicine and Healthcare subjects through fun, inspiring and interactive teaching focused on medicine, health and science.

There are a range of opportunities that provide advice and hands-on experience, including guest speakers, webinars and practical exercises, allowing Penrice students to gain detailed insight into possible future careers in the sector.

Representatives from Peninsula Medical School (University of Plymouth), Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust have assisted in setting up the programme, offering a range of opportunities.

Levelling the Playing Field

The Future Medics Programme forms a new part of the existing Penrice Scholarship Programme, offering opportunities that remove common ‘ceilings to success’ for the most academically able in state secondary schools. The Penrice Careers Team have set up the initiative in an effort to ‘level the playing field’.

“In 2019, a report from the Sutton Trust identified that whilst just 7% of Britons are privately educated, they make up 39% of the leading professions. Children in St Austell deserve the best, and we are playing our part to level the playing field by striving to offer Penrice students the best careers opportunities and experiences possible.

I know from being a parent that it is so competitive to get into Medical School, and if you don’t find out about a lot of the application processes and the challenges until A-Levels, then you are already at a disadvantage. Building strong personal statements is one thing, but there are so many other considerations. For example, the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) exam must be sat in October the year before a student applies to university. This translates to a student’s first two months at College or Sixth Form in Year 12. If they only become aware of the UCAT requirement after this deadline then some medical career pathways may already be closed, or delayed by a whole year at the very least.”

Words by Mrs Stevenson, Careers Curriculum Lead