Students at Penrice Academy were given the opportunity to meet young-adult author Anthony McGowan on Monday 9th June when he visited the St Austell-based secondary school.

McGowan first delivered an assembly to the whole of Year 8 before spending the rest of the day at Penrice leading workshops with selected students in Years 7 to 10.

Each group of students were inspired by Mr McGowan’s storytelling which was followed by detailed question and answers sessions as the famous writer explained his journey to becoming a published and established author.

McGowan won the annual Carnegie Medal in 2020 for writing Lark, a book that is now part of the Year 8 curriculum at Penrice during tutor time reading sessions. Set up in 1936, the annual Carnegie Medal is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious book award for children’s writing.

Harry, a Year 9 student, said:

“I enjoyed the storytelling element because I had liked reading Lark last year.”

Isabel in Year 10 added:

“His stories about what inspired him were gripping and also quite shocking. But I thought the message about the relationship between truth and fiction was an interesting one.”

Mrs Alison Hague
Reading Champion at Penrice Academy:

“Anthony McGowan has won so many awards for his books that we were thrilled when he agreed to visit our school. His book, Lark, is read in Year 8 and revolves around two boys of similar age to our students. He brought to life the inspiration for this book and had us all gripped with tales of his own schoolboy experiences in 1970s Leeds. The experience encouraged students to see the magic of storytelling in a new light, and allowed them to connect with the creative process. I’d like to thank Anthony for helping to inspire the next generation of readers and writers in such an entertaining way.”

Mr McGowan thanked Penrice Academy for welcoming him, stating:

“It has been a delight, from beginning to end.”

McGowan’s most recently published book was released earlier this year, called ‘The Beck’ – an environmental tale packed full of his signature grit, heart and humour. He is also finishing a book called Birdlands which is expected to be published next year.

Penrice Academy is proudly celebrating a remarkable double victory after both its Year 10 and Year 7 boys’ football teams were crowned County Champions this week.

The winning streak began on Monday evening when the Year 10 Boys’ Team retained their County Cup title with a dominant performance against Truro School. In a thrilling match, the team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork to secure a convincing victory.

Year 10 goals came from Callum (10LS), who netted a superb hat-trick, along with strikes from Peter (10OB), Ollie (10LS), and Ollie (10JS), plus an own goal by the opposition, sealing a memorable win and reaffirming their status as county champions.

Just two days later, the spotlight shifted to the Year 7 Boys’ Team, who faced Falmouth School in a tense and fiercely contested final. Despite the pressure of the big stage, the Penrice players rose to the occasion, demonstrating outstanding determination and composure to clinch a narrow 3-2 victory and secure the County Cup title.

Goals in the Year 7 final were scored by Morgan (7GS), Alex (7GS), and Jenson (7PB), each contributing to a hard-fought and well-deserved win.

Both matches saw fantastic support from the sidelines, with staff, students and families creating an electric atmosphere and acting as the “12th man” throughout. The school extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who came out to cheer on the teams.

It was a memorable visit to Poetry Live in Bristol on Wednesday 12th February.

After an early start with the coach departing before sunrise, students reached Bristol in good time. They had an amazing day listening to famous poets discussing their work and reading their poems live on stage. Performing poets included Simon Armitage, John Agard, Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker, Daljit Nagra and Owen Sheers.

Thank you to our local community midwives for visiting Penrice to deliver an interactive session for our Year 11 Child Development students.

Debbie and Becky covered the role of the midwife during the antenatal period, during labour and birth, and then the postnatal period.

Students were fully engaged in their roles as Student Midwives for the session and it was great for them to be able to sample midwifery as a career as they head into Post-16 education in September.

Students from Penrice Academy were warmly greeted by staff and families at Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) last week as they delivered a collection of brand new children’s books worth £640.

The funds were raised before Christmas when students gathered in the Penrice Library for a meaningful sponsored 2-hour read to support the local hospice.

They raised £640, which they used to buy books to give to the babies, children and young people and their families who use the Little Harbour Hospice in St Austell.

Last week, the top fundraisers from the event were allowed to visit the hospice in Porthpean (St Austell) to drop off the books, look around the hospice’s facilities and even meet some of the families.

Bethany Rudge, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, said:

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the readers at Penrice, as well as Mrs Hatch and Mrs Hague who helped the school raise vital funds for CHSW. Every page turned brought them closer to making a real difference!”

Run by CHSW, Little Harbour provides free support to babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families 365 days a year, including respite, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support. The hospice also offers resilience stays, as well as support in families’ own homes.

“We are really proud of the group for fundraising for such a special place in the heart of our community. Our students were delighted to support the charity, and were really looking forward to delivering the books.”

Mrs Hague stated

Our Year 11 students showcased their dedication, teamwork, and boundless energy during their impressive 24-Hour Charity Challenge shortly before Christmas, raising more than £4,000 for local and national charities.

The event saw over 125 students participate in a variety of endurance activities, including dancing, rowing, cycling, and more, all to support three worthy causes.

This year’s chosen charities were:

• Young People Cornwall
• Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust
• The Salvation Army

The challenge began on Thursday 19th December at 1:30pm and involved teams of students taking shifts, performing physical tasks to keep the event going around the clock. With a spirit of camaraderie and determination, students danced, cycled, rowed, and engaged in other sporting activities to raise funds and awareness.

Spectating students and teachers gathered around the edge of the Assembly Hall for the final dance at lunchtime on Friday 20th December, greeting Year 11 with rapturous applause when the clock struck 1:30pm, marking the end of the challenge.