From discussions on living with neurodiversity to hearing from speakers from different faiths and cultures, students in the trust’s schools across Folkestone and Dover have heard more about other people’s life experiences.

Boxer Josh Kennedy talked about how he had coped with living with ADHD, from his struggles at school to how boxing had helped him turn his life around. In an interactive assembly, he invited staff to take part in a ten second boxing exercise to the delight of watching students.

Musical treats included Maha Rai, a key figure within the Nepalese community, who prides himself in multiculturalism, engaging with students through his indigenous drumming and dancing.

Meanwhile, some innovative students from Folkestone Academy and an ex-student brought their Roma jazz band to Morehall and Folkestone Primary, showcasing  traditional music from the Roma community, with the songs all about love and family.

Students at Turner Free School heard about diversity in politics from local district councillor Abena Akuffo-Kelly, who spoke to current T6 students and Year 11s ,about her transition from a teaching career into politics. 

Multi-faith talks included one from a local imam from the Folkestone Mosque, who spoke with students about the five pillars that the islamic faith is built upon and the celebration of Ramadan, while teacher Mr Nijjer shared his Sikh beliefs.

The students also heard a powerful talk from Lea Baynes about the importance of accepting who you are for you and being proud of all you represent by sharing his inspirational experiences about his transition.

Turner Free School, Folkestone Academy , and Dover Christ Church Academy (DCCA) also  heard from Kim and Andy from the Kenwood Trust, who talked to them about the importance of making the right choices in life, and the destruction that any substance abuse can bring, with their powerful message bringing silence to assembly halls.

Students also enjoyed local trips as part of the week including one to The Beacon cafe on Guildhall street, where they engaged with the staff, and enjoyed having cakes, hot drinks.

Elise Tordecilla, Stakeholder Engagement Manager from Turner Schools said:

“‘Celebrating and discussing diversity in all its forms is a key way for young people to learn how to show respect to others and to learn from one another through others’  life experiences.

“It is important for children to learn that it is our differences that help to make the world a better and more interesting place, whether that be through race, culture, life experience, being neurodiverse, or through our sexual orientation.

“I want to thank everyone for taking part in Diversity week and for the staff and pupils at Turner Schools for ensuring everything ran smoothly and for making our speakers feel so welcome.”

Like many amazing young artists, Katie used her sketchbook to show her development of her ideas and experimentation of techniques and processes. Katie's project focused on 'sleeping' and how sleep was linked to early childhood development.

She looked at various artists including Tracey Emin and visited her sculptures in Folkestone titled 'Baby Things'. Katie's sketchbook was a fascinating journey into her ideas as an artist and presented an honest perspective about her life. 

The Gloria Gordon Awards are sponsored by Graham Gordon in memory of his wife Gloria and are judged by an independent panel.

For young artists the use of a sketchbook is crucial in developing their skills but can also present a fascinating insight and perspective on life. The Awards are intended to find and celebrate excellence in the creation of an art and design student’s sketchbook and the impact that has on their finished pieces.

For receiving the award, Katie was honoured with a trophy in the form of an art deco dancer, as well as a cash prize.

Katie Inge said: 

“I am delighted to have received the Gloria Gordon sketchbook award and am honoured to have been recognised for my hard work over the course of my A-levels.”

Miss Diwell, Art Teacher at Folkestone Academy, said:

“We are extremely proud of Katie for winning this prestigious award. She is an extremely talented and multi disciplined artist, who has worked hard over the years to hone her skill in drawing, painting, embroidery and photography to create beautiful artworks both inside and outside her sketchbook.”

Students across the country have been awaiting their results after sitting the exams during May and June. It’s been a normal school year after the pandemic disruption, but there have still been challenges to overcome for both staff and students. Many schools are still recovering from Covid-19, and although this is the first year that grading has returned to pre-pandemic standards, exams regulator Ofqual asked exam boards to take this into consideration when awarding grades. 

Staff at Folkestone Academy have worked tirelessly to ensure students had the support they needed to sit the final exams of their school career. In particular, staff offered additional revision and intervention sessions after school, during lunch times and during school holidays to ensure that pupils had every opportunity to succeed. 

We are particularly proud of the following pupils for achieving fantastic results: 

• Luke Murrum, who secured an A in A Level Sociology, B in Applied Criminology and a Distinction in Music Technology. Luke will be reading Creative Music Production and Technology at Canterbury Christ Church University. 

• Elijah Sainsbury, who achieved an A* in Fine Art, an A in Film Studies and a C in Graphic Design, is going on to read Fine Art at the University of Creative Arts. 

• Emma Gardiner achieved a Distinction in Child Development, a Distinction in Sport and a C in A Level History. Emma is looking forward to starting her fantastic journey in the Navy. 

• Poppy Foster, who attained a Distinction * in Child Development, a Distinction * in Health and Social Care and a Merit in Applied Science, will be moving on to study Paramedic Science at Canterbury Christ Church. 

• Katie Inge is also celebrating a Distinction in Child Development, a Distinction in Health and Social Care and an A in Fine Art. Katie will also be moving on to study Fine Art at the University of the Creative Arts. 

Steven Shaw, Head of School at Folkestone Academy, said: 

“We are thrilled to see so many students achieve the grades they deserved across their A-Levels, BTECs, and vocational courses. This is the result of a great deal of hard work and today we see the results of those efforts. Students will be going on to a wide range of exciting destinations and I couldn’t be happier for them.” 

Seamus Murphy, CEO of Turner Schools, said: 

“It is fantastic to see how well this cohort has achieved and they have every right to feel very proud of their success. Today’s results are a testament to the hard work, commitment, and dedication to their studies of these young people, as well as the fantastic teaching team here at Folkestone Academy, and I am delighted by how well they have all done. We wish them the best of luck for the future and know they will continue to excel as they take their next steps after leaving school.”