Thornhill Academy, Thornholme Road, Sunderland.

28^th of March - 2^nd April.

Students in Year 7 and 8 enjoyed a carousel of ‘Careers in...’ sessions linking their curriculum learning to future careers and skills. For Year 7s a highlight was working with the Royal Air Force to evaluate emergency scenarios and plan what actions, jobs and roles would be needed and for Year 8s working with Penshaw View to understand the importance of health and safety at work.

Equans facilitated a team-building activity, enriching students with knowledge about the construction industry in a fun-filled environment and in conjunction with National Science Week, Year 8 students immersed themselves in a STEM workshop sponsored by the Platton Family Fund, in partnership with the Smallpiece Trust. From designing wind turbines to constructing gearing systems and turbine blades, students showcased their ingenuity and creativity under the guidance of Mr. Miller, the DT and engineering teacher.

Meanwhile Year 9 students gained valuable insights into careers in energy with Northern Gas Networks and explored the world of audio equipment and broadcasting with Canford.

Engineering enthusiasts from Year 10 were treated to a visit to the Wates construction site, followed by sessions with the Department of Work and Pensions, focusing on employability skills and mock interviews.

For Year 11 students the National Citizens Service, a voluntary personal and social development program for 16–17 year olds, held sessions to develop their social and planning skills and to help them build relationships within the wider community. There was also the opportunity to visit Sunderland College City Campus for a tour around their vocational departments as well as gaining support with their applications.

Finally, selected students from each year group worked with Newcastle University to get a glimpse into different aspects of university life and support with raising aspirations for their futures.

Sue Hamilton, Headteacher at Thornhill Academy, said: “Thornhill remains committed to building a culture of exploration and innovation, equipping every one of our students with the skills and inspiration they need to thrive at school and beyond.”

In collaboration with Young Enterprise, the school is embarking on the Centres for Excellence programme supporting students to learn more about the role of money in society, managing their own money and the risks associated with money.

During the week-long event students worked with teachers, tutors and visitors from the My Personal Finance Skills organisation. Students in years 7-9 learnt about tax facts, fraud investigations and how to open their first bank account, while older students in years 10 and 11 learnt about the economy, making a difference with social enterprise activities and how to understand payslips and calculating deductions.

Sue Hamilton, Headteacher at Thornhill Academy, said: “In a cost of living crisis, where many face financial uncertainty, the importance of teaching young people about personal finance cannot be overstated. As we invest in the financial literacy of our young people, we lay the groundwork for a more prosperous, resilient, and equitable future for all.

“Through hands-on workshops and engaging discussions, students have been provided with invaluable insights and practical skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Financial Awareness Week is just the beginning of our commitment to developing financial literacy and empowering our students to take charge of their financial futures."

Join us in reliving the joy and accomplishments through these snapshots of success. 

This is a free opportunity, thanks to funding from Arts Council England, for these local students to experience live theatre. For some students this was their first experience of the theatre.

Thornhill Academy works very closely with Sunderland Empire and the National Theatre, most recently with their Speak Up programme, which allows students to work with local artists to develop work which covers topics which are important to them. As a result of this, Thornhill students were lucky enough to be offered free tickets to help get young people to experience theatre.

This opportunity allowed all Year 10 GCSE Drama and some Year 9 students to experience live theatre and see first-hand how both the actors and design elements all come together to put on a production.

Ava, Year 9 student at Thornhill Academy, said:

"Great opportunity and experience to go on a trip with the school and see the actors perform."

Oyinni, Year 9 student at Thornhill Academy, said:

"It was really good! I learnt that lighting in drama has a great effect on a performance, I am so happy I went. I want to watch more now!

Sophie, Year 10 student at Thornhill Academy, said:

"It was an exciting and great opportunity."

Sue Hamilton, Headteacher of Thornhill Academy, part of Consilium Academies said:

“We are very lucky to have fantastic links with Sunderland Empire and I am really passionate that our students get the same opportunities to see and experience the fantastic performances happening right on our doorstep.

“Performing arts is a central part of our exciting offer to students. Exposing young people to the arts in this way is not only a fun experience but serves to do so much more than entertain. These life experiences can often inspire and give them a flavour of something they might like to pursue, whether it’s a hobby or a career.

“We are grateful to Arts Council England for making this a possibility for our students, many of whom have not experienced love performances before.”

To mark World Book Day this year, Anne spoke to students about her books, Monument and Dummy Run, and her third book which is about to be published, which are all heavily relatable for teenagers. Anne will also read a short extract from her new book to the students.  

Liam Clark, Deputy Headteacher at Thornhill Academy, part of Consilium Academies, said:  
“We invited Anne into school to help us with our World Book Day celebrations because she is a local author who has written books inspired by our city and catchment area. The children have been able to listen to how Anne has constructed her books and spot themselves or their friends in the characters that she has written about.

“World Book Day is a fantastic celebration, and this is just one example of how our young people are developing as readers. In reality reading is prioritised at Thornhill in each lesson, every day. We want our youngsters to read like scientists, geographers, and historians, each and every day.” 

Ridwan, Year 7 student at Thornhill Academy, said:  
“Reading makes me feel calm. It allows me to let out my imagination. It is more than a bunch of words. If you read properly then you can let out your imagination.

“Yesterday, we read a book about a boy who had a lot of fears and how he was trying to overcome then.

“The book is brought to life because it is relatable.”

Anne Twine, local best-selling author, and former English teacher said:  
“I am the first author to have featured Penshaw Monument in a novel and when the children of Sunderland see the front cover, they immediately relate to the book, and they know where it is set.

“Children are able to see themselves in the characters, that is what makes the book relatable.”