All the latest from Kent's schools and colleges
Step into Dance
Step Into Dance, a fully inclusive school community dance programme for young people via the Royal Academy of Dance and the Jack Petchey Foundation, works with schools in selected London boroughs, offering 11-16 year olds free dance classes and a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide range of dance styles and training. This spring Step Into Dance launches the borough events in Bromley with an exciting local showcase at The Priory School, starting at 7pm on 1 March. The scheme culminates annually with the event Step LIVE! at Sadlers Wells in July, where all participants are able to perform in front of the public, friends and family.For more information and details of how to get involved, please contact Dawn Loring, 0207 3268927 or dloring@rad.org.uk.
Back to her roots
Legendary fashion designer Zandra Rhodes will make a special return to where she began her illustrious career when she gives a free public lecture at the University for the Creative Arts at Rochester on 17 March.Chatham-born Zandra graduated from UCA Rochester (formerly Medway College of Design) in 1961 and went on to dress some of the world’s most famous people, from Princess Diana to Jackie Onassis, Freddie Mercury and Lauren Bacall.In May 2010, Zandra became the figurehead of UCA when she was installed as the university’s first ever Chancellor – a special moment for the designer whose mother taught at the institution. The fashion queen recently gave a similar talk at UCA Epsom that was fully booked weeks in advance, so those looking to reserve a seat at UCA Rochester should do so in good time.The lecture starts at 6pm, and is followed by a drinks reception. To book events@ucreative.ac.uk or 01252 892682
Awards reward
Talented students from all year groups at Cornwallis Academy in Linton have picked up an array of awards after being nominated by their subject teachers.The ceremony was hosted entirely by Head Girl Lizzie Eldridge and Head Boy Josh Hartnell, with almost 100 awards presented to students. Speakers included Chair of Governors Ray Harris, Deputy Vice Principal Faye McGill and Federation Executive Principal Dr Chris Gerry.
News in Brief
Up in spaceSevenoaks School is the first UK school to have hosted a live satellite video and audio link with the orbiting International Space Station. The historic moment took place during a presentation by Dr Nicholas Patrick, a NASA astronaut, and the link was broadcast live on NASA TV.Nothing but the bestSt. George’s Church of England Foundation School in Broadstairs has been named as being among the 100 top-performing schools based on sustained improvement in each year from 2007 to 2010.Day nurseryAfter a year of work, a new children’s day nursery has opened for business within a former Sidcup manor house. Ruxley Manor Garden Centre has converted the Grade II listed building into a facility that will offer 63 places to children aged between three months and five years. Helen hits the right noteHelen Grant, MP for Maidstone and The Weald, hit the right note with pupils when she visited Staplehurst School and was serenaded by the school choir, before hearing poems relating to the Second World War, read by the young authors.
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