Cobholm Primary Academy’s future university stars!

The children of Great Yarmouth get to explore what university education is like with the University of East Anglia.

University may not be something most children are thinking about until secondary school, however, for the pupils of Cobholm Primary Academy the thought of their future education is something they have been embracing while getting involved with the University of East Anglia’s Future Stars Outreach Programme.

Held by ambassadors from the UEA, the programme has been set up to get children thinking about their futures earlier, providing them with knowledge about what university is like and helping them understand the sort of skills they may need to achieve their goals, no matter what path they decide to take.

The trip, which gave the pupils the chance to explore what a university campus looks and feels like, provided the pupils from the Great Yarmouth primary school the opportunity to take part in a variety of STEM events that focused on everything from circuit building right through to occupation therapy support. It also gave pupils a chance to see all the facilities available to students at UEA, and understand the independence young adult learners are given at university.

Overall, it was a fantastic event with the UEA ambassadors praising the pupils of Cobholm Primary Academy pupils for their enthusiasm and high interest in what their future education could look like.

Making a splash! Sir Isaac Newton student off to represent Great Britain in the World Aquathlon Championships

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is excited to share the news that their Year 12 student, Matthew Lightfoot will be off to Ibiza this spring to represent Great Britain in the World Aquathlon Championships!

Matthew, who is already the Under 20’s Champion after competing in the British Championships in Windsor is currently in training for the World Championships which will see him complete a lengthy swim before immediately going on to run over various distances.

All of this would be an amazing achievement by anyone’s standards, but for Matthew it is even more incredible, as due to an injury, he was unable to participate in sport for several years. Following physio, Matthew persevered, taking up running during lockdown, and although difficult, and at times, even painful, Matthew remained determined to continue building his strength. Eventually the training became easier, and it has lead him to achieve things he couldn’t have even dreamed of a few short years ago.

Matthew, who comes from a family of athletes (his dad competes in Ironman Triathlons, while his mum is a passionate runner), said he was “grateful for the support he receives from his family”.

Truly dedicated to his passion, Matthew spends 10 hours a week training, taking time to swim, run, cycle and participate in strength sessions.

Matthew does this all while studying for his A-Levels too, and although it can sometimes be difficult, he understands the importance of having a good balance between his studies and his training.

Matthew is super excited about going to the World Championships as is everyone at Sir isaac Newton Sixth Form and he plans to continue participating in sporting events for as long as it remains fun and enjoyable. When it comes to a future career, Matthew hopes to work in a biology-based field, of which Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is the perfect place to build those foundations.