Oracle Thorpe Bay January 2019 by Oracle Publications

February2019 January 2018

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

COUNCIL! Snails pace LOCAL ISSUES! Seaways' brighter future WIN! A pair of tickets for Soul Legends with special guest Lemar

Front cover image kindly donated by local photographic enthusiast Marilyn Torrence

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ORACLE

WELCOME

As you have probably noticed over the last few months, Oracle has been featuring some quite contentious articles concerning our town. Balance is very important, and I am pleased to welcome an article from Cllr. James Courtenay, deputy leader of Southend council, who has given his version on the issue of Seaway car park, in response to last month’s article, by local businessman Paul Thompson.

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Oracle uploads the articles each month on its website, enabling residents to leave their own comments on any article featured. Thank you to all our readers who have already contributed. Enter this month’s competition to win a pair of tickets to see Soul Legends with special guest Lemar, on Thursday, 28 February at Cliffs Pavilion. Whether you're a Soul Man, a Natural Woman, or just a plain old S@x Machine. For more details on this show please visit: southendtheatres.org.uk To enter the Oracle/Soul Legends competition please either email info@oraclepublications.co.uk or visit the competition page on Oracle’s website and leave your name and contact details. Alternatively, for those of you who would prefer, we still accept competition entries by post to Oracle’s office address, please see below for those details. The closing date is 31 January 2019. Happy New Year and let’s hope that 2019 will bring Southend’s High Street back to a shopping destination desired by all!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

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Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk

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15/12/2016 12:57

CONTENTS Seaways' brighter future

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr James Courtenay

Snails pace

Council by Cllr Ron Woodley

To Dye For: The hot hair colour trends for 2019 22 Salon advice by Craig Smith

The loss of a baby

Community Care by Barbara Black

Smoked Haddock and Wild Mushroom bake 36 Recipe by Judy Barden

Let's talk about the sunshine Vitamin 42 Health by Genesis Ali Brainbox 48 What’s On 52 Useful Number’s 60 Advertiser Directory 62

Advertorials Sorrell 6/7 Essex Equity 39 High Tech Membrane 46/47 Shoebury High School 54/55

All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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January 2019

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January 2019

LOCAL ISSUES

Seaways' brighter future On 7 December, the developer Turnstone submitted a planning application to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council for a £45-£50m leisure development on the site of the Seaways Car Park. If it gains planning approval, it could generate 500 jobs and turn around the fortunes of our High Street by bolstering it as a leisure destination. Importantly, the plans should put the council on a firmer financial footing by generating business rates and rental income. This means that the council becomes less reliant on council tax and parking revenue to fund council services, such as social care, libraries and parks. This is particularly important as councils across the country have been receiving significantly less grant from central government each year and will need to be financially independent in the near future. I became a councillor because I am passionate about my town. I know our town centre is a top priority for our local January 2019

residents. I have been realistic about the challenges the High Street faces: an increase in crime, shops closing, competition from online retail and increased rough sleeping. That is why I held a High Street Summit in September. As a result of this summit, we have: made progress in addressing issues of aggressive begging and rough sleeping, created a team of six community safety officers who are now patrolling the town centre and is helping connect rough sleepers to support services. However, I also recognise that the High Street and seafront need to adapt to survive. We cannot rely on retail alone.

Right fit for our town? Ultimately, the Council’s Development Control Committee will determine whether Turnstone’s planning application is the right fit for our town and helps provide the right balance of uses. In brief, the planning application proposes an IMAX cinema, a Hollywood Bowl, restaurants and cafes, indoor

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leisure (such as rock-climbing, indoor golf and a gym), a Travelodge hotel and a new public square together with a 555 space multi-storey car park. The council is yet to set a date for the cross-party Development Control Committee to determine the application, as the plans must first be assessed by planning officers, after which there will be further public consultation. However, I thought it would be helpful to provide some facts and figures about the site and the application the council has received as well as dispelling some of the rumours that have been circulating.

Freehold retained Firstly, the council has not sold the Seaways car park for £1! We have retained the freehold of the land and expect to receive an initial rent of £282k a year under the lease. This rent has (upward only) review points where the Council will receive a percentage of the income Turnstone receive across the site. Over and above this, once built, it is estimated the Council would receive £0.75m a year in additional business rates, increasing to £1.1m a year if the government, as expected, allows councils to retain 100% of business rates collected in future. The council would continue to receive parking revenue from the site until the development starts, at which point the rent (and subsequent business rates) is payable.

Enough parking The planning application includes 555 public car parking spaces. This is 75 more than the number provided at the site when the agreement was signed. Since 10

then we have moved the coach parking elsewhere and acquired the Gasworks site, creating additional parking spaces. At present, Seaways car park generates a net income (after VAT and running costs are deducted) of around £330k a year, most of which is during the summer season. An all-weather leisure development would have year-round appeal, so it could be safely presumed that car parking revenue would in fact increase and the Council will continue to receive a share of this through the rent without the costs of managing it.

Creating 500 new jobs The scheme could create up to 500 new jobs bringing an additional £12-£15m of added value to the local economy while the extra local spend resulting from the scheme is estimated at £16m. Given some of the fanciful figures being bandied about, I could forgive readers for thinking that this was a bad deal for the council and therefore for the council taxpayer. Due to commercial confidentiality, the council has had to keep quiet while it waited for the planning application. However, as I hope you can now see, exchanging the £330k net income from the Seaways car park for over £1m (and rising) we would receive under the Seaways development is clearly in in the best interests of Southend, its residents and businesses. By Cllr James Courtenay Deputy Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. Or contact a member of our team if you would like an article printed. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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January 2019

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January 2019

Seaway

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SOLD FOR £1

Do you think it’s right to lease the town centres’ largest car park for the next 152 years for just £1 and in the process loose millions of pounds in car parking revenue? Do you think it’s right to effectively give away the Seaway Car Park that serves the Seafront and High Street without putting it out for tender? Do you think it’s right to then purchase land to compensate for the loss of the Seaway car park at a cost of £10 million of your council tax money? Do you think it’s right to create a new ‘white elephant’ leisure centre (cinema, hotel, bowling ally and restaurants) when the town has all these facilities already, with many of them struggling?

the

concerned southenders group

Do you think it’s right that these councillors making these decisions (ie: like losing £2 million on a failed seafront museum project) will be counting on your support at the next local elections? Maybe it’s time to ask your opposition party candidates how they stand on this unnecessary development!

We welcome sensible development but not at the cost to the town and it’s economy. Published by P. Miller on behalf of the Concerned Southenders Group at Sunken Gardens, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE 15

COUNCIL

Snails pace

Seafront traders are concerned about the potential loss of car parking spaces for visitors â€“ but are these worries justified? When these plans were originally developed in 2012 under a Conservative administration, they were for a new leisure facility that would help revitalise that part of the seafront and town centre. However, itâ€™s easy for people to criticise a single development without fully understanding the whole picture and vision the council have for Southend-on-Sea. Future plans for parking spaces in the town centre and seafront vastly exceed the spaces that the original economic decision was based upon. But what the town will gain are 450 additional full time, permanent jobs and the positives the development will bring with its year round leisure facilities, including restaurants, retail, and a hotel. The revenue the site will generate is well over the income received from car parking each year, and will also rise in future years as the income from the site grows.

Planning application just recieved! The criticism that should and can be aimed at the Seaway development has to be the fact that after four years a planning application has only just been received. However, the council needs to be confident that there are no further delays or any other problems by the developer going forward. If the development of Seaway 16

had happened quickly and was driven by the current administration, would we be having this argument today? Probably not.

Varied economic sectors needed The town cannot survive solely on leisure and culture. It needs a variety of economic sectors for it survival, creating opportunities for all and although tourism and culture are important, so are our many businesses including the airport, the business park, improved retail sector and especially jobs in the building industry, which will happen with the planned redevelopment of the Seaway car park and town centre with its future housing aspirations. People can and should question and criticise the council for not driving the Seaway and town centre re-development faster? The council without question must review the situation with the current developer and hold them to account. However, the ambition for the Seaway site and the town centre is sound and should not be questioned. by Cllr Ron Woodley Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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BEAUTY

To Dye For: The hot hair colour trends for 2019

Well, here we all are, together again for an exciting new year ahead. Pun intended. During the Christmas break I had the chance to catch up with some of my friends and colleagues in the fashion, hair and beauty industries to discuss what hair trends will be huge in 2019.

Bottle green If you’ve not seen it already on Instagram, then bottle green hair is set to be ‘a thing’. The trend echoes what has been the must-have fashionista’s colour for their winter wardrobe and if done professionally, bottle green can look super-healthy, vibrant, strong and glossy. Not only that, it goes perfectly with gold jewellery or burgundy-coloured clothing. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, ‘petrol’ hues were essential in the fashion world, especially in men’s suiting. Now it is one of the coolest looks for your locks. Naturally dark hair and deep skin tones are perfect for this shade. However, if you fall in love with the colour and want to keep it, you may have to bleach your hair first. Remember Sigue Sigue Sputnik and their hit Love Missile F1-11? In the summer of 1986 they were the oddest-looking band on Top of the Pops by

a mile and their guitarist, Tony James, became just as famous for his crazy hairstyle, complete with cerise extensions, as he did for being in the group. So, while the band’s fashion sense is far from making a comeback on the High Street, neon pink hair most definitely is.

Jet black Another 80’s-throwback trend will be rich, jetblack hair. If you were a goth back in the day, here’s your chance to be so much cooler than your kids – without the angst. Make sure you keep your new inky-black do shiny and glossy by using colour-enhancing products. One of my favourite looks for 2019, and will look ultra-hot on those of you who have or suit chestnut hues, are golden, face-framing highlights. If you’re already from a brown base, this colour is a doddle to maintain. Last year’s passion for silver hair takes a step towards the dark side as ash grey looks set to become the chic choice across the generations. The look should have the darkest sections at your roots and graduate to a lighter grey towards the tips. by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

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COMMUNITY CARE

The loss of a baby The article called ‘I lost my baby – please ask me his name’ on the BBC website and the Channel 4 TV programme ‘Child of Mine’ is about those who have suffered the loss of their babies were both sad, moving and yet so inspirational it just made you want to do something useful to help!

enough support then an afternoon group will be set up later in the year.

The Southend University Hospital’s (SUH) Bereavement Midwife Amanda is wonderful in supporting our families, both at the hospital and afterwards – but, and it is a big but – it hasn’t been possible to provide long term support. The nearest group (to my knowledge) is SANDS at South Woodham Ferrers.

Join us for coffee This is why I am starting a ‘coffee and chat’ group (for Southend and all surrounding areas) for families of babies Stillborn and Infant Loss (SAILs). The group will be supported by Amanda, some SUH midwives, those who have suffered this kind of loss and those who just wish to help. We will meet at St Augustine’s church hall, Thorpe Bay on the 3rd Friday of the month - beginning on Friday 18th January 2019 from 7pm to 9:30pm. The hall is up the road from St Augustine’s church and while it is a church hall it is a neutral space. There is parking around the hall; it is a safe place to walk, close to Thorpe Bay station and the 7 & 8 bus routes. If there is 28

I also run The Safe Harbour Bereavement Group with a lovely bunch of helpers: Sandra, Maureen, Georgean and Sally. This group is for those who have lost a loved one and are finding life a bit of a struggle or just lonely for company, we meet at the hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 2pm - 4pm. We try to have a speaker and sometimes go out for a meal or coffee – why not come along! To know more or offer your help for either group please call me on 07969 099396, email barbarablack29@gmail.com or see the website http://www.safeharbourbg. co.uk/ By Barbara Black

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FOOD

Smoked Haddock and Wild Mushroom bake I love smoked haddock and this all in one dish is easy for a warming January supper. Ask the fishmonger to skin and bone your smoked haddock and if wild mushrooms are not available use chestnut mushrooms as they have a little more flavour. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 3 medium Maris Piper potatoes (about 450g), very thinly sliced 150ml chicken stock 1 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, sliced 75g crème fraîche 2 x 140g/5 oz smoked haddock fillets, skin and bones removed 140g wild mushrooms, chopped 50g butter, diced 3 lemon thyme sprigs, leaves only 1 slice of brioche (about 50g/2oz), blitzed to breadcrumbs

gently simmer for 8-10 mins until tender. Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the stock. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onions for about 8 mins until golden brown. Spread them over a 26 x 5cm ovenproof dish and arrange the potatoes neatly on top. Season well and pour over the chicken stock. The stock should soak into the onions, leaving the potatoes dry. Spoon the crème fraîche over the potatoes in an even layer. Lay the haddock on top, then scatter over the mushrooms and butter, leaving some of the potatoes and onions visible. Cover with foil and put in the oven for 8 mins. Meanwhile, make the topping by mixing the lemon thyme, brioche breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Remove the foil from the fish and sprinkle over the crumb topping (making sure that some of the mushrooms are still visible). Return to the oven for 5 mins, then place under the grill for about 2 mins or until golden brown. Serve with wilted spinach or green vegetables of your choice

25g parmesan, finely grated wilted spinach, to serve

by Judy Barden

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with the chicken stock and 50ml water. Bring to the boil, then

Next month: Root Vegetable bhajis with coriander and lime dip

Have you written a WILL? Call Clive for a FREE Will review today on 01702 393838 e: info@oracleestateplanning.co.uk www.oracleestateplanning.co.uk

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ORACLE Estate Planning

January 2019

BRING HOME THE BACON Prime Beef including Ribs and Crown Cuts • Rib Eye, Sirloin and Fillet Steak Rare Breed Pork • Natural Chickens • Game • Low-fat sausages including Barling Beauties Winter Warmers including Oxtail and Braising Steak • Dry-cured Bacon made and smoked on-site Snowdonia Cheese including Black Bomber and Award-winning Pies

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January 2019

Fings ain’t wot they used to be! “It used to be fun – Dad an’ old Mum, paddling down Southend. But now it ain’t done. Never mind, chum – Paris is where we spend our outin’s.” Ah, Max Bygraves taking us back to the Fifties! Even in those dark days of austerity we were aspirational – things could only get better! And indeed they did, for the parents of the Baby Boomers, compared with how they were brought up before and during WW2. But it’s not how I remember it. Brown sauce sand wiches, sugar buppies, Camp coffee, welfare orange juice, daily spoonful of malt, freezing cold lino, outside lavs, ice inside of windows, coal fires (when you could afford it) that burnt your front and froze your back! That’s what I remember. The good old days, when we had nothing – which so many hark back on with affection. When we could leave our front doors unlocked and not worry about burglars – that’s because we had nothing worth burgling!

Time’s a changin’ Lionel Bart caught the spirit of the times with his lyrics but not the future affluence – universal education and medical care, haute cuisine on the dinner table, food aplenty and affordable, designer

clothes for the masses, 2, 3 or 4-car families and home ownership for most. All attainable for a generation that grasped the opportunity. But what of those Boomers, now in their 60s and 70s, surviving on a depleted pension, mortgaged and in debt to credit cards? Will they be as stoic as their parents? Will they suffer the cold days of winter, turning down the bars on the electric fire, terrified of the bill? Will they make do on bread and dripping, instead of prawn cocktail? I doubt it, unless forced to – they’re used to better fings! Central heating, double glazing, bathrooms, fitted kitchens, holidays abroad, cars, eating out – all the things that Baby Boomers worked for and have come to expect as their right! But there is a choice – they can access the cash locked in their homes with a suitable Equity Release Scheme, using their property to maintain the lifestyle they have become used to. And why not? We’re only here once! Equity Release Schemes don’t suit everybody and you need expert independent advice as to the best way forward, but if you need to raise money, for any reason, it’s worth finding out about. If you would like to discover more, feel free to call for a quick chat. by Ron Radway, Financial Consultant

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 01702 410016

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre For a free consultation and friendly, professional advice, call 01702 410016

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January 2019

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10/05/2017 11:37

HEALTH

Letâ€™s talk about the sunshine Vitamin

According to the meteorological calendar we are now in the winter season (Dec, Jan, Feb). For most this means when you get up early for work its dark and when you leave the office after work its dark. This means shorter days, less sunlight and therefore less natural vitamin D from the sun light. For many this can add to the winter blues.

What is Vitamin D Also known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium, regulates bone growth and plays a role in immune function. Your skin produces vitamin D3 when its exposed to sunlight. There are two main forms â€“ D2 & D3, the difference being their chemical structure and the way they are manufactured. Vitamin D3 comes from animals and D2 from plants and fortified foods.

Main benefits: 1. It helps absorption of calcium and phosphorus 2. It strengthens bones 3. It improves brain development and function 4. It can reduce inflammation

Sources of Vitamin D3 include oily fish (cod liver oil), liver, egg yolk, red meat and butter. Sources of Vitamin D2 include mushrooms and fortified foods such as cereals, milk and flour. Supplements come in tablets, capsules and liquid drops. Most adults need 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for adequate bone health, recommendations vary. However, several factors can influence your recommended intake. Over the counter doses range from 25 IU up to 10000 IU. Public Health England recommends everyone gets 400 IU per day. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Other signs of deficiency can manifest in the form of health conditions such as coughs and colds, tiredness and fatigues, seasonal affective disorder, poor bone and tooth health and low mood. Of course, the sun is the best source of Vitamin D. However, to maintain adequate levels during the darker seasons, make sure to regularly eat plenty of foods rich in Vitamin D or take a supplement, ideally in drop form. by Genesis Ali Nutritionist at V Health Thorpe Bay

5. Support immune function (beat colds & flu)

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January 2019

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January 2019

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WORDWORETORETIRETIME CONUNDRUM – SNOWFLAKE

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January 2019

NEW EX DISPLAY CONSERVATORY FURNITURE SALE We have some stunning ex display Conservatory sets on sale at Highgate with savings of up to 50%

Desser & Ex display sale Desser & Co. have over 95 years experience manufacturing conservatory cane furniture, featuring British made cushions. We will have a full display of their products all year round. Choose from the many fabric options and have your suite made to order; then delivered to your home by us. This Opera three piece suite including Coffee table was £1933 Now £999

Ex display Corsica Modular Set in costa fabric was £1949 now £1200.

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January 2019

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January 2019

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WHAT’S ON MUSIC IN THE PARK

TIME 14:00 - 15:00 DATE 1st January 2019 VENUE Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Free Community Carol Concert with The Southend Band.

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This month the guest speaker is Carol Saunders Magrath talking about her time as a Bluebell Dancer. These meetings take place every 1st Thursday.

BACK TO YOUR ROOTZ DATE 11th January 2019 TIME 20:00 - 01:00 VENUE The Arlington, 906 London Road, Leigh, SS9 3LL Hits from the 70s, 80s and 80s from DJ Pauly B from MDM Entertainment. Please note over 25s and 'smart casual' dress code. Free before 10pm, £5 after.

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ITALIAN CIRCLE TIME 20:00 - 22:00 DATE 16th January 2019 VENUE Leigh Community Centre Informative, entertaining talk in Italian on San Gimignano.

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January 2019

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Sixth Form at Shoeburyness High School Since September of this year, I have been lucky enough to be the Head of Sixth Form at Shoeburyness High School. I have worked at the school for 18 years, but this represents an exciting new step for me personally, having previously been Head of Science. Our Sixth Form has over 250 students, studying a range of courses which is one of the widest in the area. We have students taking A-Levels in all â€œFacilitating Subjectsâ€? (those most widely accepted by the top Universities), alongside other A-Levels and vocational subjects, with more than forty courses available in total. Our academic success has increased steadily, with our students making good progress (as noted by OFSTED). But we also have outstanding pastoral support for our Sixth Form students which is second to none. As Head of Sixth Form, I work closely with a dedicated Sixth Form Year Manager, Laura Windle, who provides excellent support and guidance to every student in Year 12 and 13. 54

Senior Prefect Team We also work very closely with our Senior Prefect Team, who are an important part of our whole-school student leadership programme. Our Head Girl and Head Boy have an important role in representing the school in the wider community. The school is very proud that Amber and Matthew represented us (alongside Headteacher Clare Costello) at the remembrance ceremony at the Southend War Memorial in November. Within school, the Senior Prefects help staff to ensure that our students always maintain high standards, as well as representing their views to the Senior Staff. The Senior Prefects also support younger pupils as mentors, providing guidance with their work and their transition from primary school. As a school, we are especially proud of the achievements of our Sixth Form students when they move on to the next stage of their lives. Each year, more than 50% of our Year 13 students progress to University study, following degree courses

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January 2019

as diverse as mathematics and criminology, medicine and theatre performance, physics and primary education. As I write this, we are in the process of supporting students with their University applications; as Head of Sixth Form, every day is rewarding with more students telling me of the places they have been offered!

into the new year, from children who are currently with us and those who are at other schools. Applications are completed online through our school website at www. shoeburynesshigh.co.uk/sixth-form-apply; any parents or children who are considering our Sixth Form are very welcome to contact me at the school so we can arrange a visit.

Sixth Form Charity Week

I am absolutely determined that we will continue to develop our Sixth Form in the coming years. I believe that every Sixth Form student gets the very best at Shoeburyness High School…high quality teaching, excellent pastoral support, rigorous academic challenge and the opportunities to be the very best that they can be as individuals. It’s what makes us special: academic study in a supportive community.

In October, we held our annual Sixth Form Charity Week. Each year, the students plan a huge range of activities to raise money for our chosen charities; this year, we supported the Southend branch of MIND and Women with Endometriosis. The activities included a very successful talent show, bake sales, sponsored walks and a huge range of games. The students also convinced the staff to form football teams and play in a charity match; the game was watched by over 100 cheering students who stayed after school to provide their support. By the end of the week, the students raised more than £5,000 for charity, representing an amazing effort from everyone involved. This is also the time of year when Year 11 students begin the process of applying to study with us in the Sixth Form. Our Sixth Form Open Evening was held in November, promoting the subjects which are available and encouraging students to set their sights high when considering their future goals. Once again, the school hall was packed to the rafters for our talks, with a fantastic buzz around the building for the whole evening. Many students completed their applications on the night, having been inspired by their teachers!

Mark Smith - Head of Sixth Form Shoeburyness High School - 01702 292286 schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk

SOUTHEND EAST COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

Applications for Sixth Form continue January 2019

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January 2019

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