Open Day - 7 September 2010
The Academy has now officially opened!
To celebrate the opening, for the first official day back at school on Tuesday 7th September the pupils, together with their parents/carers and families were invited to an Opening Event fun afternoon. This included many fairground attractions, such as an inflatable climbing wall, coconut shie, hoopla and a rodeo ride which proved extremely popular.
In addition, members of the Physics Department of Queen Mary University of London, one of our sponsors, demonstrated various scientific wonders. They brought ‘disco bikes’ which involved a generator attached to a bike wheel that powered flashing lights, a CD player and a bubble machine. The pupils also had a chance to see a thermal camera, producing an image based on how hot different parts of their bodies were. To do this, ice and insulating materials were provided to gauge the effects. Representatives of the Army were also present with a bomb disposal unit display which highlighted the equipment and the procedures they use. The London Chamber Orchestra, along with Havering Music Services, offered ‘hands on’ experience with a variety of musical instruments as well as St John’s Ambulance servicemen demonstrating first aid, local police support officers and London Borough of Havering schools’ catering staff providing refreshments. The highlight of the afternoon was a guest appearance by Rachel Adedeji, one of the 10 finalists on last year’s X-Factor. As well as entertaining us with her excellent singing, she spent time speaking with the pupils, giving autographs and having photographs taken.
Following the excitement and success of the afternoon entertainment the Opening Day celebrations continued in the evening in the Hall, with a formal drinks and buffet reception held for invited guests. These comprised members of our sponsor organisations, The Drapers’ Company and Queen Mary University, as well as many representatives from the London Borough of Havering who have supported the project for Drapers’ Academy. Other guests included significant members of the wider project team such as Cambridge Education, the Department for Education and designers and architects of our planned new building, along with members of the local community such as councillors and church ministers. Our Head Boy and Head Girl and our Deputy Head Boy and Girl, together with our prefects and a number of parents also joined the celebrations. During the evening, entertainment was provided by a string quartet from the London Chamber Orchestra. Mr Slater made a short speech, stating his delight at being the first Principal of Drapers’ Academy and the challenging but exciting times ahead, followed by further brief speeches by Major General Adrian Lyons, the Chair of Governors, Professor Morag Shiach, the Vice Chair of Governors and Councillor Michael White, Leader of the London Borough of Havering.
The two events celebrating the first official day of our new Academy were very different, but both proved to be very enjoyable and extremely successful.
