Students cap off year of pledges with graduation celebration

A school year has its first taste of what it is like to graduate with a ceremony to celebrate as they move on to the next chapter of their education.
Year8 Learning Manager Cheryl Ramsay with pupils after the Dyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation. Picture by FRANK REIDYear8 Learning Manager Cheryl Ramsay with pupils after the Dyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation. Picture by FRANK REID
Year8 Learning Manager Cheryl Ramsay with pupils after the Dyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation. Picture by FRANK REID

Last October, Dyke House College launched its Pledges and Graduation project, offering its Year 8 pupils incentives to improve key skills they need to be successful in their future learning and careers.

The Resolution School offered activities, cultural events and sports and by completing the programme, they have been awarded bronze, silver or gold in recognition of their performance.

Dyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation pupils after their graduation. Picture by FRANK REIDDyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation pupils after their graduation. Picture by FRANK REID
Dyke House Sports and Technology Academy year8 to year9 graduation pupils after their graduation. Picture by FRANK REID
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To mark the end of the project, the students were invited to join three graduation events, where 233 pupils in total collected their titles, pulling on caps and gowns as they were presented with their scroll certificates from acting principal Adam Palmer.

Cheryl Ramsay, the school’s learning manager of Year 8, set up the programme alongside her colleague Anthony Robinson, lead manager for Year 9.

Mrs Ramsay said: “The pupils have managed to maintain excellent attendance, displayed consistently high effort and demonstrated commitment to earn their pledges.

“After graduation, the pupils celebrated and enjoyed refreshments with the parents and carers.

Dyke House College's year 8s have celebrated the end of the Pledges and Graduation project.Dyke House College's year 8s have celebrated the end of the Pledges and Graduation project.
Dyke House College's year 8s have celebrated the end of the Pledges and Graduation project.
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“All of the pledges aim to shape and develop the pupils into prosperous, well-rounded young people.

“They have offered new and exciting opportunities to progress.

“As a college, the pledges and graduations have given Dyke House pupils the opportunity to showcase and celebrate success stories.
“We are extremely proud with the pupils’ response to these challenges.

“The next target will be for the Year 8 pupils to achieve a further five pledges over their remaining three years in Key Stage Four.”

Layla Fitzgerald, Owen clapham and Ellie Marshall after their graduation.Layla Fitzgerald, Owen clapham and Ellie Marshall after their graduation.
Layla Fitzgerald, Owen clapham and Ellie Marshall after their graduation.
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Mr Palmer said: “As this is the first year of graduation, the ceremony was a phenomenal success.
“The college pupils enjoyed watching the Year 8 pupils during the ceremony.

“At Dyke House College we aim to celebrate all areas of success and excellence.”

Invited guests included Oliver Harness, the local authority’s senior school advisor, executive principal Andrew Jordon and previous headteacher Bill Jordon.