The Gateway Academy Annual Awards Ceremony

Year 11 students at The Gateway Academy celebrated in style at Ye Olde Plough House on 23 June 2009, as students attended their end of year Prom…and what a stunning lot they were! The evening started with the arrival of students at the Academy in many modes of transport – a London bus, Party bus, stretch limos and a ‘Godfather’ car – all lined up in the Courtyard to drop off Academy students who looked spectacular! Parents and staff were able to wish the students well and see them dressed in all their finery. After a photo-call, students headed off to the venue to enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal followed by dancing. 144 students and staff enjoyed a superb evening, ending with the crowning of the Prom ‘King & Queen’ – Leanne Worthington & Chris Eggleton. The PSA would like to thank Ye Olde Plough House and the students who made them so, so proud.

The Gateway Academy took part in a ‘Community Day’ on Friday 19 June 2009. Every student and member of staff entered into the spirit with car washing, manicures, clay modeling, teas & coffees in the courtyard café; a special drama performance in the main theatre to Year 6 local primary students and visits to local nurseries and primary schools to assist in any way they could. Students also visited Asda in Tilbury and Sainsburys in Chafford Hundred to help pack bags, Davy Down to plant new bulbs, Tilbury Riverside to help tidy up the environment and local care homes to pamper the residents with manicures and hand massages. The Community Day was the first the Academy has seen but was such a roaring success that its been penciled in for next year! The Academy would like to thank all those involved.

The Gateway Academy entered into the charitable spirit on Friday 13 March as part of ‘Red Nose Day’. All students and staff walked a two mile course around Tilbury – some even managing the course three times. The more ‘sporty’ students decided to run! Fancy dress was the order of the day including Amy Winehouse, Tinky Winky, Sandy from Grease, Santa Claus and a Chicken amongst other fabulous outfits. Other activities around the Academy included ‘guess the celebrity’ and on sale at break were delicious home made cakes and biscuits – all helping to raise in excess of £1300.

Five Hospitality & Catering students enjoyed the opportunity to see how the 'professionals' work at The Dorchester Hotel, London. The two hour tour gave the students vital information about customer service in preparation for their BTEC coursework.

The Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Everett visited the recent NPower 'Enthuse Day'

Year 10 students produce excellent Chinese artwork as part of their GCSE coursework.

The Essex Jiangsu Festival continued at The Gateway Academy following the visit previously by The Yangzhou Puppet Company, this time with the Kunqu Opera, Jiangsu's famous and classical opera. Kunqu is China's oldest existing dramatic art form.

The Gateway Academy were proud to host a rare performance by the award winning Yangzhou Puppet Company. A cast of eight puppeteers and dozens of beautifully crafted puppets entertained Year 7 students from the Academy as well as Year 6 students from local primary schools.