School opens with words of Olympian (From Echo)

School opens with words of Olympian

3:00pm Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Lauren Hockney

AN Olympian passed on words of wisdom to schoolchildren as he officially opened their new school.

Former British athlete and Olympic 400m hurdles champion, Dr David Hemery, cut the ribbon at Castle View School , Canvey , yesterday.

Dr Hemery, who won gold in 1968 at the Games in Mexico, was invited to the school where he made a speech to staff, pupils and governors.

The new school, in Foksville Road, was built on the site of the former Furtherwick Park Secondary school and offers 1,200 places for pupils aged 11 to 16.

Its facilities include science super-labs and improved sports facilities.

The school aims to be at the heart of the community by hosting performances, celebrations and other school events at the new Enterprise Square on the site, where the Band of the Scots Guards performed yesterday.

The project was funded through the Building Schools for the Future programme and cost £28million.

Gill Thomas, headteacher, said: “Castle View School is a flagship school with a vision to deliver world class education. “We are immensely proud of our amazing learning facilities.

“Every learning area has been carefully designed and purpose- built to include excellent resources for maths, English, science, humanities, design technology, arts and a hair salon.

“Our students are inspired to be ambitious in their learning and proud to be in such a wonderful environment.”

Stephen Castle , Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, lifelong learning and the 2012 Games, added: “After many years in the planning, it is a triumph to see these world- class facilities being used and enjoyed by the staff and pupils of Castle View.”

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