Page 17 - link magazine

The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com 17

Staff assemble at Isambard PIANO LESSONS
In preparation for taking up their new posts in the summer term, key staff were shown round Isambard
School in Redhouse by headteacher Rachael Mattey in early April. For beginners
Building work is progressing on heads Susan Banks and Terry that could be made to ensure the to
schedule and with Phase One com- Conaghan, business development smooth running of the school. intermediates
pleted, the team were able to start manager Kim Davis and Ms Ms Mattey explained that one of
getting a feel for the new building Mattey’s PA Diane Northam dis- the frustrations of a PFI project is Qualified piano teacher
which will open to its first pupils cussed improvements and changes that it must be built to the original in North Swindon, centrally
in September. specification. Only when the keys located within walking distance
Assistant are handed over by the builders in of St Andrews Ridge, Ash Brake,
The first Isambard July to Equion, which will manage Abbey Meads & Redhouse
staff assembled, left the facility for the next 25 years, Pupils of all abilities welcomed
to right, deputy will Ms Mattey be able to request from aged 5 to senior citizen
heads Terry changes to the interior fittings, in-
Conaghan, Susan cluding minor amendments such Call: Julie Johnson-Little CT ABRSM
Banks, business as moving coat hooks, or moving Tel: 01793 701255
manager Kim lockers from some of the changing Email: [email protected]
Davis, PA Diane rooms to create more space.
Northam and The team toured the refectory,
Rachael Mattey assembly hall, sports hall, drama
Pupils work on new school identity and dance studios before moving
on to classrooms, the music suite
Children starting at Isambard in September were given the chance to and the staff room. This 21st Cen-
contribute to the school’s graphic image at three workshops during tury school has a dedicated video
the Easter holidays. conference and TV studio.
The building incorporates smart The Blackthorn School
technology such as movement sen- of Photography
sitive lighting and a comprehen- Digital image-making
sive security system which moni- and black and white printing
tors activity indoors and out. based at our specialist
Over the next term, the man- teaching centre near Cricklade
agement team will be planning the Evening, day and weekend
detailed curriculum. Susan Banks courses for beginners and
is looking forward to the challenge. advanced photographers
“We can’t afford mistakes; these www.photography-courses.com
children only get one crack at edu- Tel: 01454 416937
cation and we’ve got to get our or 07920 116492
planning right.”

Kate Parsons with Isambard pupils holding their school logo ideas
Fifteen youngsters were selected sons. Ms Mattey said she was im-
to work with graphic designer Kate pressed by their work. “They con-
Parsons from Old Town who has centrated hard and developed their
been commissioned by the school ideas to come up with some inter-
governors to come up with the esting designs. The children were
school logo. aware from the beginning that a
She discussed with them how design would not be selected at
logos are used to convey a mes- the end, but their ideas would con-
sage and took them through the tribute to Kate’s thinking.”
process which designers use to Kate will present her develop-
understand the needs of a client. ment ideas to the governors in May
They tried different colour alter- and a final design should be agreed
natives and typefaces. by the end of June ready to be
At the last workshop the pupils embroidered on the school uni-
presented their ideas to head- form which will be a gold shirt,
teacher Ms Mattey, chair of gover- black sweatshirt, and black trou-
nors Helen Miah and Kate Par- sers or skirt.

Piano lessons hit the right note
The therapeutic effect of learning a musical instrument is attracting adult
learners to start lessons again, says piano teacher, Julie Little. And she
has been amazed at the tremendous response to her adverts in The
Link, with the phone ringing every day with new enquiries.
Julie, who specialises in motivating beginners of all ages, enjoys
teaching adults because they are so keen to learn. In the most recent
Associated Boards of the Royal School of Music exams, three of her
students were successful at Grade 1, including Brian Timbrell, aged 66.
“Parents who always wanted to play are now grabbing the opportu-
nity; they’re the best pupils you can have,” she said. “It’s a good way to
relax. Some young mums are taking time out to practice or have a lesson
while the children are at nursery.”
Teacher needed. Julie is looking for a colleague who can teach jazz
and blues to cater for the many pupils and want to learn these styles. If
you can help call her on 07747 540135.

1 May 07 17 20/4/07, 11:45 am