Page 2 - link magazine

2 swindonhink.com • February 2009
Isambard makes big impression on Brown

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was so impressed by the Isambard Community School strapline, that he compared it with his own school
motto when opening the school in North Swindon.
On a brief, but well received, visit contrasted it to the slogan chosen Helen Miah said,
on 9 January, Mr Brown questioned by the first group of pupils to at- "it has been such an
pupils in a maths class and admired tend Isambard in 2007: 'No end of exciting day, an ab-
youngsters working on Apple possibilities.' solutely fantastic op-
Macintosh computers in a design He told them, "yours is the best portunity for young
technology session. motto of all, because it sends out pupils to celebrate
Before unveiling a plaque in front such an important message that their new school
of governors and guests, and 400 there is nothing you cannot do if you and show it off with
cheering children ranged along the work hard, and nothing that cannot pride."
balcony running down the middle be achieved if you get the chance to Headteacher Ra-
of the school, Mr Brown quoted the develop your potential." chel Mattey -referred
motto of his mid1960s alma mater He called upon the pupils to to as 'headmaster' on
Headteacher Rachel Mattey presents the Prime Minist er
Kirkcaldy High School: 'I will try make the most of the investment two occasions by the
witha memento of his visit
my utmost.' in academic and sporting facilities Prime Minister- said
In June 2007 on becoming PM, he provided at the brand new school, she was so proud of the pupils. "Be- visit until 830am on the day. They
called it his guiding principle. He which he said is part of a £200 mil- cause of security concerns the staff were obviously excited but they
lion expenditure on brand new or and pupils were not told about the took everything in their stride.
refurbished schools in Swindon. "Those who met
"This is a wonderful school and I Mr Brown were so
thank all who have been involved in confident talking
its creation; it is going to be one of about Isambard and
the great schools in this country. his two personal
"There is massive talent toberea- guides Charlie Price
lised in this school, we want to give and Scarlett Walters
you the chance to make the most of were excellent am-
your potential; it's what education bassadors.
is all about. Our commitment is "The Prime Minis-
always to do the right thing by the ter seemed genuinely
young people of our country. There inspired by what he
are no end of possibilities of what saw at Isambard and
can be achieved. I'm really pleased he
Press pack photographer Becky Hncs "You've got a great school, let's picked up on our slo-
with the PM. She took the pictures right, make sure it's got a great future." gan. I can imagine it
and top right Afterwards chair of governors Taylor Coombe and Stephanie Walleif explain [1w fluci will appear in future
l
details of Photos hop, with Ben Sharp in the background speeches."
1 Westcott Place Special moment for young media people
Swindon Year 7 pupil Becky Heyes, and Jordan McKenzie, Year 8, were given a
west one 01793 surprise few minutes to interview Gordon Brown.
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No holds barred. Gordon Brown makes his point to Jordan
They were chosen from the Isam- helpful as well."
bard Documentors, 12 pupils who Jordan had the more difficult job
have been recording life inside the of carrying and positioning a video
school and around the community camera on a tripod. "It was quite
15% since it opened. lively because we had to quickly
The youngsters joined the media move from one place to another but
OFF pack who covered the visit and you had to stand your ground and
all cuts and The Link was asked to help them not be pushed out of the way.
colouring in get good angles and avoid being "Gordon Brown was confident
trampled by photographers and TV and friendly; he was very impressed
February. crews hunting for the best shots. by Isambard."
"It was fun to be able to take close Becky asked the Prime Minister
Sophie, Nicola and Yick up pictures of Gordon Brown, as why, in difficult timem, does he
well as talk to him," said Becky. "I enjoy the job. "He said it gives
look forward to meeting was a bit surprised by how every- him something to get up for and
former and new clients. body elbows each other out of the also how important it is to help
way, but the photographers were the country."