Page 13 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • June 2012 13
A generation moves on from Isambard

The Link was there when
the very first group of
children visited Isam-
bard Community School
from their different North
Swindon primaries in July
2007, below, and we were
there on 11 May to picture
the last assembly before
the pupils departed for
exam study.
Headteacher Rachel
Mattey, said: “We’ve all
been on a journey together;
this group of pupils came to
us as little eleven year olds
to look round before the
school opened, they leave
us as young adults ready
for their next stage of life.
“They are special people;
we’ll never know a group
as closely as we have our

first intake. They have contributed
so much to making Isambard the
school it is today.
From the start Isambard insti-
tuted accelerated learning pro-
grammes and the upcoming exams
will be the ultimate test for many
observers. Ms Mattey believes per-
formance will be impressive. “We’re
really looking forward to the results
later in the summer. Many pupils
have good grades from Year 10, one
boy already has seven As and we
have high hopes for another with
significant learning difficulties who
has worked incredibly hard.
“We’re expecting our first cohort
to do really well.”
• The pictures here have been in-
cluded in the Isambard leavers book

Freshbrook Community Centre needs 250
help to put on a sporting celebration

Two years after it reopened, Freshbrook Community Centre has been BIKES ON SHOW
going from strength to strength but more volunteers are needed to
keep the momentum going. All shapes, sizes and
Chairman Steph Bird said: “After far exceeded our expectations in prices at:
the success of our royal wedding the last two years. It’s constantly
something similar for the Queen’s up with groups. Our bouncy castle SWINDON CYCLES
party in 2011 we were hoping for in use and every evening is filled
jubilee and the Olympics - however parties are always busy and we’re SUPER STORE
we don’t have enough volunteers. booked most weekends. The Alpha
“We’re too late for the jubilee but Pre-school is popular and we have where the
it would be great if people would toddler groups running Monday See the lightweight
road models and
come forward to help organise an and Thursday mornings. • Choice is great modern electric bikes
Olympic themed event. “The toilets have been completely • Prices are right Parts, accessories &
“We’re also desperately short of refurbished and we hope to put a repairs by trained staff
people to help out generally and to fence around the centre to create a • Parking is free
organise community events, so if secure outdoor area where we plan
you’re interested please contact us.” to build raised beds to grow plants Tel: (01793) 700105
The building was closed down and vegetables and hope the com-
in 2010 for lack of volunteers. It munity will get involved in this. 60a Beechcroft Rd, SN2 6QD
reopened with a new committee “But with so much going on we Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown
six months later but is now in great really do need more help to spread www.swindoncycles.co.uk
need for more people to share re- the load.” Open: Mon to Sat, 9am to 5.30pm
sponsibility for management. Steph To find out more, drop into the
added: “The community centre has centre or call 01793 870526.

1-18 June 12.indd 13 17/05/2012 14:53