ISLAND LIFE
Sheila's happy return
Island-born actress Sheila Hancock returned
to her roots when she officially opened the
joint VI form of Carisbrooke and Medina
Colleges in Newport.
As well as being an accomplished film and
television star, Sheila is also an author and
Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth,
and was delighted to play her part in the
launch of the new complex.
Sheila, who was born at Blackgang in 1933,
said: “The building has been imaginatively
converted into a pleasant environment for the
pupils. They have room to relax away from
the pressure of exams, as well as excellent
laboratories and lecture rooms. It will provide
a helpful stepping stone between school and
university.
“I was very impressed by the standard of
work and the intelligent, lively youngsters I
found there. They seemed to be very happy;
and with of the help of the dedicated staff, are
facing their futures with enthusiasm.”
As part of the re-organisation of education
last year, the IW Council awarded the
responsibility for running two of the new
11-19 schools on the Island to the Island
Innovation Trust (IIT). The Trust is made up
of six partners and has the responsibility for
setting the aims for its federated schools:
Carisbrooke College and Medina College.
The VI Form Campus currently offers a
wide range of AS and A2 courses to over
500 students. Island Innovation Trustees,
Governors, invited guests, parents, staff and
students gathered together for the Opening
ceremony.
The Chairman of the Island Innovation
Trust, Mark Price, added “Sheila was
inspirational and I know that her interest and
enthusiasm in the students work and future
careers was appreciated. Over a quarter of
our current Year 13 students have applied for
a place at the University of Portsmouth, of
which she is the Chancellor.”
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