Our students used tea and cake to bridge the generation gap with older residents from their local community, as 50 guests living close the school were invited along for a very special ‘Afternoon Tea on the Bay’. 
With the aim of breaking down barriers between generations and highlighting how we can all learn from one another, the event was a real team effort by students and staff. Students created invitations in their IT classes, Year 9 and 10 catering students made sandwiches and homemade cakes for the afternoon tea feast and Year 9 students studying BTEC Music provided the entertainment. Taking on roles as hosts were Year 10 Health & Social Care students who also spent time chatting to guests, and Year 12 & 13 Beauty students offered mini-manicures as pamper treats for the ladies. Guests were also offered tours of the academy building, led by pupil guides.
Julie Rogerson, our Assistant Principal, said:
“We wanted to highlight to our pupils the impact of sparing a little time to sit and chat with the older generation, and the benefits of doing something positive within their own community.
“The highlight of our afternoon tea event was simply to see the generations mixing as the pupils sat with the older residents and chatted to them. Although some pupils were nervous and reluctant at first, after a few minutes the room was filled with chat and laughter.”
Among the guests was 101 year old Eric Maggs. Year 10 pupil Sheldon Leigh interviewed Eric to learn more about him and his life.
Other guests included former pupils of the academy, formerly known as Balmoral County Secondary School and more recently Heysham High School. Current pupils enjoyed listening to stories of school days from the older generation.
Year 10 pupil Josh Baldwin commented:
“I was anxious about approaching David at first but once we were talking it felt natural and I learnt a lot about his history and family life.”