A LORD of the realm delivered on a long-standing promise to pupils in South Tyneside when he visited their new school.

Lord Puttnam, the ex-film producer David Puttnam, said South Shields Community School was a perfect setting for the stars of tomorrow.

The man whose film successes include Bugsy Malone and Chariots of Fire, was at the school in Nevinson Avenue, South Shields, yesterday – three years after he visited the new school’s forerunner.

He said: “I’ve been completely blown away by the new school. I said I’d come back and I am delighted to be here.

“Who wouldn’t be blown away by such an impressive building? It is very spacious and an ideal venue for learning. It will inspire youngsters to achieve their potential, no matter what career path they follow.”

The visit was part of the school’s wellbeing day, where pupils learned about a wide range of issues including physical health, democracy, the world of work, and how the emergency services operate.

Lord Puttnam was joined in the classroom by representatives from the police, fire service, South Tyneside Council and other organisations.

A former chancellor of Sunderland University, Lord Puttnam, who has also previously worked for the Department for Education, praised the attitude of pupils.

He added: “Events like this, where pupils can meet people from different walks of life, are an effective way of preparing them for the world beyond school.

“I have just spoken to three girls who said they enjoy science.

“It’s wonderful that the youngsters here are enjoying their time at school.”

Dr John Frain, headteacher at South Shields Community School, said: “We’ve held this event for three years now. It’s great to welcome so many visitors into school and it makes the pupils aware of issues which will influence and affect their lives now and in the future.”

South Shields Community School opened in its £21m new building in September last year.

It was built to accommodate children from the town’s former Brinkburn Community School, and King George V Comprehensive School, which was based on the current site.
 

Article from The Shields Gazette