Co-Educational Day School and Boarding from 0-18 years
Sussex International Study Centre
Newlands School
Eastbourne Road
Seaford, East Sussex
UK, BN25 4NP
Tel: 01323 490000
Tel (Outside UK):
+44 1323 490000
Fax: 01323 898420
E.mail:
registrar@newlands-school.com
enquiries@newlands-school.com
News Archive
Press Release
On Tuesday 8th July Newlands fell silent as pupils throughout the school left to enjoy the official ‘end of term outings day’ to Knockhatch, Thorpe Park or Weald and Downlands Museum. For one Year 9 student, however, another destination beckoned following an initiation to the House of Commons.
Aaron Austin Locke had been invited to attend a Story Competition Prize Giving Ceremony by Altformat - a company that specialises in producing software learning packages for dyslexic students.
Along with over 200 other students from schools throughout the UK, Aaron submitted a story using the company’s specialised dyslexia software. His composition ‘An Unforgettable Dream’ was inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s stories about the First and Second World War and a recent visit to see ‘War Horse’ at the National Theatre. Aaron’s entry was selected as one of the nine winning finalists. - Read Aaron's winning story
All of the compositions were judged by a panel that included the Chairman of Altformat, a representative from Dyslexia Action and MP, Mike Foster. The winning entries, however, were selected by five time Olympic Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave. A dyslexic himself, Sir Redgrave is the driving force behind the AltFormat.com campaign to provide alternative format materials to all students in schools.
Aaron was accompanied to the House of Commons by the school’s Learning Support Co-ordinator, Trish Bacchus, his mother Dawn and sister Vanessa. After an exciting reception at the House of Commons, Aaron was presented with the second prize in the category Year 7 to Year 9 by Sir Steve Redgrave. He received a trophy, ipod, dyslexia software and £2000 worth of software for the school.
Speaking after the ceremony Mrs Bacchus said “I am so proud of Aaron’s creativity and achievement. His success is an inspiration to any student with or without dyslexia.”
10th July 2008
