Yahoo News 'Oldham means so much to me - I needed to put something back'
After moving into their new home, following 20 months teaching in temporary buildings, pupils, parents, teachers and governors finally got to celebrate the official opening of Oldham's newest school.
Brian Clarke C of E Academy, which is part of the Cramer Education Trust, had students shine and show off their talents at the academy's opening night.
Pupils entertained guests with a range of features including a piano recital, poetry readings and a choral performance. Those involved with the building and creation of the academy shared their gratitude and plans for the future of the school as well as the children under their care before thanking those involved in the school's opening including local MP Jim McMahon.
Headteacher Allison Ash spoke of how 'privileged she feels to run this successful school' while School Governor Reverend Canon Jean Hurlston informed those in attendance the schools vision and mission for their pupils.
Yet, one of the stars of the night, was unfortunately unable to attend. School Patron Sir Brian Clarke, an international artist, asked if he could create and donate six stained glass windows to the academy, in order to 'put something back' into the 'community he came from'.
Cramer Education Trust CEO, Julie Hollis, who spoke about Sir Clarke said: "Brian asked if he could create and donate unique stained glass windows to this school, because Oldham and its people mean so much to him. He was born here. His family worked in the mills. He says that his bones are made of the dust from the red brick, His earliest memories were of the hooters and whistles marking the shifts and great tides of people coming in and out of work."
The designs included a red brick wall, symbolic of his childhood as well as one with poppies against a background of dark blue glass.
Brian, who has worked in Tokyo, London and New York noted how the borough had helped instil his values and work ethic as an artist: "The warmth of the people and the matter-of-factness with which relentless hard work was embraced has been a compass setting that has navigated my life."
It was added that the school's motto 'spoke to him' when donating the art pieces to the school, fuelling staff and governors to ensure that the school meets the expectations it has set for itself.
Hollis said: "He believes that he owes his industry, his resilience, his sense of purpose, direction and integrity to the community he came from. And he wanted to put something back, to do something special for the young people of the borough,"
"A new school which has 'Luceat lux vestra - let your light shine' as its motto spoke to him. So now its over to us to take on that message of ambition and excellence and community, and the faith and hope that it rests on.”
Guests included members of Sir Clarke's studio team who travelled from London to be part of the ceremony and take a tour of the school as well as viewing the stained glass windows Sir Clarke created.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a plaque by Dr Sean Curley on behalf of trustees from Cramer Education Trust and school Governors as well as a blessing by Bishop Mark Middleton.
