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Top universities and local firms welcome Northgate Sixth Form leavers

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As Northgate Sixth Form bids farewell to its class of 2024, students are preparing for their futures at top universities and local firms.

The big picture: Northgate Sixth Form is celebrating the success of its 2024 graduating class, with students securing places at prestigious universities, competitive apprenticeships, and management trainee roles.

Northgate Sixth Form Class of 2024
Students with Northgate's Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form and Careers LeaderNorthgate Sixth Form

By the numbers:

  • Six students clinched coveted spots at Oxford and Cambridge

  • Four budding doctors will start their medical journeys this autumn

  • One star pupil, Evie Mitchell, topped the country in A Level Law and will be heading to Cambridge University to continue her studies

But it's not all about uni: While many students are heading to lecture halls, others are diving straight into the world of work or embarking on exciting adventures:

  • Local firms snapped up future accountants and lawyers for degree apprenticeships

  • Budding mechanics and care workers opted for skill-based apprenticeships

  • Our healthcare and construction sectors gained fresh talent through management trainee roles

  • Some adventurous souls are set for globe-trotting gap years

Evie Mitchell with her law teacher
Evie Mitchell, pictured with her law teacher, achieved the highest mark for A Level Law in the country Northgate Sixth Form

What they're saying:

Rowena Mackie, Headteacher of Northgate High School, said: "It is a testament to the fantastic staff we have at Northgate who teach, guide and support our students, as well as our students' own hardworking ethos, that they leave us equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to access a wide range of higher education courses or vocational pathways."

Hannah Laughlin, who will study PPE at Oxford, said: "I am grateful for the teachers at Northgate who were constantly helpful, encouraging and went above and beyond to help me get into Oxford University, as well as making sure that all students could succeed."

Behind the scenes: Northgate Sixth Form offers a comprehensive Careers programme and an Aspire Programme to support students in exploring their options and realising their ambitions.

What's next: John Alexander, Head of Sixth Form, revealed that Northgate has welcomed 250 fresh faces into Year 12, hailing from 30 different schools across Suffolk and beyond.

The bottom line: Northgate Sixth Form is committed to supporting all students in achieving their goals, whether that's university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

If you go: Northgate Sixth Form will host an Open Evening for prospective students on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, from 17:30 to 20:00. For more information, visit www.northgatesixthform.co.uk.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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