Michael Rosen officially opens Marleigh Primary Academy in Cambridge
Marleigh Primary Academy in Cambridge – a member of Anglian Learning – was formerly opened with the aid of special guest Michael Rosen.
The official opening marked the completion of the academy’s first academic year, with the author and poet cutting the ribbon, while children, parents and guests took part in a host of activities and performances.
More than 320 members of Cambridge’s local community, including 160 children from 15 schools, attended.
Mr Rosen said: “What an absolute pleasure to have been given the honour of formally opening Marleigh Primary Academy and be a part of this wonderful celebration day.
“A special thank you to all the children in the choir who beautifully sang the lyrics I composed about Hope and Home, and to all the teachers and staff who worked with the children to compose their own poetry and the other creative projects that display all the fantastic areas of learning throughout the family of Anglian Learning schools. Marleigh Primary Academy is sure to be an incredible addition to the community here and will offer children a fantastic place to learn and grow for many years to come.”
The day began with guests arriving at the school – part of the Marleigh development on Newmarket Road – to the sound of a samba band playing at the entrance.
Visitors then viewed dance, drama, a jazz band, a string ensemble, an art exhibition, a primary school mass choir, wellbeing information from Blue Smile, Cambridgeshire STEPS, ELSA staff and two therapy dogs.
Later, Michael Rosen recited some of his poetry and there was a mass choir performance which included Voices of Hope and Home, a song with lyrics by Michael Rosen.
Events last Tuesday (June 27) closed with a colourful carnival procession led by all the school children in Marleigh’s Jubilee Square.
Jonathan Culpin, CEO of Anglian Learning, a multi-academy trust, said: “This special celebration of Anglian Learning has been a highlight of our academic year. Seeing 160 children from our 15 schools come together at Marleigh Primary Academy to demonstrate their passion for the arts through their performances has been quite spectacular. These dynamic, empowered learners have proven how they can thrive in their community.
“We are grateful to Michael Rosen for formally opening Marleigh Primary Academy as part of this celebration day and the children have enjoyed meeting with him. We are very passionate about providing the best education we can for our communities, and Marleigh Primary Academy is no exception.
“We are incredibly proud of everything the school has achieved so far, and this special event has been a truly wonderful celebration of all the areas of learning that have brought to life the ‘Sense of Place’ project – helping to welcome all of the Marleigh children and staff into the Anglian Learning family.”
Mike Fish, headteacher of Marleigh Primary Academy, added: “I am very proud of the children and staff for all the support and effort that has gone into making our Sense of Place celebration day such a success. I have had the honour and privilege of becoming the Headteacher for Marleigh Primary Academy and participating in events like this really does highlight the passion and care that Anglian Learning have for providing high-quality education for the children and families in Cambridge. I look forward to welcoming more children through our doors and to planning more exciting events.”
And Greg Hill, deputy chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted that Marleigh Primary Academy has become the heart of the Marleigh development being delivered by Hill and our partner Marshall. I would like to thank Anglian Learning, alongside the staff and children for hosting such a joyful festival to mark the formal opening of the school, which will continue to educate many generations of Marleigh children for years to come.”
Marshall CEO Kathy Jenkins said: “Today’s event marks an important milestone for Marleigh Primary Academy and is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and support from the Anglian Learning Multi-Academy Trust. I’d like to thank our partners at Hill for everything they have done to give the Marleigh development a real heartbeat and make it a vibrant and thriving centre of activity within Cambridge. We at Marshall are honoured to have been a part of this tremendous celebration of our local community’s promising future.”
Once complete, Maleigh will feature 1,300 new homes, alongside new public space, and sports pitches.