SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS AT OPEN DAY

Salford City Academy’s third annual open day was another resounding success as hundreds of Salfordians flocked to the Eccles school for an internationally flavoured bonanza.  

A celebration of the school’s recent International School status from the British Council, the day began on Saturday at 10 am with two Irish pipers and a five-piece Caribbean steel band performing outside the main entrance. 

School Principal, Elizabeth Haddock and Salford’s Deputy Mayor, George Wilson, officially opened the event before prospective parents and pupils registered in the school’s foyer. Each visitor received a passport complete with events listings and a map of places where they could get a stamp to enter the raffle and receive their free food.   

Once inside the state-of-the art Academy, students and teachers showed people around the school’s academic departments. From P.E. to Science, everything was covered so parents and children could see exactly what could be achieved by pupils of the school.   

 Corridors and classrooms quickly became a hive of activity as visitors toured such attractions as the Escape Hair and Beauty Salon, took part in BTEC construction demonstrations and taste-tested fair trade products in the Citizenship department.  

The theatre played host to two further speeches by Principal Haddock, fantastic international performances from the Country and Eastern band, workshops by a Latino Salsa group and a dance performance entitled ‘Still Life at the Penguin Café’ by the Academy’s own student Dance Club. 

And the fun didn’t stop there. Outside the main entrance falconry, Angolan Capoeira, Oriental martial arts, golf simulation and a performance from the world’s number one freestyle footballer, John Farnworth, wowed the crowds all morning. 

As the day neared its close, visitors descended upon the canteen where they could cash in their passports and enjoy superb dishes from Italy, Russia and the Middle-East. Whilst they ate, a Flamenco guitarist provided a Mediterranean ambience which made for a relaxing atmosphere and a superb end to a magnificent day. 

Principal Elizabeth Haddock said: “At Salford City Academy it is our belief that learning from other cultures will bring out the best in everyone. Having been recognised by the British Council we wanted to celebrate this achievement with the community and this year’s open day did exactly that. It was a fantastic day with lots of visitors, wonderful attractions, great academic activities and superb food. We couldn’t have asked for much more.”