25 August 2022

Governors, staff and students have been celebrating at Medina College today as students received a fantastic set of GCSE results across all subject areas. Despite the challenges presented over the last few years, students have demonstrated their resilience, dedication and commitment to their studies. 

Governors would like to pay tribute to the hard work and determination of teaching and support staff who have provided outstanding support to students. 

The majority of students are remaining within the Isle of Wight Education Federation community, by moving on to take A Level and vocational Level 3 courses at The Island VI Form. However, students are also progressing into a range of apprenticeships and other further education studies both on and off the Island. 

Matthew Parr-Burman, Executive Headteacher for the Isle of Wight Education Federation and Head of School for Medina College, said “The students at Medina College approached their exams with maturity and determination this year. The skills and qualities they have needed to master and demonstrate over the last couple of years, stands them in very good stead for the future.”

“I am extremely proud of our school and would like to thank the staff and parents for their support. I wish each and every student all the best for the future.” 

If any student across the Island is still undecided about their next step, The Island VI Form is operating a drop-in session on Friday 26 August, between 9.30am and 2.00pm. Pop in to find out more about the unique and dedicated post-16 campus and the widest range of Level 3 courses on the Island. Alternatively, you can email viform@iwef.org.uk for more information.

The Isle of Wight Council challenged schools across the Island to take part in a competition to design a trophy for the Tour of Britain cycle race. The final stage of the eight stage race is being held for the first time here and will start in Ryde and end at the Needles.

KS3 students at Medina College took on the challenge in their design and technology lessons and hundreds of fantastic designs were submitted. Year 9 stuent Ella’s design was selected and has been made into a trophy to compete with the other school entries.

The winning school’s trophy will be selected by a small panel from the ITV race commentary team and will have the honour of being presented to the winning team at the presentation at the end of the race on Sunday 11th September 2022.

Well done to everyone who entered and special well done to Ella. We think your trophy is fantastic!

I have been taking a small group of students from Medina College every Tuesday after School during the summer term to Newport Golf Club to learn and practice golf.

Newport Golf Club have kindly allowed us to use their facilities which include a five bay driving range, putting green and nine hole golf course.

The Boys that have attended have developed their golfing skills and shot consistency and will enter the IOW school golf competition next year. 

Mr Dye 

The year 9 and 10 cricket team travelled away to the Bay school in Sandown on a glorious evening last Thursday for their last match of the season. 

Captain Cain won the toss and made a positive decision to bat first. However, the Bay bowlers bowled really well picking up wickets regularly in the first six overs. Ben managed to stem the tide and occupy the crease allowing Medina to pick up a lot of extras. When Ben was caught out this brought Zak to the crease and then the fireworks started. Zak whacked 5 fours all round the ground and batted aggressively throughout scoring a quick fire 25 to the delight of his teammates. After the game Zak said his batting prowess has been helped by playing table tennis regularly which has improved his hand eye coordination.  

Zak and Ernie had a decent partnership and Medina finished with 90 from their 15 overs. 

Then it was the Bay’s turn to bat. Some hostile early bowling from Cain had the Bay’s opening batsmen on their toes and they did well to weather the storm. 

Some good bowling from Jamie and Corey on debut impressed coach Ryan and they both picked up a wicket. 

The game was really close with the Bay needing four off the last over. They managed to get the runs with one ball remaining despite the best efforts of Callum with a tremendous diving stop to save a certain boundary.   

Well played. 

Mr Dye   

Medina College’s Year 11 Prom took place at Cowes Yacht Haven on the evening of 7 July. The evening began with the students arriving in style in the glorious sunshine. One group took full advantage of the location and arrived into the marina by rib! We also saw stretched limousines, sports cars, vintage and classic cars and even a monster truck!

The students looked stunning in their gowns and suits and it was a joy to see them looking so mature and enjoying themselves.

They enjoyed a two course meal together followed by a presentation of some light-hearted awards. It was then time to crown the students’ choice for Prom King and Prom Queen – Christopher Shore and Bella Illman.

Following the awards, the students enjoyed a disco and karaoke where every single one of them was up on the dancefloor. They also had fun having their photos taken by the magic mirror.

Executive Headteacher and Head of Medina College, Matthew Parr-Burman said “It was a fantastic event with Year 11 looking very much less like students and more like the young adults that they are becoming. They took full advantage of the celebratory event, but were impeccably behaved and I am very proud of them for representing Medina College in such a positive and exemplary way. We look forward to welcoming them back in August for their results.”

We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Lifeline Alarm Systems LTD, WRS Systems, Beta Pak LTD and WightFibre for their generous cash donations, to Dave Wiltshire and his wife from Karaoke and Disco IOW and Laura Armstrong from Backdrops and Balloons. The evening would not have been possible without their generous support.

It was a fabulous event and the perfect way to mark the end of five amazing years with these wonderful young people.

The Yr 9 and 10 Cricket team had an entertaining game against CTK at Newport Victoria Rec. Medina won the toss and decided to bowl. Captain Cain opened the bowling and got a Wicket with the 1st ball of the match! Matt then picked up the second wicket with a good ball spooned into the air caught by Cain. All the other bowlers bowled some good balls and a few not so good but some great Wicket Keeping by Ernie helped limit the runs. CTK eventually finished on 120 off their 16 overs.

Medina Batted second and Coach Ryan gave some encouraging words at half time to our batters and they responded by getting off to a good start with Jamie scoring 13 and Cain 12 runs with some splendid boundaries being hit. Callum and Ben also batted well scoring a quick fire 9 and 10. However some tight bowling by CTK meant we came up 40 runs short scoring 80 off our 16 overs.

A lovely game played in great spirits. Well played all.

Team List

1. Cain C – Yr 10
2. Jamie R – Yr 10
3. Callum I – Yr 10
4. Matt M – Yr 10
5. Travis G – Yr 10
6. Ernie – Yr 10
7. Levi – Yr 10
8. Jacob G – Yr 10
9. Ryan S – Yr 10 – Coach
10.Ben J – Yr 9

As we continue to prepare for the introduction of the IGCSE in agriculture this September, another local business has very kindly made a donation to our Farm Garden. 

Wight Building Materials Ltd have generously donated two tonnes of concrete which has been used to create a solid base for two sheds. 

“Our first group of students are ready to go and very excited about this new educational opportunity we are providing here at the college,” said Victoria Lloyd, Medina College lead teacher for agriculture.

“To support their learning, students will gain experience out in some of the Island’s fantastic farms who are supporting us. Other aspects of agriculture will be taught here at the college, including soil structure and the development and growth of fruit and vegetables. 

“To do that we need good quality facilities here and we are very pleased and very grateful that Wight Building Materials have helped us to provide those.

“The delivery of the concrete has enabled us to have a solid base for two sheds which we are now building – the support from Wight Building Materials has made a huge difference!”

Steve Burton Wight Building Materials general manager said: “As a local company, we are passionate about providing high-quality job opportunities for young people on the Island so we were really pleased to be able to help this important and forward-thinking initiative by the college.”