Parrs Wood

Testimonials

• 
  Kamran

  Ringside view for transforming lives

  I arrived in London in 2016 and have been at Parrs Wood for the last 2 years. I have learnt English through the school's EAL courses, 1-1 tutoring and access to technology I didn't have, like iPads and laptops. The school feels like my second home and I'm really pleased to say that I have achieved my goal of getting into the mainstream sets. I'm currently part of a team that's raising money to support homeless men in Manchester as part of International Man's Day. We made a video proposal and were nominated in the top 20 entries. My vision is to become a personal trainer. My love of sport is supported through the boxing programme that Miss Copeland runs she's a Commonwealth Champion. I'm really grateful for this kind of opportunity because it gives you a choice with what you want to do with your life.

• 
  Lucas

  Directing mental health awareness

  Parrs Wood is an amazing place to be a student because it’s so much bigger than other schools. Some people think this can be intimidating, but it just means we have more resources to try new things, and that there are so many friends to make and people to learn from.
  
  We’re lucky to have such a big and diverse year group because there’s always someone else who shares your interests. I made new friends by joining the Mental Health Team. This is something the school takes very seriously, and we support it by going into assemblies to promote the afternoon drop-in sessions that are open to everyone, as well as national campaigns like Hello Yellow and Ask Twice.
  
  I’m now looking forward to studying in our sixth form. It was a no-brainer to stay really because I know all the teachers and the class sizes are small, so you get more focus on you.
  

• 
  Kyda

  Counting on the school and her trophies

  It’s gone very well! Since then I have had many highlights, but I was really pleased to be named students of the week by my classmates. I have also represented the school at the Etihad Stadium at the mini Olympics for adapted sports, including tag rugby and wheelchair basketball.I began my journey with Parrs Wood long before my first day in Year 7. From the Spring term in Year 6 I was working with the inclusion support, SENCO and pastoral teams at the school to make sure my transition to secondary school went smoothly. 
  
  This school will meet the needs of every student if it can. My advice is just don’t be afraid to ask for help! I’m certainly not going to let anything get in the way of achieving my dream of becoming a teacher.

• 
  Kav

  Promoting Equality

  My highlight from school is helping to run the Parrs Wood LGBT group. It felt important because it made a difference to people’s lives. As a team we focused on making sure people felt included and raising awareness of what it’s like for someone in the LGBT community. We held confidential drop-in sessions, organised assemblies for KS3 and even made a presentation to staff about how to ensure the school is always a safe space.
  
  Parrs Wood is an inclusive place where everyone can feel safe. The school promotes the importance of acceptance, and this allows everyone to be who they are without fear of judgment. This is quite extraordinary, but I think it’s because of the school’s natural diversity; our differences our cherished, not viewed sceptically.
  
  This ethos has helped shape who I am and a big factor in why I have stayed for sixth form. I plan to use all of the resources available to me to study zoology at Edinburgh University. My dream is to live in South America, working with conservationists to preserve endangered species.

• 
  Chand
  
  

  In pole position

  I benefitted from working with the transition team before I started to make sure that the move into secondary school was easy. I was really worried about being bullied but at this school it is easy for anyone to fit in. 
  
  There’s no need to be worried if you’re at Parrs Wood because there are so many teachers to help if you need it. The school is determined that we all have high expectations of and for ourselves – I’ve set my sights on getting an apprenticeship with Ferrari because I want to design a bestselling car.