Jessica Pham said: “The conference was brilliant. It gave us a great opportunity to discuss topical issues such as Climate Change and water pollution in French.”

Representatives of the Surfrider Foundation environmental group also gave talks on water pollution. Students were then asked to produce a short video clip in French to raise the awareness of water pollution.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “I am really proud of the six students who represented the College in France. Building high quality European links is part of the College’s mission to help students develop their world view and take full advantage of all the opportunities available nationally and internationally".

The students worked closely with French sixth formers from Lycée Gallieni, a school in the town of Fréjus, near Cannes. The College has built a sound relationship with the school and hope to organise a student exchange programme next year. The College will also be working closely with the French school, who have already been awarded ‘éco-école’ aka Green School status, to exchange good practice about how Palmer’s can be more environmentally friendly.

The event was funded by the British Council.
 

Students from across Thurrock and Havering spent part of the day as forensic experts as part of their Maths and Science Excellence Day at Palmer’s College. The Year 10 students found a body in the College’s Upper Student Centre after returning from lunch.

Students examined the ‘dummy’ body, took hair samples and gathered evidence from the scene in order to conclude how they thought the victim was murdered.

The students also took part in a gruelling group Maths challenge in the morning and got the chance to work with pupils from different schools throughout the day.

Mitch Curran won the Apple ipod after entering the College's competition, which was held during both its Open Evenings.

The competition attracted a high number of entries from parents and potential students and in return provided valuable information about the Open Evenings and marketing campaigns including the website.

Mitch enjoyed his visit to Palmer's and stated that his favourite part of the College was the 3D Design studio.  He also described the staff as very helpful and praised the website on how easy it was to navigate.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer's College said: "Congratulations to Mitch in winning the College's ipod competition. The competition helped to capture valuable feedback about the College's Open Evenings, Prospectus and new website."

Mitch has applied to Palmer's College and has his pre-course interview this week - Good luck from Palmer's Mitch!

The 2 day Enterprise in Education event, held on the 4 and 5 February 2010 consisted of workshops looking at job applications, CV’s, interview skills with each student undertaking a one to one interview with a Thurrock employer.

The event was specifically organised for the Business Technology students, BTEC First Diploma and Foundation Studies students.

A special presentation took place at the end of both days congratulating particular students who excelled throughout the day. The event was enjoyed by all the students and employers, which included representatives from Attwood Solicitors, Thurrock Council, Lloyds TSB, The Orsett Hall, The Park Inn to name a few.

Katie O’nion, ILEX Diploma for legal secretaries’ student and award winner of the day, said: “I found the event really valuable and learnt a lot about how to conduct myself during interviews – it was really helpful, especially as I want to get as a legal secretary after I leave Palmer’s. I was really happy to be chosen as one of the best performing students.”

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer's College said: "The event provided a great opportunity for our students to develop real hands on experience and receive invaluable advice. With the help of local businesses supporting the event, students were able to gain excellent professional guidance on CV writing and interviews."
 

The students teamed with the Student Executive and spent the week raising money by seeking donations via each tutor group, holding a raffle, selling bottles of water and flap-jacks as well as dressing up as cartoon characters such as clowns and bumble bees.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: "I am very proud of the efforts of the students and their dedication in raising money to help the people of Haiti."

IB student, Stephanie Bailey said: “All the IB students were passionate about raising money for the Haiti Appeal as the people of Haiti really need our help and support. We are really happy with the amount we raised in such a short space of time."

The IB students have more fundraising planned on campus for Valentines Day.