The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has visited East Riding College’s new Beverley campus as part of his six-month pilgrimage around the Diocese of York.
Dr Sentamu met with students and staff at the Flemingate campus to find out how learning was having a positive impact on their lives.
He witnessed young people taking part in sporting activities, an extra-curricular Dragons’ Den-style event and typical classes during his visit.
Commenting on his visit the Archbishop Sentamu said:
“Whilst a key role of our schools and colleges is to ensure that their students achieve good exam results, education should also enable the whole student to flourish.”
“It was a great pleasure to be able to witness all the imaginative opportunities for students at East Riding College, to discover and develop their God given talents.”
Derek Branton, Principal of East Riding College, said:
“It was a pleasure to show Dr Sentamu some of the rich variety of teaching and learning that is taking place at the College, as well as the outstanding education facilities we now have in Beverley.
“We are very proud of the impact studying here has on learners of all ages, especially in terms of their progression to employment and higher level study, and we were delighted that some of our students were able to share some of their stories with the Archbishop.”
Dan Hajinicolas, 19, was one of a number of public services students who demonstrated a leadership activity to the Archbishop.
He said:
“He was quite laid back and I think we all felt comfortable talking to him. It was nice to meet him and talk to him in an informal way.
“There aren’t many young people who are into religion so I think going around and meeting people in this way is good.”
Dr Sentamu’s visit to the College began with a sports session run by the College’s sport maker, Matt Jeffery, at nearby East Riding Leisure Beverley.
He then walked to the campus itself where he watched students taking part in a Dragons’ Den session run by local business group For Entrepreneurs Only, before visiting classrooms around the building.
Archbishop Sentamu’s visit to East Riding College is part of his six-month pilgrimage of prayer, witness and blessing across Yorkshire.
