Latest news with #MinervaVirtualAcademy
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong karting champion overcomes UK crash to chase F1 dream
About a year ago, Katrina Ee had a scary crash. This incident occurred while the Hong Kong-Malaysian karting champion was competing in the United Kingdom. '[The kart] flipped on the track. I landed on the back of my shoulder, and I broke the bone,' said Katrina, 15. The young racer had to stop karting for about eight weeks. She suffered a broken shoulder. But Katrina was drawn to the sport despite the dangers. In the last three years, she has become a regional karting champion. Living her dream Katrina started karting at the age of seven when she visited a track in Malaysia. She loved 'the thrill, the speed' of the sport. 'I really enjoyed all of that competitiveness and being fearless,' she said. Katrina grew up in Hong Kong, where the karting community is small. She moved to Malaysia at the age of 10 to pursue a career in the sport. She has also stopped going to a traditional school. Last academic year, she joined Minerva Virtual Academy, an online international school for athletes. 'It helps me balance my classes,' she said. She added that she could complete her schoolwork at her own pace. The hard work and sacrifices have paid off for Katrina, who has won several junior Asian titles since the age of 12. She said these wins were some of her proudest moments. Racing as a girl Another reason she feels so motivated to improve as a racer is to 'beat the boys'. 'It's just really nice to break boundaries as a driver and especially as a girl,' she said. Most athletes in karting are boys. Katrina wants to make a statement and showcase her capabilities as a female racer. But she has faced some resistance. 'I've had a few times where I was on track, and I was getting pushed off by the boys,' she said. 'It makes me more motivated to push them off.' Katrina does not let negative experiences bring her down. 'Gender doesn't really matter ... You can't really compare or care about the people around you,' the young champion said. Katrina is proud to represent Malaysia as a female driver. More young women and girls are participating in karting. She said she felt the sport was becoming much more 'supported by women'. Katrina hopes to become a successful Formula One driver one day. Until then, she will continue to show her strength and work ethic.
South Wales Guardian
18-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
London school in running for global education prize
Rivers Academy West London, in Feltham, has been named as a finalist for the World's Best School prize for supporting healthy lives. The state secondary school says its curriculum helps give students in a deprived area life skills and has programmes which teach them about healthy living and sustainability. It is one of four UK schools to reach the finals of the T4 Education prizes, meaning the UK has more finalists than any other country globally for the third year running. One Degree Academy, in Enfield, London, is a finalist for the overcoming adversity prize. The state-funded nursery and primary school prioritises admission for children from lower-income families. It offers ballet and fencing as after-school activities and every child learns a musical instrument and takes swimming lessons. Minerva Virtual Academy, an online independent secondary school, has become the first of its kind to become a finalist for the innovation prize. It launched in 2020 and has grown from four students to more than 1,100 from 60 countries. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, a secondary state school in Heanor, Derbyshire, is a finalist for the community collaboration prize. The school helps students find local employment in the former mining town which faces limited job opportunities and reduced social mobility. Its curriculum includes self-regulation and emotional literacy, and students take part in community initiatives such as in a local gym and care home. The winners and finalists of the five prizes – community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives – will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 15 and 16. They will also receive memberships to the Best School to Work programme to help them attract and retain teachers. Tim Wormald, the assistant principal of Rivers Academy, said: 'We're in an area of London that doesn't always get the best news so I think it's brilliant news for Feltham to showcase what young people in the area can do in a positive way. 'I hope it gives the students some confidence and self-belief.' Hugh Viney, the founder and chief executive of Minerva, said he hoped the achievement would 'act as proof' of the value of online schools. 'Since we launched in 2020, we have argued, and presented evidence to government, for online schools to be recognised as part of the solution to the crisis that our current system finds itself in,' he added. 'While some are receptive to the idea, there are still those that don't see the benefits a school like ours can bring.' Historian and educator Sir Anthony Seldon congratulated Minerva Academy on its nomination, which he said 'offers a compelling glimpse of what lies ahead, a school that is flexible, global and compassionate'. Jo Addleton, the headteacher of One Degree Academy, said: 'At a time when families face growing challenges and schools are stretched more than ever, this recognition means so much.' Matt Jones, the principal of Heanor Gate, said: 'To see our work commended on a global platform fills me with profound joy. The recognition within this nomination is a testament to the unified efforts of every student, colleague, parent, and community member, and it is a moment of celebration for us all.' Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education, said: 'In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders centuries-old jobs obsolete, and amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, our young people face a more precarious future than ever. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important. 'It is in schools like Rivers Academy West London, One Degree Academy, Minerva Virtual Academy, and Heanor Gate Spencer Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future.' The winners will be announced in October.
North Wales Chronicle
18-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
London school in running for global education prize
Rivers Academy West London, in Feltham, has been named as a finalist for the World's Best School prize for supporting healthy lives. The state secondary school says its curriculum helps give students in a deprived area life skills and has programmes which teach them about healthy living and sustainability. It is one of four UK schools to reach the finals of the T4 Education prizes, meaning the UK has more finalists than any other country globally for the third year running. One Degree Academy, in Enfield, London, is a finalist for the overcoming adversity prize. The state-funded nursery and primary school prioritises admission for children from lower-income families. It offers ballet and fencing as after-school activities and every child learns a musical instrument and takes swimming lessons. Minerva Virtual Academy, an online independent secondary school, has become the first of its kind to become a finalist for the innovation prize. It launched in 2020 and has grown from four students to more than 1,100 from 60 countries. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, a secondary state school in Heanor, Derbyshire, is a finalist for the community collaboration prize. The school helps students find local employment in the former mining town which faces limited job opportunities and reduced social mobility. Its curriculum includes self-regulation and emotional literacy, and students take part in community initiatives such as in a local gym and care home. The winners and finalists of the five prizes – community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives – will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 15 and 16. They will also receive memberships to the Best School to Work programme to help them attract and retain teachers. Tim Wormald, the assistant principal of Rivers Academy, said: 'We're in an area of London that doesn't always get the best news so I think it's brilliant news for Feltham to showcase what young people in the area can do in a positive way. 'I hope it gives the students some confidence and self-belief.' Hugh Viney, the founder and chief executive of Minerva, said he hoped the achievement would 'act as proof' of the value of online schools. 'Since we launched in 2020, we have argued, and presented evidence to government, for online schools to be recognised as part of the solution to the crisis that our current system finds itself in,' he added. 'While some are receptive to the idea, there are still those that don't see the benefits a school like ours can bring.' Historian and educator Sir Anthony Seldon congratulated Minerva Academy on its nomination, which he said 'offers a compelling glimpse of what lies ahead, a school that is flexible, global and compassionate'. Jo Addleton, the headteacher of One Degree Academy, said: 'At a time when families face growing challenges and schools are stretched more than ever, this recognition means so much.' Matt Jones, the principal of Heanor Gate, said: 'To see our work commended on a global platform fills me with profound joy. The recognition within this nomination is a testament to the unified efforts of every student, colleague, parent, and community member, and it is a moment of celebration for us all.' Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education, said: 'In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders centuries-old jobs obsolete, and amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, our young people face a more precarious future than ever. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important. 'It is in schools like Rivers Academy West London, One Degree Academy, Minerva Virtual Academy, and Heanor Gate Spencer Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future.' The winners will be announced in October.
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
London school in running for global education prize
Rivers Academy West London, in Feltham, has been named as a finalist for the World's Best School prize for supporting healthy lives. The state secondary school says its curriculum helps give students in a deprived area life skills and has programmes which teach them about healthy living and sustainability. Students at River Academy West London in Feltham, who are turning wasteland into an orchard (T4 Education/PA) It is one of four UK schools to reach the finals of the T4 Education prizes, meaning the UK has more finalists than any other country globally for the third year running. One Degree Academy, in Enfield, London, is a finalist for the overcoming adversity prize. The state-funded nursery and primary school prioritises admission for children from lower-income families. It offers ballet and fencing as after-school activities and every child learns a musical instrument and takes swimming lessons. Students at the One Degree Academy in Enfield (T4 Education/PA) Minerva Virtual Academy, an online independent secondary school, has become the first of its kind to become a finalist for the innovation prize. It launched in 2020 and has grown from four students to more than 1,100 from 60 countries. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, a secondary state school in Heanor, Derbyshire, is a finalist for the community collaboration prize. The school helps students find local employment in the former mining town which faces limited job opportunities and reduced social mobility. Its curriculum includes self-regulation and emotional literacy, and students take part in community initiatives such as in a local gym and care home. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy (T4 Education/PA) The winners and finalists of the five prizes – community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives – will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 15 and 16. They will also receive memberships to the Best School to Work programme to help them attract and retain teachers. Tim Wormald, the assistant principal of Rivers Academy, said: 'We're in an area of London that doesn't always get the best news so I think it's brilliant news for Feltham to showcase what young people in the area can do in a positive way. 'I hope it gives the students some confidence and self-belief.' Hugh Viney, the founder and chief executive of Minerva, said he hoped the achievement would 'act as proof' of the value of online schools. 'Since we launched in 2020, we have argued, and presented evidence to government, for online schools to be recognised as part of the solution to the crisis that our current system finds itself in,' he added. 'While some are receptive to the idea, there are still those that don't see the benefits a school like ours can bring.' Students from Minerva Virtual Academy, an online independent secondary school, on a school trip (T4 Education/PA) Historian and educator Sir Anthony Seldon congratulated Minerva Academy on its nomination, which he said 'offers a compelling glimpse of what lies ahead, a school that is flexible, global and compassionate'. Jo Addleton, the headteacher of One Degree Academy, said: 'At a time when families face growing challenges and schools are stretched more than ever, this recognition means so much.' Matt Jones, the principal of Heanor Gate, said: 'To see our work commended on a global platform fills me with profound joy. The recognition within this nomination is a testament to the unified efforts of every student, colleague, parent, and community member, and it is a moment of celebration for us all.' Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education, said: 'In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders centuries-old jobs obsolete, and amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, our young people face a more precarious future than ever. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important. 'It is in schools like Rivers Academy West London, One Degree Academy, Minerva Virtual Academy, and Heanor Gate Spencer Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future.' The winners will be announced in October.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
London school in running for global education prize
A school where more than 30% of students qualify for free school meals and more than half speak English as an additional language is in the running for a global education prize. Rivers Academy West London, in Feltham, has been named as a finalist for the World's Best School prize for supporting healthy lives. The state secondary school says its curriculum helps give students in a deprived area life skills and has programmes which teach them about healthy living and sustainability. It is one of four UK schools to reach the finals of the T4 Education prizes, meaning the UK has more finalists than any other country globally for the third year running. One Degree Academy, in Enfield, London, is a finalist for the overcoming adversity prize. The state-funded nursery and primary school prioritises admission for children from lower-income families. It offers ballet and fencing as after-school activities and every child learns a musical instrument and takes swimming lessons. Minerva Virtual Academy, an online independent secondary school, has become the first of its kind to become a finalist for the innovation prize. It launched in 2020 and has grown from four students to more than 1,100 from 60 countries. Heanor Gate Spencer Academy, a secondary state school in Heanor, Derbyshire, is a finalist for the community collaboration prize. The school helps students find local employment in the former mining town which faces limited job opportunities and reduced social mobility. Its curriculum includes self-regulation and emotional literacy, and students take part in community initiatives such as in a local gym and care home. The winners and finalists of the five prizes – community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives – will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 15 and 16. They will also receive memberships to the Best School to Work programme to help them attract and retain teachers. Tim Wormald, the assistant principal of Rivers Academy, said: 'We're in an area of London that doesn't always get the best news so I think it's brilliant news for Feltham to showcase what young people in the area can do in a positive way. 'I hope it gives the students some confidence and self-belief.' Hugh Viney, the founder and chief executive of Minerva, said he hoped the achievement would 'act as proof' of the value of online schools. 'Since we launched in 2020, we have argued, and presented evidence to government, for online schools to be recognised as part of the solution to the crisis that our current system finds itself in,' he added. 'While some are receptive to the idea, there are still those that don't see the benefits a school like ours can bring.' Historian and educator Sir Anthony Seldon congratulated Minerva Academy on its nomination, which he said 'offers a compelling glimpse of what lies ahead, a school that is flexible, global and compassionate'. Jo Addleton, the headteacher of One Degree Academy, said: 'At a time when families face growing challenges and schools are stretched more than ever, this recognition means so much.' Matt Jones, the principal of Heanor Gate, said: 'To see our work commended on a global platform fills me with profound joy. The recognition within this nomination is a testament to the unified efforts of every student, colleague, parent, and community member, and it is a moment of celebration for us all.' Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education, said: 'In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders centuries-old jobs obsolete, and amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, our young people face a more precarious future than ever. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important. 'It is in schools like Rivers Academy West London, One Degree Academy, Minerva Virtual Academy, and Heanor Gate Spencer Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future.' The winners will be announced in October.
