ON Wednesday, Harlow MP Robert Halfon visited Burnt Mill Academy to talk to Year 9 Citizenship students and Year 11 Student Senior Leadership Team Members.

As part of their Citizenship course the year 9 students are looking to do some fundraising for the ‘Stand Against Violence’ charity. Concerned by recent high profile acts of violence in Harlow, the students spoke to Mr Halfon about gangs, the media portrayal of young people and the lack of awareness of some of the youth organisations in town. Mr Halfon welcomed ideas from the students and has suggested the group along with teacher, Miss Rachel Fletcher, could share ideas with other schools in town and get feedback from other young people about what is currently on offer for young people in Harlow.

Whilst at Burnt Mill Mr Halfon took the opportunity to congratulate the Burnt Mill Academy Trust on their successful bid to open a new school in Harlow, saying:

“I welcome the news of the Sir Frederick Gibberd College opening in Harlow. I’m sure that the new school will become an important part of the Harlow community and I wish the school, teachers, students, and parents every possible success.”