Isle of Man Education, Sport and Culture News

Student Awards process improved following feedback

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:12:31 GMT

A new and improved application process for University students to apply for financial help has been launched.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s new digital hub has been developed to streamline the application process from start-to-finish for students and their contributors.

It came about after the department listened to the concerns of previous users that the process was difficult to follow and needed an overhaul.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

'We made a promise to review and improve the application process and we have delivered.

'The digital hub delivers a user-friendly experience and includes video tutorials and helpful tips to provide an efficient and reliable service. The first applications have already been received and are being processed swiftly.'

Students looking to start their degree course in September can apply now and those entering their continuing years of study will receive an email in June with their instructions.

Contributors can submit income assessments as soon as all their dependent students have submitted their applications following the contributor instructions sent to each student.

The website was jointly developed by the DESC and Government Technology Services (GTS).

Arts and Culture and Legislation roles appointed for DESC

Fri, 19 May 2023 15:09:56 GMT

Claire Christian MHK and Paul Craine MLC have been handed political responsibilities within the Department of Education Sport and Culture (DESC).

Mrs Christian will have responsibility for Arts and Culture and Chair the Isle of Man Arts Council after Marlene Maska retired from political life last month.

The MHK, who spent 20 years in the fashion industry before her election in 2020, said:

'It is an exciting challenge and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.'

Mr Craine, a former assistant head teacher, education adviser and published author, will oversee a number of DESC projects regarding data and legislation.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture said:

'I welcome them both to the department and I would like to personally thank Mrs Maska for her immense contribution to the arts on the Isle of Man.'

Both will start with immediate effect.

New Headteacher for Scoill Phurt le Moirrey

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:41:46 GMT

Simon Murphy has been appointed to lead Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey from September.

Mr Murphy, who is from the Isle of Man, is an experienced school leader having worked in both the UK and further afield.

He will return to the Island to take over from the school's current head, Ange Callaghan, when she retires this summer.

Mr Murphy said:

‘I am incredibly excited to be returning for this fantastic opportunity and I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences with everyone at the school.

‘I am passionate about school culture, supportive student and parental relationships and ensuring that education celebrates local culture, heritage and traditions, whilst preparing pupils to be positive contributors to society.’

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I am delighted to welcome Simon back to the Island to take up this important head teacher role. I would like to thank Ange Callaghan for all she done at the school.'

Mrs Callaghan has been in charge of the school, which currently has 168 pupils, since 2016.

Family fun made accessible at Zog Show

Wed, 17 May 2023 14:43:48 GMT

Over 200 tickets to the upcoming production of Zog at the Gaiety Theatre have been made available to Island families, through local charities, to help drive inclusion in the arts.

Zog, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is an exciting family-friendly adventure. With just a one hour run time, it is an ideal choice for a first theatrical experience for children.

As part of the subsidised tickets initiative the VillaGaiety and Isle of Man Arts Council have provided three local charities with free tickets to share with families who access their services - Rebecca House Children’s Hospice, Crossroads and The Children’s Centre.

The Zog show has been chosen as part of the initiative because it not only entertains, but also provides a great educational experience. The characters adventures are underpinned with key themes including the importance of resolve and determination, patience and resilience, friendship and support, and the value of education and experience.

VillaGaiety and the Isle of Man Arts Council first announced the accessibility initiative last year, providing subsidised tickets to the Christmas pantomime.

The aim of the initiative is to broaden access to live performances ensuring diversity, equality and inclusion as much as possible, whilst also recognising the importance of engaging with the arts for wellbeing and health.

Arts Development Manager, Jane Corkill, said:

‘The Isle of Man Arts Council is delighted to partner with VillaGaiety to offer subsidised tickets at the Gaiety Theatre. Ticket subsidy is an important action within the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts supporting inclusion and equality. We hope this initiative will broaden access and engagement with the arts whilst inspiring participation and creativity throughout our community.’

Events and Programming Development Manager for VillaGaiety, Sean Kenny, added:

‘We can’t wait to see the magical story of Zog come to life on the Gaiety stage. As part of our audience development aims, we are committed to working to encourage and enable engagement with our entertainment programme for as many people as possible in our Island Community. Zog is a fantastically fun and interactive experience that provides a perfect opportunity for families who want their younger children to experience live theatre for the first time.’

There will be five showings of Zog at the Gaiety Theatre between 19 and 21 May.

Some tickets are still available to purchase on the VillaGaiety website, via the ticket hotline on (01624) 600555 or in person at the Isle of Man Welcome Centre or Villa Marina reception.

Stage-ed awarded festive Pantomime contract

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:31:45 GMT

For the next three years Stage-ed will produce and stage the Island’s annual flagship Pantomime production at the Gaiety Theatre, as they are awarded the VillaGaiety 2023-25 contract.

Stage-ed hope to captivate audiences this Christmas announcing ‘Aladdin’ as the festive production for 2023, with tickets going on sale this week.

‘Aladdin’ will be a classic and enchanting family-friendly pantomime. The creative team at Stage-ed hope to keep audiences spellbound with their magical retelling of the beloved story, complete with stunning sets, dazzling costumes and impressive special effects.

The show will run at the Gaiety Theatre from 16 to 31 December, with 22 performances including a relaxed performance on 28 December with a British Sign Language performer.

Steve Palfreman, Director, and co-founder of Stage-ed said:

‘As a proud Manxman, I am thrilled to be able to produce this year’s pantomime at home! Stage-ed work all over the world with young people in both education and performance, so to be able to do this in the Isle of Man is extra special.'

Stage-ed have been returning to the Island every year for the past 11 years to run a West End School in Ballakermeen High School, where Steve holds many fond memories of performing himself.

During those years Stage-ed have helped many young people on Island and across the world with building confidence and skills for performing on the stage, providing many opportunities for those young people, in performing on the stage either at their West End School or at the Musicals in Concert.

Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge MHK, said:

‘We are thrilled to announce this three year contract with Stage-ed. The Pantomime is a festive spectacular and such an integral part of VillaGaiety’s annual programme of entertainment. We are also delighted to be able to continue our work to provide accessible opportunities for children, families and adults alike to engage with and enjoy live performances.’

With this year’s production of Aladdin promising a script full of laughs, toe-tapping musical numbers and plenty of audience participation, booking tickets early is encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Tickets will go on sale at 3pm today (Friday 5 May), and will be available to purchased online, via VillaGaiety’s ticket hotline on +44 1624 600555 or in person at the Welcome Centre or the Villa Marina Box Office.

Steve Chapple chosen to lead Braddan School

Thu, 04 May 2023 12:33:07 GMT

Steve Chapple has been appointed to lead Braddan School from September, 16 years after he studied to be a teacher at the school.

The former graphic designer from Somerset started teaching at Victoria Road in 2007 after completing his PGCE on the Isle of Man. He later moved to Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey where he has been second in command since 2017.

He will take over from the retiring Louise Oates who has been in charge of the school, which currently has 126 pupils, for 15 years.

Mr Chapple said:

‘I am honoured and excited to start working with everyone connected to Braddan School. Having learnt to teach there as part of my training, I look forward to returning and building on the fantastic work of the current head.

'I aim to nurture the pupils’ abilities to learn at school and develop their skills for further education and adult life.’

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

'I welcome the new head and wish him well. I would like to thank Mrs Oates for all she has done for the children at both Braddan and Ashley Hill and wish her a long and happy retirement’.

Kevin McCloud MBE: Grand Designs presenter to deliver Isle of Man Arts Council lecture

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:10:17 GMT

Kevin McCloud MBE, best known for his hit TV series Grand Designs, will deliver this year’s Isle of Man Arts Council lecture at the Gaiety Theatre on 25 September.

The British designer, writer and award winning presenter has received international acclaim for his hugely popular programme, in which he follows some of Britain’s most ambitious self-builders as they design and construct their dream home.

During the evening, he will talk about his life and work before handing the audience an opportunity to ask him questions.

Kevin, who was awarded an MBE for services to architecture in 2014, said:

‘‘His two ambitions remain to entertain and to make the built environment better – and consequently make people feel better.’

Subscribers to the IOMAC’s newsletter will receive exclusive access to pre-sale tickets from 10am on Tuesday 25 April – before they go on general sale 24 hours later.

People can register for the newsletter here - www.iomarts.com.

It is hoped the lecture will build on the success of last year’s lecture by documentarian Louis Theroux, which sold out within hours.

Marlene Maska, Chair of IOMAC said:

‘We are thrilled that Kevin McCloud will be visiting the Gaiety Theatre to provide an insight into his fascinating life and work.

‘He is incredibly well respected in his field and this is a wonderful opportunity for the Manx audience to learn from one of the best and ask him their own questions.’

Kevin studied History of Art and Architecture at Cambridge University and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Manx Folk Awards (Aundyryn Kiaull-Theay Vannin) 2023: More than 1,000 children showcase dance and music

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:10:01 GMT

More than 1,000 school children have spent a week showcasing their native music, dance, and language at the Manx Folk Awards, at venues across the Isle of Man last month.

The event, organised by the Department of Education Sport and Culture and Culture Vannin included nearly 100 different classes, for children aged 3-18, over five action-packed days.

This year’s theme was ‘Manx calendar customs’ and a new class saw children deliver a short presentation in their native tongue on topics including Tynwald day, Hunt the Wren and even the naughty witch Tehi Tegi.

Other notable performances included a rousing performance of the national anthem by hundreds of children from different schools and a group harp performance of Auldyn River.

Class winners each received a highly coveted medal, as well as a certificate and book token.

A daily ‘Folktastic’ trophy and cash prize, sponsored by the Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust, was also awarded to an outstanding performance on each day.

The winners were QE2 student Frank Joughin for his new composition 'Cape Breton' and for stepping in at the last minute to play fiddle with the Bree folk group, who were missing a member; Arbory School for their talented KS1 solo singers and choirs; Skeddan Jiarg KS2 dance couples for a particularly entertaining performance of Chyndaa yn Bwoailley; and Mannin Music for their support of all of the music classes throughout the whole festival.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I was delighted to attend and was thrilled to see so many children performing and celebrating Manx culture.’

Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer for Culture Vannin said:

‘The Manx Folk Awards is a great showcase for the work going on in schools. It’s wonderful when you see the children enjoying themselves on stage, and feeling proud of the Isle of Man.’

Jo Callister, Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum at DESC said:

‘Chloe and I have been bowled over by the enthusiasm, dedication and hard work from staff and pupils. We have been inundated with lovely feedback are proud that we are able to organise such a welcoming and inclusive event, where lots of young people performed for the first time.’

The DESC and Culture Vannin provide support to schools throughout the year by supplying Manx music resources, delivering music, dance and folklore workshops and providing soundtracks for dancing. Results, photos and films are available on Culture Vannin’s website.

Picture: Manx Folk Awards 2023 Skeddan Jiarg - Folktastic Winners (KS2 dance)

Isle of Man Sports Awards 2022: Ingham and Cummins claim top prizes

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:36:21 GMT

World champion equestrian Yasmin Ingham and TT star Conor Cummins claimed the top prizes at the Isle of Man Sport Awards in Douglas on Thursday.

Yasmin was crowned sportswoman of the year for the third time in four years after a string of impressive results in 2022. This included an individual gold at the World Championships in Italy, aboard her horse Banzai Du Loir, on her senior debut.

Yasmin, who is now part of the top tier of the Senior GB eventing World Class Programme, said:

‘It is such an honour to receive this recognition.’

Conor scooped the same prize in the men's category after standing on the TT podium in both the Superstock and Senior TT races in 2022. The ‘Ramsey Rocket’ also set the fastest Superstock lap to set the fastest ever lap by a Manx rider and the fourth fastest of all time.

The 36-year-old said:

‘I am thrilled to win. It was a good year for me especially after the injury and it is a dream to stand on the TT podium not once but twice.’

The Isle of Man cricket team and their leader Greg Wright were named team and coach of the year after the young squad reached the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub.

Olympian Louis Smith MBE was the guest of honour and presented some of the winners at the Villa Marina. The other winners were:

Under-21 sportsman of the year: Zac Walker (Cycling)
Under-21 sportswoman of the year: Sienna Dunn (Hockey)
Veteran sportsperson of the year: Sarah Webster (Athletics)
Disability sportsperson of the year: Darren Kennish (Darts)
Isle of Man sports ambassador: Jed Etchells and Jamie McCanney (Motorsport)
Sports administrator of the year: Erica Bellhouse (CWG, Gymnastics, Swimming)
Sports leader of the year: Leo Tregurtha
Lifetime achievement: Roberta Cannell
Leonie Cooil Award for Courage and Inspiration: Grace Roberts

Sarah Corlett, Executive Chairman of Isle of Man Sport said:

‘It has been a fabulous evening and all of the winners thoroughly deserve their awards and demonstrate what dedication, hard work and commitment can achieve.’

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘It was a memorable occasion and a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of the Isle of Man’s outstanding athletes and teams, along with the people that help them to fulfil their potential.’

Initial findings received following concerns about RSE curriculum

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:55:18 GMT

The summary of evidence and interim conclusions for part of an investigation into the Isle of Man’s relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum have been received by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Part 1 of the investigation examined elements of a drop down day for Year 7 pupils at Queen Elizabeth II High School in September 2022.

It centred around claims that an individual in drag had delivered a sex education talk and had asked a pupil to leave the room during a discussion on gender identities.

The investigation found that no one was dressed in drag; the speaker concerned did not deliver a sex education talk; and they did not ask a pupil to leave the room during a discussion on gender identities.

Within the conversation around gender identities, a pupil asked a guest speaker how many genders there were. They replied that there “could be as many as 72” gender identities.

During the presentation, the teachers present managed the behaviour of the class as would be expected. At one point, a pupil was asked by one of the teachers to step outside the classroom. At no point did a guest speaker remove a child from the classroom, nor did they request the removal of any child. The teacher sought to remind the pupil of the school’s expectations and both the pupil and teacher returned to the classroom for the rest of the presentation.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

“I am satisfied that the initial facts have now been established and further work will commence to ascertain the age appropriateness of all input into this area, following the completion of the first part of this investigation.

“It is right that parents should feel able to raise concerns they may have about any aspect of their child’s education. The facts established reveal there has been misrepresentation of what took place at the drop down day at QEII, which is most regrettable. I am pleased we are now able to dispel the inaccuracies. It is vital that all stakeholders are focussed upon obtaining the facts to enable us to move forward.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for everyone involved with QEII. I would like to thank all staff at school for their professionalism under intense personal pressure.”

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture last month paused its RSE curriculum in all its schools while the independent external investigation is carried out.

The investigation has been split into three stages:

Stage 1 -Delivery of a drop down day for Year 7 students at QEII in September 2022
Stage 2 - The preparation and delivery of RSE in QEII
Stage 3 - Review RSE curriculum, guidance and training provided by DESC.

The second part of the investigation will now look into concerns by parents about the content and delivery of the RSE curriculum at the same school.

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge MHK, to make a statement in Tynwald tomorrow

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:31:53 GMT

The President of Tynwald has granted permission for the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge MHK, to make a statement in Tynwald tomorrow.

This follows the completion of the first stage of an independent external investigation into relationships and sex education (RSE).

The President has indicated that the statement will be delivered after item 2 of the Tynwald Order Paper.

The March sitting will get underway in Douglas at 10:30am with the public able to listen live on the Tynwald website.

Julie Edge MHK, said:

‘I would like to thank Mr President for this opportunity to set the facts straight following the first part of the RSE investigation. I look forward to updating Honourable Members and all those listening in.’

Louis Smith MBE: Olympic gymnast to attend Isle of Man Sports Awards

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:56:33 GMT

Olympic gymnast Louis SmithMBEwill be the guest of honour at the Isle of Man Sports Awards in Douglas on 30 March.

The ceremony is a highlight of the sporting calendar, with 12 awards handed out at the Villa Marina, culminating in the crowning of the Manx sportsman and sportswoman of the year.

The 33-year-old represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games, winning four medals, including silvers in London and Rio, on the pommel horse.

An earlier bronze in Beijing, made him the first male British gymnast to win an Olympic medal since 1926.

In a glittering career, he also won three World Championship silver medals, two European golds and the 2006 Commonwealth Games pommel horse title, before retiring in 2018.

Louis, who was awarded an MBE for services to gymnastics in December 2012, went on to win Strictly Come Dancing, alongside Flavia Cacace.

He said:

‘I’m really excited and honoured to be attending the Isle of Man Sports Awards and look forward to celebrating such a diverse group of grassroots, disability and elite sports people.’

Sarah Corlett, Executive Chairman at Isle of Man Sport, said:

‘We are delighted that Louis has accepted our invitation and will share his inspirational story with us. It will certainly inspire those that attend.’

The shortlist was unveiled earlier this month and tickets are now on sale from the Villa Gaiety website and cost £3.

Investigators appointed to undertake investigation into RSE delivery

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:29:20 GMT

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) has appointed Independent External Investigators following concerns raised around the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Advisory Curriculum and its delivery within secondary schools.

The investigators will now produce a report, which will ascertain the facts of the situation and any appropriate action that the Department may need to undertake.

The safeguarding and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff is the DESC's main priority and people are urged to refrain from speculation, whilst the facts are established.

Malicious accusations and comments, which are being received by our staff and shared across social media platforms, are damaging and are having a detrimental impact. The comments will not be tolerated by the Department and such comments will be reported, where appropriate, to the Isle of Man Constabulary.

The DESC will continue to support all children, young people and staff and recognises the value and important role that our staff play in the future of our Island's children and young people and their education.

The Department asks that the public refrain from speculating any further until it has had the time to undertake the investigation. Further information regarding the investigation will follow within the coming days.

Isle of Man Sports Awards 2022: Shortlist revealed ahead of ceremony

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:28:45 GMT

The shortlist for the Isle of Man Sports Awards has been revealed ahead of next month’s star-studded ceremony in Douglas.

The event, which celebrates every aspect of Manx sport from grass root heroes to elite athletes and teams, will be held at the Villa Marina on 30 March.

Twelve awards will be presented on the night, culminating with the crowning of the hotly contested sportsman and sportswoman for 2022.

The shortlist contains current and former World, European and British champions and includes 20 different sports.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘The Isle of Man Sports Awards provide a fitting platform to honour the outstanding performances of our Manx athletes in 2022. We have an extremely strong line-up in all categories, and I can’t wait to celebrate some exceptional achievements.’

Sarah Corlett, Executive Chairman at Isle of Man Sport, said:

‘The Island has once again shone in the world of sport, despite the ongoing uncertainty going on around it. Despite our small size, year after year we produce athletes competing at all levels up to world standard and representing our Island with pride and professionalism.

‘Isle of Man Sport continues to strive to improve not only the performance of our athletes but also the standards of governance of our sporting governing bodies, encouraging the highest standings of coaching and officiating and adherence to the appropriate standards.

‘At the heart of our sporting achievements are the volunteers who give up their time to help develop our sport and our sportspeople and without them, we couldn’t do what we do.’

Tickets for the ceremony go on sale on Monday on the Villa Gaiety website.

Shortlist

Sportswoman of the Year

Ana Dawson (Golf)
Becky Storrie (Cycling)
Laura Kinley (Swimming)
Lizzie Holden (Cycling)
Sarah Astin (Athletics)
Tara Donnelly (Gymnastics)
Yasmin Ingham (Equestrian)

Sportsman of the Year

Alex Bregazzi (Swimming)
Bevan Rodd (Rugby)
David Mullarkey (Athletics)
Mark Cavendish (Cycling)
Matthew Bostock (Cycling)
Joe Harris (Athletics)
Connor Cummins (Motorsport)

Under 21 Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by Suntera Global

Harry Thompson (Rugby)
Jorge Halliday (Motorsport)
Zachary Walker (Cycling)
Glen Quayle (Athletics)
Peter Cope (Sailing)

Under 21 Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Newfield

Kaytlyn Adshead (Trials)
Lucy Barnett (Cricket)
Lola Bass (Equestrian)
Sienna Dunn (Hockey)
Sinead Cox (Equestrian)
Leah Dawson (Golf)

Disability Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Standard Bank

Chloe Chadwick (Equestrian)
Darren Kennish (Darts)
Sean Jackson (Football)
Elizabeth Tinkler (Special Olympics)
Liam McCarthy (Special Olympics)

Sports Team of the Year, sponsored by Conister Bank

Isle of Man’s Men’s National Team (Cricket)
Isle of Man's 4x100 Relay Team (Swimming)
FC Isle of Man (Football)
Isle of Man’s Men’s National Team (Hockey)
Manx Rams (Netball)

Sports Administrator of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Man Newspapers

Blanaid Higgins (Motorsport)
Debbie Shimmin (Hockey)
Erica Bellhouse (CGA, Gymnastics, Swimming)
Glynn Hargraves (Crown Green Bowls)
Niamh Goddard (Hockey)
Maggie Mulhern (Table Tennis)
Roberta Cannell (Badminton)

Isle of Man Sports Ambassador, sponsored by Department for Enterprise

Jed Etchells (Motorsport)
Harry Payne (Motorsport)
Yasmin Ingham (Equestrian)
Tom Gandy (Golf)
Sean Jackson (Football)
Mark Cavendish (Cycling)
Jamie McCanney (Motorsport)

Sports Coach of the Year, sponsored by Duke Travel

Chris Bass (Football)
Greig Wright (Cricket)
Lee Holland (Swimming)
Andrew Roche (Cycling)
Valery Molchanov (Gymnastics)
Pete Corkill (Special Olympics Football)

Veteran Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Crowe, Isle of Man

Chris Horton (Judo)
Gianni Epifani (Cycling)
Richard Shipway (Athletics)
Sarah Webster (Athletics)
Lesley Sleight (Archery)

Take a virtual tour of the VillaGaiety complex

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:41:08 GMT

Take a tour of the Villa Marina or the Gaiety Theatre, from the comfort of your own home.

The 3D VR Virtual Reality tours have been introduced to help improve accessibility and the customer experience by letting you walk through the venue before attending an event or making a booking.

The aim is to help customers know what to expect, or to see parts of the venues that aren’t always open to the public.

It is hoped viewing the venues virtually will help customers who may be nervous about attending an event to feel more confident, to let those interested in hiring the venue have a look around, and to provide an insight into areas that may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility.

Visitors can use the tours as a tool to move freely through the Villa Marina and Gaiety spaces, helping to understand the physical space available, layout, access and facilities in each area. Alongside this there is information about each of the rooms including capacity and hire options.

Both the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre are full of history, so the tours have also been packed with information points outlining the building and grounds extensive past.

Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge MHK, said:

‘We’re dedicated to providing the best service we can to our customers and want to create and maintain an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.

‘As part of this, we’ve also had five walkthrough videos produced highlighting accessibility facilities and features in the Villa Marina, Gaiety Theatre, Broadway Cinema, Dragon’s Castle and Villa Arcade.’

The accessibility webpage has been refreshed to include information about facilities and services available for hard of hearing customers, the Essential Companion Scheme (ESC) and Relaxed performances.

If customers have any queries or concerns around accessibility, facilities or services, or any other needs or requirements they would like to discuss, please contact the VillaGaiety box office on 01624 60055, the Villa Marina Reception on +44 1624 694500 or email villagaiety@gov.im

Entries now open for the Manx Folk Awards 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:21:18 GMT

The 12^th annual Manx Folk Awards, Aundyryn Kiaull-Theay Vannin, will be celebrating Manx language and music for five days in March.

Entries are now open for Island Schools and music teachers to put forward students to take part in poetry, dance, music and singing.

During the five days of friendly competition it’s expected that over 1000 young people, aged from pre-school to secondary, will take part in over 92 classes.

Organised jointly by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) and Culture Vannin, the Awards will take place from 26 – 30 March at Kensington Arts and Rosemount Church in Douglas, and in St Johns Methodist Hall.

Each year has a special theme, and for 2023 it is 'Manx Calendar Customs'. The theme is reflected in the choir set pieces and poetry recitation classes, and gives inspiration for new composition.

As well as an own choice Manx song, young choirs are asked to learn the same set song, so they can all take part in a communal sing-a-long after the judges make their decisions. The dance classes also end with a group dance, giving performers the chance to watch their peers and perform with others their age.

The emphasis at the Manx Folk Awards is on having fun while celebrating Manx Culture, and the organisers and judges aim to provide a supportive environment for complete beginners, as well as more seasoned performers – giving positive feedback and advice for future performances.

Younger solo performers can also bring a friend onto the stage with them if they need to, to help those who are new to the stage or feeling nervous.

Some popular classes include the Feddan whistle class, where whole classes have learnt the penny whistle and take the stage perform together. There is also the Manx Gaelic own choice duologue class where comedy and costume is always a feature, and there is even a comedy Music Hall class.

Dancers are offered the opportunity to perform to live music played by the Manx Folk Awards house band, and the organisers also offer preliminary competitions in schools for those with lots of keen entrants.

DESC Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum, and organiser of the event, Jo Callister said:

‘The Department and Culture Vannin really hope the 2023 Folk Awards will carry on the success of last year. We were bowled over by the entries in 2022 – especially in Manx dancing, where we had to add an extra afternoon of competitions to accommodate. We work closely with schools to provide support and resources to encourage entries and are proud that our adjudicators and programme encourage such a friendly and supportive atmosphere for competitions.’

Dr Chloe Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer at Culture Vannin and organiser of the event, added:

‘The Manx Folk Awards gives schools a real focus for learning and creating new Manx songs, tunes, poems and dances, and the friendly atmosphere during the week intends to encourage all schools to get involved in celebrating Manx culture and have a fun time whilst doing it!’

Schools and private music teachers can view the 2023 syllabus online, for more information contact Jo Callister at mfa@online.sch.im.

The deadline for entries is Monday 13 February.

Hundreds of children set for Manx Youth Games

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:44:41 GMT

Hundreds of school children have started training for the Isle of Man’s largest multi-sport event in 2023 - the Sporting Club Manx Youth Games.

Children from across the Island, aged 6 to 15, will attend regional training sessions over the coming months, with around 1,000 expected to participate on the big day itself on 13 May.

The sessions will cover 13 different sports, including a multi-sport offering for children with additional needs, and be delivered by qualified coaches and volunteers.

As well as learning a new sport, the programme teaches the value of team work and encourages children to continue with sport after the event by joining community clubs.

This year’s Games will continue its sustainable ethos with participants again wearing eco-friendly shirts and supplied with sustainably sourced water bottles.

Tony Keating, Chairman of Sporting Club, said:

‘We are proud to support this fabulous community event, which has been an important part of the Island’s community for 20 years.

‘As a proud Biosphere partner we are delighted to continue to champion sustainable solutions.’

Julie Edge MHK, Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I would like to thank our sponsor for their continued support for this fantastic initiative.

‘The event promotes a healthy lifestyle, whilst removing barriers to participation, making it easier for our young people to become physically active and boost their wellbeing.’

The 2023 event was officially launched at the National Sports Centre earlier this month with many of those who make the event possible in attendance. Since the Games were first held many participants have gone on to represent the Isle of Man at the highest level.

Views sought on secondary school uniforms

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:00:13 GMT

People are being asked to share their views on the uniforms worn by secondary school students in the Isle of Man.

Currently, each school sets its own uniform requirements based on guidance issued by the Department for Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) - so students know what to wear and what happens if they fail to do so.

During the month-long consultation, the DESC would particularly like to hear from students, parents, carers, teachers and suppliers on the role uniforms play in school life. Views are also sought on the cost of purchasing the items to ensure it does not become a barrier to participation in learning.

The feedback will help shape future principles and address any areas of inconsistency.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I encourage anyone with an interest to have their say on current school uniform, its benefits and how they think it could look in the future.

‘At a time when we all have concerns about the increase in the cost of living, I think it only right that we offer the opportunity to reassess the guidance we issue centrally to schools. It is also essential that the views of our pupils are heard as part of this consultation and we have welcomed their input as part of this process.’

The consultation can be found on the Consultation Hub and closes on 16 February.

Schools and UCM open as normal today

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:24:11 GMT

The Island’s schools and UCM will be open as normal today.

School buses will also be running as normal.

The public are asked to take care when travelling and to drive to the conditions on the roads.

Schools closed due to travel difficulties, safety issues and the ongoing forecast

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:02:58 GMT

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has announced that its schools and UCM will be closed today due to travel difficulties, safety issues and the ongoing forecast.

A number of road closures are in place and many bus services aren't operating because of the conditions. This decision has not been taken lightly.

Whilst some schools may be accessible, the safety of pupils and staff travelling to and from school across the Island is of paramount importance when making the decision.