The Thomas Ferens Academy is taking inspiration from Hull's maritime links.

Following consultation with parents and other stakeholders, the logo and  motto have been designed to reflect the academy’s wider theme of The Sea, linking back to Hull’s maritime history and tradition.

Principal Designate Juliet Strang said: “Our great discoveries of new lands were made by journeying out across the sea, not knowing what would lie beyond. The courage to explore unknown territory is something we want to encourage, so that our students travel to the edge of their comfort zone as a matter of habit. This led naturally to development of our academy motto: ‘Making WAVES Together’, with the WAVES acronym standing for: Wise, Adventurous, Valiant, Exceptional, Students.

“Many people love the sea. The constant movement of the water and beautiful sounds of the sea are transfixing features. The intention of the motto is to inspire our students by celebrating their courageous and adventurous ancestors and promoting an aspirational, adventurous and brave approach to life.

“Because waves take different forms and shapes and they move constantly, they can act as a metaphor to respect the unique strengths of each individual and their developing achievement and growth at school.”

She added that as a school with an emphasis on global citizenship, it is important to remember how the sea connects us with the rest of the world.

The logo (above) was developed from the motto, using a blue and turquoise colour palette inspired by water. The logo represents the overlapping nature of waves and is also derived from the shape of the academy building itself.

It will be used in different ways across the school, including as a badge on pupils’ blazers and to create signs around the building.

The University of Hull is the lead sponsor of the Thomas Ferens Academy and is working with co-sponsors Hull City Council, Wyke Sixth Form College and Wilberforce Sixth Form College to deliver the project for the city.

The Thomas Ferens Academy is currently under construction and will open in September. The project is being delivered by Sewell Group on behalf of developer Hull Esteem Consortium, the organisation appointed by Hull City Council to deliver the city’s Building Schools for the Future programme.

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