GO, ELLA! Pupils at Tetney Primary School are getting behind local hero Ella Henderson as the X Factor star prepares for her next live performance on the show tomorrow.
They have been busy making posters to show their support for the talented teenager, who they are tipping to go all the way and win the competition.
And this week they have been walking into morning assembly to the sound of Ella singing Take That's Rule the World, which she performed during last Saturday's show, bowling over the judges – and the nation – in the process. Figures show her performance was the most downloaded of all the contestants' tracks on iTunes on Saturday night.
Head teacher Heidi Dows said the school had been gripped by Ella fever, and described the 16-year-old singer as a wonderful role model for the pupils.
She said: "Although Ella didn't attend the school, we are really proud of her as she is from Tetney.
"The children have been talking about the talent, hard work and determination that she has shown to get to where she is.
"It's great for the children to have someone from their own village to look up to. All the staff and the pupils are rooting for her to win, and I think she's got a really good chance."
Year-3 pupil Abbie, 7, has been so inspired by Ella that she has put up a board in the school corridor for her classmates to add their messages of support.
In her message she described Ella as "Tetney's biggest star", a "great singer" and a "beautiful lady".
Abbie said: "She's a very good role model to everybody that loves singing. I watch X Factor all the time with my mum and I think Ella has got a good chance of winning. She's got a really good voice and I really like how she sings."
While reception and Year-1 classes have been making cheerleaders' pom-poms, and the Year-2 pupils Ella-themed bunting, the older pupils have been drawing posters urging everyone to "Vote Ella".
A poster made by William and Thomas, both 10, proclaims "Tetney is behind you" and "Everyone believes in you".
William said: "It's so exciting to have someone from Tetney on the programme. She is a role model for us all. She's got an amazing voice, she can go high and low, and the judges have said she is the best singer since Leona Lewis."
Thomas said: "Her singing is really good. I think she's got a great chance of winning."
Year-6 pupil Ollie, 11, said: "I've always watched bits of the X Factor before, but since Ella has been on I've watched it every week.
"I think she's going to win it. The competition is tough but I think she's going to do it. For someone who is only 16 to have that much passion in her voice is just amazing.
" It would mean everything if she won the X Factor. It would put Tetney on the map."
Year-5 pupil Niall, 10, said: "I've been a big X Factor fan over the years, but now I'm watching it even more because I'm supporting Ella.
"For a 16-year-old I think she is just amazing. I think she's as good as any of the singers that have won X Factor in the past.
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