13th October 2011

PORTLAND: Last chance to comment on proposed academy plans

By Harry Walton

FOUR Portland schools who are proposing to form an island Academy have sent out letters updating people on the consultation so far and reminding them of the deadline for comments.

Grove Infant and Foundation Stage School, Southwell Community Primary School, Chesil Cove Federation and Royal Manor Arts College said comments must be received by October 31st and they also highlighted the most raised issues with responses.

These include the Southwell location and its suitability, the schools saying it was chosen for its good green playing area and because buildings there are extremely well built and engineered.

Transport and safety is another issue with some concerned at road safety and the longer distance children face to reach the Academy site, the schools promising a detailed travel plan and perhaps a new entrance or staggered start or finish times.

They also add that four-year-olds will not be taught alongside 16 or 18-year-olds in the same classroom but that, as in a school orchestra or a sports club, younger children will be mentored by slightly older ones while the proposed strategy will ensure that learners progress at the best possible pace and that they benefit from personalised learning plans.

Current Southwell Park business activities will not interfere with the Academy but complement it, say the schools, with a Partnership Board established to bring the Academy, community and business together.

The schools also say that the Academy will include a 200-seat theatre, swimming pool, brand new sports facilities and professional kitchens with art, drama and music all on offer as well as allotments where pupils can grow their own vegetables.

People have asked for a decent standard of uniform and the Aldridge Foundation say that, as with other academies they sponsor, there will be a smart, business style uniform. With students and parents involved in its design. The Foundation also anticipates that there will be a uniform grant for all parents of children at the schools forming the Academy.

It adds that the proposed Portland Academy would become part of a family of schools collectively able to apply for additional sources of funding from Government departments or grant-giving organisations that will directly benefit students and the wider community.

The four schools say the vision for the Academy has been shaped by their own headteachers with a shared conviction that education on Portland can be improved substantially.

Their letter says: “We all want to create an outstanding school where pupils are engaged in the best way for them to succeed and achieve their full potential. We believe the best way to do this is to create the new all-through Academy. The Academy will remain a state-funded school, and will be subject to the same regulations and inspections as all other schools.

“A new Principal will be recruited to lead the Academy and we are working together to seek an exceptional person who will provide inspirational leadership and be key to the success of the Academy.”

They add that other ideas include a library, adult education opportunities, social enterprises and the letter says: “The Academy wants to become a focal part of the community, working with local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses to help engage young people and strengthen the bond between the Academy and the community.”

People can respond via a school website questionnaire or by filling in the forms at the school.

PORTLAND: Last chance to comment on proposed academy plans

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