23rd July 2009

Portland leads the way in new style education

By Paul Crompton

PLANS for a £28 million world class learning environment on Portland have moved a step closer after the government officially sanctioned the scheme.

The Portland academy project, which was given the go ahead by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families last week, could be open as soon as 2013.

The academy will cater for pupils from 0 to 21 years, meaning the island’s children will  literally be able crawl in at pre-school and walk out with university degrees.

A public consultation is scheduled for October of this year, giving the community the opportunity to view plans and give their opinion.

Development Director of the Portland Academy project, Jane Fooks said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to proceed to the next stage of this innovative proposal.

“Portland schools have a unique community element, a product of their small scale and stability.

“The new academy is determined to be faithful to that intimacy, retaining the sense of communities, and is exploring the proven concept of comfortable small separate ‘home bases’ within the all age academy.

“By working together and sharing a common ethos, we know we can realise our vision through the academy’s programme to deliver a world class 21st century education.”

Initial plans highlight Southwell School and Osprey Quay for 0-11 year-olds education, with the main all age campus situated at Independent Quarry on Tophill.

Since 2007, the Portland Team, comprising headteachers, governors, sponsors and other stakeholders have been working closely with the local authority, central government and educational specialists to achieve their goal.

The Portland project, which is not a Private Funding Initiative,  is committed to the island’s communities and does  not plan to change staff or pupils.

Paul Green, Head Teacher at RMAC said while they knew all the schools on Portland performed a vital role within their communities, research showed even the best schools only had a small influence on a child’s development, and the academy “could make a real difference for the children in our care”.

Lead sponsor and chairman in New Media Environments at Bournemouth University Professor Stephen Heppell, said they were intent on building the best learning institution possible.

He said: “I’m working with schools around the world who are making remarkable progress and we intend to “borrow” their best ingredients, add some special Portland ones too, stir in some cutting edge technology and blend them into a delightful and effective recipe for world class learning here on Portland”.

Professor Heppell will lead a strong consortium of co-sponsors, with  negotiations progressing well with the Local Authority, NHS Dorset and The Royal Navy. John Nash, Director of Children’s Services for Dorset County Council.

The new institution’s name will be chosen by its children in the new academic year, with some suggestions already labelling it the School of Rock.

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