Trafford’s New Academy
The Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker, has this week given the green light for Trafford College to proceed with the development of Trafford’s new Academy in its role as sponsor.
The Academy is set to provide local pupils with exciting new educational opportunities in new state-of-the-art buildings and will transform the landscape of secondary education in the North of the Borough, providing a curriculum specialising in Science and Applied Science subjects.
Trafford College, which repeated its Outstanding Ofsted achievement for a second time in May 2009, will be the main sponsor of the new Academy and its Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, expressed his delight at the ministerial approval:
“The development of the Academy will result in substantial investment in educational resources in the local area and represents a real opportunity for a fantastic educational experience for local pupils. The close partnerships with the Manchester United Foundation and Lancashire County Cricket Club will provide many exciting sporting possibilities for the pupils and the local community. I am delighted that the proposals have been approved and that we can now make our vision for this Academy a reality.”
The Academy is now in its feasibility phase which, through consultation with the public and key partners, will finalise the details of the proposal.
Note to Editors:
1) The name of Trafford’s new Academy would be decided in feasibility.
2) The proposed start date for the new Academy is September 2010. The Academy will open on the sites of the two predecessor schools, Lostock College and Stretford High School in September while significant investment is made in the construction of the new Academy building.
3) The proposed development would create a purpose built Academy providing 1050 places for 11-16s with modern learning facilities.
4) Trafford College’s vision for the Academy would centre around two major themes:
- Inspiring young people to target and achieve individual goals
- Establishing close networks and relationships to provide a local network in which individual success could be rewarded with access to further learning opportunities at a higher level, and sustainable employment.
5) As sponsor of the Academy, Trafford College would be committed to creating an outstanding facility which would help every student to fulfil their potential, and would contribute significantly to the economic and social prosperity of the area.
The College promotes the economic and social regeneration of the Borough, and its local industries. This is achieved by a strong focus on creating opportunities for local people to develop essential skills and expertise, for which there is a demand in the local and wider economy; and which will equip people with skills for life.
6) The Academy will have a Science and Applied Science specialism, and will work with Manchester Metropolitan University and employers to develop an exciting and challenging curriculum to demonstrate the application of science to real life, the environment, economy and community.
7) The Academy will be inclusive and will celebrate the richness of the community and its cultural diversity. Students will be supported through strong and effective welfare and guidance processes, along with personal mentoring. There will be a strong emphasis on physical wellbeing, in partnership with Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club, and social responsibility to encourage teamwork, citizenship and a personal and collective ambition to achieve.
It is envisaged that working in partnership with Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club students would benefit from the experience of world class coaching, and would in turn support both organisations with their local community activities.
