Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Academy Partnerships - enriching for all

I was delighted to see Canford included in the latest partnerships booklet from the Independent Schools Council celebrating the work of independent schools with those in the maintained sector http://bit.ly/2oO9WAd.  It is perhaps not as well known as it should be that Canford is one of only a handful of independents who have successfully fully sponsored an Academy – The Bourne Academy in East Howe, Bournemouth.  

Staff at both schools are proud of what has been achieved since the Academy opened its doors to pupils aged 11-16 back in 2010, with a Sixth Form opening 3 years later.   GCSE results in 2016 saw the A*-C rate first equal among non-selective Bournemouth schools and the 100% A*-E rate at A level ensured that all UCAS applicants were accepted by their first-choice universities.  Attendance figures continue to be well above the national average.   Outside the classroom the Academy continues to attract an outstanding list of visiting speakers, and events such as the Digital Horizons launch aimed at 15-18 years olds strengthened links between education and industry.

Former or present staff, parents and governors still form the majority of governors at the Academy and the relationship between our two schools continues to grow, with each gaining excellence from the other.   Teach First teachers continue to spend a week at Canford, and a Canford teacher taking her PGCE was able to do her second school experience at the Academy.   The first joint INSET last year saw Canford and Academy staff discussing ‘Improving Outcomes’ with sessions led by staff from both schools on their areas of expertise.

Our pupils continue to spend time at each other’s schools as well, enjoying learning together on projects such as F24.   We have welcomed seven Academy pupils so far into our Sixth Form.  It is very important to me that Canfordians leave with a sense of responsibility, of empathy towards others and with a real desire to make a difference to their own lives and to the lives of others.  Through our sponsorship of The Bourne Academy, the lives of pupils and staff at both schools have been enriched.  


No comments:

Post a Comment