Academy Partnership Award

sponsored by Kumon
Presented to the established specialist academy that can demonstrate benefits to the community through a partnership with a existing establishment (primary school, secondary school, university.

2011 Winner: Manchester Communication Academy, Manchester

Manchester Communications Academy is a new high school and community facility with three principal partners – BT, Manchester College and the City Council; all are contributors to the school’s strategy, aimed at dramatically reshaping educational and real world business opportunities. Collaborative arrangements are forming through social media, innovative technology, science and engineering, sport and leisure which, in combination with key partners, will open up a broad range of possibilities for learning advancement and employment. The Academy is involved in the Community Reports’ Programme, focus groups on new technology, coordinating youth activity across North Manchester, working with a junior warden programme, including projects to highlight science, engineering, mathematics and ICT.  Ambitiousness for such an array of educational action is exemplified by engineering: students know its national weight – backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering; and can see its exciting potential – creating a car that travels at 1,050 mph. Winning enthusiasm, locally applied.

Commended

Carlton Academy / Redhill Academy, Nottingham
Wheldon School, now Carlton Academy, overcame its special measures status with the assistance of Redhill Academy, whom they have just joined as a formal Trust partner. Ofsted considered that ‘impressive’. The two academies are distinct schools, with separate budgets, leadership and staffing. While working together under the Redhill Trust, they will coordinate the most effective pathways to benefit both schools’ pupils. Ofsted’s assessment showed Carlton had brought all levels up to standard and in many categories had relatively excelled. This is acknowledged as due both to determined efforts by all working in and with Carlton. Rising from a problematic past to academy promise after just 15 months, they insist high expectations, focused teaching and an extra-curricular broadening of student experiences will take the academies on to greater success. Redhill’s steer required some infrastructure adjustments to fulfil their obligations, demonstrating that operating partnerships requires vital professional judgement. It is a measure of Redhill’s capabilities and commitment that it continued to power ahead while imparting their success to another school.

Lincoln Castle Academy (Yarborough School), Lincoln
Lincoln Castle Academy, a key County Learning Partnership member, has a highly creative and active relationship with schools, Lincoln University, the community, local businesses and beyond – they have even presented to Dragons’ Den. Collecting awards, among them a kite mark ‘Excellence in Enterprise’ from Warwick University and SSAT Award for Education-Employer Partnership, the school has established an enviable track record of engagement. A snapshot reveals their range. BTEC Music students produced a CD at Lincoln University’s studios assisted by former BBC producer Bryan Rudd, discussed by students on Siren FM; and project work is underway with St Francis school and University to form a media suite supported with Partnership funding. There’s no let up: with a local firm pupils are helping create a Business Directory, provide bespoke media/PR support for local SMEs, produce a business plan, order media equipment, and undertake vital work experience with the company’s graphics design team.