Portland Academy education shake-up approved by Government (From Dorset Echo)

Portland Academy education shake-up approved by Government

10:30am Friday 17th July 2009 in

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THE go-ahead has been given for the £28 million Portland Academy school project.

The all-age educational scheme has been given the official go ahead by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families, following months of research and planning.

The new academy, which will be based in three sites on the island, intends to revamp and replace the existing primary and secondary school system.

One institution will handle education for children of all ages.

Children be arriving at pre-school, as others graduate with university degrees.

Jane Fooks, development director of the Portland Academy, said it was expected that two sites specifically for 0 to 11-year-olds would be based at the current Southwell School premises and at Osprey Quay, while an all-age main campus would be situated at Independent Quarry on Tophill.

The scheme aims to be faithful to the intimacy and sense of community Portland schools currently provide.

Mrs Fooks said ‘the proven concept’ of comfortable small separate ‘home bases’ within the all age academy was being explored.

Government officials and the local authority are now working on an ‘expression of interest’ and a public consultation is expected to begin in late October.

Children, parents and the wider local community will be able to see detailed plans and have their say to move the project forward.

The target date for the Portland Academy to open is early 2013.

The new institution’s name will be chosen by schoolchildren in the new academic year – suggestions currently include ‘School of Rock.’ Two years ago Portland head teachers, supported by the local authority and the Learning and Skills Council, started working on a plan to develop ways of delivering life changing opportunities that would enable the young people of Portland to achieve their full potential.

Since then, the Portland team, comprising head teachers, governors, sponsors and other stakeholders have worked closely with the Local Authority, Central Government and educational specialists.

Mrs Fooks said: “By working together and sharing a common ethos, we knew we could realise our vision through the academies’ programme to deliver a world class 21st Century education.

“We are now absolutely delighted to be able to proceed to the next stage of this innovative proposal and we look forward to consulting with children, parents and the wider local community as we move forward with plans.”

Paul Green, head teacher at Royal Manor Arts College, said, “While we know all the schools on Portland perform a vital role within their communities, research shows that even the best schools only have a small influence on a child’s development.

“The overwhelming influence comes from the family and other environments.

“It is clear that we need to work closer with our families and the wider community to make a real difference for the children in our care.”

Professor Stephen Heppell, is Portland Academy’s lead sponsor and chairman of new media environments at Bournemouth University.

Professor Heppell said: "We are intent on building simply the very best learning institution possible.

“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.”

John Nash, director of children’s services for Dorset County Council, said: “The Local Authority is pleased the Portland project is going ahead and cabinet members will be invited to consider co-sponsorship of the academy in the very near future.”

South Dorset MP Jim Knight, who has supported the Portland Vision since its inception, said: “This is a really exciting time for Portland.

“The 0-21 academy will offer the community a unique opportunity to develop a bespoke education.”