Programmes are delivered to students, governors and staff and include:-
• High quality curriculum developments.
• Clearer progression pathways.
• Specific projects and initiatives aimed at young people.
• Targeted provision for those at risk of “dropping out.”
• Leadership in governance
• Joint staff development opportunities.
• Improved transition arrangements.
• Links with other schools and colleges of all phases.
• More effective and efficient approaches to service delivery.
• Shared staff.
• Developing new and different joint approaches to the provision of services such as ICT, Hard and Soft services and HR.
This year has seen Key stage 3 students from the eight 11-16 schools from MATs, sponsored academies and LA schools, taking part in the following joint activities:-
• Leadership Conference for Year 7.
• Leadership Conference for Year 9.
• Futures 4 Us event for Year 8
• Business Challenge Cup.
• STEM challenge.
• Over 400 students are involved and are introduced to the development of leadership skills, ways in which to develop confidence, resilience; communication and presentation skills, problem solving and working in creative and innovative ways. Real business challenges are set and working with leaders from business and industry the young people understand, become involved and resolve real issues.
• For example, in the business challenge cup, the teams from each school compete over four challenges involving logistics, customer relations, construction and architecture. These are supported by local companies who present to them real-life scenarios and experiences;
• Some of the other conferences are structured to encourage pupils to work together with peers from other schools, whilst others employ an element of competition;
Schools are encouraged to take part in some activities before the conferences/challenges, to enable more pupils to benefit from the learning and to ensure that the competitors are committed to the events.