Page 15 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • December 2012 15
Find out what a free school could mean for North Swindon

The last in a series of public meetings to find out what parents and residents think of another secondary preschool
school being created to serve North Swindon takes place on Tuesday 4 December, 6pm.
Meetings organ- plained: “Swindon them on a bus, sometimes two, to gymnastics
ised by Isambard Borough Council get there.
School in October are aware of a need “We are currently gathering
and November for school places evidence of demand for another where an early
have allowed in- in this area, but school, identifying possible sites
terested people to not as soon as we and setting out our vision for its cur- start makes a world
explore what a free perceive it, which riculum and staffing requirements.” of difference!
school could mean. is 2014.” On 4 December there will be a
The school web site About 200 free short presentation informing par-
asks the questions: schools have been ent/carers of the current situation,
• Are you worried granted approval a discussion on the type of school
about where your since the govern- and information on how they can
child will go to ment announced support the free school bid.
secondary school? its Partnerships for
Schools policy to
• Would you like your child to walk enable more choice for parents and The Kirsty Farrow
or cycle to school?
more power for teachers. Schools
• Are you worried about having to like this are created by groups of Dance Academy
pay to bus your child to secondary parents, teachers, charities or faith DANCE CLASSES FOR
school? organisations, which the govern- CHILDREN AND ADULTS
The increasing demand for second- ment believes is key to transforming
ary education in North Swindon, the education system and driving BALLET – MODERN – TAP
and disagreement over the date up standards. STREET JAZZ
when extra places should be pro- However, Ms Mattey sees a more MUSICAL THEATRE
vided, has prompted Isambard pragmatic need for a free school in FREE UNIFORM IF YOU SIGN UP
School governors to set the ball North Swindon. She said: “Local BEFORE CHRISTMAS
rolling on a bid for a brand new parents are really worried about See our website for monthly offers
local school to serve the area. where their children will go to ESPRIT CENTRE, daily classes for the under 5’s
Headteacher Rachael Mattey ex- school, and would rather not put HEADLANDS GROVE, SN2 7HS
07817 476241 or 07980 918192 01793 822262
Enthuse boosts academy engineers [email protected] www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk
www.thekirstyfarrowdanceacademy.co.uk
The number of pupils taking science, technology, engineering and maths
(STEM) in British schools has been dropping over recent years, but the
situation at Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park shows the reverse.

Based in new schools covering the North Swindon
area, we have a large range of facilites for community
groups and clubs to use after school hours between
6-10pm weekdays and all weekend. Whatever you're
running, we have the space you're looking for.
BOOK YOUR
GROUPS, CLASSES, INTRODUCTORY PARTY
OFFER
NOW!
CLUBS, TEAMS 25% OFF
ALL WELCOME THE FIRST MONTH
WHEN MAKING A
Enthuse staff Paul Brown and Dan Carter with Lydiard Park Academy BLOCK BOOKING
Ask for details
Year 9 Enthuse participants
After visits by the Enthuse team said the session had opened her
sponsored by Swindon based eyes. “I didn’t realise how much
energy company nPower over the there is to different kinds of en-
last five years, the number of pupils gineering; it’s used everywhere. I
taking these subjects at GCSE level was surprised when the Enthuse
has rocketed from around ten each man said that a Nintendo Wii was
year to over fifty. designed by engineers.”
Enthuse staff run workshops to Maths teacher and Enthuse coor-
give Year 9 pupils across the country dinator Gill Sergeant confirmed the
a taste of what STEM courses in- positive effect the programme has
volve at GCSE, A level and beyond. had over several years. “The differ-
Youngsters were given a range of ence the team has made has been
practical tasks which tested their amazing. We had a handful taking
time management, information GCSE engineering about four years Call 020 7901 3459 www.northsideswindon.co.uk
organisation, investigative abilities, ago; now fifty are taking it. Last year
problem solving and team work we had 100 per cent passes at A* to • Grass pitches • Floodlit all-weather pitches • sports halls • General purpose halls • dance studios
• classrooms • meetinG spaces • community rooms • Facilities available For children with disabilities:
skills. C and we know quite a few pupils trampoline, ball pond and hydrotherapy pool • disabled access • caterinG Facilities • Free parkinG
Alicia Stacey, 14, from Toothill have gone on to study engineering.”

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