Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • September 2012 LYDIARD PARK ACADEMY
Books still important to young readers Options for increasing primary school
places in North Swindon
Students from three Swindon secondary schools are set to debunk ‘Potential into Performance’
the myth that young people no longer read for pleasure by taking Consultations with parents, residents and other key stake holders in LYDIARD PARK ACADEMY
part in the Gr8 Book Debate, an exciting project that is the brainchild October will guide Swindon Council on how the shortfall in primary
of Learning Resource Centre managers Stella Rogers, Sarah Day and school places in North Swindon can be met in time for September
Alison Slaven from Isambard, Ridgeway and Nova Hreod schools. Lydiard Park Academy opens its doors to pupils on 4th September
2014, when a further 60 places will be required.
The high demand for places in “The local authority position is to 2012 and is now open to applications for places from parents of
Oakhurst, Haydon End, Taw Hill provide primary school places as far
and Redhouse has caused catchment as possible within the community pupils starting their final year at primary school.
areas for existing schools to become where children live. As most schools
smaller, resulting in much frustra- in the northern sector have already
tion and uncertainty for parents. been expanded these are the only
Orchid Vale Primary School viable options.”
headteacher Debbie Kalynka is most Although Orchid Vale has been
concerned about the immediate re- identified as suitable for further ex-
quirements for school places in the pansion, the legal, contractual and
Haydon End and Redhouse areas. and design implications of altering
Students from three schools, ready to debate in October She said: “For 2011/2012 we have the original PFI build to provide
already agreed to admit 30 extra further permanent infrastructure
Explaining the project, Stella said: academic work.
“Lots of students really enjoy books Marion Alojado, also from The children to be housed in a double could prove very costly. It might
mobile. We need to know if this will be cheaper for the council to build
and we want the Gr8 Book Debate Ridgeway said: “Reading helps remain a temporary arrangement or a new school in a green field.
to become a tradition that sparks you give your opinion on lots of whether the increase will become However Cllr Renard is aware
interest and discussion.” different topics.” permanent, so that we can plan how of the concerns of parents. He said:
Each student has been paired The young people are adamant
with a literary buddy from a differ- that reading cuts through the digital the school moves forward.” “I’m not sure how well people
Swindon Council is putting will receive the idea of building
ent school to read and review three media fog that surrounds them. forward three options: extending on land adjacent to Thamesdown
books before the debate takes place Jonathan Akala from Nova Hreod Orchid Vale to become a permanent Drive, but this is why we need the
on 2 October. The chosen books are: said: “Books are better than films two form entry school; building a consultation.”
Trash by Andy Mulligan; Berserk because they last longer in your new single form entry school on Debbie Kalynka said: “The school
by Ally Kennen; and Tarzan: The mind.” Luke Deaves added: “Books fields adjacent to Mouldon Hill governors are looking forward to
Greystoke Legacy by Andy Briggs. are better to read than websites.” country park, off Thamesdown discussing the option with the local Lydiard Park Academy Open Evenings:
However the students are very Alison Slaven said: “Contrary
clear about the value of books. to research that suggests teenagers Drive; or build a new two form education authority and hearing the
entry primary school on this site, views of the community.”
Nabiya Syed from The Ridgeway aren’t interested in books any more, enabling Orchid Vale to revert to • The August Link reported that offers your child: Come and see the school on Tuesday 11th September
said: “Books fire your imagination;” we’ve identified that 75 per cent of its original single form entry status. Isambard school is considering how and Wednesday 12th September from 5.30pm to 8pm.
while Thomas Lever was keen to our students do continue to read for Cabinet Member for Children’s to set up a free school. See the story
stress how reading supports other pleasure every day.” n The opportunity to become the best that they can be.
Services Cllr David Renard said: at http://bit.ly/isambardfree
Your child will be supported to achieve outstanding Open Morning:
examination results and become confident, motivated Come and see the school in session during a guided
and well prepared for their future
Concept n Traditional values and a strong pupil ethos rooted in tour and informal discussion with the Principal on

Wednesday 3rd October and Thursday 4th October
mutual respect
Kitchens n The full range of enriching opportunities you would between 9.30am and 11.00am

expect– from arts to music to house competitions and
school productions
Other visits:
W I L T S H I R E n A highly professional and experienced teaching staff, by appointment, please contact :
Beautiful kitchens, Professionally installed with a collective record of raising results year on year [email protected]
and providing a quality of teaching rated as 'good' by
Ofsted twice in the last three years.

n Our unique Gifted and Talented Academy programme, Breaking News:
designed with the input of leading national experts,
which provides a range of additional opportunities New Bus Service to Lydiard Park Academy
including the chance to join a bespoke scholars will start on 3rd September 2012
programme in Key Stage 4.
Thought you couldn't get to us? Think again! Thamesdown
n A groundbreaking Sports Academy programme, Transport route 153 starts at Asda Walmart, and heads to
bringing practice currently only found in Australia Lydiard Park Academy via Redhouse, Oakhurst, Taw Hill and
and the USA to the UK.
Tel: 01793 531 532 / Mob: 07809 483 597 Peatmoor. Fares are in line with Thamesdown other services
with a monthly student pass available. Lydiard Park Academy
on all stock kitchens Grange Park Way, Grange Park, Applications for September 2013 will be handled by the Local
[email protected] 24 hour delivery n Excellent specialist facilities and a safe, friendly guarantees that bus transport will always be available for new
environment
www.conceptkitchenswiltshire.co.uk or existing students.
Swindon SN5 6HN
Tel: 01793 874224 Fax: 01793 876274
admissions form. Due to high demand in 2012, an additional
E-mail: [email protected] Authority and parents should apply using their standard online
20 places will be made available for September 2013.

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