Page 14 - link magazine

Community News

It’s all change as Isambard school reveals new name and logo

Isambard Community School is set
to be renamed Abbey Park School,
as of September, as part of a major
rebranding exercise that will also
see the introduction of a smart new
uniform and school logo.
Executive Principal Clive
Zimmerman, who also runs Lydiard
Park Academy, explained: “I think
we felt that there was a mixed
perception of Isambard in the
community and it needed to be
refreshed. We felt it was important
to introduce a new vision and set
of values.
“We have introduced a new tie
and blazer and this along with the Executive Principal Clive Zimmerman left and operational head teacher Jon Young
name change and the new logo A new operational headteacher, consequences system. There will represents a fantastic opportunity
signal that things at Isambard have Jon Young, has been appointed and also be changes to the school day for everyone in the North Swindon
changed. We hope that this will staff have been working hard to that will see the introduction of a community.
make the children who attend the bring about a cultural shift and short break between each of “We open in a modern, well
new Abbey Park School feel proud raise expectations at the the lessons and a shorter equipped building with outstanding
of their school.” North Swindon secondary lunch break aimed facilities that will allow our staff to
He explained that the new name school. at helping students use up to date approaches to really
and logo reflected the school’s Mr Zimmerman give maximum bring education to life.
proximity to Blunsdon Abbey, a said: “The newly concentration on “That’s not to say that we shun
former Victorian country house named Abbey Park learning. traditional approaches - far from
situated just off Tadpole Lane - with School and Lydiard The Lydiard Park it. When it comes to standards
the folly tower forming part of the Park Academy will be Academy’s 6th form, of personal conduct, maintaining
new school crest. working hand in hand now in its third year, respectful relationships and
And the revamp at the school, from September, sharing will be renamed The developing a strong work ethic, our
which saw a change of leadership best practice.” Park Academies Trust expectations are very traditional.
at the end of October last year, Other changes that have and give equal access to “This is reflected in our choice of
extends beyond the cosmetic. been introduced, to address students from both schools uniform for Abbey Park School, as
Since a highly critical Ofsted concerns raised by Ofsted, have wanting to study A-levels and we believe that dressing smartly
report, the school has been included a renewed focus on the general vocational courses. is part of developing a positive
brought under the leadership of Mr consistency and expectations Mr Young, in a letter to parents mindset that will help our pupils
Zimmerman as part of a multi- of teaching throughout the to introduce the changes said: become confident, successful young
academy trust. school and a new rewards and “The opening of Abbey Park School people.”
Schools around Swindon celebrate World Book Day in style

Pupils from Haydon Wick Primary
School join in the fun

Characters sprang from the pages Primary School were encouraged tale princesses, a snarl of pirates handing out more than £15 million
of well-known books at schools to dress as their favourite book and an exaggeration of Roald Dahl £1 book tokens (one per child) to
around Swindon to mark the 20th characters and dozens of Harry characters. inspire school age youngsters to
World Book Day. Potters and Hermione Grangers To support the event, the National put down their iPads and curl up
Youngsters from Haydon Wick were joined by a glitter of fairy Book Tokens organisation will be with a good read.

14 swindonlink.com n April 2017

NW April 2017 Master Pages.indd 14 17/03/2017 12:02