Campaign 4 new school

The Parent Promoted Foundation for Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes is now a legal body. As such, we can continue to have a strong voice in the consultation process as plans continue for the Academy at Shene.

On July 15th we had our inaugural meeting. Our key aim remains the same: to help create an excellent Secondary school in our area. We will work contructively and positively with anyone who shares this goal.

We are currently in what is known as 'the Expression of Interest' stage in a long process laid out by government. It is anticipated that 'Feasibility' will follow a Council Cabinet meeting on September 22nd. This is when the full public consultation and planning takes place.

Edutrust, as the selected Sponsors for the Shene Academy, have set out their initial vision in a document for public scrutiny. This was sent out to parents of current Shene school students as well as those with children at feeder primary schools.Their strategy outlines their ethos,plans for partnerships, curriculum and specialisms, leadership and community involvement.Please click on the link below and select Shene: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/education_and_learning/schools_and_colleges/academies_programme/academies_consultation.htm

 We urge you to read this document. What do you have to say in response? What questions does it raise for you? We will collate your responses and put these to Fred Groom, CEO of Edutrust, who has agreed to attend our next meeting in early September. Edutrust are keen to work closely with the community, to take our concerns in to account. Being pro-active is crucial. 

Email your thoughts and ideas to us at campaign4newschool@googlemail.com 

 The evening was attended by over 160 local residents.

 The meeting was chaired by Louise Soden and included Tracey Luck, Head of Strategic Programming for Academies in Richmond, Lesley Kirby, Headteacher at Shene, Tina Jones, Chair of Governors for Shene School. 

The meeting was an opportunity for Fred Groom, CEO of Edutrust, to begin the consultation process with the local community. Marlene Robottom also from Edutrust supported him.

The point was made from the start that Edutrust see the new academy at the heart of the community, working on behalf of the community with the parents seen as a key stakeholder in the school.

 They want to serve the current intake but make a fracture with the failure of the past.

But it was reassuring to find out that both Fred and Marlene have turned around failing schools.

Edutrust will look to create partnerships with businesses and public schools and universities.

There will be an annual academy improvement plan. This will include:

1. The raising of standards

2. The leadership right from the chair down to class monitors.

3. The improvement and implementation of the curriculum.

4. The quality of learning and teaching

5. The environment, not just the buildings – 'buildings do not make schools'

6. The stability and sustainability of the school.

 Shene will be part of a large network of Academies that will be able to pass on good practices to one another. There will be constant monitoring of their success.

The new academy will be bespoke for our area, developed to be inclusive of our community.

 They will be looking to share personnel and effective strategies from our excellent primaries, and looking closely at the progression and transition of children into year 7.

They want to bring back the tradition of achievement and respect that the school used to enjoy.

Edutrust is a registered charity.

Their sole purpose is philanthropic and not for profit.

 The meeting was positive in that Edutrust was left in no doubt about the passion and commitment of the community to help build a first rate school.

We have to make it clear to Edutrust that there can be no 'leap of faith'. They have to provide the model, ethos, vision and strategies for raising achievement and dealing with discipline to which the parents can commit.

 Campaign4NewSchool

This website will keep you up to date about the fast-moving changes to our secondary school provision in Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes.

Keep informed:

•    With the latest developments at local and national level

•    Everything you need to know about Academies

•    The alternative school models

•    Have your say through the questionnaire.  It takes less than two minutes to complete.

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