In establishing the Academy, we were determined to take forward both specialisms from the predecessor schools – with a view to retaining and building on good practice and the evidenced impact on school improvement. At the same time, we feel strongly that the performing arts and technology combined, delivers a curriculum offer, which is highly supportive of the inclusion agenda, through its appeal to a very wide range of interests and aptitudes.

The contribution of our performing arts specialism to the wider community continues to be extensive. We provide a range of workshops in local and primary schools and our Arts Programme Summer School is a highly successful venture. In addition, we involve a wide range of schools in a variety of high quality productions and host many trips and visits, locally, regionally and nationally. Staff are now very keen to take advantage of the outstanding facilities provided in the new building, not least the well equipped Community Theatre which will allow “theatre in the round” to come to Gainsborough for the first time.

Technology status has had a similar positive impact, providing ICT courses for parents, staff and partner primary students, organising “Enterprise Days” involving local schools and developing strong partnerships with the local FE College. This area  will be strengthened further by our move into new premises with outstanding facilities both for technology within the department and for ICT across the whole school. Every departmental head will be charged with delivering a curriculum that uses technology to extend the range of learning opportunities and raise achievement.

We are particularly excited by the concept of “Media” acting as a bridge between our two specialisms.  From 2009, our English department will offer Media Studies at GCSE and plans are progressing to deliver the new Creative and Media Diploma alongside 14 – 19 partners. Such developments will be enhanced by our new facilities, for example the provision of our own TV studio and radio station.