Pupils from Parklands High School will be making their mark at their new school this week, when they take part in a ceremonial beam signing at the new Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA).
Building work is well underway on the site of the brand new £19m MEA in Wythenshawe and to celebrate progress to date, a number of pupils, along with Principal Designate Marie Quayle, will be signing and dating one of the beams at the new building.
The Academy, which is one of seven across the city and one of the first to open, will provide 750 places for 11-16 year olds and post 16 provision for 120 students from 2010.
It will open in September 2009 and be based in the existing Parklands High School buildings for its first year, before moving into brand new purpose built facilities on the same site in September 2010.
Sponsored by Manchester Airport with co-sponsorship from Willow Park Housing Trust, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College,
MEA will be a totally new way of educating young people to meet the learning needs of the city's businesses.
Marie Quayle, Principal Designate of MEA says: "The beam signing ceremony is another milestone bringing us closer to the opening of what will be a wonderful resource, not only for the students, but for parents and the community of Wythenshawe as a whole. "
Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, says: "At Manchester Airport, we believe that we have a responsibility to the community's schools, colleges, teachers and students. Throughout every level of our business, we have already been actively involved in the project; helping to manage the design of the new school building, recruiting staff and offering support to the development of the Academy and its curriculum. We believe it's set for a bright new future, having secured 'Academy' status and having seen first hand the work that has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the new school year in September."
The Academy will differ from existing schools in that sponsors will work alongside teachers to design learning and assessment materials. All students will have personal mentors as well as round the clock access to materials and support to encourage 'anytime, anywhere learning.'
The site will be open from 7am to 10pm and will become the hub of the community giving parents, families and the whole community the opportunity to benefit from the facilities.
Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, says: "The MEA will be a new and exciting place to learn and will help ensure that our children and young people gain the skills and qualifications demanded by employers. The Academy will be a huge boost for Wythenshawe and will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area as a whole."
For more information about Manchester City Council visit www.manchester.gov.uk
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