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Becoming a Technology College |
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The Specialist School and Academies Trust (SSAT) is the leading national body for secondary education in England, part funded by the DfES, delivering the Government's Specialist Schools and Academies programme. The Government's aim is that by 2008 all schools will be specialist, except those planned to be Academies.
The trust seeks to give more young people access to a good secondary education by building networks, sharing practice and supporting schools. The Trust's way of working is based on the principle 'by schools for schools'. The Trust is at the heart of a growing network of over 2,900 schools including primary, secondary, special schools and academies. “We believe it represents the largest network of its kind in the world”. SSAT
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Benton Park became a Technology College in 2002. Headteacher, Anne Clarke, said "This is a major achievement for the school and the additional resources given by the DfES will enrich the whole school curriculum. Our thanks to to all our sponsors, without whom we would not have succeeded".
The school's final bid began in the summer of 2002 when Anne Clarke placed her now famous advertisement in Private Eye's classified section for a sponsor. This led to coverage in national and local press, as well as an appearance on BBC's Look North. Clarke's unorthodox tactics impressed many sponsors who, between them, contributed £50,000. Foremost amongst them are Transco, Multiflight, Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds College of Technology, Airedale International, Leeds United, and the Yeadon and Rawdon Technology in the Community Trust. Other charitable concerns have contributed to the bid but have declined publicity. The school, however, acknowledges their support.
"The future of Benton Park" Anne Clarke adds, "is very rosy”. There is a comprehensive building programme about to begin to include a classroom block and a sports hall. Our newly acquired technology status will enable is to refurbish our technology rooms and to increase our use of Information Technology right across the curriculum. This opportunity will enable us to provide an even better education for our pupils and indeed members of the local community. Community work was a large feature of our bid". |
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Phase III – 2008
As a Technology college we are using our specialist status to raise standards of achievement and the quality of learning in design and technology, science and mathematics for all students across all ability range. Specialist departments contribute to whole school improvement by developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning. We develop and share good practice between the specialist subjects and across the whole curriculum. The Maths department are currently focussing on the interactive use of the whiteboard and learning styles. Science are focusing on Assessment for Learining and the use of the Virtual Learining Environment (VLE). Technology are developing vocational links. ICT supports e-learning across the school. One of our latest developments is an e-learning pilot project with the Hisotory department supported by the e-learning foundation.
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We are active partners within our local and wider community, offering opportunities for enriching and extending learning experiences. This includes sharing resources and good practice. We have 7 primary partners, 2 secondary partners and host an extensive adult education programme. Our newest community partners are the 2168 (Yeadon) Air Cadets who have been trained in delivering their BTEC Aviation through the schools VLE. Appointement of 4 Enrichment Co-ordinators working in each subject area ensure that we respond to community need and are able to plan for the future.
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| We promote an educational culture which is scientific, technological, enterprising and vocational. Our aim is to raise the post-16 participation rate in the specialist subject areas, and provide young people with the skills needed to progress into employment, further training and higher education according to their individual abilities, aptitudes and ambitions. |
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