|
Memorandum to accompany oral evidence Education and Skills Select Committee Wednesday 24 May 2006
BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
1. Project Overview
The Wave 1 Building Schools for the Future Project in Lancashire comprises the replacement of eight secondary schools in Burnley and three secondary schools in Pendle. The Wave 1 Project provides for replacement secondary school provision by construction of seven new 11‑16 (mixed) secondary schools (five in Burnley and two in Pendle) and a new 16‑19 Centre in Burnley.
In addition, the County Council wishes to provide for inclusion of children with Special Educational Needs in mainstream schools and the establishment of Generic Learning Difficulty provision co‑located with two of the proposed secondary schools (one in Burnley and one in Pendle). Separate secondary Behaviour Emotional and Social Difficulty provision will also be developed.
On the 16‑19 Centre site in Burnley, the Local Authority wishes to establish a campus which will include Children's Centre provision, replacement of separate infant and junior schools, a multi‑faith worship facility and public library. Additional funding will support these elements of the Wave 1 Project.
It is anticipated that the Wave 1 Project will be delivered in the following three phases: Start on site Operational Ø The Initial Project Autumn 2006 September 2008 Ø The Phase 2 Project Autumn 2007 September 2009 Ø The Phase 3 Project Autumn 2008 September 2010
The County Council appointed Catalyst Education as Preferred Bidder in February 2006. The County Council anticipates reaching Financial Close Summer 2006. Through BSF the County Council is seeking a long term strategic partner to help it deliver transformational change in East Lancashire. It will establish a Local Education Partnership with Catalyst and Partnerships for Schools upon reaching financial close.
2. Programme Objectives In Burnley and Pendle
The County Council developed a 'Vision for Education in Burnley' and a 'Vision for Education in Pendle' with existing schools and communities. The visions have informed the development of the projects included within Phase 1. The driver behind the schools' and the County Council's ambitions is that the new schools provide a learning environment fit for the 21st Century which in turn will address current local challenges and wider County Council priorities. The County Council held a Design Festival in Spring 2005 for students, staff and governors from all schools involved in Wave 1 BSF. The keynote speaker was Professor Stephen Heppell and the focus was to engage the school community in the design process.
Through the ITN process the County Council sought exciting, innovative, flexible designs and service delivery solutions that will encourage community pride and ownership and help deliver educational transformation. We also wish to contribute to regenerating communities within East Lancashire by providing employment and training opportunities.
3. Project Objectives
Underpinning the County Council's BSF vision and strategies are three key aims:
Ø to raise pupil attainment and achievement; Ø to enhance learning opportunities; and Ø to promote and support inclusion and thereby encourage community cohesion.
The design solutions, KPIs and Continuous Improvement Plan developed for Phase 1 of investment will help secure the following outcomes:
Ø a better match of pupils and places available; Ø parity of esteem and collaborative working between schools; Ø "ownership" of schools by the local community; Ø enhanced learning opportunities and clear pathways for 14‑19 year olds; Ø increased opportunities for inclusion for pupils with additional learning needs; Ø enhanced services for children, young people and families; Ø more cost‑effective school provision; Ø buildings which inspire and motivate learners of all ages; and Ø a skills legacy to benefit young people and the local community.
4. Key Benefits of the BSF Project in East Lancashire
Raising standards of achievement & attainment
The County Council and its partner's (Catalyst) approach to architecture, design and technology will create an inspiring, efficient environment to enable learners and their teachers to achieve. We will provide:
Ø Well-equipped, well-lit classrooms that can adapt to the demands of differing teaching styles and subject areas. Ø Engaging streets, hubs and cafés that give the schools an attractive, "grown‑up" feel. Ø Versatile spaces where learning can break free of traditional confines and the community can make extended use of the schools' amenities and ICT. Ø A mix of "staff only" and public areas for planning, marking and interaction that motivate teachers and support choices in the way they work. Ø A rich network of educational resources and wider curriculum options shared among the schools. Ø Teaching space for young people with learning difficulties at the heart of school life, not the fringe.
Bringing the community together
Segregated communities that live separate and parallel lives have very few ways of learning about each other's cultures and beliefs.
To foster greater community cohesion Lancashire County Council and Catalyst will be agents of change, providing the right environment for bringing groups together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
Building Schools for the Future presents us with an opportunity to create a network of safe, welcoming and well-equipped spaces towards which the wider community feels a sense of belonging and ownership. With this in mind, we have designed the schools with:
Ø Separate access points for community users and young learners. Ø Areas that can be opened and secured as required. Ø Flexible spaces that can be easily rearranged for a variety of uses. Ø Clear, intuitive wayfinding for new and regular visitors.
We will manage these facilities through a single Help Desk - one number, website and office to arrange the use of:
Ø Breakfast clubs, after school and holiday activities for young learners. Ø Family learning, adult education and childcare facilities. Ø All-weather and indoor sports. Ø Public library. Ø Faith Centre and space for community celebrations and exhibitions.
BSF/JN/JHH May 2006
|