A New School for the Future
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A new school for the future Contents 2 Welcome from Lord Carey 3 Why are we joining forces to create a new school? 4 What will our new school be like in practice? 7 What has happened so far? 8 What will happen next? 9 United Church Schools Trust 12 Our family of schools and academies Welcome from Lord Carey Why are we joining forces to create a new school? As Chairman of the United Church Schools Trust (UCST) I am delighted An analysis of the changing demographic characteristics of the area challenges to be faced through such a decision, the Governing Bodies to announce that Arnold School and King Edward VII and Queen Mary shows clearly that there is currently an oversupply of pupil places believe that by combining resources, expertise and vision Arnold KEQMS School will merge from 1st September 2012 to create a single new school at independent schools on the Fylde and in the wider region. The will be the finest all-age co-educational school in the region. It will set known as Arnold KEQMS (AKS). The new school will be based at the influence of these trends has accelerated recently and it is clear to the highest aspirations and cherish and strengthen the long and proud KEQMS site in Lytham and will build on the proud academic and inclusive members of the Governing Bodies of both schools that the quality history of each institution. Such collaboration will be more resilient to history of both schools. I am also delighted to announce that Jim Keefe and breadth of education on offer will suffer if this situation is not adverse demographic and market trends, will offer real value for money has been appointed Headmaster Designate of AKS. addressed in the near future. and will afford future generations of pupils the variety of opportunity associated with being part of a strong, vibrant, and thriving school. The Governing Bodies of both Arnold School, supported by UCST, and King In a bold and proactive response to this situation, the Governing Edward VII and Queen Mary School, supported by the Lytham Schools Bodies have taken the far-sighted decision to bring together these two The key benefits of this partnership include: Foundation, have applied their collective wisdom to the foundation of the very special schools. Whilst not underestimating the sensitivities and new school and believe that by combining their resources and working in Q Enhanced curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for each partnership Arnold KEQMS will provide an exceptional education for its individual pupil in which to shine. children both now and in the future. “The merger of Arnold School and KEQMS is to Q Access to benchmarking data and classroom based research from be celebrated. Under the leadership of Jim Keefe a national group of schools committed to the highest academic Bringing together two schools demands a high level of care and attention the new school will enjoy vitality, value for money, standards and forward-looking teaching methods. and you will be pleased to know that UCST has extensive experience high quality teaching & learning coupled with a in managing change of this type. The creation of a new school is a wide spectrum of sport, music and drama. All Q The financial strength and stability to invest in new technology, tremendous opportunity for collaboration which will provide the Fylde of this will be set in a culture of continuous building and facilities. with a leading independent school of outstanding national reputation. improvement and will form the fundamental I am sure you will join me in wishing all those involved in Arnold KEQMS characteristics of Arnold KEQMS (AKS).” Q Financial provision for free or partially free places for 10% every success. Jerry Wooding OBE, Local Governing Body Chairman, of pupils. Arnold School, and member of UCST Board The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Lord Carey of Clifton Q Enhanced ability to recruit and retain the most talented, Chairman UCST committed and motivated staff. 2 A new school for the future A new school for the future 3 What will our new school be like in practice? Our new school will have as its guiding principle the phrase “the Values and ethos best in everyone”. For all those involved in the foundation of Arnold KEQMS, this is a phrase which builds on a shared ethos of nurturing AKS will embrace the shared spirit of KEQMS and Arnold School as young people in all aspects of their development and on a striving for non-denominational Christian schools and will: excellence in everyone. Q Welcome pupils and staff of all faiths and none. AKS will benefit from significant investment from UCST. When Arnold Q Build on the principles of respect, service and compassion – School first joined UCST, there was a commitment that UCST would themes at the heart of both the United Church Schools Trust invest £6.2 million in the redevelopment of some of the Arnold site. and the Lytham Schools Foundation. This earmarked investment will now be redirected to Arnold KEQMS to enable work on the site in Lytham to commence immediately a Q Build a community where each individual can feel happy, safe development plan is agreed. and respected. Alongside outstanding pastoral care, the size and ambition of AKS Q Celebrate every sort of success. will enable it to offer a curricular and extra-curricular programme which will provide enhanced opportunities for academic and personal Teaching and learning excellence in a range of activities, including the performing arts, sport, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and the Combined Arnold KEQMS will take pride in a curriculum which: Cadet Force. Q Enables every pupil to achieve their very best and increase in self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-esteem. Q Delivers quality and aspirational learning that is motivating, Staff Q Decisions about land, buildings and facilities will be taken as rewarding, fun and leads to success. quickly as possible after the full site audit in order to ensure that In staffing our new school for September 2012 it is anticipated that Q Values and encourages the importance of working both the new enlarged pupil body can be properly accommodated many staff from the predecessor schools will choose to be part of AKS. from September 2012. independently and with others. We accept, however, there may need to be some rationalisation of positions and staffing structures. Q Promotes the effective use of technology in achieving teaching Q Each classroom and teaching space will be fully equipped in line and learning goals. with UCST standards which include internet access, an interactive As part of the merger process all staff will benefit from the protection electronic whiteboard and learner response devices. Q Monitors learning to understand progress, inform teaching and afforded to them under employment law and the transfer of set clear targets. undertakings regulations. Q The outward bound facility in the Lakes operated by Arnold School will be available to AKS pupils. Teaching groups Land, buildings and facilities In order to ensure that Arnold KEQMS will provide an appropriate and Uniform Staff from both predecessor schools will work together to create stimulating learning environment: appropriately sized teaching groups at AKS for September 2012. The arrangements for uniform at Arnold KEQMS will be as follows: These will reflect the need for a balance of the following: Q It is the intention that AKS will be based at the KEQMS site in Q It will be based on a colour palette of blue and green, with an Lytham from September 2012. Q curriculum needs accent colour of red. Q ability Q Pupils in our 6th form will wear business suits. “I am excited, confident and full of hope Q gender Q There will be a transition period which will enable children to that this merger will create an outstanding grow out of their existing uniform before they need to make a Q previous school independent school on the Fylde true to the new purchase. vision of the Lytham Schools Foundation. Q friendship groups. The guiding principle “the best in everyone” Q All pupils will need to be fully kitted out with AKS uniform by should inspire all participants to achieve September 2013 at the latest. We stress that we are committed to taking particular care of the needs personal excellence.” of those young people who are preparing for public examinations – Revd. Canon Godfrey Hirst, We realise that uniform, particularly blazers, can be an expensive those starting in Year 10 and Year 12 in September 2011. Both these Chairman, Lytham Schools item and to encourage a high uptake of AKS uniform for September year groups will be assured of continuity of curriculum, examination 2012 we plan to include within the fees package some assistance for boards and, where possible, continuity of teaching. parents in the purchase of the new uniform. 4 A new school for the future A new school for the future 5 Catering Past Pupil Association The AKS community will be provided with a balanced and nutritious AKS will take particular care to ensure that items of heritage from offering through UCST’s regional catering contract with Eurest. the current Past Pupil Associations are preserved and given suitable prominence in our new school but it is envisaged that: Under this arrangement: Q Arnold KEQMS will develop its own alumni body. Q Catering remains a local function led almost entirely by the school’s onsite Catering Manager. Q In time the Lidunians and Old Arnoldians may come together under an appropriate new banner, whilst still retaining ways to Q Our school can be responsive to its own needs and context, celebrate and treasure their own distinctive legacy and heritage.