The opening of the new Ormiston Bushfield
Academy in September 2012 was the end of an amazing journey, which we undertook
to improve the educational, cultural and learning opportunities for the people
living in the Orton’s. The continuous improvement of the old Bushfield
Community College helped provide the impetus to pursue new accommodation which
would further provide opportunities for young people to aspire and achieve in
as many ways as possible. The new building provided us with state of the art facilities,
which include ICT suites, a media/TV studio. So what as been the impact of the
building on students, staff and the community?
·
Staff and student morale improved as soon as we walked into the
building. People say its not the building that matters it is the people in it,
nonetheless a truly inspiring building can raise peoples aspirations and
motivate them to be the best.
·
The investment in a new well designed environment where
educationalists had a major input meant we ended up with spaces fit for
purpose.
·
The flexible learning spaces means
that many areas of the building can be adapted for different events and
activities.
·
There is a greater community
feeling as all departments can be readily accessed and new resources shared.
There are joint department meetings and curriculum projects enabling staff to
work collaboratively.
·
Students behaviour as improved they are proud of the academy and
show respect for the building.
·
Students have responded to the design and investment in their future
and appreciate the new resources they are able to access.
·
The Investment in the community facilities in the building means the
community users can more readily access the facilities after school hours,
incorporating the library and sports centre in the colonnade means when
visitors approach it does not 'look' like a school but a place where people
want to be.
·
Parents are more confident in
coming into the building and this makes for a better partnership with teachers.
·
The facilities are being used
more and more by the community and we now have a range of activities taking
place throughout the week including, parenting programs, baby clinic, Rhapsody
Choir Group, Yoga in the theatre and a number of business and company bookings.
·
As a result of their investment
in the new build we now have an excellent partnership with BGL the
international insurance group based in Orton Southgate. As a result our 6th
form students have had opportunities for work experience and already three
students have gained employment with the company.
The investment is clear to see and it is
now up to myself and my staff to ensure we maximize the fantastic resources we
have and create opportunities for our students and people in the community to
access the some of the best facilities in the country. Opportunity , Belief and
Aspiration is our mission.
