‘Super school’ opens its doors
8:54am Thursday 9th September 2010 in News
BOLTON’S “super school” has opened its doors to its first sixth form pupils.
St Catherine’s Academy welcomed the sixth-form students as the first-ever post-16 provision opened for the young people of Breightmet, Tonge Moor and surrounding areas.
The academy is now officially Bolton’s “super school”, catering for children from pre-school to college.
Yesterday, 70 young people started their studies at the campus.
Many of them had taken their GCSEs at the school this summer.
Others were pupils who had left several years ago and had not settled in a job or at college.
The opening of the new sixth form marks a new chapter in education for the north-east part of the borough and education chiefs say it will raise local aspirations.
Head of the sixth form Christine Leese said: “The young people living here have never had something like this and teenagers do not want to venture too far to attend college.
“Having to travel far to college can lead to young people dropping out of education.”
The college will have a strong academic focus, with a range of A-levels being offered alongside vocational courses.
Pupils will study within the old Withins School building as work gets under way on the new multi-million pound, purpose- built campus, which will incorporate the primary school still based in Greenroyd Avenue, the secondary school and the sixth form.
The third floor of the Withins building has been given over to sixth formers as a common room and study areas and they will also have an interactive learning resource space in the main library.
Mrs Leese added: “I have been here 21 years and it will be a real treat for us to see the students’ progress from year seven until year 11 and now through college.”
The first-ever group of sixth form students admitted it was a “bit weird” being back at their old school, but said they felt settled immediately.
Jami Sulley, aged 18, from Top o’th Brow, said: “I already know the students, so I feel a lot more comfortable, and I think this will help me focus on my studies a lot more.”
Jake Clowes, aged 16, from Breightmet, added: “The teachers already know my strengths and weaknesses and we are being treated like young adults.”
It’s not only students excited about their new sixth form.
Deputy head Dr Lee Schofield said: “I’m looking forward to teaching Alevel students again. The sixth form and the new build is an investment not just for the school, but for the community.”
Cllr Ebrahim Adia, Bolton council’s Executive member for children’s services, said: “I would like to wish the best of luck to all the staff, students and parents.
“This is not just an historic event for the new academy, but also an important moment for the local community. I am sure the sixth form students will be a credit to the academy.”
