Nene Park Academy has launched its reimagined sixth-form facility that promises to inspire and raise the ambitions of its students.
Leading the Sixth Form is Dr Matthew Thorne who, with seventeen years’ experience at an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Sixth Form College in Hampshire, understands how to maximise the potential of Post-16 students and has ambitious plans for the future of the Centre and its students.
“The new facility is a modern, grown-up space. It’s for our sixth formers to use not only for studying but for collaborating, networking and discussion. We want them to get a taste of life beyond Key Stage 5. These are young adults and it won’t be long before they’re embarking on the next stage of their lives – whether that’s paid employment, apprenticeships or higher education.”
A recent open evening proved successful with over 200 parents in attendance, keen to find out more about the Post-16 offering at NPA and explore the new facilities – which include: collaboration spaces, sociable areas, bookable meeting rooms, Laptops and iPads, a quiet working area and a cafe (that’s open all day).
Robin Grover, Principal of Nene Park Academy shares his pride about the facility itself: “We’ve created an environment that represents a steppingstone towards the next phase of students’ young adult lives, giving them opportunities to socialise, work or relax in an inspiring and unique space.”
Sustainability was a critical factor in the success of the refurbishment. Martin Hair, Director of Estates at Meridian Trust, worked closely with local architects, Peter Smith Associates, and contractors to ensure that the Trust’s first Net Zero building was delivered within budget, and sustainably. The revamped facilities, now feature air source heat pumps for underfloor heating and other efficiency technologies, such as BMS controls.
With a commitment to supporting the local community, contractors were selected from the area, some of whom were former students.
Students will access the building by scanning their digital ID cards, replicating a more grown-up environment and importantly, the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable! BBC News plays on screens in the social areas (as requested by the current students) – to provide an informative and dynamic atmosphere. A smart dress code also helps the sixth-formers to stand apart from the rest of the academy.
“The students like the separation from the younger part of the academy and already I’ve noticed that many of them are carrying themselves in a more professional way, which is great to see.” said Dr Thorne.
When he’s not teaching, Dr Thorne is permanently based at the Sixth Form Centre, but he is also supported by Miss Jordan (Sixth Form Manager) and three assistant Heads of Sixth Form.
“There is always someone available for students to go to for support, whether it’s academic or pastoral and we take this responsibility very seriously, as it’s developmentally a significant time for our young people.
“We nurture an open and approachable culture here, where students feel able to come to either myself or Miss Jordan with any worries they have. I delivered a talk on ‘student finance’ recently and it prompted lots of follow-up questions in the days afterwards – this is exactly what we want: A stimulating dialogue and environment to get students thinking about their future” he added.
A rigorous interview process ensures that those who are accepted to attend NPA’s sixth form are truly in the right place for their own circumstances. Dr Thorne points out that sixth form isn’t necessarily the best route for everyone, so it’s important to identify the appropriate progression for the individual. In some cases, this isn’t A-levels, but can be a mix of vocational and A level qualifications (which is possible at the Sixth Form), or paid employment or apprenticeships.
“I believe in raising the aspirations of our students and frequently tell them that there’s a whole world beyond Peterborough and if they put their minds to it, they can achieve anything!”
Dr Thorne is supporting the current Year 13 students with their university applications (including a few hoping to get into Oxford and Cambridge) and he coaches students on various aspects of post-school life, CV’s, mock interviews, personal statements, and unbiased career advice. He’s currently planning a ‘careers day’ which promises to inspire and open up a world of possibilities!
With 210 students in the current sixth form cohort and the numbers looking likely to exceed 260 in September, the future looks bright for NPA, but the facility has a capacity for over 300, so expect to see rapid growth in future years.
Robin Grover concluded: “I’m incredibly proud of the inspiring space that we’ve created here, but it’s just the beginning. Our core value of ‘achievement for all’ is at the heart of what we do and this high-quality learning environment will better enable us to develop well-rounded, socially-responsible, ambitious young people. With Dr Thorne’s expertise, I’m confident that this will be an ‘Outstanding’ sixth form very soon.”
Thanks to the successful collaboration between the school, its students and local providers, the facility is now the heart of a re-energised Sixth Form community that is set up for success in a modern world.
**Watch this video to get more insight into the new facility and hear from some students who are enjoying the benefits:
Some ‘Before and After’ photos:
