Lord Lieutenant 'impressed' by Halton's free school (From Runcorn and Widnes World)
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Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire visits Halton's free school
1:20pm Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan
Head teacher Andy Green-Howard shows David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire round Sandymoor School
HALTON’S first freeschool has welcomed a visit by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire.
David Briggs was shown round Sandymoor School, which was created by five Runcorn parents and now has almost 40 pupils.
He observed lessons and met staff and pupils.
Head teacher Andy Green-Howard said: “He discussed the fresh approach to education we are developing. He was very impressed.
“He said what we were offering was exactly what businesses looked for in school leavers and he has agreed to be an ambassador of the school, advocating our approach whenever he feels it appropriate.”
Mr Briggs has offered to be the guest speaker and present prizes at the school’s next Founders Day in November.
Sandymoor teachers treat each student as an individual and constantly adapt the curriculum to make sure it is releavant.
Each student has a member of the local business community as a mentor.
After school classes in drama, sign language and fitness are being launched.
Local actress Kayleigh Strong will give students an insight into acting and help them to stage a production.
Pupils will be shown how to become reporters after completing a 10-week course with The Reporters’ Academy, a not for profit media production company.
Mr Green-Howard said: “Students will learn all about the process of producing a news report. They will then visit Widnes Vikings to interview staff about a forthcoming game and publish the resulting video on the internet.
“We’re looking to introduce a range of different experiences and enrichment activites.”
The temporary building in Pitts Heath Lane will double in size in September to accommodate 80 year seven pupils.
Architect’s plans for a school for 900 pupils, including a sixth form, are now being drawn up.
They will be submitted to Halton Council in the coming months.
The school is set to open in phases from September, 2014.
