Q&A with lead sponsor part 1
24/08/09
Why did you want to get involved with the proposed Academy?
Unlike most sponsors I wasn't looking for the opportunity to sponsor an Academy, the idea was presented to me by the former director of children's services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, who thought that I would be an ideal person to help transform Maltby Community School into a leading Academy. To be honest, I had to consider the idea very carefully because it is a huge commitment for any company to take on whilst also running a business as there is no financial gain but a lot of investment needed.
In the end I decided to get involved with the Academy because I am passionate about transforming teaching and learning and giving every young person the opportunity to succeed. My desire is for all young people to have access to the most appropriate learning experience and the most engaging technology and learning spaces which meet the needs of the 21st Century learner. This is what I believe in, what my business is built on and through the Academy it is a vision that can be achieved.
How will you be involved as the lead sponsor? What will be the nature of your involvement?
The lead sponsor takes on a major responsibility for the Academy as ultimately I am putting my name to it. I am very involved and committed to the transformation and am working closely with the Headteacher Dave Sutton and his team, the local authority, the Government and all stakeholders in the planning of all aspects of the Academy.
I take more of a lead role in my areas of expertise such as technology and work-related learning but Dave Sutton and his team know far more about running a school and what is right for the young people of Maltby and so I am there to advise and offer leadership where needed. As a lead sponsor and company who specialise in transforming teaching and learning, we will be far more involved in defining and designing the curriculum at Maltby Academy then maybe some sponsors would be and this is regarded by our colleagues at Maltby as a great benefit for the school.
What are your hopes and desires for the proposed Academy?
My hopes and desires are straightforward and practical, they are closely aligned to the principles I apply to my business and those that I bring my children up by. I believe that we all have different skills, passions, interests and capabilities and that everyone should have the ability to succeed based on their own set of attributes and circumstances.
For example, I have three young children including two boys age 6 and 7. They have both been brought up in the same way and in the same household but are both totally different. Therefore, I have to take a different approach and create different opportunities for both boys to develop and progress in their own individual way.
I believe that no matter what personal make up or background surrounds a young person from Maltby, they should not be starved of the opportunity to succeed, to be inspired or to be exposed to the kind of stimulus which will enable them to become a more confident and successful individual. This is why I put a lot of emphasis on careers information, advice and guidance and a close working relationship with the business community as it will enable us to provide the appropriate opportunities and experiences which will inspire our students.
Unlike most sponsors I wasn't looking for the opportunity to sponsor an Academy, the idea was presented to me by the former director of children's services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, who thought that I would be an ideal person to help transform Maltby Community School into a leading Academy. To be honest, I had to consider the idea very carefully because it is a huge commitment for any company to take on whilst also running a business as there is no financial gain but a lot of investment needed.
In the end I decided to get involved with the Academy because I am passionate about transforming teaching and learning and giving every young person the opportunity to succeed. My desire is for all young people to have access to the most appropriate learning experience and the most engaging technology and learning spaces which meet the needs of the 21st Century learner. This is what I believe in, what my business is built on and through the Academy it is a vision that can be achieved.
How will you be involved as the lead sponsor? What will be the nature of your involvement?
The lead sponsor takes on a major responsibility for the Academy as ultimately I am putting my name to it. I am very involved and committed to the transformation and am working closely with the Headteacher Dave Sutton and his team, the local authority, the Government and all stakeholders in the planning of all aspects of the Academy.
I take more of a lead role in my areas of expertise such as technology and work-related learning but Dave Sutton and his team know far more about running a school and what is right for the young people of Maltby and so I am there to advise and offer leadership where needed. As a lead sponsor and company who specialise in transforming teaching and learning, we will be far more involved in defining and designing the curriculum at Maltby Academy then maybe some sponsors would be and this is regarded by our colleagues at Maltby as a great benefit for the school.
What are your hopes and desires for the proposed Academy?
My hopes and desires are straightforward and practical, they are closely aligned to the principles I apply to my business and those that I bring my children up by. I believe that we all have different skills, passions, interests and capabilities and that everyone should have the ability to succeed based on their own set of attributes and circumstances.
For example, I have three young children including two boys age 6 and 7. They have both been brought up in the same way and in the same household but are both totally different. Therefore, I have to take a different approach and create different opportunities for both boys to develop and progress in their own individual way.
I believe that no matter what personal make up or background surrounds a young person from Maltby, they should not be starved of the opportunity to succeed, to be inspired or to be exposed to the kind of stimulus which will enable them to become a more confident and successful individual. This is why I put a lot of emphasis on careers information, advice and guidance and a close working relationship with the business community as it will enable us to provide the appropriate opportunities and experiences which will inspire our students.
