News & events

August 2010

Principal reveals plans for opening week as local Councillors get preview tour

Harpurhey councillors Pat Karney and Joanne Green donned their hard hats to take a look at the new building with BT Sponsor representative Sue Webster and Joanne Green commented: “Having just walked round this incredible site I’m absolutely delighted that the people of Harpurhey and Collyhurst will soon be able to call this world class Academy their own.
 
“Everything about the Academy – from the building design and cutting edge ICT and equipment to the sports facilities – are truly inspirational and will introduce a whole new way of learning for children and their families.
 
“Education is a hugely important stepping stone for our children and the Academy will transform their opportunities, giving them the confidence and the skills to fulfill their potential.  It is a superb investment in the community and one that will play a major role in the life and regeneration of the area in years to come.”
Opening this year initially to Year 7 and Year 12 students, the Academy will offer full time education for students aged 11 to 18 and is located at the junction of Rochdale Road and Queens Road.

With BT as its lead partner, the Academy will use communication in all forms - from the written word and speech to the very latest digital technologies – to give the community of North Manchester a new, exciting and inspiring learning experience.  With less than two months to go until the 220 students will begin learning at the Academy, Principal Lynne Heath and her team of teaching staff are working closely with pupils, parents and the community to let them know just what will be happening in the coming exciting days and weeks.  The timeline for the Academy’s opening is:

• 6th September: The keys to the stunning Academy building will be handed over to the Academy Principal Lynne Heath by builders Laing O’Rourke.
• 7th and 8th September: Year 7 pupils will collect their free school uniforms from the new Academy building.  All pupils will receive a letter from the Academy with full details and times.
• 9th September: 8.30am pupils arrive for the first day of their brand new school!

From the very first week of the new term in September the Academy team will also be working closely with parents and carers to engage them as much as possible in their child’s progress and to make the transition from primary school to secondary as smooth and worry-free as possible.  The Academy will offer a blend of core academic subjects and practical learning programmes designed to meet and stimulate every pupil’s individual needs, passions and skills.  It will also specialise in communication – speaking and listening, languages, drama, media and presentation skills, and information communication technology. With fantastic sports facilities including a large new sports hall, a full size, all weather, flood-lit sports pitch, five grass pitches and three other outdoor games areas, Manchester Communication Academy will form a major contribution to this part of north Manchester.

Lynne Heath comments, “The people of Harpurhey have been looking forward to the opening of their Academy and we can’t wait to finally be able to share with them the finished building and community facilities that marks a new era for this area.  We have had an incredible amount of support from the local community and look forward to sharing this fantastic new facility with them all.”