British sailing legend to launch Academy
With ties knotted, blazers donned and pencils sharpened, a new era is about to begin in Plymouth as Tamarside Community College closes next month and prepares to re-open its doors as Marine Academy Plymouth.
British sailing legend, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will officially launch the St Budeaux -based Academy, kicking off a community event to signal its opening on Saturday 4th September 2010.
Sir Robin was the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world. This year he was awarded the Cruising Club of America, Blue Water Medal for the advancement of sailing, sail training and youth development.
Helen Mathieson, Principal Designate for the new Academy said: “We are thrilled that Sir Robin is coming to launch the Academy. He is passionate about young people gaining the knowledge and skills that they need to have successful futures. He’s such an inspiration, we feel very honoured that he has accepted our invitation.”
Sir Robin has spent a lifetime promoting sailing and over recent years his company; Clipper Ventures has been successful in working with young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training). Marine Academy Plymouth hopes to work with Clipper, for the benefit of its students in the future.
The community event starts at 11am and will continue until 3pm. Over the summer some of the current school’s buildings will have had a facelift and there will be a chance to see the Academy’s new nursery.
There will be sporting events, including community football and martial arts, as well as theatrical and musical performances. Most subject areas will be represented and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Other organisations helping the Marine Academy Plymouth to celebrate its opening include the National Marine Aquarium and The Marine Network.
Mrs Mathieson said: “Behind the unusual name and the smart new uniform lies a new vision for the Academy; the new status is about offering innovative choices and aspirational learning to its students and the wider community. We want people to see that and understand it; we’re opening our doors so people can begin to experience it.”
Placing itself at the heart of its community is crucial to Marine Academy Plymouth; it will be offering learning opportunities and the use of its facilities to the wider community.
Mrs Mathieson said: “We want the Marine Academy Plymouth to be involved in the community as much as possible, with us at the centre, not on the sidelines."
While Marine Academy Plymouth will continue to offer the full National Curriculum, it will also draw on the strengths of its sponsors to offer specialisms.
The Academy will specialise in technology and science, with a focus on the marine environment, it is sponsored by the University of Plymouth and Cornwall College who will work together to offer students opportunities within further and higher education. The Academy’s third sponsor is Plymouth City Council. For more information on Marine Academy Plymouth please download our prospectus.
