Education into Employment

Parklands High School which will become Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA) in September 2009 - opened its doors to young people in the area who were considering their options for secondary school next year.

The atmosphere was buzzing as young people, parents and family members were treated to a range of activities by the business sponsors of the Academy – Manchester Airport, Willow Park Housing Trust, The Manchester College and Manchester City Council. Manchester Airport also invited along associated organisations to highlight the excellent business links that the Academy will have through their sponsors.

The proposed designs of the new building were on display and Balfour Beatty, who is building the new school, were also on hand to chat to guests. Visitors enjoyed taking part in makeovers, biscuit decorating, bulb planting and a ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Style Quiz’ – to name but a few of the activities on the night.

Presentations were given by the future Principal of the Academy, Marie Quayle, and current Parklands students who demonstrated the true essence of the word ‘enterprise’, with their excellent presentation about the wide range of sponsor-linked projects the students have already benefitted from. The students also had their own stand to illustrate some of their project work for prestigious events such as ‘The Cheshire Show.’

School and teaching staff were on hand to talk about the wide range of subjects available to the pupils and the personalised learning they will get in a realistic, supportive and caring environment.
Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children’s Services, Manchester City Council, says: “This is a really exciting time for the people of Wythenshawe and surrounding areas. The Manchester Enterprise Academy will be a wonderful and innovative learning environment that will transform the way children are educated. The Manchester academies model has been developed to ensure the maximum benefit for the city and its communities. It is a combination of public and private sector partners working as one team towards one collective goal and ensuring that Manchester retains its standing as a world class city.”