Welcome to the September round-up from Aspirations Academies Trust, a family of 16 academies across the South of England, including seven in Dorset.

This month’s highlights include Livingstone Academy’s award-winning architecture on display at the Noviun summer party, a vibrant Colour Run to kick off the new term at Atlantic Academy, and a spotlight on Alexandra Waddington, Principal at Jewell Academy, Bournemouth.

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NOVIUN SUMMER PARTY AT LIVINGSTONE ACADEMY SHOWCASES AWARD WINNING BUILDING

Livingstone Academy in Bournemouth was the venue for Noviun Architects’ summer showcase last month, at which more than a hundred guests from a variety of industries were in attendance.

The school, which was designed by Noviun and built by Kier Construction, opened its secondary building last September, the culmination of the project to refurbish, remodel and rebuild on the Madeira Road site which was previously home to Bournemouth’s Police Station, Coroner’s Court and Magistrates’ Court.

The summer party was a chance for guests to view the buildings and hear from Noviun’s Projects Director, Daniel Smith and Design Director, Giancarlo Pesiri, about the journey from design to construction. Principal, Loren Tharme, who led a tour of the buildings, was able to explain how the school, with its innovative break-out spaces, spacious laboratories and  classrooms, is used day to day.

“It was great seeing so many people from business and industry in the school,” said Loren. “We are so privileged to be working in such an inspiring environment and to enjoy the different aspects of the buildings. It was interesting to learn about the design challenges the team faced. We look forward to being able to share this space with the local community and are keen to build on our newly established relationships with local businesses too.”

The Livingstone Academy project has garnered much attention and recently won Construction Project of the Year at the Central South Business Awards to add to the ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’ Award it achieved at the South Coast Property Awards.

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A COLOURFUL START TO THE NEW TERM FOR ATLANTIC ACADEMY!

Atlantic Academy, Portland, kicked off its new academic year with a fun and inclusive Colour Run event in which all students from Reception to Year 11 were invited to participate.

The Colour Run, where staff and pupils run around a course and are bombarded with powdered paint, was instigated last year and is sponsored by the school’s PTA.  It marks the end of the school’s Diversity Week, which is always the first week of the new academic year and celebrates different languages, foods, ceremonies, music and art.

Staff members joined in the fun, either running with students or throwing colourful powder. Parents also had the opportunity to purchase colour pouches which they threw at children and staff in equal measure at different points on the six point course.

”We are so lucky to have both the location and support to hold this event,” explained Emma Powell, Year 3 teacher and PTA Liaison. “Colour runs are not cheap to run but thanks to the hard work of our Parents, Teachers and Friends Association we are able to make this a free event for all of our students to enjoy. The smiles on children’s faces as they return at the end of their run covered in colour is always a highlight of the first days back!” 

This year’s Colour Run paired newly arrived Reception students with Year 6 students who guided them around the site. “This was the first whole school event our youngest students have been a part of,” added Emma, “and watching them with our older primary members was really special.”

Year 5 pupil, Millie was excited to have her mum at the event: ”It was awesome. I did it before so I knew how fun it was going to be. This time, my mum came from work and she was throwing the colour all over me too. I had pictures with my sisters afterwards and with all my friends.”

5 year old Jack also had fun: “I loved getting so messy in all the colours, it went everywhere! I got to run with my friends and want to do it again right now!”

As a PTA-sponsored event, the Colour Run relies on the support of parents and friends.

”The PTFA are proud to be able to fund this as an annual event, ” said Carole Wilkie, PTFA Co Chair. “It was an amazing sight. So many children having so much fun. The sound of the laughter was simply joyous!”

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ASPIRATIONS STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Alexandra Waddington

Alexandra Waddington has been Principal at Jewell Academy, Bournemouth since January 2020. 

How would you describe the school and its ethos?

Our school is at the heart of the Townsend community. We pride ourselves on being a family where everyone is welcome and all achievements are recognised. We strongly believe that there is no limit to what our children can achieve, and plan an ambitious curriculum that is enhanced by real life experiences, trips and visits.

What are the rewards of working at Jewell?

The children help you to keep a sense of perspective. They are vibrant and full of life and deserve to have great opportunities, so we make sure that they get a good deal, educationally and pastorally whilst at school. One of my favourite times is our ‘celebration assembly’ on a Friday where everyone, including the staff, is recognised for their achievements. We are supporting the children to become effective and contributing members of society. We strive to show them that their opportunities and possibilities are endless.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher? 

I have always wanted to be a teacher! I would play ‘school’ a lot at home. As the youngest sibling to two older brothers, I was definitely the bossy one and kept them in line; I still do to this day! 

What training did you do?

I gained my BEd Hons with English at King Alfred’s College, now better known as Winchester University. 

Are you a Dorset native?

I was born in Bournemouth and even though I married a military man and had the opportunity to travel, I wanted to remain in Dorset for the beaches and forests. Fortunately, so did he!

What do you do to unwind?

I love to spend time walking with my husband and dogs, particularly in the forest. It is great decompression time!

Favourite place in Dorset?

Either my beach hut in Bournemouth or Hurn Forest dog walking.

What one thing about you would surprise your pupils?

I used to ballet dance!