Academy Opens
An air of excitement and expectation surrounded Corby Business Academy as it welcomed its first students after years of planning. The Principal and staff were on hand to meet Year 7 and DSP students off the buses. They were then ushered through the glass doors where they got their first glimpse inside the £30m building. The reception area, dominated by soaring lime green pillars and a massive mural provided a striking introduction to the Academy, which was designed by Fosters + Partners.
Students will electronically swipe through turnstiles allowing them access to the main thoroughfare which is dominated by six huge glass-fronted faculty blocks, each of which specialises in related subjects areas. They will spend extended periods of study in each block, allowing for more study and less transit time between lessons. The faculties each have their own Vice Principal, teachers and support staff. The Academy also has a Designated Special Provision Unit with hydrotherapy pool and specialist equipment.
All of the students were smartly dressed in uniform comprising black blazers with the green Academy logo. After meeting their teachers they then went for assembly held in the massive theatre where Principal, Dr Andrew Campbell welcomed them to the Academy. The students were then taken to the restaurant where breakfast was served before the working day got into full swing with a packed programme of activities and lessons.
At all times staff were on hand to assist and make sure the first day got off to a successful start. Senior staff, teachers and support staff were all enthusiastic and raring to go.
Vice Principal Sarah Ashby has been working hard with her staff from the faculty of Physical and Natural Sciences to prepare for the opening. She said: ‘We’ve got fantastic team spirit, and everyone’s looking forward to today. The Year 7s all look so smart. There’s a good vibe from the staff and the students all look great. I think we all just want to get on with it.’
Donna Varley ,who is a Student Learning and Support worker in the Science faculty previously worked at Corby Community College and has transferred across to the new Academy. She said: ‘It’s a very nice building, it’s been done very nicely but obviously it’s brand new so you’ve got to give it a chance to settle in. It’s very exciting but a bit nerve-racking. There’s new staff to meet, new students to meet so I’m quite looking forward to it really.’
The students also had a favourable first impression of life at the Academy. Nicole Bean said: ‘I like it, it’s big and there’s a lot of facilities.’ Her friend, Ellen Williams added: ‘I found the theatre very impressive and it was fun.’
Jack Doherty added: ‘It’s cool. Everyone has been friendly and my teacher, Miss Bonner is really nice. It’s what I expected here.’
As the first day at Corby Business Academy got into full swing, Principal Dr Andrew Campbell summed up the feelings of those who have worked for years to get the building open on time and on budget. He said: ‘I’ve got a lot of faith in the staff here, we’ve been working really hard to be ready for today so I’m confident that we’re going to do very well.’
