Meet the grant provider


GRANTS IN ACTION


laoratories ‘In 2017, the Omega multi-academy trust of five schools in Cheshire came up with a vision to redesign science facilities across our primary, secondary and sixth-form provision. The science labs at Great Sankey High School were 50 years old, with rigid linear benches that made it difficult for students to move around. Our plan was for a new science block, to include two post-16 laboratories for the adjacent Barrow Hall College Sixth Form College. We had committed funding


to the project, but with cuts to education we were struggling. We applied to the Wolfson Foundation and – after a rigorous0 vetting process, which included a school visit – they gave us £50,000 to help turn two existing labs into specialist sixth-form teaching spaces (left and top). The project cost £130,000 and was completed within the year. It has had a huge impact in a short space of time. The labs have a real “wow” factor, with curved workbenches to make it easier for students to move around and interact, which they love. We’ve also had an increased uptake on science courses, as students know the facilities are excellent and so will stay with us. The teachers are delighted, too, as they are able to do many more experiments and activities than they could in the old labs.’ Jon Wright, Omega CEO and head teacher, Great Sankey High School, Warrington, Cheshire


£48,000 for music £50,000 towards new science


music teacher retiring – we decided to rethink what we could offer. We looked at introducing digital music courses, which would have broader demand and be more attuned to our students’ needs than traditional A-level music. However, the squeeze on spending meant we couldn’t afford to set up this kind of provision. When we saw what the Wolfson


Foundation was offering and realised this could be the catalyst to turn our ideas into reality, we applied for a grant of £48,000 for music technology equipment. The equipment would form the cornerstone of our plans to convert an old design and technology room into a high-quality sound (and soundproofed) teaching studio. The application process was


straightforward and the Wolfson Foundation was incredibly supportive. Having found a new music teacher with the background to be able to set up a digital course, we introduced a BTEC in digital music technology in September. This year, 25 students with a variety of music backgrounds enrolled! We’re really excited about the course and the progression routes it opens up for our students – from sound engineering to musical production, programming opportunities and supporting professions. The skills our students are developing


also means we’ve been able to support a college musical production (of Grease) for the first time in nine years. None of this would have been possible without the Wolfson Foundation – it was an absolute joy to work with them.’ Mike Kilbride, principal, Birkenhead Sixth Form College, Wirral, Merseyside


£50,000 for new laboratories A £50,000 grant from the Wolfson


equipment ‘Birkenhead Sixth Form College (left) has 1,460 students, but in 2016 we had only one applicant for A-level music. That led to us withdrawing the course and – combined with the then


Foundation allowed us to refurbish our previously outdated laboratories into 21st-century workspaces. The project – comprising three new laboratories and a technician prep room – was completed in November last year, and has transformed science teaching in our school, enabling us to provide students with a space where they can thrive. Being a technology college, we pride ourselves on the modernity of our facilities, and the new labs are a fantastic addition. The Wolfson Foundation is a key benefactor in our pupils’ future academic success.’ Keith Rendell, school business manager, The Corbet School, Baschurch, Shropshire


FundEd AUTUMN 2019 49


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