High school's boost thanks to lead status (From Warrington Guardian)

High school's boost thanks to lead status

WEAVERHAM High School is set to lead the way in teaching vocational GCSEs in manufacturing to the benefit of both students and teachers.

The school's ability to teach manufacturing to a high standard has prompted the Specialist Schools Trust to select it has a 'lead school'.

David Charlton, headteacher said: "We had to make a submission regarding our experience in teaching manufacturing and the expertise within the department.

"On the basis of this the Specialist Schools Trust elected Weaverham High School as one of the lead schools for the teaching of this subject."

This means that the school, which has been teaching manufacturing since 1997, will now become involved with the training for teachers from other schools who are delivering a similar course. This will include teachers at Weaverham offering a consultancy service to their counter parts at other schools.

Materials

Weaverham will also produce learning materials that will be published through the Specialist Schools Trust and distributed to other schools teaching manufacturing.

The course on offer at Weaverham enables pupils to follow the manufacturing process from the design stages, to production and finally profitability.

Philip Morris, head of design and technology said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition. For many years we have been developing the expertise within the department as part of our specialist technology college status. Pupils enjoy the course and gain a close understanding of the manufacturing process."

Mr Charlton added: "As a specialist technology college we are keen to lead the way and share our expertise with other schools.

"This designation as a lead school for the teaching of manufacturing reflects the high standard of work which the design and technology department produce.

"It is only due to the commitment and hard work of our teachers being willing to adopt new courses and make them work that we have achieved this status. It is always exciting when this is recognised on a wider scale."

scorrigan@guardiangrp.co.uk