Barclay School gained specialist school status as a Technology College in September 2003.  We have just submitted our plans for the second phase.

The Ofsted report of May 2006 stated that the Technology College was outstanding for its work with our sponsor MBDA, Partnership Primary Schools and Local Community Groups.

We are presently building on the very successful four years of work developing and strengthening our links with our partners.

MBDA have provided lots of opportunities for all our students ranging from GCSE and A’ Level support in Design Technology and Physics A’ Level lessons.  They have organised and supported trips, courses and clubs that have allowed our students to experience events such as Opera, Art Projects, Paris Air Shows and Robot Club Competitions in Los Angeles.

This very successful partnership will continue to grow and develop because of MBDA’s excellent track record of supporting education.  They recently won an award from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers for the Best Partnership between business and education.

We work with three Primary Schools, Almond Hill, Trotts Hill and Giles Schools.  We provide regular weekly science lessons for Yr 6 students to enable them to have practical science lessons taught by a secondary science teacher.  This has given many students the opportunity of participating in practical lessons that would not be possible in their own classroom.

We plan this year to introduce the Primary Engineers Scheme to six of our feeder primary schools.  Maths and Science master classes for G & T students will take place throughout the year.

We are very proud of our work with the community groups.  The Sikh Community in Stevenage and North Herts run many language courses for all abilities and ages using the school’s network and classrooms.  They have achieved very good GCSE and A’ Level results over the last few years.

The Wheels Project has benefited from the partnership.  The school has helped to develop the skills needed for the trainers at the project to deliver and assess the National Basic Skills Profile.  This allows all clients who attend the project to receive a certificate for the skills and work they have done whilst on the course.

The University of the 3rd Age use the school’s ICT network to develop their computer skills and knowledge.

The Living Room has worked with the Art Department to deliver workshops to help build the confidence of their clients.

Through the work of the Extended Schools Co-ordinator and the Technology College Co-ordinator we hope to provide opportunities for the wider community to use the resources at Barclay School to meet their training needs. 

If you would like any more information please contact Dan Allerton or Adrienne Arthurs.