Lodge Park Technology Trust – raising standards and developing the 14–19 curriculum

This single school trust opened in September 2008. When the trust was established Lodge Park Technology College was extending its 14-19 provision through the Diploma programme at key stage 4 and level II courses in year 12 for students in retail, logistics, business and customer care, and ICT for practitioners.  The establishment of the trust and the engagement of trust partners from business gave the college enhanced capacity to provide a meaningful curriculum giving relevance and motivation to learning. 

Partners: Dell Computers, Land Securities.

Both partners were selected to support the developing vocational provision within the college.  Links already existed with Dell.  Land Securities was a new link introduced by the Trust and Foundation Schools Programme.  Both partners are represented on the governing body.

Examples of trust impact include:

• The involvement of business partners has proved to be very successful and has added considerably to the provision at Key Stage 4 and post 16, enabling learning to be applied.  Students are required to give feedback to Dell about their new computers and software which gives them considerable responsibility and enhances their self-esteem.
• Providing students with greater awareness of health and safety requirements in the workplace as well as understanding ‘e-safety’ through working with Dell.
• Improving students’ employability skills through direct involvement with the business environment.
• Increased participation, progression and inclusion of post-16 students due to the provision of level II courses in the sixth form.  Students have been motivated by the programme ensuring successful outcomes which have  increased the standards achieved and their well-being.
• The wider impact across the college has been linked particularly to the curriculum and the development of vocational courses at key stage 4 and post 16.

Plans for the future include embedding and developing further practice at key stage 4 and post 16.  The trust will also explore the potential of extending further links with local primary and secondary schools in Corby as well as developing partnerships with higher education.