School wins national award for its community work

By Kelly Eve

Last updated 05:15, Friday, 31 October 2008

A CARLISLE school has been honoured with a national award for its community work.

Big honour: James Rennie School has won the Futures Vision Award for schools which are at the heart of the community. From left, Debbie Richardson with school staff Angela McCone and Corinna Cartwright

James Rennie School was presented with the Futures Vision award recently by Mike Goodfellow from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

The awards are given to schools which demonstrate how they are at the hearts of their communities, sharing resources and encouraging adult learners.

Headteacher Corinna Cartwright said: “It is a big honour to get this. It is in recognition of our community links and our multi-agency work across north Cumbria.

“Mike Goodfellow visited the school recently and he was interested in seeing what we do with our post-16 provision as well as in terms of ICT and inclusion.”

The Kingstown school has close links with the Cumberland Football Association, which visited Mr Goodfellow during his tour of the school.

The school was also rewarded for its extensive work with its community. Training is provided to families and communities in communication methods such as Makaton and picture exchange systems.

Extended schools co-ordinator Debbie Richardson has recently run courses for other local schools and for respite care groups who look after young people.

SSAT chief executive Elizabeth Reid said: “Successful schools are central to the areas they serve and through innovative partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organisations they help all young people to realise their potential and succeed.

“The SSAT’s Futures Vision Tour Awards are about recognising and rewarding this community engagement and providing schools with the opportunity to share their experiences to the benefit of others.”