School's link-up aims to producenew generation of Deep thinkers

ONE of Hull’s newest schools is hoping it will soon be producing the next generation of environmental scientists after a link up with city aquarium and marine conservation charity The Deep.

The partnership between Sirius Academy and the award-winning visitor attraction creates a dual specialism for the school, following last month’s launch of a similar sporting deal involving Hull FC.

The Black and Whites became the first professional club to establish a rugby league-specific school when it teamed up with Sirius, through which it aims to develop and nurture talent both on and off the field.

The new arrangement with The Deep will see educational links forged between the school and specialist staff at the aquarium, who will also help create an “Eco Dome” at the school’s new building.

Sirius, which began life at the former Pickering High School in September last year, will move to new 48m purpose-built premises in September 2011, which are under construction as part of Hull’s 400m Building Schools for the Future programme.

Sirius principal Dr Cathy Taylor said the intention was for the dome and associated learning centres to be a resource for the wider community as well as students.

She said: “We are working with Balfour Beatty (construction firm) and BSF to make a practical learning space for our students and the community, city-wide.

“Using what The Deep already do we are looking at ways in which children can access contemporary science without relying solely on text books.

“Behind the Eco Dome there will be two specialist science labs and a lecture theatre and these new resources will be for our children during the day but also open in the evenings and at weekends to maximise the investment.”

Colin Brown, chief executive of The Deep, said the partnership would benefit the centre and the school.

He said: “Sirius contacted us over the summer and said we are going to specialise in environmental sciences, and that’s what we do.

“A lot of people think of us as a tourist attraction and that’s great but we are also an environmental and conservation charity and we are always looking for ways to express that.

“Our educational programme for schools is very successful but it tends to focus primarily on primary school children.

“Sirius has agreed to help us develop our educational programme and we’ll be able to provide that to other schools.”

The partnership will also see scientists from The Deep, such as those working on coral reef conservation projects across the world, visit the school to talk about their work in the classroom.

Students are excited by the partnerships with Hull FC and The Deep.

One Year 10 pupil said: “It gives us more choice and more opportunities, It’s great that we’re going to be the first year 11 pupils at Sirius.”

The school is already making great strides in pupil attainment.

This year 40 per cent of pupils gained the benchmark five GCSE passes at A to C, including English and maths – a significant rise on the 29 per cent who did so in 2009.

Dr Taylor said the establishment of the academy, which is independent of the local education authority, had helped.

She said: “It’s a new mindset. We have changed the ethos within the school so I think the expectations are different.

“The staff have responded by working incredibly hard and the students have responded as well.

“Being an academy gives you the autonomy to think outside the box and gives you the power to change things quickly.”

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