CEFPI Design Competition 2010

Accrinton Academy students Calum Slinger, Madison Holt, Daniel Rollings and Aimee French won the San Jose Challenge to present their Eco Classroom project before a team of highy respected judges.

Head teacher Andrew Bateman, Chair of Governors Tony Cann, Hyndburn Council Chief Planning Officer Simon Prideaux and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire Senior

Yes, we know the way to San Jose!

Development Manager Chris Standish were thoroughly impressed by the young students.

The winners, pictured here with their head teacher, will represent the Academy at the CEFPI Design Competition in September, and wil visit the Autodesk Idea Studio to discuss best practice in school design with their like minded American counterparts.

On their return they face the challenge of construction….

See ‘Accrington pupils get a green light for eco classroom’ (From Lancashire Telegraph): http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/25156/8280499

Ribble Valley just got greener

Students from six Ribble Valley schools made local history when they recently designed their own Eco Classroom to help their communities learn how to live a more sustainable life.

In September, the students return to school to make their vision a reality in the grounds of Pendle View Fisheries.

To find out more, email ecovalley@classofyourown.com.

Aimee - our hero!

Wow! Aimee French, a 13 year old student from Accrington Academy, told Hyndburn Council officials why they should support the Roots Eco Classroom planning application, and was met with unanimous support. Councillors told her they thought the project was ‘fantastic’, ‘marvellous’, ‘the best project in the last 30 years’. We are so proud of Aimee. We’ve seen adults crumble in front of a planning committee – she made it look so easy.

Accrington Academy have their planning permission, and now they can build. Congratulations from all of us. Aimee – you are a credit to your school.

Ever wanted to know what it takes to be a stone mason? Watch (or ask Mum and Dad to record!) BB2 on 19th March at 9pm. It takes four to five years to train properly as a stonemason. During a six-week intensive course a group of  rookies learn the foundations of the craft – everything from quarrying their own stone to intricate carving.

If you want to learn more, we can help! Get in touch…….

Students at Witton Park High School became Quantity Surveyors today and used their maths skills to work out the size of their Sensory Garden. They summarised their calculations in a Bill of Quantities to help them determine the funding needed to complete their project.

YOU CAN HELP! Contact sensorygarden@classofyourown.com.

Well done to the Roots team who have successfully secured funding to get their Accrington Eco Classroom project through planning. The COYO team are looking forward to seeing you all after the half term break to help you get your building out of the ground! An exciting year ahead!

Accrington Academy Roots team hit the web again!

Visit http://www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2010-02-02-Bramall-sets-schoolchildren-on-the-road-to-a-sustainable-future

Dam Flask project in this month’s ‘Your Sheffield’ magazine!

Visit http://www.sheffieldfirst.net/your-sheffield

 Following a successful bid application, the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts have selected Class Of Your Own to help deliver their new idiscover programme. We are thrilled to be involved, and look forward to working with students from Manchester Academy and Manchester Creative and Media Academy.

Idiscover allows young learners  to choose their own authentic ‘real life learning’ experiences via a central website, giving them the opportunity to attend workshops which enhance their own skills and interests. The pilot scheme will be delivered to a number of schools in Greater Manchester and South London until the Summer of 2011. For more information, visit http://www.nesta.org.uk/areas_of_work/public_services_lab/education/idiscover

 Well done to the students of Accrington Academy who have just launched their Eco Classroom project this afternoon. A superb presentation, the audience thought you were great.

Keep up the enthusiasm – the best is yet to come! Videos and photos to follow….watch this space.