Innovation

Initiatives:

Beacon Status
Charter Mark
Technology College

Technology College

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The Department for Education and Skills has announced that Benton Park School will be awarded Specialist School Status as a Technology College from September 2002. This complements our recently acquired Beacon Status.

Headteacher, Anne Clarke, said "This is a major achievement for the school and the additional resources given by the DfES will enrich the whole school curriculum. Our thanks to to all our sponsors, without whom we would not have succeeded".

The school's final bid began last summer when Anne Clarke placed her now famous advertisement in Private Eye's classified section for a sponsor. This led to coverage in national and local press, as well as an appearance on BBC's Look North. Clarke's unorthodox tactics impressed many sponsors who, between them, contributed £50,000. Foremost amongst them are Transco, Multiflight, Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds College of Technology, Airedale International, Leeds United, and the Yeadon and Rawdon Technology in the Community Trust. Other charitable concerns have contributed to the bid but have declined publicity. The school, however, acknowledges their support.

"The future of Benton Park" Anne Clarke adds, "is very rosy. There is a comprehensive building programme about to begin to include a classroom block and a sports hall. Our newly acquired technology status will enable is to refurbish our technology rooms and to increase our use of Information Technology right across the curriculum. This opportunity will enable us to provide an even better education for our pupils and indeed members of the local community. Community work was a large feature of our bid".

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