Sunderland Academy 360 (ICT)

Cambridge Education provided ICT (Information and Communication Technology) consultancy to three academies as part of an Authority-wide BSF (Building Schools for the Future) process.

Cambridge Education was heavily involved in the development of Academy 360 from the existing Pennywell and Quarry View Schools, working with all stakeholders to ensure that curricular and administrative requirements of ICT were incorporated into the building design throughout the two phase development of the £25 million building.

Academy 360 developed a specialism in Business & Enterprise with Innovation at the heart of its ethos. The aim is to connect students and their communities with the world of business, enterprise and employment. Cambridge Education’s expert support throughout the Academy’s design and build has helped achieve this approach.

In September 2008, Academy 360 fast-tracked its opening in its existing buildings, split over two geographical sites. Quarry View boasted a new ‘Year 7 Village’ bringing leading edge resources and a new style of learning to students a year before 360’s specialised building was completed.

Cambridge Education were integrated into the Local Authority (LA) team during the selection process for the Construction Partners and for the procurement of the Managed Service Provider (MSP). Cambridge Education advised on embedding ICT into the educational vision of other academies and schools in Sunderland, helping to develop the Output Specification as part of the local authority BSF procurement process.

Cambridge Education worked closely with the new Principal of the academy to determine the functional requirements of the management information systems (MIS) that would serve the needs of an all age academy that is in close working relationship with other educational providers, especially in the 14-19 arena.

Cambridge Education worked with the Corporate ICT team to produce bespoke guidance documents that could be used throughout the BSF estate. These documents are an essential prerequisite, in the design and build process. They are required in order to convey the visions and strategy correctly to the main contractor to ensure successful design and implementation.

Paul Prest (Academy 360 Chief Executive) said: "It will be totally different. …we want the students to be able to access the facilities whenever and wherever they want. We want them to get their full educational entitlement and much more."

Cambridge Education with its wealth of experience initiated the process of document review. Cambridge Education Co-ordinated face-to-face and online workshops with the appropriate stakeholders.

Cambridge Education working with Sunderland ICT Corporate (providers of the active network equipment), RM and the Mott MacDonald project management team were able to deliver a ‘Learning Infrastructure Guidance Update’ to the Design Team.

Cambridge Education’s clear understanding of the Academy 360 vision and clear goal enabled the swift and effective completion of workshops with the stakeholders and main contractor in a fast paced period of design. The final outcomes are believed to have achieved a highly adaptable and scalable network design, surpassing the requirements as suggested by BECTA.

With independent expertise in ICT in Education and strategy development, Cambridge Education has been able to bring relevant stakeholders together, and assist the academy in all avenues.

Paul Prest and Pat Havord (sponsor) have commented that “Cambridge Education have demonstrated a clear understanding of the vision and context in which the Academy is moving into. Their approach has always been clear, concise, and we feel confident knowing that Cambridge Education is by our side”.