The 海角视频’s first school run by a chamber of commerce is to be created in Birmingham as the city seeks to repair the damage done in the wake of the Trojan Horse scandal.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has submitted a bid in conjunction with Broadway Academy School, in Perry Barr, to open a pioneering studio school for enterprise in Chamber House, Edgbaston.
The school would admit up to 370 youngsters aged between 11 and 19 to study enterprise, including how to start a business, marketing, finance and customer service, in addition to the standard curriculum.
READ MORE: {}
Jerry Blackett, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The ethos of the school has great symmetry with the aims of the chamber. We hope our bid will be strengthened significantly by having businesses involved in the life of the school.
“In the wake of the Trojan Horse issue, this move shows that Birmingham’s business and academic communities can work together in creating an initiative that is both positive and innovative.”
Broadway head teacher Ron Skelton said: “We believe that parents will greatly welcome this initiative. It would provide a unique opportunity for their children to receive a grounding in how to establish their own businesses drawing on a vast amount of experience and knowledge from chamber members.
“The partnership gives the opportunity for business to work seamlessly with education to ensure students are fully prepared for the world of work. The shared values and ethos will ensure students will, as part of an innovative curriculum, develop the attitudes that employers require.
“Employers are always seeking to employ young people who have the necessary skills for the workplace. This partnership is a unique opportunity to make this a reality.”
Most Read
Mr Blackett added: “We would seek the help of some of the bigger chamber members, like those among our patrons. We are now writing a bid to the government in conjunction with Broadway Academy to be submitted in October.”
The enterprise was launched at a breakfast meeting on August 14 when key academics and business people were briefed about the proposals.
Mr Blackett said: “This could be a great example of schools and business working together to promote positive activity within the city’s education system, especially in the wake of Trojan Horse.
“It demonstrates how business can roll up its sleeves and make a real difference to schools in addition to focussing on the broader policy issues related to employment and skill.
“It would also demonstrate from the chamber’s point of view how its sixties-built headquarters could be adapted for other purposes. And it has the additional advantage of giving businesses the opportunity to become involved in important and innovative corporate responsibility.”
An open day will be held at the school on September 9.