Green light for UK’s first Marine Academy

Marine Academy Plymouth, a multi-million pound state funded academy school has been given the final go-ahead.

The Government has signed the funding agreement for the UK's first marine academy that will replace Tamarside Community College, St Budeaux, Plymouth.

The signing signals the green light for more than £17million worth of investment in the new school. The news has been welcomed by the University of Plymouth, the academy's lead sponsor and both co-sponsors; Cornwall College and Plymouth City Council. The sponsors have set up the trust that will manage the new academy.

The appointed principal designate, Helen Mathieson who will lead the academy from September 1, said; "This is a giant leap forward and I'm really excited about the fantastic educational opportunities that the academy will offer the young people of north west Plymouth. We have worked closely with staff, students and the wider community during the consultation. Indeed, they were involved in the design of the logo and I'm currently working with students on the design and selection of the uniform.

"I've met quite a few students now and their enthusiasm and sense of optimism for the future makes me confident that we will achieve high standards and fulfil the aspirations of students, local people and our sponsors."

The new academy will offer a wide range of curriculum subjects, with specialisms in technology and science with a focus on the marine environment. As well as providing the very best educational opportunities, it will form a key part in the regeneration of Plymouth as part of a multi-million pound Government investment, forming part of Plymouth's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

"Mrs Mathieson added; "Marine Academy Plymouth is about the future, through the support of the sponsors, there will be strong links developed to help students find routes into further and higher education, employment or training, we'll be focusing on the right skills for future careers."

Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) will open its doors on 1st September 2010, working out of the existing school buildings. Significant improvements and remodelling are being planned for the school site at St Budeaux in readiness for the September opening and new buildings are planned for 2013.

Rob Read, governor at Tamarside Community College said; "As an ex pupil and parent-governor of Tamarside, I believe this formal announcement is excellent news, not only for the community and pupils of the school but for Plymouth as a city, and our local businesses. The new academy and its students have a very great future ahead of them."

Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) will host a celebratory open event for the community on Saturday 4th of September 2010.

Why the focus on Marine Issues?
Plymouth evolved as a city because of the sea, and its future prosperity depends on it. Science, technology, art and sport are all integral to the city, just as they will be to Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP). All Academies have specialist school status and have a specialism in at least one area; Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) will have a specialism in Technology and Science with a focus on Marine that will encompass the Environment.

Plymouth will be the first city in the United Kingdom to have a Marine Academy.

But the Marine theme is not just about Marine Science. All the jobs we currently do from a land-based concept can feasibly be done associated with the Sea and marine: careers in areas such as engineering, tourism, medicine, catering, building and agriculture can all be associated with the sea – and much of it concerns new knowledge. The Sponsors’ focus is to help to prepare and develop the students for career opportunities – for today’s traditional jobs and for those that we don’t yet know about, and to achieve this through a commitment to sustainability.