It will launch a pilot scheme for 15 pupils from Chesterton Community College in September, and, subject to its success in the first term, offer open access to 14 year-olds from September 2016.
CRC Principal Anne Constantine said: “This is a new and exciting development for education in the Cambridge area and means more opportunity will be available for young people.
“The pilot scheme will involve a single cohort in collaboration with Chesterton Community College in Year 1 and, subject to early positive indicators in the autumn term, Cambridge Regional College will proceed to open access for September 2016 onwards.
“We have created the Academy@CRC to offer a high quality learning experience, with more practical and vocational content, to young people aged 14-16 residing in Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire and South Cambridgeshire.
“Its aim is to nurture a mature and independent approach to learning and to develop the skills students will need to be successful in securing and sustaining employment and a career.
“Practical and applied learning suits some 14 year-olds more than the traditional academic curriculum. We will offer core GCSEs and a substantial vocational programme and we expect this to enable the young people who choose to come here to progress more quickly.”
Pupils at the new Academy@CRC will be able to choose from a wide range of vocational areas, including construction, engineering, hairdressing, beauty therapy, media, games design, sports, uniformed services and childcare.
Mrs Constantine said pastoral care was a vital part of the new Academy and the students would have a personal tutor, with regular one-to-one meetings. CRC also has a strong safeguarding and welfare team and extensive study support provision.
Lucy Scott, head of Chesterton Community College, said: “"At Chesterton we are delighted to be involved in this exciting new departure for CRC, as we feel it offers a valuable extension to Cambridge's curriculum offer for students.
“The pilot group of students, along with their parents and our supporting staff, have been impressed with the quality of provision and care being offered by CRC."
Image: CRC principal Anne Constantine with Chesterton Community College head teacher Lucy Scott
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Cambridge Regional College Press Officer, on 01223 418773 or email loshea@camre.ac.uk
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