LSA Technology & Performing Arts College has recently been awarded ‘Extended School’ status. When assessing school against the Extended Services Core Offer the provision was recognised as ‘a great example of what a secondary school should be offering to its pupils, families and the wider community…..setting a high standard of extended services provision which others could learn from and aspire towards’. This is in recognition of the changes put into place over the past two years to extend the school day, providing opportunities for all our students to reach their potential by encouraging a positive approach to learning and school.

Extra-curricular activities, which have supported personal and curricular development as well as providing a safe place out of school hours have resulted in a comprehensive timetable offering a dazzling array of activities. Consequently the school day for hundreds of students begins before 8.00 am with choice of breakfast in the cafeteria, use of library or sports practice before school starts.

Lunchtimes offer over a dozen opportunities to join music, sign-language, drama groups to name but a few.

After school more than forty activities including eight different sports and eight performing arts are scheduled.

A very popular innovation has been the creation of The Zone where students can just 'chill out', play traditional and electronic games, even snooker, and learn new crafts. Open every Tuesday and Friday until 5.00pm the Zone is never short of visitors!

Tuesday afternoons have had particular success as the school day has finished one hour earlier than other weekdays and hundreds of students, instead of heading off home, have remained to join in the 20 Tuesday Afternoon Activities offered to over 400 students each week who choose to stay in school. Sport, music and drama compete alongside Duke of Edinburgh, fitness sessions and Film Club.

Spin-offs have resulted in students taking part in the Pro Tour Series Cycle Races, 6 formers becoming Sports Leaders, students jperforming in the local community at musical and sports events (Cheer-leaders) and working with professionals in golf, rugby and squash. 16 students have been awarded an AQA qualification in DJ mixing!

When offered all these options the students have voted with their feet and the staff involved have been delighted that so many students are getting involved in these healthy and enjoyable experiences in a safe environment where they can enjoy themselves and become successful, active and effective citizens.

Tracy Lawson and Andrea Lavelle, Extended Services Managers, are delighted that school has now been recognised as a ‘Fully Extended School’. However, the real reward comes from the high number of students who sign up for and benefit from the extra curricular activities we offer.

Headteacher, Philip Wood, said “ I am delighted with our recognition as an Extended School. Our work in this area is making an important contribution to delivering a high standard of education and full access to a broad range of services, support and opportunities for young people and families in the area.”