New Line Learning is a new concept in learning being pioneered in a federation of schools in South Maidstone, Kent, England.
Most people today shop in supermarkets because they provide a wide range of choice and quality products under one roof. Education in England, on the other hand, is still mainly provided by individual schools that run themselves and this results in education standards that vary according to the success or otherwise of individual schools.
Three secondary schools in South Maidstone have joined together under one governing body to provide greater educational choice and improved standards for all children in their care.
The schools have re-branded themselve as ‘New Line Learning’ to reflect a fresh approach to secondary education. The logo has been designed in consultation with the students across the schools and reflects the new direction in their education.
APPROACH
The approach is simple. Children that enjoy school do better than those that don't. Enjoyment comes from success and all young people can be successful and fulfilled through sharing resources and talents across the three schools. All three schools share a common curriculum that is extensively supported by information and communication technology.
-- all Year 7 pupils are to be equipped with portable computers to aid their learning
-- an integrated Humanities course in years 7 and 8 teaches pupils how to learn and study independently
-- Key Stage 3 completed in two years instead of the normal 3, with National Curriculum assessment tests (SATs) being taken in Year 8 instead of Year 9
-- Key Stage 4 commencing in Year 9 with GCSE examinations taken in Year 10
-- early entry into the Sixth Form in Year 11
-- reporting to parents on each pupil’s progress every 7 weeks
-- encouraging pupils to have a voice, which contributes to the direction of the schools
-- a modern curriculum with an emphasis on project based learning, IT enabled learning and vocational courses.
VALUES
Honesty, respect and care for others are at the heart of New Line Learing values. These values have been established through discussion with staff and students, they are the core values at NLL.
CARE
At the heart of the education programme is a model of care that seeks to ensure that pupils are emotionally happy and well-balanced within school. There are common pastoral programmes and procedures plus a common set of values. NLL is working with Yale University and University College London to develop pupils’ emotional maturity via emotional intelligence programmes.
Notes
The lead school in New Line Learning is The Cornwallis School a specialist Technology College and a member of the Specialist Schools programme.