Lord Sugar opens new Hertfordshire academy

In March this year, Lord Alan Sugar officially opened The Bushey Academy, Hertfordshire’s most improved school and its striking new £30m state-of-the-art premises.

Lord Sugar, principal Andrew Hemmings and sponsor David Meller were joined by the ceo of Viglen, Bordan Tkachuk, students and their families. The Academy replaced Bushey Hall School, which was placed in special measures by Ofsted in 2009.

Andrew Hemmings became principal in 2009, and by 2012, following three years of working in temporary or dilapidated accommodation, the Academy had become the most improved school in Hertfordshire and the 35th most improved school in the country (out of 5272). This year, it moved into its £30m, state-of-the-art new accommodation. and now proudly boasts some of the finest educational facilities available, built around the central, three storey market place.

Included in the academy are an Internet Cafe and cutting edge ICT facilities provided by Viglen, alongside a Science Mega-lab, The Cube Theatre, climbing wall, dance studio, fitness centre and art, TV and music studios.

Principal, Andrew Hemmings, explained that the new building was the icing on the cake following three years of transformation. He credited the success of the academy to high expectations, a relentless focus on the individual and the effort, enthusiasm and hard work of all members of the academy community.

Business and communication
The Academy offers an innovative and individually targeted curriculum, built around the specialism of Business and Communication, plus an outstanding range of drama, art, music and media lessons. Guests had the opportunity to explore the premises and participate in various events culminating in a balloon race at 5pm, where 1,500 balloons

The Bushey Academy places ICT at the heart of creating a successful learning environment for its students, and awarded a £1.8million five-year contract to Viglen, for the supply of its ICT. A total of 1,350 students at the Academy will benefit from the technology provided by Viglen, which is also working closely with the Academy’s Senior Leadership Team to deliver a programme of training and Continued Professional Development (CPD) support that will help to embed the ICT into teaching and learning throughout the school.

Commenting on the grand opening, Lord Sugar, said: “Principal, Andrew Hemmings and his team have done an outstanding job turning the school around and making it Hertfordshire’s most improved school and a true exemplar of best practice in education – their exam results speak for themselves. I’m delighted to be opening these stunning new premises, featuring an end-to-end ICT solution installed by Viglen. Technology plays a vital role in the learning environment, helping today’s students prepare and gain the skills required for employment.”

Bordan Tkachuk, ceo of Viglen, said: “Viglen is very excited to have been selected to design and implement the ICT solution for The Bushey Academy. This solution brings the Academy into the 21st Century with a bang. We have worked together with the Academy to deliver a ‘state-of-the-art’ solution deploying the very latest technology to provide an engaging ICT solution for the pupils, teaching staff, and support staff that will continue to evolve and develop as the needs change, and more importantly to provide a solid backdrop to aid the educational transformation which will assist the Principal, Andrew Hemmings, vision of the future. I’m personally committed to working with the Academy to see this vision fulfilled.”

Concluding, Andrew Hemmings said: “We are delighted to welcome Lord Sugar to the Bushey Academy. As education strives to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and the modern economy, visionary business leaders have an important part to play in setting the agenda and inspiring youngsters to make the most of the opportunities presented to them. Lord Sugar is an example of someone who has done just that; there is a palpable excitement about his visit and about having the opportunity to quiz him about his views.”

Further information
www.thebusheyacademy.org
www.viglen.co.uk