The RSA Academy opened its doors in 2008. It is located in Tipton in the British Midlands, in an area of significant social and economic deprivation: the average income in the area is 25% below the national average; unemployment rates are double the national average with particularly high numbers of young people between the ages of 18-24 being out of work. The RSA Academy opened with a mandate to ‘transform learning and transform lives’.
Despite being in the West Midlands, a multi-cultural area, the Academy is largely mono-cultural, with 95% of its students being white. Our students do not naturally mix with students from other countries and different backgrounds. Many of our students do not naturally challenge themselves, nor do they have high expectations or aspirations. This is a situation that the Academy is working actively to change.
From September of this year, the Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School – a qualification welcomed by the world’s top universities. The IB is holding a World Student Conference in Oregon in August 2010, offering a combination of activities to foster cultural awareness and communication and celebrate global citizenship. Students will have access to the world class facilities of Oregon State University together with a programme of internationally renowned speakers.
This conference would offer Academy students the opportunity of a lifetime and would help to boost their confidence and self esteem to be part of such a prestigious event. There are 4 places available. The students (16 years old) will be required to raise at least 20% of the costs of the flights themselves. All other costs – accommodation etc – will be paid by the Academy. Successful students will be required to write a report on the conference and to lead an Academy Assembly where they will tell the other students about their experiences, what they learned, how they felt, and how they feel they have benefitted.
The Academy needs to raise $5000 to enable this visit to go ahead. If you are able to help, please contact Lesley James on james.l@rsaacademy.org. For more information on the Academy visit http://www.rsaacademy.net/
Lesley James
Director of Business Development
The RSA Academy, Bilston Road, Tipton, DY4 0BZ
