A Business & Enterprise Specialist

A Specialist Business and Enterprise School

Since achieving Business and Enterprise status in 2006, we have developed strong links with our sponsors, the Arcadia Group (which include: BHS, Top Shop, Top Man, Burton and Miss Selfridge.)

Our specialist subjects are; Business Studies (Business and Enterprise), ICT and Geography with a Rural Dimension.  From September 2009 we will be the lead school in Gateshead for the Business Administration and Finance Diploma Level 2.  We expect to develop the Retail Diploma for September 2010.

The development of enterprising students by raising aspirations is one of our key objectives.  Every department contributes to enterprise development and there are discreet taught courses in years 7 and 9.

In all areas of the school we encourage the development of skills for enterprise and employability:

• a 'can do' approach so that students develop the ability to handle uncertainty and can respond positively to change
• innovation, creativity and risk management
• entrepreneurial skills
• teamwork is a significant feature at Kingsmeadow, in lessons, activities on L4L (Learning for Life) days and enterprise events
• the functional skills of English, Maths and ICT.

Through the curriculum our students engage in a wealth of activities with Business Mentors and Ambassadors. We have six days each year where the timetable is collapsed to allow for the intensive delivery of specific activities.  We call these days L4L (learning for life).  Each year group has a programme which includes enterprise, Information Advice and Guidance, work related and financial activities as well as PSHE and citizenship.  Staff are divided into cross curricular teams to plan and deliver the programme.  We have developed productive links with the Education Business Partnership.

Our flexible ICT solutions include wireless technology and broadband in every room through a £1.5 million ICT investment.  Learning in any classroom can be supported throught banks of mobile Laptops.

Our program of 'Laptops for Students' has begun with Year 7 who each receive a Toshiba Laptop to support learning at home and at school.

At Kingsmeadow we take the safeguarding of our students very seriously. Therefore we have developed our own E-safety programme that is delivered within school. For more information and the SMART rules for internet safety please see Business and Enterprise above.

Geography with a rural dimension is one of our specialist areas.

The Rural Dimension focuses on conservation, looking after the environment, land management and the rural economy.

Students engage with the environment to aid their learning about the world around them.  We have and "Outdoor Learning Environment" on site and students have the opportunity to take part in a range of field study work.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available to Key Stage 4 and 6th Form students.

The new outdoor sports facilities at Kingsmeadow are now in use. Work has recently been completed on a multi-use games area for sports such as tennis, netball and rounders. Adjacent to it is a full size Astroturf pitch which can be used for many sports.

These state-of-the-art facilities, (costing £2m) includes a Sports Hall with the only four lane indoor cricket net facilities in the area.

Kingsmeadow is committed to its status as a full-service community school so all these sporting facilities can be booked out for community use.

As a Full Service Extended School our aim is to make provision beyond the school day for our students their families and the wider community.  Activities which take place on site are:

• an exciting range of adult & family learning classes
• an active senior citizens club meets regularly
• groups or members of the community can book our facilities including the sports facilities

The Life Long Learning Centre is home to:

• Dunston Childrens Centre
• Dunston Bee Hive Out of School Club
• Dunston Pre-school Group

Rooms in the Centre are used for meetings and for local businesses who can be supported with our ICT facilities, advice and training on enterprise.