Academy excited at 'new beginning'
The re-opening today of the former Unity College in Northampton, under its new guise as the Malcolm Arnold Academy, represents the chance for a "new beginning", its headteacher has said.
Pupils will begin to return to the school, in Trinity Avenue, today with year seven and sixth form pupils the first through the doors, ahead of the rest of the school, which will return on Monday.
The past week has seen final preparations put in place and the school 900 pupils measured and fitted with new school uniforms, which include navy blue blazers with gold trim and matching ties or cravats.
Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo ahead of the first day back, the school's new headteacher, Philip Cantwell, said it was an exciting time.
He said: "There's a new beginning here. The staff have spent this week getting everything prepared, undergoing training, looking at our new structures, including the introduction of our new pastoral system, and getting ready to make sure we induct the students effectively.
"We have also spent the last couple of days distributing uniforms so I've had the chance to meet the students as they have been coming in to get measured and have their new clothes fitted.
"Starting from scratch is very exciting and it's been lovely to see how excited the children are as they've tried on their new uniforms and modelled them for each other."
Mr Cantwell said year seven pupils and staff would meet first in St George's Avenue before entering the academy together for the first time to signal the start of a "new beginning".
He said: "There's a very positive feel and buzz around the place at the moment and it will be lovely to get the students in.
"We are looking very much to the future and are delighted to be here," he added. "The school's got immense potential to move forward very quickly and that's what we intend to do.
"Everyone here is very much on board and staff are working very positively."
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
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