A LOOK at Beardwood School, Blackburn.

SCHOOL MOTTO:

Our new school motto is 'Together for Excellence.' This encourages pupils to see themselves as part of the school family and stresses the need for good teamwork at all levels.

HISTORY LESSON:

The school has its origins in the old Blackburn Technology School at Blakey Moor. Twenty years ago the school was still operating as a split-site school with junior pupils at Blakey Moor and senior pupils at Billinge School. The school then had a sixth form. Following the move to tertiary education in Blackburn the school became single-site at Billinge. Some years ago the school changed its name to Beardwood School.

OUT AND ABOUT:

The school hopes to become part of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme this year. Lots of activities taking place: sporting, drama, visits to Europe, computing and public speaking. There are also lots of other things such as extra musical tuition and pupil mentoring which are designed to encourage and motivate. Last year we had a successful Mela and this month a Lifelong Learning event will take place.

HOW MANY STUDENTS?:

We have 970 students.

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT:

The school has been chosen as the site for a proposed Languages College.

ABOUT THE PARENTS:

Mrs N Usman, the school's liaison officer, ensures that effective communications and close links with parents are maintained. Parental involvement is encouraged and we are proud of the progress we have made in forging firm relationships with our many families.

STAR PUPILS:

Two former pupils are doing particularly well - Tahir Mohsin, who heads Time Computers and Mikyla Dodd, who now entertains us in Hollyoaks!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH £100,000?:

We would have more trips to enhance the cultural experiences of our pupils involving teachers, parents, pupils, primary schools and other family members. Extra curricular activities could be fostered and parents could be enabled access to the school's facilities after hours. Finally, we would decorate the whole school and provide comfort areas for both pupils and staff throughout the school.