The Academy was delighted to receive a handsome cheque from Graham Howard, President of the Northern Counties Builders Federation.

Mrs Cottle, Head of design and technology was delighted to receive a handsome cheque from Graham Howard, President of the Northern Counties Builders Federation.

The academy bid centred around funding to enhance the vocational opportunities in courses run by the department. Building and construction has featured most strongly in GCSE Resistant Materials and Level 3 BTEC Engineering.

In addition to the practical applications in design and technology the wider academy curriculum emphasises the teamwork in industry, the health and safety of the work place and the environmental health of the planet.

The staff in the department are looking forward to working with a wider group of materials so that students can present higher quality projects for their examination portfolios.

The programme of units can now be extended as the department look to introduce new 'A' levels and focus on building related products and in CADCAM enhance the students understanding of new technologies.

When in the academy Mr Howard was interviewed for the media studio weekly television broadcast.He explained how he was captivated by the building industry and explained how students should prepare adequately for the opportunities that were available in the Tees Valley area.

The benefits of this partnership with the Federation are wide reaching as building and construction opportunities are highlighted with students able to recognise the benefit of apprenticeships and pathways to both further and higher education.