A CORNISH secondary school is aiming to strengthen links with local families and schools through a series of new projects.

Pool Academy is rolling out a number of initiatives which are designed to help students, families and primary schools come together and feel more connected.

The school is part of the soon to be dissolved Athena Learning Trust, which has been in the spotlight this year following significant concern surrounding the its approach to teaching and discipline.

In July, it was revealed that Athena were set to transfer its schools to an alternative trust, in order ‘to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes for [the] schools and the communities they serve.’

In an effort to improve links with local families, head of expressive arts at Pool Academy, Lydia Day, has taken on the additional role of associate assistant principal transition and community and is leading the new programme.

One of the first initiatives to be introduced is Together Thursdays, which invites parents and carers into school every six weeks to take part in activities with their children.

Lydia is also setting up working groups for parents and students to share their views and help shape school life. The first groups met last week, with a separate group for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) also planned.

In an effort to develop stronger links with local primary schools, Year 5 and Year 6 children will be invited to take part in the Christmas show and attend a Halloween disco. Pupils will also be invited for singing and art workshops, helping them prepare a part for the show, where they will sing alongside the Pool Academy choir, and make Christmas tree decorations.

Meanwhile, rehearsals are under way for High School Musical Jr., the school’s first production in 10 years, which Lydia is directing and choreographing ahead of performances in March.

During transition days, Year 6 pupils took part in singing, dancing and acting workshops before being given the chance to audition. Everyone who auditioned has been accepted into the production, giving them the chance to become part of the school community from the moment they join.

The school also plans to invite children to a special matinee performance, giving younger pupils the chance to experience the school and be inspired.

Lydia said: “This is a role I’m really excited to get stuck into. I want Pool Academy to be a place where our students, families and primary schools feel connected to what we’re doing and know that their voices are being heard.

“We’ve got lots already happening, from bringing our first school production in 10 years back to the stage to getting parents into school and working with our primary schools in new ways.

“I’m particularly excited about the opportunities we’re creating through expressive arts, because they give young people the chance to build confidence, work as a team, be creative and discover what they can do. We’ve only just got started, and there’s a lot more I want us to do.”

Tegen Thompson, head of school at Pool Academy, said: “We want Pool Academy to be a school where our families and local primary schools feel genuinely connected to us. Lydia has brought huge energy to this work, and we’re already seeing new opportunities for students, families and our wider community to get involved.”

''We believe that high standards and strong community heart go hand in hand. While we hold our students to ambitious academic expectations, Pool Academy ultimately exists to serve our local community, ensuring every child receives the care, encouragement, and challenge they need to thrive right here where they live. Lydia's role is vital in achieving this."