Atlantic Academy Summer school
About the summer school 2021:
Back in 2021 the DFE announced that they would be supporting schools to deliver a summer school programme as part of the educational recovery programme.
The summer school programme supported secondary schools in delivering a short summer school that had a blend of academic and enrichment activities that supported the transition into year 7 and year 8.
The Atlantic approach to summer school:
Upon an initial survey to all incoming year 6 students, and the year 7 students we offered 45 spaces for the summer school. Our focus was to offer a rich opportunity for our students to:
- Build a community with their fellow peers
- Build new relationships with members of the local community and staff at Atlantic
- Familiarise themselves with the school environment
What was included in the two weeks:
Over the two weeks, we worked with Dorset Holidays and Families (Dorset HAF) who supported us in delivering a diverse programme of activities, education, and wellbeing sessions.
Activities included:
-Morning family breakfast, reading, and oracy (students had breakfast together, we discussed the latest news stories and how they were spending their holiday time)
-English based story writing activities
-Debates on current events and news stories
-Art-based activities
-Language and Culture day
-Daily physical exercise and sports
-Mental health and wellness activities
-Celebration/ graduation day
The summer school was a fantastic event that really did enrich the students, challenge them to make new friends and push comfort zones and develop self-efficacy and the ability to tackle problems and be independent.
Funding the summer school:
For mainstream schools funding was calculated on a daily rate of £59.70 per pupil place per day.
Based on the initial survey in which we asked parents/ guardians to sign a declaration of interest we offered 100 places, based on interest. Of this 45 students were signed up for the two-week event, confirming attendance in advance.
Funding per pupil for the two weeks= 10 days x 59.70x 45 places =£26,685.00
Ahead of the event, we were made aware of two students unable to attend. As such our planning was adjusted to 43 spaces.
Funding per pupil for the two weeks= 10 days x 59.70x 43 places =£25,671.00
We incurred the following costs throughout the event and claimed for:
| Item | Item cost | Reason for Item |
| First aid training | £10.00 | For lead teacher to be first aid trained – achieved pediatric level 3 full certification |
| Chromebooks | £8,170.00 | As all technology is handed in for summer service we wanted to ensure all students had access to technology to support events being held during summer school. |
| Celebration food | £71.53 | To support final celebration days |
| Site open/ close | £600.00 | External company to open and close the building |
| Cleaning costs | £407.10 | Costs of cleaning throughout the 10 days |
| Utilities | £1699.10 | Gas, water, electric for 10 days |
| Staff costs | £5757.86 | Costs of core school staff |
| BCP HAF | £5670.00 | Support staff from external agency |
| Total | £22,385.59 | Total claimed for cost of the possible £25,671.00 |