Collingwood Connect
A visit to the Morpeth school to learn more about its incredible work.
A real grilling
It was one of the toughest interviews I’ve had so far as an MP.
Recently I sat down with Year 9 students from Collingwood School and Media Arts College in Stobhillgate.
And they gave me a real grilling. It kept me on my toes for sure and I really admire the confidence of these young people which has clearly been nurtured by the school.
Collingwood connect
I was then able to learn more about the school’s ‘Collingwood Connect’ programme, where they work intensively with children who are not attending school. It was incredible to hear how this team works gently and persistently to build relationships with children and welcome them back to education. Sometimes that even means sitting outside a child’s bedroom door and just talking and listening.
Headteacher Gillian Linkleter and her team should be very proud of what they’re achieving. I’ve now asked the Government to take a look at Collingwood Connect as an example of how we can tackle low school attendance rates.
Collingwood is a shining light in North Northumberland and it’s what I want for Berwick in particular, and the whole constituency. An education system that works for each child, challenging them to bring forth their talents and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
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