NAGBP

Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project 2019/2020 - Vision and description

The Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project (NAGBP) was launched in September 2016 as part of a shared vision between Newmarket’s largest employer, Godolphin (a global thoroughbred breeding operation and horse racing team) and the town’s only secondary school to support and develop the career progression pathways of students in the local community.

The Beacon Project aims to raise the aspiration and ambition of every Academy student. It is a five year fully funded programme sponsored by Godolphin and delivered by the education charity Racing to School. The Programme offers opportunities for all year groups, and sets out to provide students with the tools and confidence to pursue their career ambitions. Racing to School in partnership with teachers creates activities to enrich the school curriculum, inspire young people and develop student leadership. The unique programme uses the backdrop and reach of the horse racing industry to improve knowledge and interest in the sport, as well as its wide range of careers choices. Students have access to a number of varied but interconnected practitioners in the sport, with each providing voluntary insight and advice about facets of working life. In school and off-site, the Beacon Project has evolved year-on-year through on-going student and staff evaluation. It offers an inclusive, organic programme of events – from interview practice with employers to a behind-the-scenes tour of a 5-star London hotel. In 2018/2019, 500 pupils engaged with 30 events across 17 venues.

The Beacon Project is tailored to build on students’ past experiences, both at the Academy and in primary education. It is well respected among business partners in Newmarket and across the wider racing industry and is currently in its fourth year.

Reflecting on the success so far of the Godolphin-sponsored Beacon project, Executive Principal Nick Froy said: "The school, the staff and the students recognise the enormous impact of the partnership with Godolphin and the Beacon Project on transforming lives in this community. The range of variety of events is unique and provides our young people with the experiences and confidence that allow them to fulfil their potential and dreams"

Impact on careers, learning and provision 2019/2020

Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project has had a significant impact on our careers provision. It has enabled us to raise the profile of the careers available to the students of Newmarket Academy. Students now have a more in-depth understanding of the wide variety of careers available in the horse racing industry and the support industries in Newmarket.

Due to the success of the Beacon Project, a range of local employers, from a number of industries, are now involved with the Academy and are offering a host of opportunities to the students. The partnership caters for all year groups which is a key element in the appeal for all professionals involved and their own personal professional development. All of the staff at Newmarket Academy are involved in the delivery of the careers provision which is now embedded in all aspects of the school and this has enabled the students to thrive.

Ethos and values of the project 2019/2020

The ethos of the NAGBP is to widen and develop the aspirations of Academy pupils with the ambition of Racing to School to use racing as gateway to unique educational experiences and career development.

The racing community’s assets and networks form the bedrock of a structured, measurable education programme across all year groups, including guidance on opportunities and pathways to employment within the sport and associated industries in Newmarket

Quotes from a range of professionals, parents and students involved in the NAGBP

Godolphin is delighted and proud to be sponsors of The Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project. The project enhances learning, raises ambition and aspiration and enables students at the Academy to access a wide range of career pathways. The project improves, broadens and extends the learning of every student in Newmarket, provides real employment experience, and builds self-confidence. The project reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s support of young people, education and Newmarket." (Hugh Anderson, Managing Director, Godolphin)

"For our town’s young people to have the opportunities that the Beacon Project provides them, plus this unique insight into an industry intrinsic to the future of the area is really something to be cherished. Knowledgeable, ambitious graduates of the Beacon Project programme should be the envy of many of our sister towns, and it is absolutely right that, in line with The Jockey Club’s ethos of investing in the future of the sport, that we are its proud allies."

(Amy Starkey, Regional Director, Jockey Club Racecourses, East Region)

“The Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project has given me multiple opportunities to help develop my future career path both in and out of the town of Newmarket. As a result of the opportunities the NAGBP has enabled me to have, I now have a clear idea of my future, both academically and professionally.” (Charlie R, Year 11 Newmarket Academy)

“I have been lucky enough to be involved with the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project since I joined Newmarket Academy. It has given me an insight into life outside of school and possible career opportunities available to me. The NAGBP has been a major factor in improving our school and raising our aspirations.” (Lydia M, Year 11 Newmarket Academy)

“I feel extremely fortunate that both my sons have been able to benefit from the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project. They have been able to get an insight into the world of horse racing by visiting various places connected to the industry for example the National Heritage Centre (Palace House), British Racing School and participated in the Future Champions Week. They have also listened to talks from numerous business leaders and have been able to see first-hand the career opportunities available to them. The project as a whole has enhanced their learning and raised their aspirations and ambition.” (Claire L – Newmarket Academy Parent)

In summary, this is a project and partnership that we are so proud of and truly value at Newmarket Academy. It has had an amazing impact on our students and we are so grateful to Godolphin, Racing to School and all of the fantastic professionals from the community in Newmarket for making the last four years possible.

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