EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL A PROPOSAL DOCUMENT

was agreed by Cabinet at its meeting of 4 July 2012, and which was
subsequently submitted to the Scottish Government for funding support in July
2012.
(ii)
The value added option would therefore result in:
The creation of a new 3-18 campus, comprising:
‣ A new secondary school, arising from the proposed merger of James
Hamilton Academy and Kilmarnock Academy;
‣ A new primary school, with an Early Childhood Centre, arising from the
proposed merger of New Farm Primary School and Early Childhood
Centre and Silverwood Primary School; and
‣ Community facilities
5.2 EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS STATEMENT
(a)
There are many benefits that will be realised by both the proposed school
merger and either location. The benefits of the proposed school merger, in
terms of Options 2, 3 and 4 (the Added Value Option) are discussed in full in
the following paragraphs.
5.3 THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF A MERGED JAMES HAMILTON
ACADEMY AND KILMARNOCK ACADEMY
The Educational Benefits Statement sets out the likely effects, if this option is
implemented by East Ayrshire Council. These are as follows:
i. As an authority, East Ayrshire Council has the highest aspirations for all its
children and young people. We strive to build school communities in which
everyone is valued and learning is motivating and enjoyable. The joining
together of these two secondary schools provides us with opportunity to build
on the strengths of both secondary schools to develop a new vibrant learning
community in East Ayrshire.
ii.
iii.
The implementation of this proposal will help deliver the Council's commitment
to making East Ayrshire a positive place to live and work, and for our young
people, to learn and develop by the creation of a modern learning
environment created for the needs of the 21 st Century. For example, there will
be the opportunity to create facilities as an explicit part of the design for the
improved delivery of the STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering
and Mathematics).
One of the greatest drivers for positive attitudes in learners is motivation. A
campus that will offer engaging, challenging experiences within a comfortable,
modern and stimulating environment will help learners to develop to their full
potential. It would also contribute to the healthy work/life agenda, as staff
would be based in a purpose built environment with state of the art facilities
and infrastructure.
50