Chamber unveils plans to create the UK’s first enterprise school

GREATER Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced details of a unique collaboration with the education sector to create what would be the UK’s first Chamber business school teaching youngsters the skills associated with successful enterprise.
 
It is also an attempt to portray the city’s academic sector in a positive light following the Trojan Horse scandal.

The proposals have seen the business organisation submit a bid in conjunction with Broadway Academy School in Perry Barr to open a pioneering Studio School for Enterprise at the chamber’s offices in Chamber House, Edgbaston.
 
The school would admit up to 370 11 to 19-year-olds who in addition to the standard curriculum would have the opportunity to study enterprise, including how to start a business, marketing, finance and customer service.
 
Jerry Blackett, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The ethos of the school has great symmetry with the aims of the chamber. We hope our bid will be strengthened significantly by having businesses involved in the life of the school.
 
“In the wake of the Trojan Horse issue, this move shows that Birmingham’s business and academic communities can work together in creating an initiative that is both positive and innovative.”
 
Broadway head teacher Ron Skelton said: “We believe that parents will greatly welcome this initiative and there is an open day on September 9 when we can explain what is happening more fully.
 
“It would provide a unique opportunity for their children to receive a grounding in how to establish their own businesses drawing on a vast amount of experience and knowledge from chamber members.
 
“The partnership gives the opportunity for business to work seamlessly  with education to ensure students are fully prepared for the world of work.  The shared values and ethos will ensue that students will, as part of an innovative curriculum, develop the attitudes that employers require.”
 
He said employers were always looking to employ young people who had the necessary skills for the work place and this partnership was a unique opportunity to make this a reality.
 
Mr Blackett added: “We would seek the help of some of the bigger chamber members, like those among our patrons. We are now writing a bid to the government in conjunction with Broadway Academy to be submitted in October.”
 
The concept was launched at a breakfast meeting where key academics and business people were briefed about the proposals.
 
“This could be a great example of schools and business working together to promote positive activity within the city’s education system, especially in the wake of Trojan Horse,” said Mr Blackett.
 
“It demonstrates how business can roll up its sleeves and make a real difference to schools in addition to focussing on the broader policy issues related to employment and skill.
 
“It would also demonstrate from the chamber’s point of view how its Sixties-built headquarters could be adapted for other purposes and it has the additional advantage of giving businesses the opportunity to become involved in important and innovative Corporate Responsibility work.”
 
Broadway Academy has some of the best educational facilities in the country following a £21m extension and refurbishment of its old school. It was the first academy in Birmingham to be built in the “Building Schools for the Future” programme.

New and developing facilities include nine modern science laboratories, modern technology equipment, nine ITC rooms, a music technology room, a drama room and extensive sport facilities.
 

Close