Doors opened to all at £22m revamp school

A Blackpool school which has undergone a multi-million pound revamp is to launch a new community activity centre in a bid to get local youngsters involved in theatre and sport.
New look: Now a programme run by assistant headteacher Jeremy Mannino (below) will see theatre and sports classes opened up to the wider communityNew look: Now a programme run by assistant headteacher Jeremy Mannino (below) will see theatre and sports classes opened up to the wider community
New look: Now a programme run by assistant headteacher Jeremy Mannino (below) will see theatre and sports classes opened up to the wider community

The Gazette reported last week how St Mary’s Catholic College, on St Walburga’s Road, now part of the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust, established by the Lancaster RC Diocese, has undergone a spectacular £22.8m redevelopment of its facilities.

Now bosses at the school are to launch Academy Extra, aimed at getting local children to take part in theatre school, street dance, basketball and football.

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Each of the clubs are focussed on encouraging participation while developing skills.

Assistant headteacher Jeremy Mannino who devised the programme, said: “Academy Extra is inspirational and unique – we are welcoming children of all ages from all over Blackpool to experience exciting, engaging and healthy activities at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.”

Academy Extra promises four opportunities to children, starting this Saturday, when the school will throw its doors open at 9am with a series of clubs and activities.

In addition to the sessions, the groups will be working towards mini-performances and tournaments at the end of each term that parents will be invited to.

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Sessions for primary aged children begin this Saturday at 9am.

Sessions for older children begin on Thursday, September 18 at 5pm.

Check the website at www.st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk for exact timings.

All are welcome to attend the first session free.

For further information call St Mary’s on (01253) 396286, email [email protected].

Some of the classes on offer

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Theatre School brings top quality drama teaching where coaches will teach acting skills, develop improvisation and have fun in creating sketches they can learn from.

Street Dance will see a Great Britain and World Champion as part of the coaching team to inspire the young children. Coaches will teach new urban skills and have fun in creating performances.

Basketball will see the academy expand its sessions by opening them up to children from Key Stage 2.

Football for all will be open to children in Years 1 and 2 and be lead by outstanding coaches sourced through Clifton rangers Football Club.

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