You Can Do Sport Academy new college at YMCA Community and Activity Village, Newark donated 25 Chromebooks by Currys
A new college campus focused on broadening the horizons of youth sports and education has received a 25 Chromebooks donation.
You Can Do Sports Academy, opened its doors this September as it expanded its vision to YMCA Community and Activity Village, Newark.
The academy continues to operate from Magnus Church of England Academy, as it has for the past six years.
During the college’s Fresher’s Week in September, students were presented with their new Chromebooks by Currys general manager Damian Rogers.
The YCDS College is an education venue that introduces a college environment, directed for students seeking a more autonomous learning experience.
Natalia Hart, You Can Do Sport Ltd director said: “Some of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and do not have access to such luxury items themselves. For them to achieve the L3 Qualification, it is necessary for them to be online, and to be able to meet the academic requirements the qualification demands.
“We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities Academy, and therefore being able to offer our students a device during their time with us, means we aren’t creating any barriers to success, and we are giving them all the tools they need to succeed in passing the Academic side of the programme.”
The money saved by the college from buying the Chromebooks will be used in the future to improve the student experience.
Mrs Hart added: “Launching a new College is no easy feat, however, I am delighted to say, we are almost at full capacity with student numbers, and things are looking good.
“Whilst our Sixth Form Campus, in partnership with Magnus CoE Academy, continues to be a great success, it was important to us to be able to grow the business in this way, so that we could offer students looking for a more autonomous, vocational opportunity to that of a school, a route to access YCDS also.”
The expansion means that the YCDS will operate from two sites, one at the academy and one at YMCA Newark, each offering benefits to cater to different student needs and preferences.
Damian Rogers, general manager at Currys said: “We have supported and sponsored You Can Do Sport since its inception six years ago as it represented a fantastic and unique opportunity to bring sporting activity and academic learning together into one course for the young people of Newark.
“Being healthy in mind and body is vital for a successful career in whatever path you take, and we want to ensure the youngsters of Newark are given the chance to do so and maybe come and work for us one day, as some already have.
“At the Currys Newark Repair Centre, we refurbish and reclaim almost half a million products every year for reuse and resale and we are happy to donate some of our Chromebooks to You Can Do Sport to enable the students to get the best possible learning experience and reach and exceed their potential.”
At the YMCA, students are offered different qualifications, such as a level 3 diploma in personal training, outdoor exercise, and sports conditioning, which is equivalent to one A-level.
It also offers a level 3 extended diploma in sport and physical activity, which is equivalent to two A-levels and includes comprehensive programme qualifications that don’t require final exams.
At Magnus Academy, students can achieve triple A-levels qualifications; BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sport; a double BTEC in sport and an A-level and a single BTEC in sport and two A-levels.
Some of the college’s achievements this academic year include the female football academy being nearly as big as the boys, the launch of rowing as a new sport in partnership with the Newark Rowing Club and the most boxing students the academy ever had.