Sage Educational Trust
Val
Sage, after whom
Sage Educational Trust is named
On 9 January 2005 the Downham and Bellingham EAZ officially came to an end, after five years, and Sage Educational Trust came into being. The new organisation took its name from Val Sage, who had worked closely with the EAZ and died in 2003. Her work, enthusiasm and energy were an inspiration to those who worked with her and it was decided to use her name and continue with her enthusiastic approach through the new charitable trust.
Aims and Objectives
What are the aims of the Sage Educational Trust?
Sage's immediate aim is to support schools and families in the Downham and Bellingham areas to ensure that children and adults achieve as much of their potential as possible.
How is this to be achieved?
Mainly through developing local partnerships between young people, schools, parents, business and the rest of the community, for example.:
- involving parents in raising the achievements of their children and school standards
- enhancing training and support for teaching and non-teaching staff
- increasing pupils' self esteem, motivation and aspirations
- extending educational opportunities and extra-curricular activities
How does Sage help a child achieve?
As well as bringing in additional funding, Sage also facilitates the collaborative use of existing schools' funding. Both these strands are used to set up various different programmes, for example:
- Making our teaching and learning irresistible
- A programme to increase children's attendance at school, reduce lateness and support pupils with behavioural difficulties
- Various family support programmes
Schools also benefit
- Extra support and training is given to teachers and classroom assistants to improve teaching strategies, create irresistible learning materials and improve pupils' attainment across all the schools Sage works with
- Sage provides a number of specialist advisers and INSET training
- Out-of-school arts, sports, homework and revision opportunities are provided
- Family support specialists work with local schools
How do parents/carers benefit?
- By receiving support in parenting and helping their children do well at school
- By being part of in-school activity programmes with their children
- By taking up individual learning or retraining programmes
Sage needs support from local businesses too
The partnership approach is essential and fundamental to the success of Sage. Business can provide management and leadership expertise and help improve the life chances of the young people in Downham and Bellingham.
In return for sponsorship, either financial or in kind, the reputation of the business will be enhanced through involvement with the schools and local media coverage. The educational benefit to the young people in the area can only result in improved standards and expertise of the new employees recruited by the company.