Manchester Health Academy

History

It was first opened in 1957 as two separate schools with the titles West Wythenshawe Technical High School for Girls and West Wythenshawe Technical High School for Boys. There were sports fields, tennis courts, science labs, library. A statue which was commissioned by Mitzi Cunliffe, who designed the Bafta, was erected outside the boys gymnasium.

In 1968, the two schools joined together as a comprehensive to be known as Brookway High School, and the classes became mixed. In 2003, the school was then given the title of a Sports College, and was renamed "Brookway High School & Sports College". Following the school's re title, a three million pound facility was built on the site, the interior included; two sports halls, three classrooms, and one large gym. This new facility is used by both the school and the community. D.R

Closure and rebuild

Manchester City Council invested almost £200 million into a project which would improve the schools in the Manchester Area. The original Brookway High School & Sports College/ Manchester Health Academy building was demolished entirely along with other local schools such as St Pauls R.C High School, Newall Green High School and Parklands High School due to issues that could not be solved, or would have cost more, with a renovation.

Work started on new £20 million building for Manchester Health Academy in March 2009, and was completed in September 2010. The old building was demolished in March 2011, and the space was used as part of the Manchester Metrolink tram line, which was completed in 2016.

In July 2008, Barry Burke, the headteacher at Rhyddings, Oswaldtwistle, was appointed Principal of Manchester Health Academy. He took up his post in January 2009. In August 2013, he retired from his position, being succeeded by Damien Owen.

Facilities

The Academy was built with less traditional teaching methods in mind. It features three large Learning Zones, each of which can be used to teach up to four classes per zone and two smaller Learning Zones, each of which can be used to teach up to two classes per zone. Also eight traditional style classrooms for practical subjects such as science, design, technology, cooking, music, ICT, drama, art and dance.

The school states that the learning zones are large enough accommodate 150 students per year group at one time, meaning a theoretical maximum student count of 750 plus 150 maximum for the sixth form centre. The Academy also uses cashless catering services in order to purchase items from the canteen. It is believed that this saves time and reduces queuing time by 20%

The Academy features a public library which is operated by Manchester Library & Information Service, it is situated to the front of the building in a separate enclosed space which prevents un-authorised members of the public gaining access to the school or the sixth form centre.

Situated also on site is the Sixth Form centre which is located on the top floor and is separated from the school. The sixth form centre also uses the Learning Zones and has a total of three in the contained space. The centre is operated in partnership with The Manchester College, and currently offers courses in Business, Health and Social Care, Sport, IT, Forensic Science and Early Years Education and Care to High School leavers.