Yorkshire and Humber

The Archbishop of York, The Most Revd. and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, will be in Leeds on Wednesday (18 October) to perform the official opening of the city's first 'super-school', the David Young Academy.

Dr Sentamu will be joined by retired bishop of Ripon, David Young, the Academy's eponymous inspiration, plus the current bishop of Ripon and Leeds, John Packer.

Said Dr Sentamu: "I am delighted to be part of the launch of this academy which promises excellence for the children of Leeds. The Academy will be a bright symbol of the wider Church's continuing contribution to educational services in a great city and community where religion, morals and the rule of law are intermingled."

The opening service will be a mix of formality and fun. The Archbishop will be welcomed by an audience comprising the 70-strong student council and a cross-section of faith leaders, educationalists and community representatives. During the service, Dr Sentamu will be asked to give his own lesson to pupils by showing his expertise and joining in their African drum playing session. The Archbishop and former bishop David Young will also hand over personal items for the Academy's 2006 Time Capsule.

The service will include prayers led by leaders of five faiths, hymns and a reading. The address will be given by the Archbishop and a formal blessing for the Academy will be said by former bishop David Young.

Ms McMullen, Principal of the £23m Academy, which is sponsored by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, has pledged to transform the education of the 1,100 plus students from Seacroft and raise achievement in an area where deprivation is prevalent and expectations are traditionally low.

The Academy boasts a host of innovative features with a pioneering curriculum; cutting-edge ICT infrastructure; learning delivered on-line anywhere; parents'/carers' log-in ability; a major shift of term times with a unique seven-block year and longer lesson periods; a Chef committed to healthy eating; and a culture woven around student involvement and an emphasis on ability not age.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE DAVID YOUNG ACADEMY BY HELEN ATHA, GNN YORKSHIRE & HUMBER. GNN press notices at http://www.gnn.gov.uk

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