Inspiring examples

Laterna Magica, primary school in Amsterdam, wants to contribute to the development and growth of people who add value to the world. Children come to learn with us, develop their personality, interests, talents and are given the space to develop into happy people. We nurture their desire to make a difference to the community they are part of and the wider world around it. Peace, democracy, sustainability and human rights play an important role in this.

Manchester Communication Academy (MCA) works to improve outcomes for children, families and the community.
This secondary academy opened in 2010 to serve one of the most disadvantaged inner-city neighbourhoods in England. From the outset, the academy’s sponsor, a large employer in the city, wanted the school to help to contribute to a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood, and committed to addressing the many inter-related economic, social and physical challenges which characterise the neighbourhood. This mission has directly shaped the academy's programme, which places equal importance on ‘teaching and learning’ and ‘social investment’. The school’s social investment department is a highly distinctive feature of its overall strategy for addressing the impacts of disadvantage on young people’s education and wider life chances.