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A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW ERA ACADEMY
The New Era Academy was established 67 years ago when a group of LAMDA Examiners became dissatisfied with the direction the Examinations Board was taking at that time. This breakaway group were determined to create an academy which encouraged students to;
These same principles still apply to New Era today, its ethos remains embedded in its determination to provide every candidate with the opportunity to reach his or her full potential and to enjoy their examination experience, regardless of the marks obtained. The early founders also believed that no candidate should be denied the opportunity of taking an examination because the entry fees may be beyond their means. New Era was established as a “not for profit” organisation and that same principle applies today. New Era also believes in providing a non-discriminatory policy with regard to education, ability, culture and background. The Academy has continued to run along the lines set up by the original founders in 1940 maintaining its ethos and aims, keeping to the rules and procedures which has served it well for so long. The untimely deaths of Peggy Law and particularly Bernard Price during the 1990s forced the Board of Directors to re-think the way that the Academy was being run on a day to day basis; so many roles which Bernard had fulfilled suddenly needed the attention of other people. Then the QCA loomed its threatening head and New Era was forced to re-think its role in the field of examinations, and to make changes and adjustments. Thanks to the Board of Directors, New Era’s Patron Ronnie Marsh and Examinations Secretary Jean Hutchings the "office" maintained normal service but it became obvious that more radical changes needed to be made. Brian Ellis was appointed Chairman, Terry Maple was brought in as Company Secretary, and existing Directors Jackie Bolton and Elizabeth Gradwell became Examinations Secretary and Chief Examiner respectively. A new syllabus was implemented, and new Examiners were appointed and trained. As well as examiner training, Elizabeth introduced a moderation programme so that New Era could ensure consistency of marking, and the maintenance of standards. On Jean’s retirement Terry and Jackie took over the running of the Academy and the office was moved to Worcester. They were responsible for updating many of the procedures and bringing New Era into the computerised age! Prior to July 2000 New Era held accreditation (under Vocal Qualifications) with the Department for Education and Employment, for our Grades 5 to 8, Medals and Diplomas in Spoken English, Reading, Interview Technique, English as a Second Language, Bible Reading and Solo Verse Speaking. In 1997 when the responsibility for such accreditation was handled over to the then new QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) the body set up by the government to regularise accreditation for all further education courses nationally. To the Board of Directors it seemed that the main purpose behind accreditation at that time appeared to be tied up with the granting of funding and off-setting of costs. After attending several group meetings, the Board of Directors felt they had sufficient information to make a decision not to go pursue accreditation at that time. This decision was made mainly because such significant changes would be required and it was felt that the rigidity laid down by the QCA would contradict all those early New Era principles, questioning our integrity and removing the individuality of our approach. Time moved on, and in 2007 Terry and Jackie decided on a well deserved retirement. At the same time Judith Hunt and Ann Quinn retired as Directors. The Board of Directors appointed another husband and wife team as Company Secretary and Examinations Director in Derren Nesbitt and Miranda Jacobs and the office moved to Worthing. Concurrently Jenny Leworthy took over as Chief Examiner, Linda Cardigan was appointed Vice Chairman and Kaye Topping Smith and Christine Faithfull joined the Board. Brian Ellis continues as Chairman along with existing Board members, Elizabeth Gradwell, Charmian Gradwell and Kim Ismay. New Era believes that it is in a unique position to provide a comprehensive range of examinations designed to equip people in all areas of life, through the diversity of its syllabus. The Board of Directors is currently implementing a system of upgrading procedures and raising New Era’s profile. The syllabus is being reviewed and updated, and should be available in 2009. The future ...... If you are reading this you will be aware that we have completely overhauled and updated our website with the intention of making it informative, interactive and accessible - we hope you agree! New Era are cognisant of the issue facing some teachers who are under increasing pressure from parents, students and schools to enter candidates for examinations with Boards who are QCA accredited and therefore enable candidates to gain UCAS points. The New Era Board of Directors is therefore engaged in negotiations with QCA and CC Skills to award UCAS points to our higher level exams; we anticipate an award of between 20 to 90 UCAS points. However, it must be stressed that accreditation is only being sought for some of the higher grades, as The Board of Directors feel strongly that maintaining the Academy’s ethos and integrity is paramount, and that the ability to give instant feedback for the majority of our examinations is vitally important. New Era's Board believes that the Academy’s strength lies in:
“A man’s reach should exceed his grasp Or what’s a heaven for!” R.Browning.
(Adapted from two articles originally written by our Chairman Brian Ellis) |
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