Wigan Education Business Partnership Gateway 3, Gateway House, Standishgate Wigan WN1 1AE Tel: 01942 828820 Fax: 01942 828819

The Wigan Comino Centre is based in the Wigan Borough Partnership, a well-established alliance between the Chamber of Commerce, the Careers Service and the Local Education Authority. A Board of Directors composed of senior public and private sector representatives oversees its activities. Education projects managed by the partnership all have the aim of raising achievement through links with industry and the community. The projects seek to use the world outside school as a resource to bring added interest, variety and a work-related dimension to learning in subjects across the curriculum and for pupils of all ages.

The Comino Centre uses the Comino Approach as part of this overall strategy. It has several Satellite Centres based on industrial premises; these include Leyland’s Living Farm, Leigh Centurions Rugby Football Club, Leigh Town Hall, Construction Industry Training Board, United Utilities (including electricity and water), Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club, Shopdirect and Haydock Park Racecourse.

These Centres, heavily supported by the relevant organisations, provide ongoing GRASP programmes for teachers and pupils, tailored to meet the needs of the National Curriculum from 4 – 16 years. Typically a class visits a Centre for a full day, a tour of the site being followed by a workshop activity led by employees of the host company in collaboration with seconded teachers. The experience helps to develop personal responsibility as well as a deeper understanding of the working world. The key is active partnership between teachers and industrialists to raise attainment.

Pupils, teachers and all personnel involved with the Comino Satellite Centres are fully aware of the Comino Approach. Regular training is given and curriculum materials are constantly reviewed and updated.