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Academy Life

Fantastic Facilities

Our multi-million pound building programme has transformed the Academy! Our new building includes state of the art Sports Hall, Gym, Studio and Fitness Suite, dedicated Sixth Form centre, Internet Cafe, break-out learning spaces, quiet areas for independent study and 1:1 tuition. All Learning Zones are refurbished and equipped with the latest IT facilities and satellite-linked equipment. Our modern Diner serves breakfast, lunches and snacks to accommodate our students' flexible and extended study periods.

The development of facilities for community use forms a significant part of the new build and are available for public use throughout the year.

"The plans for the new building have been carefully and thoughtfully managed to ensure the involvement and safety of the Academy's community" (Ofsted, March 2011)

Enrichment

A wide range of sporting and leisure activities are available before, during and after school. Sports include football, netball, athletics, rugby, rounders, basketball, gym/weight training, mountain biking. Leisure activities include: art & nature, science, photography, drama, choir, dance and cookery.

Students are encouraged to participate in competitions organised by outside partnerships such as Rotary Young Chef, Rotary Young Writer, debating societies and Young Artists.

Student Leadership

Students in all year groups are encouraged to develop their leadership potential. Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form Academy Student Leaders are elected to the and work in partnership with the Academy Leadership Team. Students and staff work together to develop and improve all areas of the Academy including curriculum issues, new building plans, forming policy and peer mentoring. Our student leaders are highly respected role models to the younger year groups and outstanding ambassadors for the Academy.

Students "very willingly take on responsibility, for example in supervising younger students, running homework clubs and contributing to the design of the new building" (Ofsted, March 2011)

Student Council

Representatives within each year group are elected to the Student Council. The Council meet fortnightly and consider policy issues, charity support, community projects and matters relating to all areas of Academy life. Through their elected representatives student voice forms an important part in shaping the future of our family.

Student Support

"Provision ensures that students receive personalised attention, supporting both their well-being and their academic and personal development" (Ofsted, March 2011)

Our Family Group structure means that our students receive high quality pastoral care. Small mentoring groups mean that staff are able to get to know students very well and they meet daily to provide advice and support. Our holistic approach to education means that we work closely with other services; counselling is available through our Well Being Centre which also provides advice, guidance and support on medical matters. Careers advice and support is coordinated by Mrs Butcher.

Learning Support

The support on offer is varied and made to meet individual needs. It can range from additional teaching by a specialist, small group intervention, peer mentoring or extra tuition after school.

Rewards & Praise, Celebrating Success

Our rewards system recognises and rewards student achievements and encourages students to exceed their targets. Successes are celebrated in weekly and end of term assemblies as well as via our newsletters and through displays around the Academy. Our inclusive ethose recognises achievements in all areas: academic, vocational, sporting, enrichment and community service.

Home/Academy Partnership

We believe that Parents and Carers should be kept fully informed and up to date about their child's progress and it is only by working together, in close partnership, that your child will reach his/her full potential. Students are assessed every six weeks, regular reports are sent home, same day calls are sent home to follow up absences. Parents' evenings are held regularly and views are sought via surveys and Parents' Forums.

"programmes to involve parents and carers in the life of the Academy, as well as systems to act on their views are wide ranging and regularly evaluated in order to be improved further".

 

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