X Primary School Information Pack “DATE”
Ark Academy Bridge Road Wembley HA9 9JP “DATE” Dear applicant, Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Ark Academy in Wembley Park and the possibility of “TEACHING or WORKING” here. Included in this information pack is information about the academy, ARK Schools (who sponsor the academy) and the role of “X “X”. We have the privilege of starting a new school from scratch, setting the highest expectations and making outstanding progress from the start. Ark Academy opened to reception pupils in September 2008 in high quality, specialist designed temporary accommoda accommodation. This September the brand-new, new, all through, academy was founded; as the first year 7 intake arrived and the new buildings were completed. The academy will now grow, year on year, until it eventually has students from 3 to 18 years of age. Therefore, this is a unique and exciting opportunity to join us at the outset of an exciting new venture, where you can make a real and lasting difference. The “X” will “DETAILS OF SCOPE OF ROLE” This is a unique opportunity to join a community of staff, strivin striving to create an outstanding comprehensive schools. The successful candidate will “DETAILS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE” To apply, please complete the application form at _______(website) and return it via email to “CONTACTS EMAIL” by “CLOSING DATE AND TIME.” If you have any queries please contact “CONTACT NAME” on “CONTACT PHONE NUMBER.” We wish you the best with your application. Yours sincerely,
Delia Smith, OBE Principal, Ark Academy
Jacqui Steele Headteacher, Ark Academy Primary
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Ark Academy Ark Academy is a mixed, non-selective, non-denominational school, specialising in mathematics and citizenship. When the school is fully open it will provide 1,630 new school places, comprising: • • •
60 nursery places 420 primary places 1,150 secondary and sixth form places
Alongside the primary students, that academy has an initial cohort of 180 year 7 pupils who will be organised into 8 classes of approximately 23 pupils per class. These smaller class sizes and dedicated tutor time means every pupil will be known by staff and their individual needs will be more readily identified and catered for. Ark Academy’s school day runs from 8.20am-5pm (except on Fridays) for secondary pupils, providing an extended curriculum and a range of enrichment opportunities to engage the talents and interests of the students and give extra support where necessary. The academy particularly encourage all students to extend their musical and sporting/fitness involvement after school and all pupils are expected to engage with the enrichment provision from Monday – Thursday. Curriculum and assessment The extended curriculum enables pupils to cover both depth and breadth in the curriculum. The academy teaches the core skills of English and mathematics on a daily basis further supported by the emphasis on daily reading and our mathematics specialism. Science also has a high priority. In addition, all other major subjects of the National Curriculum are taught to ensure breadth and a stimulating learning environment. Tracking pupil progress, moderation of student standards and setting stretching targets for every child is at the heart of assessment practices. Key pupil interventions and adjustments to the curriculum planning stem from our detailed knowledge of pupil learning. Student Support Ark Academy follows small school ethos through the Year System which ensures that every child’s needs and progress are intimately known. The academy also supplements a strong sense of belonging and Ark Academy identity through the development of a House System supporting the enrichment and rewards systems.
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New buildings
The buildings have been designed by award winning architects Studio E (who created the successful design for City of London Academy in Southwark) and are organised to support calm and ordered learning. Pupils have access to specialist indoor and outdoor sports facilities, excellent science, ICT facilities, music, Design and Technology, art and drama studios and a 150 sqm, well stocked and up to date library as well as inviting and well-equipped classrooms. The excellent new sporting facilities also benefit the surrounding community. The existing London Transport owned playing fields will become part of the school and are being upgraded and will be available for community use outside school hours at affordable rates. The school's innovative design is built to high environmental standards.
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About ARK Schools ARK Schools is an education charity that runs a network of eight academies in London, Portsmouth and Birmingham. ARK Schools was created in 2004 to work with the DfE and local authorities to create new schools offering exceptional opportunities to local children in inner cities through the academies programme. ARK Schools’ aim is to help close the achievement gap between children from disadvantaged and more affluent backgrounds. Its academies focus on raising attainment so that every pupil has a real choice of going on to higher education when they complete school. Its schools are nonselective, community schools for local children. They are non-denominational other than where they replace a school that previously had a religious affiliation. BOROUGH
OPENED
AGE
OFSTED Predecessor test
Sec. 8 progress Sec. 5 visit inspection
Burlington Danes
Hammersmith
2006
11-18
Special measures
Satisfactory
Good
King Solomon
Westminster
2007
3-18
N/A
Outstanding
Outstanding
Walworth
Southwark
2007
11-18
Satisfactory
Good
Good (with outstanding capacity to improve)
Globe
Southwark
2008
3-18
Special measures
Good
N/A
Evelyn Grace
Lambeth
2008
11-18
N/A
Good
N/A
Ark
Brent
2008
3-18
N/A
Good
N/A
Charter
Portsmouth
2009
11-16 (due to18)
Notice to improve
N/A
N/A
St Alban’s
Birmingham
2009
11-16 (due to 18)
Good
N/A
N/A
•
Isaac Newton Academy, a new academy in Redbridge for 11-18 year olds, is to open in 2012.
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ARK academies’ achievement to date The latest complete set of data (2010) demonstrates that ARK Schools is the top performing multiple academy sponsor on the basis of average annual increase in GCSE attainment since opening (including English and maths). In 2010 the five ARK academies with GCSE results achieved an average improvement rate of 12.6 percentage points on last year’s results. GCSE performance (% achieving 5 GCSEs A* - C including English and Maths)
Predecessor school
2009
2010
Burlington Danes
31% (2006)
50%
70%
Walworth
26% (2007)
45%
60%
Globe
26% (2008)
34%
40%
St Alban’s
23% (2008)
30% (predecessor)
50%
Charter
8% (2008)
21% (predecessor)
25% T
The ARK Schools ethos Academic achievement – no excuses • ARK Schools has high expectations for its pupils. We believe every child can realise their potential given the right encouragement, teaching and support. We want every pupil at our academies to leave with the qualifications and skills they need to have real choice at 18, whether that is to continue their education or to pursue a career. Culture – personal responsibility and mutual respect • Our academies aim to maintain a respectful and orderly environment so that pupils can focus on learning and teachers on teaching. The core curriculum: depth before breadth • Our curriculum is designed and structured to ensure that all children master essential knowledge in English and Mathematics, with all schools having a specialist status in mathematics. In our infant schools, pupils have four literacy classes and three numeracy classes each day. School Structure • ARK academies are organised into a set of ‘small schools’, so that every pupil knows and is known by every teacher within their small school. • Where the local structure allows we aim to establish “all through” schools. Primary school children have access to specialist facilities normally exclusive to secondary schools. Commitment • All pupils, parents, teachers and support staff sign a home-school agreement before school starts, so that everyone is committed to putting in the effort to ensure that each child succeeds.
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ARK Schools staff benefits ARK Schools and the Principals of the academies are committed to finding and supporting talented leaders and teachers to make a real difference to our pupils’ lives. In joining an ARK academy you will have the opportunity to work with other outstanding educators who share your aspirations and commitment to high achievement for all young people. There are also other tangible rewards you would benefit from in working for an ARK academy. Staff training - In addition to staff training within each academy, staff also benefit from a range of training opportunities available from ARK leaders. MA bursary - ARK offers teaching staff the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of education through a subsidised part-time MA in education at King’s College London. The MA bursary covers the majority of the £3,600 course fee, with teachers expected to contribute just £500. International development opportunities - In spring 2010, 13 members of staff from ARK academies will visit Jamaica with the Department for Children, Schools and Families/British Council’s Teachers’ International Professional Development programme. ARK has also established a summer school exchange programme to China, specifically for primary teachers and is developing partnerships with two charter schools in New Orleans for teacher secondments. Financial planning and assistance - There are also several benefits to help staff plan their finances. All ARK academies provide childcare vouchers, interest free annual season ticket or bicycle purchase loans (for which monthly repayments are deducted from the employee’s salary before tax) through the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. Discounted gym membership - All ARK Schools employees receive a minimum 20% discount at Fitness First clubs around the country.
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“X” JOB DESCRIPTION
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“X” PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
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ARK Schools, Safe Recruitment Procedure ARK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its’ academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This process is outlined below, but can be provided in more detail if requested. Disclosure This post is classified as having substantial access to children, and appointment is subject to an enhanced police check of previous criminal convictions (CRB). Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any conviction, caution or binding over including ‘spent convictions’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar individuals from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Shortlisting Only those candidates meeting the right criteria will be taken forward from application. Interview 1. Candidates will be subject to an in-depth interview (of which there may be two such sessions; a screening at ARK followed by academy specific interview and, where appropriate, lesson observation) 2. Candidates will be asked to address any discrepancies, anomalies or gaps in their application form. Reference checking References from the previous and current employer will be taken up for shortlisted candidates, and where necessary employers may be contacted to gather further information. Probation All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain circumstances, be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to enable the assessment of an employee’s suitability for the job for which they have been employed. It provides the academies with the opportunity to monitor and review the performance of new staff in relation to various areas, but also in terms of their commitment to safe guarding and relationships with pupils.
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