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Gateway to excellence
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Welcome
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10
“The governing body provides outstanding governance of the academy.” “The Principal, senior team and governing body are determined to provide all students with the best possible education.” “All groups of students are making rapid progress.” Ofsted 2013 2
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All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham an 11-19 Church Sponsored Academy An Introduction from the Principal As Principal, I am delighted to welcome you to All Saints’ Academy and our new prospectus for 2014 – 2015. We are a unique Church Academy sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton. At All Saints’ Academy there is a real desire to achieve excellence in all that we do whilst living out our Christian values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service to others. Our Academy has excellent modern facilities and a staff team who aim to provide a caring, enriching environment for our students where their needs and personal growth are given utmost priority. Indeed, All Saints’ Academy was recently recognised by Ofsted for having outstanding Governance, outstanding provision for students spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and effective leadership that is driving improvements forward since the Academy first opened in 2011. It is our vision to build on our successes to achieve a reputation of educational excellence in delivering a learning curriculum that is enriched through collaboration with our local community of parents, local parishes, other schools, colleges, universities, business and industry, so that all our students and families, in the community we serve, thrive and achieve their aspirations and God-given potential.
Note from the Sponsors We are delighted to be the joint sponsors of All Saints’ Academy. Both our churches have a long history of involvement in schools, with a good track record of high standards and school improvement. Embracing a Christian ethos in all that we do, we see this as a unique opportunity to continue our commitment to serving the Anglican and Catholic communities in Cheltenham as well as the West Cheltenham neighbourhood and surrounding areas. After a very successful initial three years we are delighted to welcome experienced Principal Dermot McNiffe to lead us through the coming year.
If you would like more information about All Saints’ Academy please visit our website www.asachelt.org or do come and visit us by booking an appointment by emailing admin@asachelt.org or attending our open evening on 29th September 2014. You will find we are an extremely proud community of hard working staff and students, focused on the enjoyment of learning, in a welcoming Christian environment that has the highest expectations of academic achievement for all.
Dermot McNiffe Principal
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The Academy Vision
Partners
Outstanding: providing outstanding opportunities in an inspiring environment and outstanding education.
All Saints’ Academy has been developed in partnership with:
Christian:
• Gloucestershire College
Inclusive:
helping people to understand and live out the gospel values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service to others. treating everyone as unique and enabling each person to fulfil their God-given potential.
Community: working in partnership to transform the aspirations of young people and serve the Cheltenham Community.
• Cheltenham Ladies’ College • Dean Close School • National Star College • Pate’s Grammar School • St Edward’s Secondary School • UCAS • University of Gloucestershire • Cheltenham Festivals We will continue to work with our partners, sharing expertise and facilities.
We achieve this vision by creating a stimulating environment in which staff can deliver creative, challenging and imaginative courses. The curriculum will be relevant and tailored to the individual needs of all students and be of the highest possible quality. Our brand new, up-to-date facilities provides not only a place of learning and discovery but also a centre to support family learning and community activity. The Academy is outward-facing, building an expanding network of links locally, nationally and internationally with parents, parishes, schools, community groups, employers, colleges and universities.
“Provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.” Ofsted 2013 4
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Transforming YOUR future 1. An inspirational and vibrant curriculum
3. First-rate pastoral support
Students at All Saints’ Academy experience a curriculum that respects and develops their skills, talents and beliefs. At all stages there is an emphasis upon exploration, creativity and celebration of the whole child. Ofsted recognised and praised our curriculum offer.
We care for students as unique individuals made in God’s image. We listen to their views, develop their selfconfidence and encourage their involvement in the life of the Academy. Every student is important to us and we provide the best care that we can. Students join small groups where two staff members will be responsible for their progress and their social development. These people will be the main point of contact for parents. Mentors will provide additional advice, guidance and encouragement to small groups and individuals.
We have been innovative in supporting students to achieve their very best. Additional time is given to the teaching of Maths and English in Key Stage 3 because we expect all students to exceed expectations by the time they complete Key Stage Four. Full, personal guidance is given when choosing options at both Key Stage Four and in the Sixth Form, through individual interviews for example, so that all pupils are on the best routes to achieve their ambitions. Students can combine vocational and GCSE courses, including the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects at Key Stage Four. No matter what their future routes, whether a top university, apprenticeship or employment with training, students can aspire and achieve. Students with special needs receive a specialised curriculum that combines mainstream teaching with targeted support. The Religious Education programme will provide students with an understanding of Catholic and Anglican beliefs and practices, together with that of other world religions.
2. Outstanding Education Our highly skilled teachers and support staff use high quality teaching methods supported by the latest technology, to create relevant, engaging lessons to guarantee that students enjoy outstanding learning. Teaching will be accompanied by practical and effective assessment systems so that students know how to progress and teachers can shape their lessons to students’ needs. There is a programme of regular staff development to ensure that teaching continues to embody best practice from around the world. We guarantee an outstanding education for your child.
4. Active partnerships with parents/carers Within a culture of high expectations, All Saints’ aspires to nurture and develop the individual gifts, talents and interests of each and every student. In order to achieve this, we want parents and carers to be active partners in their children’s education. A student welfare team will liaise with parents/carers on all aspects of students’ progress. Parents will be provided with regular updates of students’ progress and advice on how they can support their child as they move through the Academy.
5. Exemplary behaviour We expect students to take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate high standards of conduct towards each other, staff and the community. The working atmosphere
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of All Saints’ Academy will reflect the gospel values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service. The codes of conduct for students and staff will stem explicitly from these values. To achieve these aspirations, all of us, students, parents, staff and visitors, will embrace these values.
6. Uniform The highest standards of uniform are expected at all times. Full details are on our website www.asachelt.org. The uniform has been designed to meet the requirements of being reasonably priced and practical as well as looking very smart. All students will be required to wear the uniform proudly and in the correct manner to, from and in the Academy.
7. Chaplaincy All Saints’ is a Church Academy and we have a Chaplaincy team that supports students. The Chaplaincy team is representative of the Catholic and Anglican traditions but, of course, is available to students of other Christian traditions and of none. Chaplains provide opportunities for prayer and worship, organise regular events of a spiritual nature, give spiritual advice, encourage charitable fundraising and service to others and generally support students in a caring and supportive way.
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8. Collective worship A collective act of worship takes place each day, which is designed to be relevant to students and the world we live in. In addition at certain festivals and religious calendar events, special services, Mass and Communion will be celebrated as appropriate.
9. Religious education Religious Education is taught as an important, discrete subject for all students. Students will engage in a programme, which enables them to understand the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Catholic and Anglican traditions and other world faiths, and recognise the importance of the spiritual dimension of life.
10. Sex education and Relationship policy As we are a Church Academy, our policy reflects the teaching and beliefs of the Catholic and Anglican traditions. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from lessons that incorporate sex and relationship teaching if they wish. A full policy is available on our website.
11. Disabilities and special educational needs Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs are welcome to apply for a place in the Academy. As we are a new building, we are fully accessible for any student with disabilities. Upon application we will work with you to consider how we can fully meet your child’s needs.
12. Gifted & talented students At All Saints’ Academy we believe that every student is gifted and talented in some way. It is our responsibility to find and nurture these gifts and talents, and help students to excel. We recognise, of course, that some students are particularly gifted academically and as with other gifts and talents, we will help students to stretch their academic potential.
13. Admissions As we are an Academy, any young person can apply to join the Academy. Our full admissions policy and forms are published on the Academy Website www.asachelt.org
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The All Saints’ Enrichment Programme All Saints’ Academy enrichment programme is about enjoyment, challenge and development of our students’ God-given talents. It is important that everyone’s education is enriched through the enjoyment of exploring different experiences and developing skills and talents through a wide range of activities offered outside the usual timetabled curriculum. At All Saints’ Academy we encourage all our students to participate in extended activities that they enjoy or wish to get involved in to challenge and develop themselves. Our students have many opportunities to gain life-changing experiences, stretch themselves and have fun. Whether it’s Duke of Edinburgh, creating the All Saints’ Student Newsletter or Radio Station, fundraising, making up for lost time in an area of study or wanting to join an All Saints’ visit to a developing country such as Tanzania or a trip to New York.
Employers and Universities have praised the All Saints’ Enrichment Programme saying “it is an asset with a range of fantastic opportunities for all.”
The Combined Cadet Force The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a military cadet organisation based in schools and colleges throughout the UK. It is funded by the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and it is one of the largest Youth Movements in the UK. The role of the CCF is to help boys and girls aged 14-18 years develop their leadership, confidence, self-reliance and discipline skills as well as to get a taste of life in the Armed Forces. The CCF at All Saints’ is run in partnership with Dean Close School where the cadets take part in the majority of their normal week time activities. There are opportunities each week, and during the year to let cadets stretch themselves, finding out how much they can achieve whilst having fun in the process. Military training is designed to demonstrate why defence forces are needed and how they function. Cadets also do non-military training which includes activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, orienteering, etc. For more information please visit our website: http://www.asachelt.org/CCF/ 8
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Individual Learning Tasks (ILT) ILT - The All Saints’ Version of Homework At All Saints’ we will have a different style of home learning called ‘Individual Learning Tasks’. Each ILT is designed around the learner. Each subject will require students to undertake different assignments outside of the taught lessons. These are spread out throughout the year with clear deadlines. In addition to assignments set by subjects, your child will be encouraged to set up assignments that develop citizenship skills through taking part in community activities. Perhaps it will be first aid, an environmental project, helping in an organisation, Air Cadets, organising a charity event etc.
ILT aims to: • Improve students’ attitude towards learning outside normal Academy hours. • Develop students’ skills in lifelong learning. • Allow students to take more responsibility for their own learning. • Teach the necessary planning skills. • Personalise home learning more than traditional homework. The All Saints’ Academy Enrichment Programme and ILT will support and develop the necessary skills for future learning, university, employment and life.
“Very positive working relationships between students and staff.” Ofsted 2013 9
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Trips
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We support your child’s education by offering them fantastic opportunities to go on trips around the world. Last academic year we held trips to: New York, Berlin, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain and the mission trip to Tanzania.
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What other people say about All Saints’ Academy “As a result of strong leadership from the principal and senior staff, the work of the academy is motivated by Christian love and service to its community.” “The growing success of the academy is inextricably linked with its distinctively Christian ethos.” “Students are clearly growing into reflective and compassionate young people who take faith seriously.” “Students say this school is non-judgemental. It is interested in your needs as much as your results.” Section 48 Inspection Report 2013
SSAT Educational Outcomes Award 2014 Top 20% of schools nationally for pupil progress “All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement. They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students. There is so much good practice that this school could share.” Sue Williams, Chief Executive of SSAT, 2014
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“Students say they feel safe in and around the academy and, if they have a problem, they know whom to turn to for guidance and support.” Ofsted 2013
All Saints’ Academy
All Saints’ Academy Blaisdon Way Cheltenham GL51 0WH For more information please contact: T: 01242 711200 E: admin@asachelt.org www.asachelt.org
asachelt
@asachelt
asachelt