Wixams Academy Prospectus

Opening September 2017 to Year 7 pupils

A BRAND NEW ACADEMY IN THE HEART OF WIXAMS Years 7-13

Serving the communities of: Wixams Wilstead Elstow Bedford Kempston and surrounding areas

www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

CONTENTS 3 Welcome to our new academy 5 Our vision 6 A new academy with state-of-the-art facilities 8 Inspiring curriculum 11 Learning with us 12 Life at Wixams Academy 15 Supporting your child 16 Our location 17 How to apply 18 Information events

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WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT

WIXAMS ACADEMY AND ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM. THEY HAVE AN INSPIRATIONAL VISION TO CREATE A DYNAMIC AND MOTIVATING ENVIRONMENT FOR PUPILS TO EXCEL. PROSPECTIVE PARENT

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ACADEMY Dear parents and carers, I am proud to be Principal of the new Wixams Academy, which will bring tremendous opportunities to local families. With our belief, support and the challenges we set, your children will achieve exceptional things with us.

Wixams Academy will open the doors of its exciting new building in September 2017, with a culture of high aspiration and high expectation for all. We will deliver a world-class education through outstanding teaching and an innovative approach to the curriculum, providing a highly academic route, with extensive choice and cuttingedge science and technology subjects. Our extended school day will open up opportunities for further study and for pupils to follow their passions through a rich and varied range of clubs and activities.

As a father of four children, ensuring that pupils are supported to feel happy, secure and able to thrive is essential to me. Therefore, delivering the very best pupil experience will be at the heart of everything we do: from providing an inspiring teaching and learning environment, to outstanding levels of pupil support, and wider opportunities for pupils to develop through extensive links with universities, employers and other partner organisations within our Trust.

I very much look forward to meeting and working with you soon to achieve the best possible outcomes for your children at Wixams Academy.

Paul Spyropoulos Principal Designate Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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OUR TWO CHILDREN ATTEND THE LOCAL

PRIMARY SCHOOL, WE ARE SO EXCITED THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION LOCALLY. WIXAMS ACADEMY SOUNDS LIKE A BRIGHT, VIBRANT, EXCITING SCHOOL AND WE CANNOT WAIT FOR OUR GIRLS TO BE PART OF IT! PROSPECTIVE PARENT

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OUR VISION Our vision is to provide all of our pupils with a first-class academic and technical education comparable with the very best schools nationally. We also aim to develop those skills and qualities in our pupils’ character which, hand-in-hand with exam qualifications, will deliver success and resilience in later life.

When our pupils leave us, they will be fully qualified, motivated and personally equipped to succeed in life and contribute to a rapidly changing world.

OUR VALUES • Pupil Focus We will seek to achieve a high quality learning experience for every pupil.

• High Performance We will strive for consistently high levels of performance in all aspects of our work.

• Respect, Openness & Honesty We will treat everyone with respect, encourage openness and honesty, and recognise each other’s contribution and achievements.

BEDFORD COLLEGE ACADEMIES TRUST (BCAT) We are proud to be part of Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT). As a member of BCAT, Wixams Academy sits as part of a local family of schools and colleges in Bedfordshire. BCAT and its members provide the very best education to over 15,000 pupils in and around Bedford, in organisations including Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form. BCAT’s members were also instrumental in establishing the highly successful Bedford Free School. As part of BCAT, we can draw upon unrivalled expertise and resources from the largest educator in Bedfordshire, helping us to ensure the quality of our students’ education is first class.

Tel: 01234 291745

a ith w n y s all pil tio pu uca tion r na ed ou of ical ools l l a hn ch ide tec st s v d e o pr c an ry b N o i O t e is SI em e v ce VI on cad h th i an s i a t m i v r r w ss fo Ou t-cla able er P r s us ES fir pa igh Foc U H m L co pil VA t Pu c e s sp es Re nn e Op esty CH n AR Ho As A CT p Co irati ER o n Se fide n nc lfrel e ian Pe ce rs Aw eve a ren ranc of e r i wr gh ess on t a nd g Le a Ab ders inn ility hip t o Co vate o mp as sio n

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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A NEW ACADEMY WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES We have worked closely with Bedford Borough Council and specialist architects to design a building which will provide pupils with a unique and exciting educational environment. The Year 7 pupils joining us in September 2017 will be the first to be taught in our new, state-of-the-art school.

Wixams Academy will offer enviable modern facilities to ensure all pupils have the most inspiring and up-todate educational experience possible, including:

• Specialist science laboratories

• Large open plan learning resource centre

• Music room and recording studio

• Sports hall

• High-tech computing labs • Creative design studio

• Multi-use games areas • Playing fields • Sixth Form Centre… …and much, much more.

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WIXAMS IS A NEW AND

GROWING COMMUNITY. CHILDREN BEING ABLE TO WALK TO SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT TO OUR FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY. PROSPECTIVE PARENT

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Tel: 01234 291745

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Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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THE ACADEMY REPRESENTS A REALLY

EXCITING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN BEDFORD BOROUGH. AT THE COUNCIL, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE BEST QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL PUPILS IN BEDFORD BOROUGH AND WE ARE THEREFORE DELIGHTED TO BE WORKING WITH BCAT ON THIS PROJECT. Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for

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Education at Bedford Borough Council

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Opening September 2017 to Year 7 pupils

INSPIRING CURRICULUM Wixams Academy provides new, different and exciting opportunities for learning by delivering a high quality and balanced curriculum for pupils. We concentrate on providing a rigorous and academic experience for every pupil with a particular emphasis on science and technology to prepare them for higher education at top universities and careers in rapidly growing industries.

YEARS 7 & 8 Pupils will gain a strong secondary foundation by studying the full range of National Curriculum subjects.

Subjects

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Art

History

Citizenship

Maths

Computing

Modern Foreign Languages

Design Technology

Music

Drama

Physical Education

English

Religious Studies

Geography

Science

YEARS 9, 10 & 11 Pupils will study nine GCSE or equivalent subjects. These cover core subjects (Maths, English and Science), as well as Physical Education and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), and four option choices from the table below. There will be the opportunity to try all GCSE options in the first term of Year 9, with pupils starting their GCSE courses in January.

Language Option

Humanity Option

Science/Technology Option

Free Option

French GCSE or Spanish GCSE

Geography GCSE or History GCSE

Animal Care BTEC Level 21

Art GCSE

Creative Digital Media Production BTEC Level 2

Business Studies BTEC Level 2

Digital Applications BTEC Level 2 Certificate

Citizenship GCSE

Food Technology GCSE ICT Systems OCR Level 2 Certificate

Dance GCSE Drama GCSE French GCSE

Smart Product Design TLM Level 2 Certificate

Geography GCSE History GCSE

Textiles GCSE

Music GCSE

Triple Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE

Physical Education GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Spanish GCSE

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Animal Care BTEC Level 2 will be taught at Shuttleworth College, a specialist agriculture centre, to ensure pupils have access to the specialist facilities and equipment required for this subject area.

Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM We believe all children should have opportunities to develop beyond the classroom.

There will be numerous opportunities to take part in an exciting and engaging extra-curricular programme, giving pupils the chance to learn new skills and enhance existing ones.

Just some of the activities that could be on offer: • Computing/programming • Dance club • Debating • Drama club • Eco club • Enterprise Society/ Young Enterprise • Gaming club • Homework club • Music technology/DJing • National Citizenship Programme • Public Speaking/ debating club • School Council • Science club • Sports clubs and teams • Volunteering

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LEARNING WITH US LEARNING ETHOS

PERSONALISATION

Pupils will receive the highest quality teaching, in brand new facilities, immersed in an inspiring culture of learning. We want our pupils to be inquisitive and active learners, able to acquire valuable knowledge but also to have the confidence and skills to question, evaluate and innovate. We believe that pupils learn best when working in a trusting and happy environment in which all staff members have the highest levels of aspiration and belief in each learner.

Whilst it is envisaged that most pupils will study the full range of subjects listed on page 9, we recognise that ‘one size does not fit all’. We will work with individual pupils and families to ensure that each pupil has a tailored curriculum which will allow them to thrive and succeed.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EDUCATION (PSHE) All pupils will also study PSHE for one period per week, covering a range of topics including personal, social, health and relationship issues, sex education, citizenship and personal finance - all tailored to pupils’ age groups.

CUTTING-EDGE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) We recognise that IT is woven into our daily lives and that education needs to embrace this to enable pupils to go on and succeed in our modern society. We will provide pupils with cutting-edge computing facilities, including personal IT devices, where they have the most benefit in the curriculum.

These lessons will also play an important role in developing pupils’ character and will involve opportunities to acquire skills in leadership, public speaking and debate.

Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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LIFE AT WIXAMS ACADEMY THE SCHOOL DAY Wixams Academy will be open from 8.15am until 5.30pm operating an extended school day.

8.15am-8.40am

Breakfast Club

8.40am-9.00am

Form Time including: • Morning registration • Homework logging • Preparation for day’s activities • Group tutorials • Regular assemblies

9.05am-10.05am

Period 1

10.10am-11.10am

Period 2

11.10am-11.25am

Morning break

11.30am-12.30pm

Period 3

12.30pm-1.30pm

Lunch break/clubs and activities

1.35pm-2.35pm

Period 4

2.40pm-3.40pm

Period 5

3.40pm-5.30pm

Additional provision: • Clubs and activities • Homework support • Revision sessions • Individual study activities • Library and ICT facilities

This provisional timetable gives a good indication of a typical day at Wixams Academy.

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Tel: 01234 291745

Open from 8.15am until 5.30pm

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

CLASS SIZES We expect that there will be approximately 25 pupils in each class, which is lower than most state schools.

WIXAMS ACADEMY UNIFORM There will be a Wixams Academy uniform as we believe pupils need to be smartly presented.

It will be available to purchase locally at reasonable prices.

HOMEWORK Homework will be a normal part of learning at Wixams Academy and we will offer homework support in school.

PARENT VOICE The views of parents and carers are absolutely vital. We already have an active parents’ organisation, called ‘Friends of Wixams Academy’ which has contributed to important topics such as the curriculum, school uniform and the school name. We continue to welcome new members and if you would like to join this group, please email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

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Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD Whilst starting at Wixams Academy will be very exciting, we do recognise that moving to any new school can be daunting for pupils. This is why our transition arrangements and excellent pastoral pupil support will be in place from day one.

PUPIL LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM AND SENCO We are committed to ensuring that every child achieves extraordinary things. We will carefully monitor the progress of every pupil so that we can provide extra support to all those who need it. Our experienced Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and team will work closely with families to ensure all specific needs are met in the best possible way.

TRANSITION All new pupils and their parents will be invited to meet with the Principal before starting at Wixams Academy in September 2017. We will also run taster events so pupils can experience short lessons, meet teachers and classmates. In addition, members of the Wixams Academy team will visit pupils’ schools to ensure we have seamless information and are well positioned to support every child.

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE The high expectations set by Wixams Academy extend to the behaviour of our pupils. Our aim is for pupils to graduate from the school as active and aware members of society, with high standards of self awareness and control.

PASTORAL TEAM

Pupils will feel safe and happy in our calm and supportive environment. They will behave responsibly given an inspirational learning experience and within a culture of strong relationships, rewards and clear boundaries.

An experienced team of personal tutors will be on hand for pupils and families, supporting and assisting in all personal and educational matters.

In rare instances where this is not the case, individual children will be skilfully and carefully supported, whilst maintaining the calm learning environment for others.

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OUR LOCATION Our new school will be at the heart of the community, sitting within large grounds in Wixams, close to what will be the centre of the village.

We will offer enviable modern facilities to ensure all pupils have the best educational experience possible.

A428

BEDFORD A421

TRANSPORT Wixams is situated on the A6 with easy road access to Bedford, Luton and surrounding areas. It is served by bus route 81 from Luton, Barton, Silsoe, Clophill, Wilstead and Wixams.

We will encourage our pupils to walk or ride bicycles to the Academy.

We will have wide walkways and cycle paths leading up to the school, with plenty of safe cycle storage.

Kempston

Shortstown

Wixams

A421

Marston Moretaine

Houghton Conquest

Ampthill

Biggleswade Wilstead

A6

A1

Clophill

M1 Flitwick

MINIBUS ROUTES In addition, we will be providing two subsidised minibus services, covering the following areas:

Barton-Le-Clay Letchworth Garden City

Service 1: Marston Moretaine > Stewartby > Wootton > Kempston > Elstow > Wixams Service 2: Bedford Town Centre > London Road Bedford > New Cardington > Shortstown > Cotton End > Wilstead > Wixams To keep up-to-date with the latest transport information for Wixams Academy please visit: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk 16

A6

DUNSTABLE

LUTON

Apply by 31st October 2016 to secure your place for September 2017

HOW TO APPLY

Wixams Academy will be open to anyone of secondary school age who lives in Wixams, Wilstead, Bedford and the surrounding area. In September 2017 we will open to Year 7 (age 11) pupils.

Wixams Academy application forms can be found on our website at www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Completed application forms are to be returned directly either by post or via email to the addresses below.

We can continue to receive applications beyond this date, but due to high levels of interest from families, we anticipate reaching our capacity by the deadline.

Postal address: FAO Kay Rodger Wixams Academy c/o Bedford College Cauldwell Street Bedford MK42 9AH

All applications will be acknowledged in writing, followed by an invitation to meet with the Principal where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the needs of your child.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2016.

Email address: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

For further information and to view our full Admissions Policy, including details of our oversubscription criteria in the event that the Academy receives more applications than we can accept, as well as our appeals procedure, please visit our website: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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INFORMATION EVENTS We are holding information events throughout the year, so please come along to meet our Principal and to find out more about the outstanding educational opportunities that Wixams Academy will offer.

Tuesday 20 September 2016, 6.00pm-8.00pm Wednesday 19 October 2016, 6.00pm-8.00pm For more information on these events please visit www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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Tel: 01234 291745

Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Web: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

Tel:

01234 291745

Email:

info@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Website: www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

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