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Academies ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT 2014
Oasis Brightstowe Shirehampton
Freedom and independence Marc Rath Education reporter marc.rath@b-nm.co.uk
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building great schools in south Bristol and am genuinely excited by the opportunity to work alongside colleagues at BEC to build the outstanding school that the local community deserves.” In May, Ofsted returned to the school to conduct a full inspection and concluded it “no longer required significant improvement”.
“ The quality of work to develop teaching and learning is impressive. The results are seen in rising achievement in English and mathematics. Chris King, the lead inspector, said: “Much has been achieved through training and staff changes, and through effective management of teaching. The quality of work to develop teaching and learning is impressive. The results are seen in rising achievement in English and mathematics.” Des Cradock, the school’s chairman of governors, said: “It is good that the hard work of John Matthews and all the staff has been recognised
by Ofsted and I wish John well in his retirement. We have made many improvements over the last two years but we know there is more to do. I am pleased that we shall have the support of Oasis Community Learning Trust in that improvement journey. We are particularly fortunate to have secured the services of Rebecca Clark as executive principal.” It is understood the name of the school will change as part of the academisation, with the title to be announced later this year. An influential move which will guarantee a growth in academy numbers is legislation which rules that every new school which is started up must be an academy. One academy opening this month brought the city into unchartered territory – with an overseas sponsor running a Bristol school for the first time. Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy in Avonvale Road is controlled by an Irish educational organisation. The performance of all academies in the south west will now be overseen by Sir David Carter, who has left his post as chief executive at the Cabot Learning Federation. He is now a regional schools commissioner, with responsibility for monitoring the performance of academies and free schools, approving new ones and encouraging organisations to come forward as potential school sponsors.
Although there are many positives on the side of the academy system, it isn’t completely free of problems. Earlier this month, AET – the UK’s biggest academy chain which runs Broadlands Academy in Keynsham – was attacked for failing to give a good enough education to “too many pupils”. And just two weeks ago, the principal of St Bede’s Catholic College had a warning for schools with “outstanding” Ofsted ratings considering converting to academy status. Catherine Hughes blamed the academy conversion for its Ofsted rating dropping to “good” earlier this month. She told the Bristol Post: “We converted to academy status in November 2011 and as a consequence the only results Ofsted would consider were those of 2012 and 2013. “Although results in 2012 were excellent, as in previous years, there was a blip in the performance of pupils in 2013. Ofsted would not accept the school’s view that this was a blip and that the performance of 2014 was predicted to be the best ever achieved. The school was right, our GCSE score was 76 per cent of pupils with five A* to C grades including English and maths, as predicted. “There are huge flaws in the Ofsted system. Had we been inspected this month, there is no doubt that we would have achieved outstanding in all categories.”
Advertising: Marc England marc.england@b-nm.co.uk Editorial: Marc Rath marc.rath@b-nm.co.uk Kate Edser kate.edser@b-nm.co.uk
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N Bristol’s fast-changing educational landscape there remains one certainty year after year – the number of city schools operating as academies will rise. More and more schools now have the status which brings greater freedoms and the ability to act independently, with their funding being channelled directly from central Government rather than via the city council. As the number of secondary academies begins to plateau, the biggest growth this year has come in the primary sector. And the trend for the number of schools opting for academy status is showing no sign of slowing down. While the anticipated changes in the political make-up of the country next year may see the collapse of the free school programme in its current form, the academy system is likely to remain in place whichever of the two largest parties seize power. The two academy chains going from strength to strength in Bristol are regional chain the Cabot Learning Federation and national group Oasis Community Learning. Both have blown a breath of fresh air into several schools which were
previously struggling, bringing success to institutions which their local communities had lost faith in. And both have added to their family of schools this academic year in a mission to replicate success already achieved elsewhere. In February, Oasis is set to take over the running of Brislington Enterprise College. If the chain can use the same successful formula it brought to Oasis Academy John Williams and Oasis Academy Brightstowe, improving results and boosting pupil numbers, students and parents can look to the future with optimism. The former principal at Oasis Academy John Williams, Rebecca Clark, has been installed as executive principal for this academic year, replacing the outgoing head John Matthews who has retired after 40 years in teaching. She wants to build on progress made since the school was judged to be inadequate by education watchdog Ofsted in January 2013, when serious weaknesses were exposed. As a consequence, the school was told it must come out of city council control to become an academy. Ms Clark said: “The college has made real progress this year and we are determined to ensure we continue to move forward as we prepare for Brislington to join Oasis in February. “I am absolutely committed to
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Academies 2014
Creative and engaging... Committed to excellence... ● BRISLINGTON Enterprise College is becoming Oasis Academy Brislington on February 1, 2015. Oasis is the largest academy sponsor in Bristol and Brislington will become its eighth in the city. Since September, the college has been led by the Oasis Regional Academies Director, Rebecca Clark, previously the Principal of Oasis Academy John Williams in Hengrove. She said: “We are committed to building great schools in south Bristol. I am excited by
excellence as standard
Brislington Enterprise College the opportunity to work with students, colleagues and the wider community to ensure we build the outstanding school that our local community deserves. I am confident that Brislington will quickly offer students the same exceptional standard of education as our other successful Oasis academies.” Open events: October 7, 11, 14 and 15.
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excellence as standard ▪
OPEN EVENING Tuesday 7th October: 5.30-8.30pm
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excellence as standard
OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 11th October: 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th October: 9.30-11.30am
excellence as standard
excellence as standard
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Brislington Enterprise College, Hungerford Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5EY www.because.org.uk ▪ 0117 377 2055 ▪ info@because.org.uk
● STEINER Academy Bristol opened in September this year at the St Matthias Campus in Fishponds. The school opened with three classes, but will grow to be an all-through school, with 624 pupils aged 4-16. The school has been created through the Free School process, following three years of work by a group of teachers and parents to create a new kind of school: creative, engaging and environmentally conscious, combining the ethos of Steiner education with the good management and accountability of the state sector. Plans are now in place for the refurbishment of the St Matthias Campus to provide excellent, modern facilities within the gorgeous setting of the Grade 2* listed buildings. The refurbishment will provide a
Steiner Academy Bristol new sports hall; theatre; science labs; art room; design, craft and technology facilities for woodwork, metalwork sculpture, including CNC machining; and ICT facilities to support programming and creative technologies such as film-making and animation. In the meantime, the school is using a section of the site, which has been revamped to provide the appropriate facilities for the age groups of the current intake. The school has been very heavily over-subscribed, with a 313 applications for 78 places in 2014. The school is now open for applications for admission in September, 2015. For more details: www.steineracademybristol.org.uk
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Academies 2014
Now we’re ready to take the next exciting step... Our Mission: To support and enable all students to believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and develop the skills needed to succeed and enjoy life.
Open Mornings:
Wednesday 1st October & Tuesday 7th October Tours at 8.45am, 9.45am and 11.05am Bookable by appointment only
● Bradley Stoke head Jenny Sutton Kirby, OAT Executive head Dave Baker, and Abbeywood head Judith Mee
Open Evening:
Wednesday 1st October
Olympus Academy Trust
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HE Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) was established in 2012 and is responsible for Bradley Stoke Community School and Abbeywood Community School within the multi-academy trust. During the past two years, there has been significant improvement and consolidation in both schools and the trust is now ready to grow in 2014-15; it is talking with other local schools about the possibility of becoming an all-through trust, with responsibility for primary as well as secondary schools. The choice of the name Olympus was an important starting point as it was the name of the engine that powered Concorde, which was significant beyond both Abbeywood and Bradley Stoke. In the same way, the academy trust wants to be significant beyond the two schools and to have an impact in the wider community by offering improved life chances to young people in the local area. It aims to provide high levels of personal development and wellbeing alongside academic progress for all students and wants each of its academies to be recognised as a centre of learning excellence within its local community. There is a shared leadership structure, which ensures consistency between the schools and also enables staff and students to identify and share best practice. The final GCSE results at Bradley Stoke Community School remained similar to last year; once again 66 per cent of students achieved at least five A*-Cs, including English and maths. There was a rise in the number of students getting A* or A grades, with 27 per cent of students obtaining at least three. After last year’s best ever GCSE results at Abbeywood Community School, there were high hopes of matching the achievement this year. The headline figures are almost at last year’s levels and represent another strong set of results, with some stunning achievements by individual students. A total of 58 per cent of students achieved at least five A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and maths, and 82 per cent achieved five A*-C grades overall, with a massive increase in the number of students gaining top grades. There is additional excitement within the trust following the addition of a primary phase at Bradley Stoke Community School, which will see a new building in place for 2015 as OAT prepares to provide education from ages four to 18, starting with a reception class and growing from there. If you haven’t had the chance to visit the wonderful facilities, do go to look around, or look on the trust and schools’ websites for further infor mation.
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Creche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6.00pm and 6.45pm
Abbeywood Community School New Road Stoke Gifford South Glouchestershire BS34 9SF
info@abbeywoodschool.com www.abbeywoodschool.com Tel: 0117 307 5660
Our Mission: To support and enable all students to believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and develop the skills needed to succeed and enjoy life.
Open Day:
Wednesday 24th September
Tours at 8.45am, 9.45am, 11.05am and 1.35pm Bookable by appointment only
Open Evening:
Wednesday 24th September 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Creche facilities are available Headteacher talks at 6.00pm and 6.45pm
Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Wood Lane Bradley Stoke South Glouchestershire BS32 9BS
Tel: 01454 868840
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admin@bradleystokecs.org.uk www.bradleystokecs.org.uk
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Academies 2014
Calm, purposeful and committed to high quality
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ASIS Academy John Williams is an inspirational and fun place in which to learn and work. In Hengrove, it opened in September 2008 as an academy within the Oasis family, and since then it has realised rapid and sustained progress across a variety of measures. Visited by Ofsted in January 2013, the academy was judged to be a “good” school with “outstanding” leadership and management. The Ofsted team specifically referenced vast improvements in the quality of teaching and students’ achievements, in addition to commenting on the good behaviour of students and the “calm and purposeful environment” within which the young people grow and thrive. Staff are very proud of the journey they have been on, but remain utterly focussed on ensuring the school is the
Oasis Academy John Williams best it can be, providing the highest quality service to young people and becoming the “outstanding” school the community deserves. A spokesman said: “We strive to keep things as simple as possible, with our young people remaining at the heart of every decision we make. “We are unapologetic in terms of the standards and basic expectations; we do not negotiate on uniform; we demand excellent attendance and punctuality from everyone and expect all to contribute positively to the climate within which we learn. “In return for this, talented and committed staff work hard to deliver high quality lessons every day, which challenge and support all learners to
“ We are unapologetic in terms of the standards and
basic expectations. We do not negotiate on uniform; we demand excellent attendance from everyone.
achieve their full potential. High on our agenda, and complementing the student learning opportunities, are the opportunities afforded to staff. “All of our team engage with weekly professional learning meetings, which focus solely on enhancing the provision for our young people. “We continuously reflect, review and refine our approaches and techniques to ensure that we are positively influencing the learning of all, and our GCSE results indicate this is having a real and lasting impact. “Directly comparing the results of schools is difficult, as all young people have different starting points, but in terms of ‘adding value’, we are the second highest achieving school in the city. There are many good, and improving schools in south Bristol and the decision you are about to make as parents/carers is a very difficult one. “We recommend you visit a number of schools and, on the basis of what you know, see and feel, make the decision which best suits your child. “Should you choose OAJW, our incredible team of staff will work tirelessly to enable your child to thrive in learning and be happy at school.”
Mr XDSED
Open Evening M
onday 2
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Open Mornings
7:3
0 - 19 :30
Our Academy is an exciting place to learn and we take seriously the fact that our students only get one chance at an excellent education. Sat We are bold in our ambition to provide allurstudents with a first class education in a day stimulating environment and with 360 degrees 4ofOctober care, guidance and support. , 10:00 - 12:00 M Petherton Road, Hengrove onday 6 Bristol BS14 9BU Oc www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.org Tel: 01275 894680 to ber - Friday 1 0 Oc to ber
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Academies 2014
Visionary federation goes from strength to strength
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HE Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) begins the new academic year having fulfilled its vision to create a family of schools that educate almost 7,000 children, aged three to 19, living in the communities that we serve. The vision and support of sponsors, the University of the West of England and Rolls-Royce PLC, underpins the academy’s work, and the federation has taken the opportunity to extend and embed the vision that began in 2007 when John Cabot Academy and Bristol Brunel Academy first began a partnership. The federation now consists of 12 academies in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Weston-superMare. Seven of these are secondary academies and five are primary. Minerva, Frome Vale, Begbrook, Wall-
Cabot Learning Federation scourt and Summerhill make up the primaries and have already made an excellent contribution to the federation’s understanding of a young person’s learning journey from preschool through to secondary education. A new primary in close proximity to King’s Oak Academy will be opening in September 2015, making King’s Oak an all-through academy. In July 2014, Frome Vale and Minerva were inspected by Ofsted and judged to be providing a “good” education, continuing the trend that every academy that has joined the CLF has been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. This gives a strong platform to build on for the next three years as
the federation works to ensure that every CLF student attends an “outstanding” academy. The confidence this gives to both academies and their communities is immeasurable and these academies will thrive and go from strength to strength. The seven secondaries, Bristol Brunel, Bristol Metropolitan, Bath Community, Hans Price, John Cabot, Hanham Woods (opened and joined the federation in September 2014) and King’s Oak have seen impressive exam results this year and numbers in Year 7 on the increase, with most academies fully subscribed this year. The goal of the CLF is to collaborate in order to produce outstanding results and outcomes for students. Without this element, the partnership becomes lightweight. The Federation continues to go from strength to strength.
“ The goal of the CLF is to collaborate in order to
produce outstanding results and outcomes for students.
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Academies 2014
We personalise the learning of every individual
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ATCHWAY Community College is led by head teacher Jane Millicent, and this year published its first results as an academy, having converted to full academy status in November 2013, becoming the lead school in Fusion Schools Trust. Mrs Millicent said: “We are committed to securing the highest standards of education and care for our students. We have a fantastic, committed staff and are determined that every student will succeed and achieve their very best.” This year, the school was particularly proud that 67 per cent of students obtained English at A*-C, with standards rising from 2013, reversing the national trend. Mrs Millicent said: “Developing high levels of literacy and confidence is at the heart of the school. “Patchway Community College is about excelling in and enjoying learning, and about engaging in all of the activities on offer. “For us, it is the individual student
Patchway Community College that matters. We provide a range of opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of each individual and work with families to shape the best possible future for their children, and achieve the best possible outcomes.” This year, the most able students at the college achieved some outstanding results, with Charlie Bennett in Year 11 gaining seven A*s and four As, and Kyle Ashcroft achieving A*, A*, A at A-level. Mrs Millicent added: “We are able to provide very personalised support and learning for all as we know all of the students in our care. Every student at Patchway is an individual and every student matters. Our college is welcoming, caring, happy and supportive, with learning and relationships central to all that we do.” Patchway Community College also links with Bradley Stoke Community
School, Abbeywood School and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College as part of the Concorde Partnership. This ensures that students at Patchway can access a consistently rich and diverse curriculum at GCSE and post-16, allowing students to follow the courses they need for their future progress while maintaining
the close support of the school. Mrs Millicent also values the many extra-curricular activities the school has to offer. “Our extended learning provision, including homework clubs, sports clubs, trips abroad, fashion design, engineering, drama productions, concerts and many more activities, offer a chance for students
to develop skills and gain confidence in a huge range of activities.” As a new academy, Patchway has developed a charter for all members of the school community, encapsulating what each student should experience, develop and feel in their time at the college: Confidence, happiness, ambition, respect, teamwork.
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Academies 2014
Responsibility, independence, community...
Aspirations supported by elite sponsors
Colston’s Girls’ School ● THE aim at Colston’s Girls’ School is to develop curious, resilient young women, who respect the world around them and have a strong sense of responsibility for their own excellence. At Colston’s, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal; the emphasis is on self-motivated, independent learning, developing new skills and taking greater responsibility for your own work – all essential qualities for university and future careers. There’s a strong support system in place for students as the staff care for their well-being as well as their education. There are mentors, head of sixth form, career advisers and a peer mentor system, where students in year 12 and 13 talk to each other. The student’s are perhaps the best judge of the sixth form and their comments, below, reflect the school’s ethos. “... I love being part of CGS sixth form; it’s a strong community. The school caters for my needs and it’s very supportive.” “... The environment gives us the opportunity to be independent and work to our full potential; there are many places to work with lots of resources and support. “... As a new student to CGS this year, I
Bridge Learning Campus
was apprehensive about coping with the transition. However, CGS made me feel very welcome. The students and staff were really accepting. It’s truly an outstanding school.” “... I love the sense of community between the Year 12s and 13s.”
● I AM Mark Davies, the Chief Executive at the Bridge Learning Campus, which is a funny title I suppose for someone leading a school, yet this is because this is no ordinary school. The Bridge is Bristol’s first all-through education campus. On site we have primary, secondary and special education taking place and we have had a very successful journey since 2009. In 2013 we became an academy under the guidance of Trust in Learning Bristol. I work alongside other school heads and am proud of what we have achieved in the time we have been on our new multi-millionpound site. South Bristol deserved better from its schools and we have delivered this. Over this period we have begun to transform educational opportunities for our children and young people. Results and outcomes in our early years and our primary years are now above national averages and continue to move upward. This is because of quality teaching and a commitment to engaging parents in their child’s learning. In our secondary years, following some strong improvement, we have not performed as well as we would have wished in 2013, but
our commitment and resolve remains and we start 2014 with new secondary leadership and the continued ambition to mirror what we have seen in our earlier years to the young people in our secondary phase. The aspirations and expectations we have for our students to succeed and move on to successful lives is supported by our academy sponsors – Trust in Learning Academies Bristol – a company devoted to education in Bristol. Trust in Learning has two members – The University of the West of England and the City of Bristol College – and it is really fitting that we can be supported by these institutions.
The Open Events are 9.15am to 10.45am on:
Thursday 25th September Thursday 9th October Saturday 11th October
Sixth Form
Wednesday 8th October 6 - 8pm
Open Evening 6-8pm:
Thursday 2nd October
T. 0117 353 4472 E. enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com Bridge Learning Campus, William Jessop Way Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0RL
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Academies 2014
Firing our pupils’ enthusiasm every day Oasis Academy Brightstowe
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N the back of outstanding results in 2012 and 2013, which saw the academy become the most improved school in the country in 2012, a richly-deserved reputation is building which puts Brightstowe among the leading academic institutions in Bristol, recognised by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, during his recent visit. The vision is to produce “students with the confidence and range of skills to stand as equals in any circle and for any opportunity”. The students’ academic results are fundamental to this, but staff work just as hard to ensure that students are well-rounded, confident and carry a set of values which will help them succeed in any situation. Principal Matt Butler said: “There are excellent teachers, supported by a fantastic team at Brightstowe and I am proud of every one of them. “They work as a team to ensure we maximise every minute students spend in lessons. More than that though, we inspire our students to want success for themselves and marry that with the drive, perseverance and focus needed to work in-
dependently. We have a vibrant and successful extra-curricular scene with our Sports Academies boasting impressive wins, especially in rowing, rugby and football. The music at Brightstowe is a feature of life and the concerts and musicals we put on are
enjoyed by all. Most of all, Brightstowe is an academy where every child is known and understood. Our pioneering and outstanding Base for Year 7 begins that journey and then our House system, with a highly qualified pastoral team, ensures that no
child is forgotten, while our Inclusion team, led by a qualified educational psychologist ensures we have worldclass intervention and support for those that need it, including our work with the award-winning group, Kids Company.
“When asked to describe the academy recently, one student, Robyn, chose the metaphor of a lion, saying that Brightstowe is fiercely protective of its young and the proudest animal in the kingdom. “I couldn’t have put it better!”
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Academies 2014
Vibrant and progressive, in a friendly environment
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AILSEA School is a happy and vibrant learning community; a 21st century school that moves with the times while still holding true to its roots in the town of Nailsea. Students aged from 11 to 18 are welcomed from a wide-ranging area across Bristol and North Somerset. While understanding the importance of providing the best possible education for all students, staff are committed to ensuring that each child is given the right amount of support and challenge to be able to accomplish their personal best, regardless of ability or background. The dedicated teachers enjoy teaching, bringing learning to life and making the learning experience for students an enjoyable one. As a learning community, all stakeholders are very proud of the modern facilities and aim to provide a chal-
Nailsea School lenging, vibrant and progressive learning experience in a friendly and welcoming environment. The approach, however, goes much further than robust academic study and examination results. The school ethos is underpinned by fairness, honesty, and respect for all members of the community. All of the school’s work is based upon the principles necessary to help each child become an important and valued representative of the learning community and wider society. At the heart of the school vision is that all members of the school community are able to share their beliefs and ideas for the future of the school. The Student Council works alongside staff to enable decisions to take place
“ At the heart of our vision is that all members of
the school community are able to share their beliefs and ideas for the future of the school.
that have students’ wellbeing and enjoyment of learning at the very core. The extra curricular activities at this nurturing school are just as important to reward effort, hard work and achievement and to celebrate the individual differences and interests of the students. Student success is regularly celebrated. Nailsea School has close links, especially with primary schools and local businesses, which has enabled the school to deliver some exciting opportunities for students, including a BTEC in driver and driver safety for all sixth form students. The Nailsea School sixth form regularly achieves among the best A-level results of all state schools in the wider Bristol area and has an excellent record of students getting into universities of their choice. It also offers a groundbreaking course for students who are working at Level 2 – the foundation year. Head teacher, Chris Wade, has been in post for a year and, along with a new leadership team, has invigorated and enlivened the school and developed a clear vision for the future. Book a tour of the school between September 25 and October 1.
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Academies 2014
21st century excellence built on rich heritage
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TUDENTS at Broadlands are celebrating the best set of GCSE results ever achieved at the academy, building on last year’s outstanding results and continuing a rapid improvement. Broadlands converted to an academy in December 2012 and since then has had two years of recordbreaking results, when students have achieved the grades they need to progress on to the next stage of their education. In 2014, 72 per cent of students achieved A*-C grades in English and
Broadlands Academy maths and 68 per cent of students achieved the national benchmark of five A*-C including English and maths. This is a significant improvement on last year when 61 per cent achieved the measure and an increase of 24 percentage points in two years. In English, 82 per cent of students achieved an A*-C, with 86 per cent of students making three or more levels
of progress. In maths, all previous records were broken, with 77 per cent achieving an A*-C grade and in science, 93 per cent of students achieved a grade C or above, with 82 per cent gaining two A*-C grades. This set of results has laid down a significant challenge to the rest of Broadlands’ students, who now need to demonstrate that they can achieve even more in the future in order to meet expectations. Broadlands has undergone significant change since becoming an academy, with heavy investment in
facilities and IT equipment and a complete restructure, which ensures that all learners have the opportunity to achieve their potential. A broad and balanced curriculum engages learners in relevant courses that prepare them well for the future, ensuring that students can choose to study subjects in which they have an interest. Broadlands has served the families of Keynsham and Bristol since 1935 and has a rich heritage and tradition that has not been lost since it became an academy. It has a growing repu-
BROADLANDS ACADEMY OPEN EVENTS FOR YEAR 5 AND 6 STUDENTS Staff and Students of Broadlands Academy would like to invite Year 5 and 6 students and their families to our Open Events.
OPEN EVENING Thursday 25 September 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Principal’s Presentations at 6.30pm and 7.30pm in the main hall. A great opportunity to visit the Academy, meet students and staff and enjoy some exciting activities.
OPEN MORNINGS
Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October
Come and view the Academy during a normal school day. Please contact main reception on 0117 986 4791 to book onto a student led tour at either 9.15am or 10.15am.
tation for providing a high-quality education within a disciplined and supportive environment. The recent Ofsted report stated that, since becoming an academy in December 2012, “students’ achievement has risen rapidly”, “the quality of teaching is improving” and “as a result, the academy is improving”. Inspectors also commented on the positive relationships between teachers and students – a characteristic of the academy that has helped students achieve their potential. Visit one of our open events in September.
BEST GCSE RESULTS EVER!
68%
STUDENTS ACHIEVED 5A*- C including English and Maths
SATURDAY OPEN MORNING Saturday 4 October 9.30am - 12pm
The Academy will be open for Year 5 and 6 students and their families to enjoy a more informal tour with staff available to answer any questions. If you are unable to attend any of the above events, please contact main reception and we will organise a tour at your convenience.
Principal: Mr D Anderson. Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2DY
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T 0117 986 4791
www.broadlandsacademy.org
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Academies 2014
Leading learning with passionate team of teachers
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ENBURY School has a tradition of leading the way in education, hence the strapline “Leading Learning”. The school was the first purpose-built comprehensive in the country in 1956; nearly 50 years later it was the first secondary in Bristol to be completely rebuilt, and is now celebrating ten years in its beautiful building on one of the most impressive school sites in the city. Henbury continues to move from strength to strength. Since 2012, it has been one of the few independent academies in Bristol. Independence means that the academy’s governors and trustees are able to make decisions about what works best for the school at a local level, and to use all available resources for the benefit of students. At the same time, extensive partnerships are maintained with other excellent schools in the city and nationally, to share and develop best practice. Many areas of school life are a
Henbury School source of pride and cause for celebration, not least the marked improvements in exam results. This year, 50 per cent of GCSE students gained at least five A*-C grades, including English and maths, compared with 13 per cent ten years ago. Such successes have received national recognition from the Department for Education and Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. Students move on from Henbury to achieve well at colleges or sixth form centres. Clare Bradford, head teacher since 2004, offers a number of explanations for the school’s success. She said: “Research shows that the one element that most critically affects students’ progress is how well they are taught. “Teachers at Henbury are passionate about their subjects. They have consistently high expectations, and
deliver lessons that interest, engage and extend our students, whatever their ability. “Students are taught to be ambitious, work hard and be prepared for all the challenges of future life.” At the same time, the school takes a holistic view of education, valuing students as individuals, understanding their strengths and interests, and offering extensive opportunities as well as high levels of support and care. Clare Bradford continues: “Education and high expectations are not confined to the classroom. “Students have a right to learn how to present themselves as smart, confident and disciplined young people, and that is a responsibility that the school takes very seriously. “Such qualities help young people grow into happy and secure adults.” Warm and respectful relationships between all members of the school community are a strength of Henbury. The school works in close partnership with parents, neighbouring primary schools and community organisations. A high emphasis is put on extracurricular activities and trips. All students take at least one additional after-school activity every week; the offer ranges from sports and performing arts to gardening and origami. These are designed to contribute to students’ personal development, and enjoyment and engagement in school. “It is self-evident that, if students are happy in their school, they will do well,” said Mrs Bradford.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Academies 2014
Students are pushed to realise their dreams
T
HE City Academy is celebrating its best ever results at both GCSE and A-level. The pass rate at A-level was up for the third year in a row with the number of students achieving three good A-levels doubling. Nouman Ahmed achieved five A grades at A-level. This is remarkable
City Academy considering he arrived in the country from Pakistan with no formal secondary education. Meanwhile, 95 per cent of students at the City Academy achieved the
grades required for their first choice university. The City Academy achieved its best set of GCSE results ever. More than a third of students achieved at least one A* or A. Dominick Stevens Thompson achieved seven A*s and two As as well as an A in AS-level maths. Ewan Byrne obtained two A*s and five As,
while Elise Bradley Middle achieved two A*s and five As. Year 11 students continued their amazing performances in languages, with 24 students sitting an AS-level in a language a year early and 20 achieving A grades. Acting principals Paul Skipp and Caroline Down are incredibly proud
of the results. Caroline Down said: “This is rich reward for all the hard work by both students, staff and parents. The City Academy wants students to achieve more – more than anywhere else and more than expected. Students are being pushed to realise their dreams and the number of top grades is exceptional.”
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Maths and English everyday, more support and more progress. FOCUS AMBITION GROWTH AND VITALITY IN THE HEART OF BRISTOL
0117 941 3800 info@cityacademybristol.org www.cityacademy.bristol.sch.uk