Academies 2015
22 SEP
2015
EDUCATION
YOUR ESSENTIAL SCHOOLS GUIDE Your guide to academy education in and around Bristol
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Academies index Broadlands Academy.......................................................p6
REVOLUTION IN FULL Marc Rath Education reporter marc.rath@b-nm.co.uk
Cabot Learning Foundation...........................................p8 Colston’s Girls’ School..................................................p10
Digitech..............................................................................p4
Oasis Academy Brightstowe.........................................p10 Oasis Academy Brislington............................................p7 Oasis Academy John Williams........................................p9 Oldfield School................................................................p11
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Olympus Academies........................................................p5
Contacts: For education advertising contact Marc England on 0117 934 3428 or marc.england@localworld.co.uk
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HE academies revolution is showing no sign of slowing in Bristol. And with David Cameron recently announcing that he wants every school in the country to become an academy, it looks like the growth will continue for at least the next five years. Another year has passed, and another raft of schools in Bristol formerly run by local authorities have become academies. Breaking away from their ties to councils, they now have new freedoms over finances, curriculum and staffing. In Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, at least 15 have opened since the start of the 2014-15 academic year, adding to the dozens already operating in the area. In the city, the organisations which run academies come in all shapes and sizes, with some run by large national chains and others part of much smaller multi-academy trusts. Fairfield High School (FHS) is one of the latest Bristol secondary schools to convert to academy status. The academy’s principal Catriona Mangham and governors thought carefully before deciding to join the small but successful Excalibur Academies Trust. “It was important to us that we retained our unique character and our autonomy. This partnership enables us to build on our strengths and benefit from being part of a group of international academies,” she said. One of the schools in Excalibur, St John’s in Marlborough, is rated outstanding by Ofsted and runs the International Baccalaureate qualification. FHS is aiming to offer the IB careers programme for its sixth formers. The two secondaries have very different locations and student populations, so it is hoped that linking will broaden the experience of staff and young people in both. The trust’s aim is to provide a seamless education for children from the age of five to 19. It already includes some Wiltshire primaries and is looking for Bristol primaries to join it to ensure a strong continuous education in the city. Ms Mangham, like other Bristol head teachers and principals, believes that schools working together – whether they are academies, faith-based schools, trust schools, or local authority schools, is the key to success. At the other end of the spectrum when it comes to academy sponsors is Oasis Community Learning chain, one of the largest groups of schools in the country. Oasis was the first chain to become involved in academy sponsorship in Bristol. Its founder Steve Chalke was asked in 2005 to take on the secondary school in Hengrove, which had one of the poorest academic records in the country. He also later agreed to sponsor what was Portway School in Shirehampton, after a series of head teachers had failed to stop its downward spiral. Oasis Academy John Williams and Oasis Academy Brightstowe both opened in 2008 and have seen dramatic improvements over the past seven years. They are rated as good by Ofsted and are oversubscribed, with parents going to appeal in attempts to get places for their
“ The academies system
means we have autonomy to make the rapid changes that are needed. Being part of Oasis gives us the vision and values that underpin everything we do.”
Rebecca Clark children. Oasis’ regional academies director Rebecca Clark, who came to Bristol in 2008, says this progress has been achieved through a passion and determination to give communities the excellent educational provision they deserve. “The academies system means we have autonomy to make the rapid changes that are needed. Being part of Oasis gives us the vision and values that underpin everything we do for children and families, as well as providing expertise, support and collaboration.” Ms Clark recognises, however, that an academy – whether independent or part of a group – is unlikely to succeed in isolation. Working in partnership with other schools is an important factor. “Education in Bristol has improved dramatically since I arrived as a school leader,” she said. “More Bristol children are now educated in good schools and our rate of improvement is outperforming national trends. This is good news for Bristol and I am incredibly proud of the significant contribution Oasis academies have made.” Oasis now also sponsors four formerly under-achieving Bristol primary schools, Oasis New Oak in Hengrove, Oasis Connaught in Knowle West, and Oasis Bank Leaze and Oasis Long Cross in Lawrence Weston. All have made rapid progress
and had record Sats test results this summer. The latest additions to the Oasis family are the secondary Oasis Academy Brislington, which the organisation says has already made significant steps forward, and the new Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, which will help the city meet the increasing demand for primary school places. As one of the largest chains, Oasis was among the first to have a “focused” inspection earlier this year, although none of the schools inspected was in Bristol. The report – based on co-ordinated inspections of 10 of the chain’s 44 academies – highlighted that Oasis had several shortcomings but recognised the strength of the academies in the South West. Ms Clark said: “Oasis has a great reputation in Bristol for delivering excellent education and there was nothing in the national inspection report that should place this in any doubt. Oasis has sponsored some of the most challenging and troubled schools in Bristol and quite simply transformed them.” Academy status allows schools to work closely with businesses. And earlier this month, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan made a direct appeal to UK business leaders to come forward to set up more academy trusts amid claims the government is facing a shortage of sponsors to take over struggling schools. Joe Mulligan, assistant principal at Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy, said his school received a level of support from local employers. He said: “We work with the likes of Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, the Royal Navy, Astra Zeneca, Babcock and Atkins Global. We have developed this model with our sponsors and others by having a clear framework and clarity around our needs. This enhances our students’ learning experiences and puts them in a strong position to progress into the career of their choice, particularly in the engineering sector.”
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
SWING AT BOOMING ACADEMIES SCHOOLS SWITCH ● Schools to have switched to academy since the start of the 2014/15 academic year (opening date)
BRISTOL ● Fairfield High School (February 2015) ● Four Acres Academy (February 2015) ● Oasis Academy Brislington February (February 2015) ● Wicklea Academy (March 2015) ● Oasis Academy Marksbury Road (September 2015) ● Fairlawn School (September 2015)
NORTH SOMERSET ● Tickenham Church of England Primary School (January 2015) ● Yeo Moor Primary School (January 2015) ● Dundry Church of England Primary School (September 2015)
● Oasis Academy Brislington
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE ● Marlwood School (November 2014) ● Meadowbrook Primary School (January 2015) ● Charborough Road Primary School (January 2015) ● Sir Bernard Lovell School (March 2015) ● Mangotsfield School (September 2015) ● Lyde Green Primary School (September 2015)
Bridge Learning Bridge Learning Campus Campus 0117 3534472 enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com 0117 3534472 enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com Open Morning: Saturday 26 September 10:00am —12:00pm Open Evening: Thursday 1 October 5:00 —7:30 pm
Open Morning: Saturday 26 September 10:00am—12:00pm
Bridge Learning Campus Head Teacher Keziah Featherstone on flourishing school
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the day school during lessons... contact us for a personalised tour of …tour and of every is Open Day—please the school during lessons...
leges and apprenticeships. “Results and outcomes for our early years and primary aged children are now above national averages and continue to improve,” Ms Featherstone points out. “In our secondary years, we initially improved strongly, but we have experienced some disappointing results recently, due in part to some of the English and maths anomalies that have also affected other local schools. “My priorities are to ensure that every child is safe, happy and achieves. I can only do that with the support of parents and families, as well as the commitment and professionalism of my teachers and school leaders. This is the best team I have ever worked with: fantastic, caring teachers; leaders with high standards and the determination to deliver. I have been delighted with how my own daughter has flourished here – I am certain your children will do too.”
● For more information, visit www.bridgelearningcampus.org.uk
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AVING moved her family to Bristol from Birmingham to become Head Teacher at Bridge Learning Campus, Ms Featherstone immediately enrolled her daughter in the school because she “believes so passionately in all-through education”. Ms Featherstone continues: “I know that she loves her lessons, learning so much, has made amazing friends and is becoming a responsible young lady – everything any parent could wish for. “Bridge Learning Campus is a terrific school with a state-of-the-art building in south Bristol. For many years, the local community deserved much better from the local schools and we are proud to be delivering this.” Children may join at any point, but most start nursery at the school at age three and continue all the way up to Year 11, leaving at 16 ready to continue their education in sixth forms, col-
Open 1 October 5:00—7:30pm ... andEvening: every dayThursday is Open Day—please contact us for a personalised
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Digitech Learn in cutting-edge studio school
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UPPORTED with significant investment by the Cabot Learning Federation, Digitech Studio School Bristol is setting out its stall as an inspiring and innovative model of education across Bristol and South Gloucestershire with a bold and new approach to students’ educational experience. Through its small class sizes and a personalised approach to learning, Digitech will support and encourage students to succeed in their studies and academic qualifications and gain a range of skills that go beyond just learning in the classroom. Working in partnership with a range of employers from within the creative, digital and technology industries, Digitech students will benefit from project-based learning, with an industry-focused twist, combined with leading-edge digital facilities. On top of great teaching for students to gain both GCSEs and
A-levels, along with a wide choice of professional and vocational qualifications, students will also benefit from lots of “real” work experience opportunities, when they will be able to align their studies for the 21st century world of work, or further education. Students at Digitech will also be reinforcing their theoretical knowledge gained in school by working closely with some of the region’s most successful businesses in the high tech or creative digital industries through project-based learning immersion weeks. In addition to providing hands-on experience, our employer partners will also be offering master classes, employability skills workshops, mock assessment days, interviews, site visits and sponsorship. Some of the partner businesses include Intel, Renishaw, E3, Barclays, Wilmott Dixon, Amey, Mango Consulting, Moresoda, Blue Fuse, South Glos Council, UWE and Bath Spa University.
Digitech is running enrolment for A-level courses throughout September and still has some spaces available. If you have your GCSE results, and are keen to study in a sixth form that can help prepare you for the 21st century world, contact us and see what Digitech can do for you.
If you are interested in taking GCSEs or A-levels with Digitech and would like to find out more, there are open evenings on Wednesday, October 7, 6-8pm,at Tower Road North, Warmley, BX30 8XQ, and Wednesday, October 14, at E3, Unit 2.1-2.3, Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EH,
6-8pm. Run by the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) which sponsors 12 primary and secondary academies in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Weston-super-Mare, Digitech will be on Tower Road North, in Warmley. For more information, visit www.digitechstudioschool.co.uk.
Year 10 and 12 Open Evenings: Wednesday 7th October Wednesday 14th October at Digitech Studio School, 6pm – 8pm, meet business partners such as Intel and talk with students and teachers.
at business partner; E3. Meet all the staff and learn about the business and their involvement with Digitech.
Places still available for September 2015 apply now EPB-E01-S5
Bristol’s first Studio School specialising in digital, high tech and creative sectors Digitech Studio School Bristol, Tower Road North, Warmley, Bristol BS30 8XQ Email: v.balasco@clf.cabot.ac.uk
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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Olympus Learning without limits at trust
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HE Olympus Academy Trust is a multi-academy trust established in 2012 and made up of primary, secondary and all-through schools working in partnership in the local area. It aspires to be seen as the best local option for education and is keen to work with other local schools, colleges and universities to make this happen. It is likely that Olympus will grow within the local area in the coming months and years. The vision is to establish its schools at the heart of the community and to provide an outstanding educational experience for learners. In order to do this, Olympus needs to be the employer and teacher trainer of choice for staff so that learners have access to the highest standards of teaching, resources and opportunities. This will equip students to become responsible individuals who are able to make a meaningful contribution to society. Having been a trust with only secondary schools until the start of 2015, it has been great to broaden the focus to work with Charborough Road and Meadowbrook primary schools and now the primary phase at Bradley Stoke Community School. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement about what can be achieve together for the young people in these com-
munities. David Howe, Associate Headteacher at Abbeywood Community School, said: “Our school is defined by the excellent relationships between staff and students and our incredibly positive and purposeful learning environment, where we live
by our belief in ‘learning without limits’. “We are totally committed to providing the highest quality of education in the broadest sense for all. We aim to develop each individual through excellent teaching and a
wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, to ensure each student can become a confident, well-rounded citizen, ready to thrive in modern society.” Steve Moir, Head Teacher at Bradley Stoke Community School, said:
“Bradley Stoke Community School is committed to providing the best teaching to ensure our students achieve excellent examination results. We want our students to have high expectations and to respect and be respected by all members of the school community. We endeavour to support our students to become well-rounded members of society who understand the world around them and their place in it.” Nicola Bailey, Head Teacher at Charborough Road Primary School, said: “We can certainly provide impressive statistics about academic achievement, but this is not what makes us special. We are special simply because we are a very happy, fun-filled and exciting school – a wonderful place to learn and work. We are a friendly community who work in partnership together to give our children the very best well-rounded education” Jon Barr, Head Teacher at Meadowbrook Primary School, said: “Meadowbrook Primary School is a school committed to excellence. Whether at work, rest or play, we build within our girls and boys attitudes, skills and knowledge which will be foundations for their success. From the classroom to the sports field and out into our community, our children are inspired to achieve.”
A Family of Schools Our Mission: To support and enable all students
Abbeywood Community School
Students - 806 Age Range - age 11 to 19 Associate Headteacher - Mr David Howe Joined the Trust - January 2013 Ofsted rating - Good
to be ambitious and believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and develop the skills to succeed and enjoy life. Bradley Stoke Community School
Students - 1107 Age Range - age 4 to 19 Headteacher - Mr Steve Moir Joined the Trust - Founder member, January 2012 Ofsted rating - Good, with outstanding leadership and management & behaviour and safety
Charborough Road Primary School Students - 275 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mrs Nicola Bailey Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Good
Meadowbrook Primary School
Students - 464 Age Range - age 4 to 11 Headteacher - Mr Jon Barr Joined the Trust - January 2015 Ofsted rating - Requires improvement, with good leadership and management
Executive Headteacher, Mr Dave Baker EPB-E01-S5
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Broadlands Record-breaking GCSE results
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INCE becoming an Academy in December 2012, Broadlands has been on a trajectory of rapid improvement, which has culminated in the achievement this summer of a third successive year of outstanding GCSE results. A total of 62 per cent of students achieved five A*-C grades, including English and maths, breaking all previous records in the levels of progress made and the value added from Key Stage 2. In English, 84 per cent of students achieved an A*-C grade, with 95 per cent making expected progress. In the other core subjects of maths and science, students also secured very strong outcomes, which were once again above the national benchmark. This continued and sustained success at Broadlands was recently recognised in a letter from Sir David Carter, South West Regional Schools Commissioner, following his visit to the academy in May 2015: Mr Carter said: “The improvement
in attainment is dramatic! In 2012 only 44 per cent of the students attained five A*-C grades, including English and maths. In 2013 this increased to 61 per cent and in 2014 to 68 per cent. It is clear that you are on track to at least match this performance, or even exceed it, this summer. “Many schools see similar patterns across one or two years, but the sustainability is sometimes lacking. “What appears to be the case at Broadlands is the year-on-year improvement that makes the academy one of the most improved in my region over the three-year period of time.” The academy is hosting its annual open evening for prospective students on Tuesday, September 22, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This will be a great opportunity to view many aspects of the academy and meet the people who continue to help and support students achieve their potential.
● For more information, call 0117 9864791 or email contactus@broadlandsacademy.org.
Autumn Open Events Open Evening:
Tuesday 22 September 2015 6:30pm - 8:30pm Principal’s Presentation at 6:30pm and 7:30pm
Open Mornings:
NEW ACADEMY BUS ROUTE FOR OM SOUTH GLOS. FR SEPTEMBER!
Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2015 Tours at 9:15am & 10:15am (by appointment)
GCSE Results 2015 We achieved 62% 5 A*-C including English & Maths. 0117 986 4791 contactus@broadlandsacademy.org @BroadlandsBS31
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www.broadlandsacademy.org Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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Oasis Academy Brislington: Off to a flying start
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FTER its 12 months in operation as an academy, Oasis Academy Brislington has got off to a “fantastic start” and is confident this year will be a “record-breaker”. Executive Principal Rebecca Clark said the academy had made significant steps forward since it became part of the Oasis family in the spring and intended to continue rapid improvement so that all young people in the community have the excellent education they deserve. She added: “We were thrilled in August to see our students achieve the best GCSE results ever seen at Brislington, with more than half of them gaining five or more A*-C passes. This success is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of students and staff and the support of parents. “We are also incredibly pleased at
the way the Year 7s who joined us earlier this month have settled in to our academy community. We expect our students to ‘work hard, look smart and be nice’ – and they are doing just that. “Now we are looking forward to welcoming families of Year 6 children to our open evening and open mornings so they, too, can see the exceptional opportunities we offer to young people. “Our dedicated, talented and experienced staff deliver a flexible and relevant curriculum designed to enable all students to achieve their personal best, whatever their talents or ambitions. Excellence as standard is our aim. “We believe that, when given the right conditions to succeed, everyone is capable of remarkable success. We expect every student to make positive progress at the academy regardless of their individual challenges. “We are committed to doing
“ We were thrilled in
August to see our students achieve the best GCSE results ever seen at Brislington.” whatever it takes to nurture, care, support and challenge our students and their families. “Oasis has a deeply rooted ethos of equality and inclusion. As well as providing first-class education for up to 1,500 students aged 11 to 18, Oasis
Academy Brislington has specialist units for students with autism and those with sensory and physical impairment and learning difficulties. “Our award-winning £34.8 million building, which opened seven years ago, is set in an impressive 60 acres of attractive grounds overlooking south Bristol. We have outstanding provision for teaching and learning, including extensive sports facilities and dance and drama studios, and our IT facilities are second to none. “Becoming part of Oasis has added considerable strength to the school, which has been a pivotal provider of secondary education in this area for more than 60 years. Oasis, which has
47 academies across the country, has an excellent track record of improving standards and increasing results. Oasis Academy Brislington benefits from collaboration with others, especially the two established Bristol academies. Working in partnership with parents and the community is incredibly important to us because we know that it is the way children can achieve their social and educational potential, and become good citizens, leading happy and rewarding lives when they leave school.” Find out more at the open evening on September 24, or open mornings on September 28, 29 and 30 and October 3 and 8. Alternatively, visit www.oasisacademybrislington.org.
Work Hard ∙ Look Smart ∙ Be Nice
Open Evening at
Oasis Academy Brislington Open Evening Thursday September 24 5.30-8pm (Principal’s address at 6pm)
Open Mornings September 28, 29 and 30 and October 8 (by appointment - call 0117 377 2055)
Saturday October 3 11am-1pm
Tel: 0117 377 2055 Hungerford Rd, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5EY EPB-E01-S5
@OABrislington oasisacademybrislington.org
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
CLF Changing the educational landscape
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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 more than 7,200 children, aged three to 19, living in the communities that we serve. The vision and support of our sponsors, the University of the West of England and Rolls-Royce PLC, underpins our work, and together we have 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. A new primary phase has opened at King’s Oak Academy, creating the Cabot Learning Federation’s first all-through school. The federation has also opened its first studio school. Digitech Studio School Bristol is based in Warmley and will move into a new state-of-the-art building in September 2016. This means that the federation con-
sists of 13 academies in Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare: six secondary and five primary academies, one all-through academy and a studio school. There is also overarching CLF post-16 provision and specialist inclusion centres. Educating more than 7,200 children, the federation enjoys steady growth, particularly in Year 7, where the majority of CLF academies are now fully subscribed this year. The federation is proud that every CLF academy has shown marked improvement since opening, or joining the CLF, as identified by Ofsted. The group’s work is changing the educational landscape across the region; the federation believes that students come first and that every child can find a route to happiness, prosperity and success. The vision is simple: by working together rather than in isolation, the federation can be an educator of choice for pupils and their families.
It’s commitment to high expectations and standards, a high contemporary curriculum and excellent teaching
means that it can create more opportunities for the lifelong success for students as they become young
adults.
● For more information, visit www.cabotlearningfederation.net.
The Cabot Learning Federation welcoming in 2015
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Digitech Studio School and the primary phase into ‘The Acorn’ at King’s Oak Academy
Cabot Learning Federation
www.cabotlearningfederation.net
Cabotfederation
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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OAJW A simply inspirational academy
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Work Hard ∙ Look Smart ∙ Be Nice
ASIS Academy John Williams is an inspirational and fun place to learn and work. Located in Hengrove, it opened in September 2008 as an academy within the Oasis family and, since then, 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. The academy is very proud of the journey it’s been on, but remains utterly focused on being the best that it can be, providing the highest quality service to young people and becoming the outstanding school the community deserves. Victoria Boomer, Executive Principal, 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 mandate from, and for, our young people; 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, the dedicated, talented and committed staff team work hard to deliver high quality lessons every day, which challenge and support all learners to 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 again indicate that this is having a real and lasting impact. “Directly comparing the results of schools is difficult, as all young
“ We strive to keep things as simple as possible, with our young people at the heart of every decision we make.”
people have different starting points, but the achievements of our young people continue to improve year on year, and our ‘value added’ is among the highest 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. I recommend that you visit a number of schools and, on the basis of what
you know, see and feel on those visits, you make the decision which best suits your child. “Should you choose OAJW, I, along with my incredible team of staff, will work tirelessly to enable your child to thrive in learning and be happy at school. I look forward to welcoming you to our open events in October.”
● For more information, visit www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.org.
Open Evening Wednesday September 30 6-8pm (Principal’s address at 6pm)
Open Mornings October 3 (Principal’s address at 10am followed by coffee)
October 5-8 (by appointment - call 01275 894680)
Tel: 01275 894680 Petherton Rd, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BU
Oasis Academy John Williams EPB-E01-S5
@OAJohnWilliams oasisacademyjohnwilliams.org
Open Events at
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
ACHIEVE...
Sixth Form Open Evening Colston’s Girls’ School: Empowering girls
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OLSTON’S Girls’ School is a unique institution that has educated young women in Bristol for the last 125 years. Head of School Alistair Perry says: “This school has always sought to empower girls in their education, opening their minds to challenge social preconceptions that would limit and restrict them. “This is measured with a sense of responsibility to help and support one another and the wider community, reflected in the school motto to ‘Go and do thou likewise’. “These values are most closely defined in our outstanding sixth form, where the combination of academic excellence, personalised support and endless opportunities provide the context for young women to flourish in all aspects of their education. “Class sizes are small, allowing for the delivery of focused, individualised programmes of study from exceptional teachers, personal
mentoring, which gets to the heart of each individual’s aspirations, and, most of all, a sense of being valued as a unique student in a diverse community. Academic success is a major factor in CGS being recognised as the most successful school in Bristol for progression to Russell Group Universities, and one of the top state schools nationally for progression to Oxbridge. “However, it is the extensive opportunities beyond the academic curriculum that define the young women who graduate from CGS. Whether leading the school community, mentoring primary students, or participating in the countless activities available to students, you can be confident that there is no better preparation for the next stage of your life than joining the dynamic learning community at CGS sixth form.”
Tuesday 13th October 6pm - 8pm
T. 0117 942 4328 E. admissions@colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk
● For more information, visit www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk.
Oldfield School: Raising expectations
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LDFIELD School aims to work in partnership with students and parents to raise students’ expectations and standards of achievement in a caring, secure and supportive environment. Head Teacher Matthew Woodville, pictured inset, says: “We are proud of the high-quality education we provide, having been commended by Ofsted on our inspirational teaching and learning, excellent behaviour in lessons and around school and the excellent academic achievement of our students. “The hard work of students and staff has been rewarded this year, with 74 per cent of GCSE entries gaining an A*-C grade, 25 per cent of all entries were at A* or A, while at A-level, 23 per cent of all grades were at A* or
A. Beyond outstanding results we have a strong focus on extra-curricular activities, including basketball, rugby, dance, drama, football, a blues band and choir clubs, alongside an established Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and a strong commitment to the creative arts. We also run a large variety of domestic and overseas school trips in subjects across the curriculum. “We are justly proud of our school, but please don’t just take my word for it, come and see for yourselves.” The open evening is on Wednesday, September 30, 6pm to 8pm. An open morning takes place on Friday, October 2, 9am to 11.30am. There will be the opportunity to see what the different faculties have to offer and some exciting displays taking place within the different subject areas.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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Oasis Academy Brightstowe Strong results
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EVEN years ago Oasis Academy Brightstowe was created in Shirehampton to take over the role of Portway School in providing secondary education for Shirehampton, Lawrence Weston, Avonmouth and Sea Mills. At that time it was one of Bristol’s first two secondary academies, the other being Oasis Academy John Williams at Hengrove on the other side of the city. Expectations were rightly high. Families urgently needed the school to raise the standard of education. At the same time, they invested a great deal of hope in Oasis’ ability to transform lives – raising the self-confidence, aspirations and ambitions of a new generation of young people. Matt Butler, who has been Principal for five of Brightstowe’s seven years, has his own personal view on how the principles of an Oasis education should be applied. “As a family man,” he says, “I am driven by the ambition that every single child who walks through these doors should stand as an equal to children anywhere.” It is a strongly held belief, reflecting the vision of Baptist Minister Steve Chalke, who set up Oasis Community Learning in 2004 as part of his Oasis Group of charities in order to
● Matt Butler regularly meets with Julia Dauban and David Wayland, Principals of Oasis primary academies at Long Cross and Bank Leaze deliver secondary education through the Government’s then new academies programme. There are more than 40 Oasis academies across the UK now, but Steve Chalke still regards Brightstowe as a beacon. That is why he spent a day there earlier this year, talking inspirationally to students and experiencing a day on the reception desk – where he was ideally placed to welcome everyone who
came through the door and take calls from parents. One person to walk through the door at Brightstowe three years ago was the Prime Minister, David Cameron. It was a celebration of the academy being the most improved in the country. It was then judged “good” by Ofsted and importantly stayed “good” when the Ofsted inspectors called again this year. GCSE results have stayed
strong over the last three years; of this year’s 114 GCSE students, 53 per cent achieved five passes at A*-C. The primary schools at Long Cross and Bank Leaze in Lawrence Weston are both firmly established as Oasis academies, under the joint leadership of Matt Butler, forming the Oasis North Bristol Hub. The hub puts the academies at the heart of the community. It’s not many weeks since Oasis, working with Am-
bition Lawrence Weston, successfully revived the Lawrence Weston Car nival. A record 180 boys and girls from 16 different primary schools went into Year 7 at Brightstowe this month, and by the time they reach Year 11, the academy may well have its own sixth form – such is the sustained progress being made. This can be attributed to teaching standards and a relentless focus on the basics and individual needs of each child. There is also upward momentum out of the classroom, with an increasing commitment to give all Brightstowe students an edge in confidence and employability skills alongside academic qualifications. The academy fully endorses the CBI’s view that employers look for young people who are rigorous, rounded and grounded – not only with skills and knowledge, but also the wider behaviour and attitudes that are needed for success in life and work. Alison Eynon, Assistant Principal Aspirations, adds: “This now forms part of our commitment to give pupils the confidence and range of skills to be successful, and to help them understand the opportunities available to them in further education, life and work.”
Open Evening at
Oasis Academy Brightstowe Open Evening Wednesday September 23 5.30-8.30pm (Principal’s talks at 6pm and 7pm)
Open Mornings On Wednesdays (by appointment - call 0117 316 7330)
Tel: 0117 316 7330 Penpole Lane, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0EB EPB-E01-S5
@OABrightstowe oasisacademybrightstowe.org
12
In pictures
● Exam celebrations at Colston’s Girls’ School
● Learning engineering skills at Bridge Learning Campus
● Teaching robotics at Digitech ● The Voice winner Jermain Jackman visits Oasis Academy Brislington
● Broadlands Academy celebrate winning the ESFA PlayStation Under 15 Small Schools’ Cup at Reading’s Madejski Stadium this year
● GCSE celebrations at Bradley Stoke Community School
● Children’s author Joffre White opens the new library at Oasis Academy Brightstowe
Keep an eye out in www.bristolpost.co.uk/education
www.westerndailypress.co.uk/education
For
Educa ion
Advertising Features
● Students from John Cabot Academy performing as part of the National Theatre Connections competition at the Bristol Old Vic
Advertising and Features Marc England 0117 934 3428
EPB-E01-S5
marc.england@localworld.co.uk
LIFELONG LEARNING
● Oldfield School sixth form leavers party in July at the Boathouse
Pic: Paul Gillis