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Academies 2013
PULLING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE Your free 16-page guide to Academies in the Bristol area
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Academies 2013
Contents The Olympus Academy Trust ... p4 Cabot Learning Federation .............. p5 Nailsea School ..... p6 Colston’s Girls’ School ........................ p7 The Ridings’ Federation of Academies .............. p7 Oasis Academy Brightstowe ........... p8 City Academy ....... p9 Bath Studio School ....................................... p10 Oasis Academy John Williams ....... p11 Merchants’ Academy ....................................... p12 Broadlands Academy ................ p13 Bristol Cathedral Choir School ........ p14 The Bridge Learning Campus .................. p14 Churchill Academy ....................................... p15
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The Steiner Academy ................ p16
Advertising: Marc England 0117 934 3428
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More autonomy The fact that three new primary schools planned for Bristol will all be academies gives an indication of how dominant they have become in the country’s education system. Education reporter Marc Rath reports.
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T’S the quiet revolution. New schools are set to be created in Bedminster, Redfield and Montpelier, with academy sponsors now being sought by Bristol City Council as a matter of course. The approach clearly shows that it has now become the norm for newly-opened schools to hold academy status. But what benefits does the status bring when compared with local authority-run schools? The answer from Education Secretary Michael Gove would be: More autonomy and a greater flexibility for schools over what they teach. Academies receive all their funding direct from the Government but have to buy in services that maintained schools receive from their council in return for a “top-slice” from the budget. The council is seeking academy sponsors to run schools on a former college site in Marksbury Road, the former Fairfield School in Fairlawn Road and the city council’s social services offices in Avonvale Road. They will help meet demand for primary school places in three areas of the city, with each offering two forms of entry (60 reception places). The Redfield and Bedminster schools will open in September 2014, with the Montpelier school set to welcome pupils a year later. The closing date for proposals is October 4, with the council assessing them and compiling a shortlist by October 17. By December 12, the Department for Education will confirm the successful sponsor and capital funding. One drawback of the system is that due to the limited time available, the design and build process for the academies is already underway. As a result sponsors will not have the opportunity for detailed involvement in the design of the school building. The council has been successful in securing funding from the Targeted Basic Need programme, a Government scheme aimed at providing new, high quality school places in locations that need more school places. Most local authorities are now expected to establish all new schools as either academies or free schools, via the DfE’s “academy/free school presumption”.
● Headteacher Matt Butler with pupils from Oasis Academy Brightstowe, ‘the most improved school in the country’; below, Education Secretary Michael Gove and education reformer of the year David Carter, CLF executive principal
The arrangements were introduced under The Education Act 2011. The legislation requires local authorities to seek proposals to establish an academy/free school where they have identified the need for a new school in their area. The council is responsible for providing the site for the new school and meeting all associated capital and pre-/post-opening costs. The addition of the three schools will help continue to narrow the gap
between the number of council-maintained and academy primaries in Bristol. If you glance down a list of educational establishments in the city, you will already find that councilmaintained secondary schools are outnumbered by academies. As of last month there were 46 academies, made up of 31 primaries, 14 secondaries and one all-through school, according to the DfE. Of the 46, half are “converter” academies –
successful schools that want to run their own affairs. The other half are sponsored academies, underperforming schools which are sponsored by a chain or a stronger school. The most recent schools to have assumed academy status are Bannerman Road Community Academy, Henbury Court Primary Academy, The Kingfisher School – formerly St Anne’s Park Primary – and Stoke Bishop Church of England Primary School.
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Academies 2013
... greater flexibility
● Left, Gill Kelly, headteacher of City Academy; right, one of its students, Adam Smith, has got into Oxford University after getting two A*s, two As and a B in his A-levels; below, a pupil from Broadlands Academy in Keynsham gets to grips with his fantastic creation
scourt Farm Academy in the new Cheswick Village development in Stoke Gifford. In Bath & North East Somerset there are 14 schools with academy status, with Broadlands Academy in Keynsham one of the newest in the local authority area. It was 10 years ago this month that the first academy opened in Bristol as part of educational reform introduced by Tony Blair’s Labour gover nment.
Fittingly, the City Academy in Redfield celebrated the milestone just weeks after producing an Oxford University entrant for the first time. Sixth former Adam Smith, 18, is studying physics there after being awarded two A*s, two As and a B. The former Whitehall Primary School pupil also took his GCSEs at the academy. City Academy’s principal Gill Kelly told the Bristol Post last month that Adam was one of the school’s biggest
success stories. She said the academy’s performance at A-level was improving, with more students than ever moving on to university. The academy in Russell Town Avenue was one of the first 12 schools in the country to become an academy. Since 2003, it has seen its GCSE pass rate (five grades A-C) soar from eight per cent to 80 per cent. Speaking to the Post at a celebratory anniversary party earlier this month, she said that becoming an
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The districts surrounding Bristol have a smaller proportion of academies. In North Somerset there are now 11 academies, with Birdwell Primary in Long Ashton and Kingshill Church School in Nailsea the most recent additions. In South Gloucestershire there are 10. Taking on academy status this year were Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford, Downend School, the Castle School in Thornbury, Charfield Primary and Wall-
academy had been an unqualified success story. She said: “It gives us the freedom to move quickly and do the things we need to do in order to provide the very best for our pupils.” Half of the 1,100 pupils at the academy have English as an additional language, 65 per cent of them qualify for free school meals and, due to the multi-ethnic backgrounds of many children, they speak a total of 44 different languages. The former St George School would not have become an academy without the support of ex-Bristol City chairman John Laycock, who became the academy’s main sponsor, helping with the £2 million required to make the change. And the school is now directly giving something back to the community after forming an official partnership with nearby Bannerman Road Community Academy to help improve standards at the primary. The school has joined up with City Academy by becoming a member of the One World Learning Trust. The Trust is an example of one of the small academy sponsors in the city which are attached to one or two schools. Other examples include The Olympus Academy Trust, The Ridings Federation of Academies and the Colston’s Girls’ School Trust. At the other end of the scale, there are the Oasis Community Learning Trust, Cabot Learning Federation and E-Act which between them run 19 schools in the Bristol area. The chains have had differing fortunes over the past year. Oasis schools posted much improved results. Oasis Academy Brightstowe in Shirehampton was named the most improved school in the country based on its GCSE results in 2012 while Oasis Academy John Williams in Hengrove also made strong progress with its results. CLF, which has the highest number of academies in the area at 11, saw steady progress at its schools last year as well as recognition for its executive principal David Carter. He was named among the education reformers of the year in December 2012 before being knighted for services to education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. E-Act, which runs 32 schools across the country including three primaries in Bristol, hit the headlines for the wrong reasons earlier this year. It was issued with an official warning by the Government over serious concerns about the financial management of its schools. E-Act became the first sponsor to be issued with a “financial notice to improve” by the Education Funding Agency after the government body found a string of ‘weaknesses’ in the reporting of its schools’ accounts. The principals of St Ursula’s E-ACT Academy, Ilminster Avenue E-ACT Academy, Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy welcomed the changes brought in to ensure the organisation got value for money for “every pound” spent. They said pupils had not been adversely affected by the problems and all three academies were due to gain their best ever results.
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Academies 2013 The Olympus Academy Trust
Sowing the seed for super school of the future
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HE Olympus Academy Trust (OAT) was established in order to oversee Bradley Stoke Community School when it became an academy at the start of 2012, but was soon asked to sponsor neighbouring Abbeywood Community School within the multi-academy trust. Abbeywood became an academy at the start of 2013 and was already working closely with Bradley Stoke under shared governance and executive leadership arrangements which became formalised when it joined OAT. 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 im-
proved 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 within The Olympus Academy Trust and wants each separate academy to be recognised as a centre of learning excellence within its local community. As such, there has been a lot of work this year on developing a shared leadership structure between both schools to ensure consistency and to enable staff and students to share best practice. It appears to have reaped dividends already, as A-level and GCSE results in both schools improved this summer. Bradley Stoke Community School saw its GCSE results bounce back up to 66 per cent of students gaining five A*-C grades, including English and maths, and 91 per cent gaining five A*-Cs, which was a very positive step forward. The results at Abbeywood were re-
● Dave Baker, executive headteacher of the Olympus Academy Trust markable, since they rose by 13 per cent over 2012 figures to 60 per cent of students gaining five A*-C grades, including English and maths, and 83 per cent gaining five A*-Cs. These were among the most improved results in the whole of the Bristol area and leave Abbeywood and Bradley Stoke well placed in the top five
highest achieving schools in South Gloucestershire. The future looks bright for The Olympus Academy Trust as it is still early days for the two schools working together and there is a lot more growth, development and improvement to come. There is extra excitement going
into 2014 with the addition of a new building for a primary phase at Bradley Stoke Community School, so the OAT will, from 2015, be providing education for children aged four-18. If you haven’t had the chance to see the wonderful facilities, do visit. For more information, www.olympustrust.co.uk.
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 Evening
Open Day
Open Evening
Open Mornings
Wednesday 25th September 6pm - 8pm
Wednesday 25th September
Wednesday 2nd October 6pm - 8pm
Tuesday 1st October & Tuesday 8th October
Creche facilities are available
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Headteacher’s talk at 6pm and 6.45pm
Tours at 8.45, 9.45am, 11.05am & 1.35pm
Bookable by appointment only
Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, BS32 9BS
01454 868840
www.bradleystokecs.org.uk
Creche facilities are available
Headteacher’s talk at 6pm and 6.45pm
Tours at 9am, 10am, & 11.30am
Bookable by appointment only
New Road, Stoke Gifford, South Gloucestershire, BS34 8SF
0117 307 5660
www.abbeywoodschool.com
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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Academies 2013 Cabot Learning Federation
Spreading the Cabot message to 11 schools
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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 educates 5,500 children, aged three to 19. The vision and support of sponsors the University of the West of England and Rolls Royce Plc underpins the federation’s work and has helped to extend and embed the vision that began in 2007, when John Cabot Academy and Bristol Brunel Academy began the partnership. The four new primary academies are all in East Bristol. Minerva Academy, Frome Vale Academy, Begbrook Academy and Summerhill Academy joined in September 2012 and have already made a brilliant contribution to the federation’s understanding of a young person’s learning journey from pre-school through to secondary education. In June 2013, Begbrook Primary academy was inspected and was judged to be providing a “good” education and now the journey to “outstanding” begins in earnest. A new secondary academy in Bath admitting girls for the first time, Bath Community Academy, has gone from strength to strength and, in February 2013, was removed from the Ofsted category its predecessor closed with.
The goal of the CLF is to collaborate in order to produce outstanding results and outcomes for students. With this in mind, the results in 2013 were particularly pleasing, with the best ever GCSE performances at Bristol Metropolitan Academy and John Cabot Academy. In June 2013, three secondary academies were inspected in the same week and Bristol Brunel, Hans Price in Weston-super-Mare and King’s Oak Academy in Kingswood were all rated by Ofsted as “good”. This means that every academy inspected since joining the CLF is now “good” or “outstanding”. The confidence this gives to both schools and their communities is immeasurable and these academies will go from strength to strength. The CLF story continues, however, and, in September 2013, the newest school opened when Wallscourt Farm Academy, built in the garden of UWE on the new Stoke Park estate, opened its doors to 51 four year olds, who became the first ever reception class in the school. The vision for “outstanding” education is enhanced by this newest partner and it becomes the 11th academy to join the CLF. For more information, see www.cabotlearningfederation.net.
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Academies 2013 Nailsea School
Pupils in perfect harmony with musical ambitions
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HE successful introduction of “Live Friday” is encouraging more students to perform live music to their peers in the spectacular Atrium at Nailsea School. The intention is to reflect the current music culture and for young people to experience the music that they enjoy listening to. One young performer stated: “I never thought I’d be able to do it, but I can’t wait to perform again”. As young performers grow in confidence more and more students are aspiring to join Nailsea’s musical community. In addition to the current curriculum providing classical, world and popular genres, the music department has expanded its facilities to accommodate a ‘musical futures’ approach. Students will now have the opportunity to develop their independent learning skills, aural perception of music and recognise transferable skills when creating live music. Students have described this as an excellent opportunity to “try out new instruments and work on a team challenge”. Our gifted and talented orchestral
● Harry George musicians will have the opportunity to be challenged even further next year. They will work in collaboration with orchestral musicians from our local primary schools to perform a short concert. Nailsea students will tutor younger students and some of our more experienced musicians will conduct our extended orchestra.
Harry George is a sophisticated pianist and high-flying A-level student, with the ambition to study music or maths at Oxford. As a music ambassador for Nailsea School, he is actively involved in orchestra, jazz band and barbershop. Harry recently performed Rachmaninov and Chopin in a prestigious piano competition in Chethams, and was awarded second place. Harry is continuing his musical development through extensive research into the harmonic devices of Wagner and Chopin. Annabel Hancock is a gifted GCSE music student, recently achieving the prestigious Dame Myra Hess Memorial Trophy as the Young Musician of the Year 2013. Annabel is an asset to the Nailsea School Orchestra and, as leader, has mentored younger students. As a talented violinist, she also plays in the North Somerset Sinfonia Orchestra and National School’s Orchestra. Annabel is continuing her music to A-level next year, and is developing her performance skills by taking her diploma. For further details, see www.nailseaschool.com.
● Annabel Hancock
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Academies 2013 Colston’s Girls’ School
The Ridings’ Federation of Academies
Join our polite and hard-working girls
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E PRIDE ourselves on offering an education which will allow your daughter to grow into her unique personality and flourish under our care. We have a strong academic record, of which we are extremely proud, proven by our GCSE and A-level results. We have an excellent pastoral care system in place, which nurtures and supports your daughter through her school years and allows her to fulfil her true potential. We provide clear and open lines of communication between pupils, staff and parents to ensure a strong network of support. All staff know and care about the girls and encourage their development in all areas. Our moral codes are second to none, with respect, politeness, tolerance and hard work being the cornerstone of school life. The girls are friendly and considerate and show genuine concern for positive and responsible relationships. We aim to foster a serious attitude to academic study, while also providing a broad range
of extra curricular experiences. The traditions of the school are used to give a sense of history, continuity and belonging and we mark them with key events as we cherish its history. Life for a sixth form student at Colston’s Girls’ is both enjoyable and stimulating. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, as is the relationship with subject staff. The emphasis is on self-motivated, independent learning, developing new skills and taking responsibility. These are all qualities that will be essential for university study and a future career. Our aim is that every student will leave with a range of skills, interests and academic achievements which will form the basis of a happy and fulfilled life. Our “outstanding” rating from Ofsted in 2011 proves our continued strengths in the educational field, so come and see us during our open evenings and judge for yourself why we can offer the best for your daughter. For more information, see www.colstonsgirls. bristol.sch.uk.
Riding high on results
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HE Ridings’ Federation of Academies supports the learning and development of more than 2,700 students in South Gloucestershire every year via Winterbourne International Academy (formally Ridings High), Yate International Academy (formally King Edmund’s), Woodlands Primary, Woodlands Nursery, and The Federation Sixth Form. Since the Federation was established in 2009, more than £35 million has been invested in facilities, including fantastic leisure and learning amenities available to the community. Staff are able to pool resources and offer an enhanced level of education and support across sites. Yate International Academy teachers often contribute specialist knowledge to the primary phase classes, and the nursery children benefit from curriculum-based care.
Strong performing departments from Winterbourne and Yate can also provide support for one another, and many backroom staff work across sites, which helps improve knowledge-share and increase job satisfaction. The benefits in the classroom are plain to see - 84 per cent of Winterbourne International Academy students, and 81 per cent of Yate International Academy students, achieved five of more A*-C GCSEs. Our sporting highlights included the Year 10 football team reaching the national final of the FA Cup-for-Schools competition, Jacob Maddox signing for Chelsea FC, Ben Slade making waves in English cricket, and gymnastic pair Shanie-Redd Thorne and Danielle Jones winning gold at the world championships. For open day information, refer to the federation advert or visit www.trfa.org.uk.
Leaders in Education
Open Evening Sixth Form Wednesday 9th October 2013 6.00 - 8.30pm
Open days: The Ridings’ Federation Sixth Form Wednesday 6th November 6.30pm – 8pm (WIA) Wednesday 13th November 6.30pm – 8pm (YIA)
T. 0117 942 4328
www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk
T. 01454 252000 E. info@trfa.org.uk W. www.trfa.org.uk
Yate International Academy
Woodlands Primary Phase
Thursday 3rd October 6.30pm – 8pm
Thursday 26th September 6pm – 8.30pm
Tuesday 8th October 9am, 2pm, 6pm
“Achieving Success through Motivation, Knowledge and Skills” EPB-E01-S5
E. admissions@colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk
Winterbourne International Academy
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Academies 2013 Oasis Academy Brightstowe
Most-improved school builds for the future
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N THE back of outstanding results in 2012 and 2013, which saw us as the most improved school in the country 2012, we are building a reputation which is richly deserved as being one of the leading academic institutions in Bristol. Head teacher Matthew Butler said: “Our vision is to produce students
with the confidence and range of skills to stand as equals in any circle. The students’ academic results are fundamental to this, but we work just as hard to ensure that our students are well rounded, confident and carry a set of values which will help them succeed in any situation. “We have excellent teachers, supported by a fantastic team at Bright-
stowe and I am proud of every one of them. They work as a team to ensure that we maximise the students’ time in lessons. However, we achieve success because we push our students to want success for themselves and to have drive, ambition and diligence. “There is a vibrant and successful extra-curricular scene, with the sports academies boasting impress-
ive wins, especially in rowing and rugby. The music at Brightstowe is a feature of life and the concerts and musicals 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 pas-
toral team ensures that no child is forgotten. Our ‘Inclusion’ team, led by an educational psychologist ensures we have world class interventions and support for those that need it. We have high aspirations for all our students and we a proving that the future is bright at Brightstowe.” For details, see www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org
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Academies 2013 City Academy
Our first academy still striving and growing
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ITY Academy Bristol opened as the first academy in the South West in 2003, offering education of the highest standard in superbly equipped facilities at the heart of Bristol. City Academy serves a diverse community, with 44 different languages spoken by its students, who range from age 11 to 19. Learning comes first: The collaborative, stimulating environment addresses every student’s learning needs. Personal programmes are developed to meet the aspirations and expectations of the most able learners and to enhance learning opportunities for everyone, including access to higher education. In 2012, Ofsted judged provision at the academy to be “good” in all four categories (achievement, teaching and learning, behaviour and leadership and management). Every year since it opened the academy has been recognised for its success in adding value to student learning. Focus, ambition, growth and vitality are at the centre of everything. City Academy is a flexible learning environment, tailored to the needs of each and every student so they can make the most of the unique opportunity to achieve more every day. Staff are committed to seeing every
student reach higher and further, regardless of challenges or ability. Students learn together in a safe and supportive environment and are proud to be part of their local community. City Academy is an exciting, inspiring place, empowering every stu-
dent, families and their community to achieve more every day. Ray Priest, alongside academy sponsor and local businessman John Laycock, established City Academy as Bristol and the South West’s first academy. Gill Kelly took over as Principal in 2010. She said: “Being the
principal of the City Academy is a privilege and an honour. In this, our tenth anniversary year, we are celebrating continued improvements in educational experiences and outcomes for our students. “There are so many success stories: we have our first entrant to Oxford
University beginning in October, as well as many other students who are going on to their chosen pathways and further success. Expectations are always high at City Academy, with a clear focus on improvement in educational standards. We always strive to achieve more.”
ACHIEVE ANYTHING
A GREAT YEAR FOR OUR POST 16 STUDENTS Sixth Open Evening will take place on Thursday 10th October, 5.30pm until 8.00pm
A* to B pass rate 26%, up 7% on 2012 Edmon and Luis achieved triple distinctions in the Extended Diploma in Sport Development Coaching & Fitness Adam gained 2 A*s, 2 As and a B to secure a place at Oxford University to read Physics
Adam
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FOCUS AMBITION GROWTH AND VITALITY IN THE HEART OF BRISTOL
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0117 941 3800 I www.cityacademybristol.org
A-level pass rate 94%
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Academies 2013 Bath Studio School
Out of the classroom and learning from life
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TUDIO schools prepare young people of all abilities aged 14-19 with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed in life. They offer a dynamic approach to learning by taking education out of the classroom. Students learn in the real world through working in teams on real-life projects, and through weekly work placements with businesses. This helps them to develop the employ-
ability skills they need to succeed in life and work. The Bath Studio School is powered by four trusted secondary schools within Bath and North East Somerset, each rated by Ofsted as “outstanding” or “good”. The focus of the school is to prepare students for work or higher education within the key employment sectors in the South West region, namely creative media, journalism and broadcasting; business and admin-
istration; IT, computing and graphic design, and GCSE/ A-levels. The Bath Studio School will teach a broad-based curriculum, which will have a very different style and ethos from most local schools. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of learners who have an aptitude for enterprise and creativity and who will thrive by focusing on hands-on, project-based learning to support their academic study. All students will access physical
education, PSHE (personal, social and health education), team building, careers education, personal finance education and employability skills either on site or through our partner schools. Students will spend a significant amount of time in work placements each week gaining on-the-job experience. From the age of 16, these placements could include paid work. Students will be part of a small, supportive and personalised learn-
ing environment. The school will open in September 2014 with approximately 100 students and this figure is expected to rise to a maximum of 300 over the coming years. Each student will be assigned a personal coach who will help and support them in their learning, their work placements and their development of a range of skills for life and the work place. For more information, see www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk.
what is the bath studio school? A new school for students aged 14-19.
Real life Real woRk Real education
Education taken out of the classroom with practical real-life projects. Do you want to follow a career in:
if you are Year 9 or 11 and looking for something different find out more at:
www.thebathstudioschool.org.uk phone: 01225 831933 Email: info@thebathstudioschool.org.uk #bathstudioschool
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Powered by
CrEAtivE mEDiA, JournALiSm AnD BroADCAStinG
BuSinESS & ADminiStrAtion
it, ComputinG AnD GrAphiC DESiGn
You can study this alongside GCSE and A Level subjects in an innovative way.
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Academies 2013 Oasis Academy John Williams
Our school is an oasis of calm and purpose
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T OASIS Academy John Williams our passion is for learning and our aim is simple: we want every young person to achieve their personal best, whatever their talents or ambitions. Set in the belief that everyone is capable of remarkable success, we strive to deliver an outstanding, enjoyable and relevant education. Since opening in 2008, our results have improved year-on-year. From 18 per cent in 2008, this year 52 per cent of our Year 11 students achieved five A*-C grades, including both English and maths, and 97 per cent achieved five A*-C GCSE grades. In Year 13, we secured a 100 per cent pass rate, with 78 per cent achieving A-B grades at A-level. Both our GCSE and A-level results are testimony to the hard work, commitment and determination of our entire community: students, parents and staff. When Ofsted visited in January 2013, inspectors recognised the progress we had made, judging us to be a “good” school with “outstanding” leadership and management. They specifically noted the accelerated improvement in results, the high standards of teaching and learning, the high expectation for students’ work and behaviour and the determination
and capacity to continue to improve. They described our academy as a calm and purposeful school, which is a friendly and welcoming place for staff, students and visitors alike. The inspection team also praised the way that students get on well together and are courteous and polite. This September we welcomed more
than 160 students into Year 7 and we are full in both the current Year 7 and 8. Proud to be in a state-of-the-art building, we work hard to capitalise on the opportunities presented. From our fully-equipped theatre to the professional dance studios, industry-standard TV and radio studios and fitness centre, we en-
courage all of our students to access the widest range of experiences. We also create opportunities outside the formal education setting, which, during this year, included a ski trip to France, an art and languages trip to Barcelona and an Auschwitz visit. We understand that choosing a
school for your child is one of the most difficult and important decisions you will ever make as a parent. If you are interested in finding out more please do take the opportunity to visit us at one of our open events. For more information, see www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.org.
Oasis Academy John Williams
“ “Good” with “Outsta
nding ” Management
Ofsted 2013
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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.
GCSE Results 2008 - 2013 % 5A*-C including English & Maths
Leadership and
Petherton Road, Hengrove Bristol BS14 9BU Like us on
www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.org
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Tel: 01275 894680 Fax: 01275 832883
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Academies 2013 Merchants’ Academy
Great results mean we can all be proud
B
E PROUD is the motto of Merchants’ Academy – and this Bristol school has plenty to be proud about. In the five years since it opened, our secondary academy has gone from strength to strength and earlier this year was named as one of the most improved in the country. Provisional results in this summer’s GCSE exams show that more than half of our students gained at least five good passes including English and maths, with 94 per cent achieving five or more A*-Cs in any subject. The 51 per cent headline figure is three times better than four years ago. The academy is committed to ensuring that all young people achieve more than they ever thought possible. Our students receive exceptional care, guidance and support. All are expected to make at least three levels of progress between the ages of 11 and 16 and intervention is tailored to help every individual to fulfil his or her potential. Merchants’ Academy is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. Superb buildings and facilities and dedicated staff mean that the school can provide unrivalled advantages and opportunities forour young people.
The academy is one of the only state schools in the country to offer an Army Cadet Force. Students can also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and a unique range of co-curricular activities that enable them to develop as people. The academy fosters high ambitions and we are now seeing our students moving on to prestigious university courses and apprenticeships.
Our executive principal Anne Burrell, who was brought up and educated in south Bristol herself, says: “Merchants’ Academy is changing young people’s lives and life chances.” Ofsted inspectors in 2011 rated the school as good with outstanding features and said: “Standards are being successfully raised and this is paving the way for these youngsters to have the best possible start to their adult
life.” Earlier this year, the academy was recognised by the SSAT (School Network) for being among the top 20 per cent of schools where exam results had improved year-on-year. SSAT chief executive Sue Williamson said: “There is plenty that other schools could learn from Merchants’ Academy’s success.” The academy became “cross phase” in 2012, offering high quality
care and teaching to children aged from three to 18. Students who join our secondary phase from other schools are made very welcome and the academy has a comprehensive programme of activities and outreach opportunities with primaries in our area, as well as a free summer school to help young people make the transition. For more information, visit www.merchantsacademy.org.
51% GCSE results 5 A* - C (inc. English & Maths)
Placing Merchants’ Academy in Bristol’s Top One of the most improved schools in the country Merchants' Academy is a good where all students achieve well
school
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Take the next step...
OPEN EVENINGer 26 Septemb from 5pm
Open day.......any day
7 schools
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Academies 2013 Broadlands Academy
Plugged in to national network of success
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ROADLANDS became an Academy in December 2012 and is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust, the largest academy sponsor in the country. As a result, students and staff benefit from an amazing network of support and call upon the most up-to-date advice, guidance and teaching and learning resources. All at Broadlands are celebrating
the fantastic GCSE results, which saw 60 per cent of students achieve five A*-C grades, including maths and English; an increase from 44 per cent in 2012 and 10 per cent higher than the previous best of 50 per cent. This significant improvement has led to more students than ever before securing A-level courses, apprenticeships and college placements. Broadlands is full of bright and enthusiastic students who follow a
vibrant, balanced, academic curriculum, which encourages learning both in and out of the classroom. Staff have the highest aspirations and ensure all students leave with the very best examination results. Being part of a nationwide network of academies means there is access to the very best educational support, ensuring students and staff are able to thrive in an academic environment, which challenges every indi-
vidual to be the best they can be. Broadlands Academy has a long tradition of providing high quality learning experiences for all young people. The belief is that creativity inspires success and student achievement and progress are at the heart of everything. If you would like to be part of a good school where there’s a balance between the traditional and the innovative, then come along to the open
evening on Thursday, September 26, which will be a great opportunity for Year 5 and Year 6 students and their parents/carers to visit and speak to students and staff. There are also a number of open mornings (October 1, 2 and 3) when you can tour the premises, led by our students, and observe the academy in normal working circumstances. For further information, see www.broadlandsacademy.org.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Academies 2013 The Bridge Learning Campus
Bristol Cathedral Choir School
Helping students to Danielle sets the pace achieve their dreams for school success
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RISTOL Cathedral Choir School’s expanding sixth form prides itself on combining high academic expectations with the most modern facilities. Bristol’s most over-subscribed secondary school this year has a record 112 male and female students in Year 12. They include, on the one hand, students from the first Year 7 cohort to join the school when it became an academy in September 2008, and on the other, external candidates previously at other independent and state secondary schools across the city. Head of Sixth Form Wendy Boyland, said: “I think many are attracted by our sixth form ethos: we aim to stretch students academically, while also promoting autonomy, independence and responsibility. We believe in developing each student’s individual strengths and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. That was exemplified this summer by the very different destinations of two of our Year 13 leavers, both of them with a string of A* and A grades. “Sam Bunt, our Deputy Head Student, won a place to read biochemistry at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, the first person in his family ever to go to university. “In contrast, Charlotte Downes, who came into our sixth form after taking GCSEs in her native Weston-super-Mare, is heading to Paris to audition for an acting role at Dis-
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neyland because she dreams of becoming a Disney princess.” The school specialises in music and mathematics. It offers a broad, fairly traditional range of courses and also includes A-levels such as film studies and psychology. Its city centre campus features major new buildings, including the impressive performing arts theatre in the Cresswell Centre. However, there are also many historic buildings including the new sixth form centre, based in the ancient Pates Hall, adjoining the cathedral. For those interesting in joining the sixth form in September 2014, there are two open events on Thursdays, October 10 and 17. There will be presentations by the principal, Neil Blundell, and by Mrs Boyland at 5.30pm and 6.15pm. For more information, see www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk.
HIS is Danielle Ash, a Year 11 student at the Bridge Learning Campus who left us in July. Danielle is now moving on to do A-levels at a city sixth form, clutching 13 A*-C GCSE grades, and will no doubt then progress on to university and hopefully a bright and successful future. She represents one of many young people who make good progress here, but she also demonstrates other things that are praised highly. Chief Executive Mark Davies explains: “Danielle was an enthusiast and would get involved and contribute in anything on offer. From sport to drama and taking on responsibility as Head Girl, she would always step up to the mark and modelled this to others. She is just one of many of our young people who had the start, the support and also the challenge that is so important in education. “We are very proud of people like Danielle. Since our launch as a new all-through campus
in 2009, we have seen rapid and sustained improvement and the commitment we have to keep improving is total. “This year we have a marketing campaign to ask our communities to “think local – think Bridge” and I think this is an important statement for any parent or carer looking for a secondary place. “There are many options in South Bristol, but as a parent myself I have always believed that it is important to visit as many as you can in the annual open season. “Don’t write off any particular school; go and see for yourself and make a decision after being fully infor med. “Even though we have six formal opportunities for people to visit us this autumn, anyone is welcome to make an appointment to come and see us. So think local – think Bridge and come and see us.” For more details, see www.bridge learningcampus.org.uk.
earningcampus.org.uk www.bridgel
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A non fee-paying independent school Sixth Form
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 10th October 2013 Thursday 17th October 2013 Presentations by the Principal and Head of Sixth Form at 5.30pm and 6.15pm on both evenings • High academic standards from Bristol’s oldest school • An independent co-educational academy in a city centre location • New Sixth Form Centre in historic building
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• Specialisms in Music and Mathematics
Further details: please contact 0117 353 5000 www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk
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The Open Events are 9.15am to 10.45am on: Thursday 19th & 26th September Saturday 21st September Thursdays 3rd & 10th October Saturday 12th October T. 0117 353 4472 E. enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com Bridge Learning Campus, William Jessop Way Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0RL
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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Academies 2013 Churchill Academy
Challenging young people to be the best they can be
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the latest technology to bring pace and variety to lessons. Students develop the independent learning skills they will need as they grow older. Learning is supported by other staff, who help not only those who may struggle to keep up, but also those who can forge ahead. The curriculum offers progression and can be shaped to suit individual needs. No child or teenager will thrive without “challenge”. At Churchill, there is good order, well-behaved students and high expectations of good manners, respect, and self-discipline. Parents can monitor their child’s behaviour via the web on a daily basis, but “challenge” goes much further. The inter-House competitions allow for both serious and fun activities, the school has an enviable reputation for sports and the performing arts and there are opportunities to get involved in clubs, activities, treks, trips and expeditions. “Challenge” also helps build our teenagers’ self-esteem, team work, perseverance and determination. And all this helps Churchill students “achieve”. Challenging targets are set and progress monitored, while successes are celebrated and reported to parents. Students are helped to be ambitious and motivated. Churchill focuses on the whole child, from before they arrive through links with primary schools, through the various stages of options and work experience, to work or college or Churchill’s sixth form and on to university. For more information, see www.churchillacademy.org
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HURCHILL Academy continues to go from strength to strength, providing a first-rate education from the end of primary school through to university. Churchill offers high quality education to local families from both rural villages and Weston-super-Mare. Results this year speak for themselves: At A-level, Churchill is the top-ranked school, college or academy in the area. The overall pass rate was 99.4 per cent (just two ‘U’ grades out of 337 entries), with 80 per cent of students achieving A*-C grades and an impressive increase in the number of students achieving A* to B grades – up seven per cent on last year to 61 per cent. At GCSE level, results reached a new record this year, with 69 per cent of the cohort achieving five or more grades A*-C, including English and maths, an increase of five per cent on last year. More than 80 per cent of all students gained five or more grades at C or above. The academy has four key values that guide its work: care, inspire, challenge and achieve. Churchill’s “care” (its pastoral system) is judged by Ofsted to be “outstanding”. Based on four Houses and vertical tutor groups, children mix easily and support each other. New Year 7 students are welcomed by their Year 11 “buddies” and at each stage of a child’s development there are older students to help them make decisions. Teaching at Churchill (“inspire”) is consistently “very good” and “outstanding”. The teaching staff are very hard working, using
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Academies 2013 The Steiner Academy
Creative and green school to match our city
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HE Free School programme has offered the promise of greater choice for parents, and Bristol will soon see a new school that offers a genuinely alternative approach to education. Steiner Academy Bristol was approved by the Department for Education in April this year, and will open in September 2014. It will be an all-through school for ages 4-16 and will grow to 624 pupils in 2022, from an opening intake of just 78 pupils in 2014. The academy will be the fourth state-funded Steiner school in the UK, following the success of others in Hereford, Frome and Exeter. It will also be a highly creative school, with an emphasis on the arts, music and drama, without losing focus on more academic subjects. There will also be a strong environmental ethos, with an emphasis
on outdoor play and learning, environmental science, healthy eating and cooking – a green, creative school for a green, creative city! The academy’s directors say that being a Steiner school does not mean that it is tied to the past. “Steiner education has always developed and changed to meet the needs of its time and place”, says Joe Evans, who will be the Chair of Governors. “Our academy is rooted in the values of Steiner education, but we want to be open and forward-looking, sharing practice with other schools and learning from them, too.” The academy is now taking admission applications. The group is working with the Education Funding Agency to secure a site, and is in the process of recruiting a principal. For more information, see www.steineracademybristol.org.uk.
CITY Academy is marking its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 5, with a special event from 12-4pm. Everyone is invited to take part in the activities, which will include live performances from students and special guests, a food zone celebrating cuisine and culture, and a sports action zone. Any money raised will go towards the campaign to save Felix Road Adventure Playground, which is threatened with closure. The site is an important part of the local community, and an open space that families and their children can enjoy. For further details, call 0117 941 3800 ext 210, or visit www.city academybristol.org.