Join us at Mounts Bay Academy on a journey of new beginnings and endless possibilities, where the rigid schooling models of the past are giving way to an exploration of 21st Century learning and living. Sara Davey, Principal
Mounts Bay Academy is a place where students are heard and valued. This snapshot of our vibrant world is the result of students and staff working together to offer you an insight into what life here is really like.
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Welcome
Our school’s reputation for excellence has grown from over half a century of commitment to generating new ideas, encouraging divergent thinking and nurturing a community of highly motivated staff and students. A passion for developing and supporting talent has created an environment where everyone is empowered to realise and embrace their true potential. We foster students’ natural abilities and support them on their journey as they become forward-thinking, well-rounded, unique individuals. With pride we watch them work their way through the school and go on to drive creativity and inspire new levels of academic and professional success.
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At Mounts Bay we believe that everyone possesses the innate qualities needed for brilliance and success — they just need to work hard, have a positive attitude and make the most of opportunities. This prospectus gives you a taste of what makes the academy so special, but the best way to discover what we have to offer is to come and see for yourself. We look forward to you becoming part of our exciting community and hope you enjoy pursuing a life less ordinary. Sara Davey, Principal
Learning as an Adventure
INSPIRED LEADERSHIp
Progressing through our learning environment is an exciting, challenging adventure. So students are able to relate their knowledge to the real world in a meaningful way, experiences become learning expeditions as we promote the development of those academic habits necessary for future success.
‘We want all of our students to feel inspired and challenged by teachers who not only love their subjects, but can share their knowledge in new and exciting ways.’
Encouraging the emergence of character is also a prominent focus of the curriculum as we aid the formation of balanced, thoughtful individuals with the ability to make a positive mark on the world. As part of our committed quest for a life less ordinary, every member of the Mounts Bay community is given the support they need to push boundaries and reach beyond expectations.
Robin Webb / Chair of Governors
‘The school’s specialism in sport and creativity is having a highly positive impact on attainment, as well as improving the health of students. Excellent behaviour around the academy is demonstrated by students’ polite and orderly conduct. The school’s curriculum provides a rich and varied experience for students of all abilities. Students’ attitudes to learning and conduct in lessons and around the school are outstanding. The overwhelming majority of students attain at least five GCSEs at grades A« to C.’ OFSTED
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OUR House System
SMARTLY ORGANISED
Mounts Bay Academy operates a House system which complements the Year Group system and encourages healthy competition and fun across the school. Every child belongs to one of six Houses; Orange, Purple, Blue, Red, Yellow and Green, with House assignment dependent on tutor group.
Since 1980 the Mounts Bay uniform has been a source of distinction and pride. Our smart dress and polite, approachable students have been praised and we believe in traditional good manners and looking ready to learn.
House teams are made up of one tutor group from every year in order to promote interaction with older students. Throughout the year House points can be earned and put towards a variety of prizes. Orange House Purple House Blue House Red House Yellow House Green House
Mr Eddy Mr Harvey Mr Hall Miss Hick Mr Finch Mr Dale
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With outstanding behaviour and attendance we have a solid foundation for extremely positive attitudes to learning and achievement. Our uniform is also a great way of promoting equality among students and ensuring that fashion is not a distraction.
‘The uniform looks smart and also makes a statement about which house you belong to.’ Year 11 student
Academy Uniform
The Average School Day
Uniform
Timetable
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School tie* Black blazer with badge* Black trousers or skirt Plain white shirt or blouse with collar and top button for tie (not polo shirt) • V-neck black pullover (optional) • Sensible black shoes (no trainers or skate shoes) • Sensible outdoor coat
08:15 Breakfast Club 08:35 Warning bell 08:40 Registration/Assembly 09:05 Session 1 10:45 Break 11:05 Session 2 12:45 Lunch/MixX activities 13:35 Session 3 15:15 Formal school day ends 15:30 MixX activities begin
Sports Kit
Teaching
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A total of 25 hours per week is scheduled lesson time. This excludes assemblies, registration, lunchtime and other breaks.
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Red and black outdoor rugby shirt* Red fleece (girls) Red polo shirt for indoor P.E.* Training Shoes Black shorts* B lack ‘MBA’ football-style socks (red and white)* Towel Zipped kit bag Football boots (recommended) Dance T-shirt and leggings (optional)
*A ll starred items are available from the school shop at cost price.
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We are one of only a handful of secondary schools in the South West to achieve “Outstanding� in every Ofsted category since 2012.
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‘I’m very lucky to be part of a fantastic school.’ YeaR 9 STUDENT
7 out of 10 students achieve a higher grade GCSE for English and Maths, which is above the national average.
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To support our students on their journey to becoming reflective, thoughtful learners, we help to develop organisation, planning and time management skills.
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Student recruitment is high and has continued to grow since Mounts Bay became an Academy in 2011.
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‘It’s The people that make Mounts Bay stand out. I’ve found amazing friends here.’ YeaR 9 STUDENT
We have over 900 students and 100 staff, at a ratio of 51% female 49% male.
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Cutting edge technology encourages a pioneering approach to education, and with access to industry standard equipment students can explore subjects in diverse, relevant formats which lays the foundations for future creativity.
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‘My favourite lessons are the ones which are a bit different or unusual.’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
We are the only school in Cornwall to deliver the International Middle Years Curriculum, popular with top-ranking schools across the globe.
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‘ Using multimedia to create and share work makes lessons cool and interactive.’ YEAR 7 STUDENT
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Encouraging students to focus on the details is one of the many ways we enable them to excel academically, socially and progressively.
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‘It feels great when you’re proud of the things you make.’ YEAR 8 STUDENT
Mounts Bay Academy started life in 1980 as a comprehensive, co-educational secondary school.
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All our students are provided with the latest technology so they can access the most up-to-date resources for their studies.
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We have provided education and training opportunities for more than 60 British and international schools this year.
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For students to shine they must have the support of a safe, constructive culture and the self-assurance to foster this environment themselves.
We support students’ ambitions and encourage them to reach the height of their potential. We offer bursaries and scholarships to boost the very top performers.
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‘Being rewarded for doing well makes me want to keep trying.’ YEAR 11 STUDENT
Over 95% of our students gain five A★ to C grades, which is well above the national average.
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Competing is an essential aspect of life, so through a range of activities students learn to balance aspiration with determination, drive and enthusiasm.
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‘SHOOT, STUART SHOOT!’ YEAR 7 STUDENT
We are one of the top schools in the county for sport and perform well in the County School Games. We have also won county championships in Football, Cricket, Swimming, Hockey and Indoor Rowing as well as numerous Athletic events.
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‘ There’s no pressure, just lots of ways to get involved and tons of encouragement!’ YEAR 7 STUDENT
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Our teaching and learning policy encourages rewarding students for developing excellent academic habits, including the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams.
‘ I love being allowed to focus on THE things that I’m MOST interested in.’ YEAR 8 STUDENT
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Deep LEarning Zone IPad Presentation Evening
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‘Getting to check out universities and colleges makes the future feel real.’ YEAR 11 STUDENT
Our students have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, taking on degrees ranging from English at Oxford to Engineering in Exeter, Art at Goldsmiths and Veterinary Science at the Royal College in London.
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Falmouth Universit y PhotograPhy Centre
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‘I can be myself here.’ YEAR 9 STUDENT
Relationships are superb, with both students and visitors enjoying a culture of care and friendship.
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‘ It’s great that we get to use fun tech like the iPad to help our learning.’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
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Individual talent is a beacon of communal inspiration, with the success of high-achieving students celebrated and harnessed to enable the potential of peers.
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‘With so many clubs and activities to choose from there’s something for everyone!’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
We have over 100 extra-curricular clubs and societies on offer each week.
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‘If I had to sum up Mounts Bay in three words I’d pick amazing, outstanding and great!’ YEAR 7 STUDENT
The Academy is known for its safe and happy environment and buzzes with activity through the day and into the evening.
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‘We’re really lucky to be so close to the sea. We use it all the time.’ YEAR 8 STUDENT
We use our amazing surroundings on campus and across Cornwall to enhance learning and promote an enquiry based, adventurous curriculum.
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‘ It’s really interesting when people from the real world come in to set us projects.’ YEAR 8 STUDENT
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While based at the end of the country, we offer a passport to the world and the chance to challenge the concepts of identity and place through global networks and exciting international experiences.
‘I’ve got so many great memories from all the school trips I’ve been on.’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
We have great teachers who are all graded by OFSTED as “good” or “outstanding” in lessons and regularly go above and beyond to provide trips, memorable experiences and after school clubs in abundance.
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Cartagena – Spain
‘ One of the most exciting things is the amazing PLACES that WE can travel to.’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
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Our unique deep learning philosophy immerses students in memorable experiences both inside and outside of the curriculum, with challenging activities designed to garner self-belief, uncover new skills and expand existing knowledge.
Dachau Concentration Camp – Munich
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Celebrating student vision and promoting interactive creation has made the evolution of our school an inspirational legacy for future generations. Over the last three years more than ÂŁ1 million has been invested in the latest facilities and resources.
The Cube
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‘We’re all encouraged to perform. It’s scary at first, but you do get more confident.’ YeaR 9 STUDENT
Our vision is to provide “Success for All” by setting personalised, challenging targets which are reviewed regularly to ensure all students make progress.
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‘The best bit about school is the huge amount of subjects and activities there are to choose from.’ YEAR 9 STUDENT
We have 8 faculties and over 40 academic subjects.
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Skills for adult life are developed as students earn qualifications in First Aid, Leadership, Nutrition and Cookery.
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With practical and theoretical training, students are empowered to create sustainable, safe environments and develop the skills needed to look after themselves and others.
‘Mounts Bay has offered things to me that I probably would never have tried otherwise.’ YEAR 7 STUDENT
We are one of only two Adventure Learning Schools in Cornwall working with Professor David Hopkins and the University of Manchester to develop a new, exciting approach to learning and education.
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‘ Representing the school in sporting events is brilliant.’ YEAR 11 STUDENT
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World class teachers bring their unique insight and passion to the curriculum, making learning engaging, exciting and empowering.
‘Whatever your ambitions, you know that the school will do everything it can to help you achieve them.’ YEAR 10 STUDENT
Nearly 200 students are taking leadership qualifications (such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Arts Award) in their own time.
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‘The teachers are always enthusiastic and genuinely care about giving you help and support.’ YEAR 11 STUDENT
The average class size is 1 teacher to every 24 students.
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‘ We get loads of opportunities to be creative.’ YEAR 9 STUDENT
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Creativity is infused in everything we do and all students are encouraged to explore their talents and gain confidence through performance.
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Contact
Credits
Mounts Bay Academy
Photographers
Boscathnoe Lane Heamoor Penzance Cornwall TR18 3JT
Cody Guy Eddy Hall Imogen Forster Roxanne Cody Treen Bolton Jai New May Robson Louis Hammond Lara Jane Docherty Sam Breeze Chris Thomas The MBA Media Team
Telephone: 01736 363240 Fax: 01736 352326 Email: enquiries@mountsbay.org www.mountsbay.org
Concept & Design Sames + Littlejohns www.sameslittlejohns.co.uk