S E C AN
H C FE I L G N N I O V I O T R A P C U IM D E H G U O R H T
ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2018
WELCOME In today’s globalised, digital and social media age we are witnessing an unprecedented pace of change that shapes all aspects of how people relate to one another, how we work, learn and spend our leisure time. Already, Facebook has become ‘old’ – older in fact than our Year 7 students who will join the Academy in September. Our young people have the world at their fingertips, but they also require new skill sets to thrive and succeed in a constantly changing environment. Like the digital world, education continues to evolve rapidly as new standards and performance measures are introduced.
BEST EVER EXAM RESULTS In 2017 we received our best ever exam results, with 57% of students achieving Grade 9-4 or better in English and Maths. Our results have improved year-onyear for the past three years. At Wayland Academy Norfolk we approach change with a clear focus on the Big IDEA, rather than rush for quick fixes or kneejerk responses. Our sense of mission at the Academy is clear: putting students first, enabling success and building essential life skills. Every day the Academy is a rewarding and exhilarating place to lead. Working with students through their time at the Academy is a great privilege. Our students in turn inspire others to greater success in the future. Glen Allott – Principal
OVER 42 MILLION! The Accelerated Reader programme, saw our students read over 42 million words during the year.
INNOVATE We would like our ideas to move education forward; we are not interested in just following others. We prefer originality. All of this requires students, teachers and leaders to Innovate. We must make changes to previous strategies and initiatives to enable us to predict and stay ahead of change. Like the Academy, students must be willing to adapt as the world around them changes. Innovation is different from invention – we don’t expect the reinvention of education, but rather the adaptation of good practice and what is best for our students. Students are great with innovation; they have only ever experienced a world of rapid change. However, we must also support students to realise that creativity is not dependent on technology. Our dynamic curriculum is designed to stretch students’ imaginations, raise their expectations and enrich their knowledge across all subjects. Through a balanced curriculum we ensure that students can develop as well rounded global citizens, valuing diversity in the world around them and able to protect themselves from extremist views and ideas.
Office 365
Every student will be able to download Office 365 at home onto five PCs for free. This will automatically update for 5 years
WISEPAY
Wisepay enables you to book and pay for trips, pay for school dinners and see what your child is eating
DISCOVER The latest curriculum changes require students to have a greater than ever understanding of a subject and the ability to problem solve and the rigour to work independently. We give our students the tools to be able to find things out for themselves, ask the right questions and be able to evaluate the reliability of different sources of information. Young people naturally seek out new products, ideas and trends in a desire to be the first to discover something new and of value. We recognise that when students join us, they are their own person. We support this individuality and embrace difference and diversity. Students should be allowed to enjoy the fun of trying things out even if they don’t work and to know the joy of experimentation. Education should always instil a sense of discovery in students; we want students to look for the unexpected and to be willing to search for answers rather than expecting the answer to come easily. Students will be encouraged, not forced to fit in. Students leave Wayland Academy with a thorough understanding that people are different and that is ok.
SIMS Learning Gateway
Parents can log on to SLG from anywhere and access attendance, progress and behaviour data along with annual reports.
EXPLORE Students must examine in detail and inquire into their subjects so that they acquire a concrete understanding. They should not only know the answer but also, why that is the answer. Students will discover what methods and strategies work best for them individually; this alone will make a big difference. We believe that students will only reach their true potential if they feel safe, secure and free to explore. We focus on providing an environment that enables students to focus on their priorities, like learning, making friends and preparing for life after the academy. We run a number of after-school clubs, regular holiday revision and skills training events and we work alongside business and industry to enable creative thinking and planning. Students are encouraged to engage in debate and discussion on current issues via the Student Council. These same students may aspire to be future Junior Leaders.
ClassCharts
Parents/carers and students can download the ClassCharts app to access information related to behaviour, homework and rewards
ACTIVATE Knowing every student well is key; our job is to support and encourage them as they grow up during their learning journey at Wayland. We encourage students to make their own decisions and be responsible for their own actions. We remain aware that this is a process of trial and error but, we are always on hand to support our students, whatever their needs. We insist that students produce work to the best of their ability and take time to reflect on their own work as well as the feedback from their teachers. All of this should activate students and set them in motion for excellent progress here and beyond, to amazing careers. Students should be willing to collaborate, whilst dealing with the friction, exhilaration and delight that this can bring, and at the same time releasing shared potential. As part of our commitment to providing greater opportunities for students, we guarantee Wayland Academy students a place on an appropriate course at one of our TEN Group sixth forms and colleges (subject to meeting entry requirements). Each of the providers offer a wide range of options for students of all abilities including A Levels, industry-based courses and apprenticeships.
Get Involved
The Academy offers a wide variety of sporting teams and events. The Academy is also linked with satellite sporting clubs.
Wayland Academy Norfolk offers a wide range of GCSE and Vocational subjects. Curriculum opportunity is not limited for any student.
CURRICULUM We pride ourselves on a broad and varied curriculum; we don’t have a one size fits all model. We know that every student is different and that some students follow an alternative pathway. Our curriculum supports students who will progress to university as well as those who will apply for an apprenticeship or employment. Throughout their time at Wayland Academy Norfolk students are being prepared for their next step beyond the academy.
Pastoral Curriculum Our pastoral curriculum provides all students with regular updates on Anti-Bullying, Behaviour, Radicalisation & Extremism, Safeguarding and Attendance. This provision, delivered in Tutor time meshes with the themes of the week and assemblies. If a student is ever concerned they can contact our Safe Team in person, via the website, by email to safeteam@waylandacademy.org.uk or text.
COMMUNITY Whether it is a small non-profit or a worldwide organisation, charities are a vital part of every community. Charities can change the lives of people in need every day; even the smallest of donations can impact on a community. Over the past academic years students and staff have increasingly worked with local charities to raise awareness and funds. Charity work is a vital part of the curriculum as it empowers students’ understanding of the world around them and increases their awareness of issues in the local community and beyond.
As part of “What’s the Big IDEA” we plan half termly charity events for local charities. These events are planned and delivered by our students. The academy’s Junior Leadership Team works alongside these events to involve the Student Council, whilst maintaining an overview of community projects and charity work. The student group Pupils Advising, Listening & Supporting (PALS), in addition to prefects, provide an additional presence to ensure that all students feel safe in the academy.
Groupcall
The Academy also uses Groupcall to send texts, emails and notifications to parents relating to the academy and their child.
COMMUNICATION Face to face communication will always remain vitally important to us. However, we intend to continue to develop our digital connections. Parents can access live information about their child’s progress via the ClassCharts app. Information related to rewards, sanctions and homework are notified via the app. Students can also use the app to monitor this information or order rewards from the Rewards Store.
We produce a termly magazine with articles and photographs from the many events and trips that students participate in. The academy as a whole and many subjects use social media as an informal communication outlet, sharing news, events and updates. Keep up to date with the latest news. Follow us on Twitter @waylandacademy
OUR MISSION Our mission, is to create learning that enables students to Innovate, Discover, Explore and Activate, underpinned by our core value of: Improving life chances through education.
Merton Road, Watton, Thetford, IP25 6BA 01953 881 514 office@waylandacademy.org.uk waylandacademy.org.uk
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