Welcome to the Bishop of Rochester Academy We are a mixed, 11-18 comprehensive Church of England school catering for all ability ranges.
Our ethos The Academy is a caring school with a strong Christian ethos and a commitment to life-long learning and high aspirations for all. We: • have a passion for excellence • affirm that each person is divinely unique • encourage everyone to achieve beyond their expectations • show love and respect for all • demonstrate that we are at the heart of the community At the Academy we seek to create an atmosphere in which students and staff feel able to explore and express their beliefs. There are opportunities for collective worship for those of all faiths and none, and time for everyone to reflect on their opinions and spirituality.
Passion for
excellence At the Bishop of Rochester Academy we believe that students learn best and thrive when they are happy, suitably challenged and rewarded. Our ethos statement is very important to us, these shared values drive the work of the Academy. Our new building provides state-of-the-art facilities. We have an educational environment that provides a learning experience where every learner can develop into an accomplished and responsible young person. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to the Academy in a shared partnership to ensure the best opportunities and future for your child. Kuljit Rahelu Principal
The‌ principal is an excellent role model. She sets extremely high expectations of everyone and is widely respected. Ofsted, June 2013
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Core
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The Bishop of Rochester Academy is proud of the diversity of cultures within the local community and the mutual respect with which all members of the community treat each other. Our students raise considerable sums for a wide range of charities and regularly engage with the local community through musical performances for the elderly, tea dances and voluntary work through our chaplaincy. We have a number of very important business links that provide us with important insights into business and industry, and valuable work experience placements for students in the Upper School.
Senior leaders and governors have brought rapid improvements. Ofsted, June 2013
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Students are very positive about their “new school� and are proud to belong there.
Ofsted, June 2013
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The Academy offers a good and expanding range of academic and vocational courses which are increasingly well matched to the abilities and needs of its students.
Ofsted, June 2013
Innovative
Curriculum Our innovative curriculum aims to provide all students with confidence in communication and the skills, attitudes and abilities to solve problems, develop their potential and make headway towards their chosen careers. Our rich ICT resources provide a platform to support curious minds and release creativity. Students have access to digital learning devices and we are introducing a managed learning environment to assist them with their independent study and homework. We set challenging targets and regularly monitor achievement to give students helpful feedback to improve their work and help them reach their highest potential. Students are set in core subjects to allow them to work to their optimum pace. Gifted and Talented students receive additional challenges, while those needing extra support receive specialist help. In addition, our Sixth Form provides paired reading and maths support to younger students.
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key Enrichment Enrichment is a key feature of our curriculum. Apart from homework and revision clubs, activities range from journalism and photography for our newspaper, to cake decorating, computing and language clubs.
Performing arts students showcase their talents through instrumental tuition, music technology, choirs, bands, drama, dance, Glaston-BoRA and stunning school productions. Competitions in netball, rugby, football, athletics and cross-country enable our teams often to enjoy success at district level. We have a fitness suite, extensive playing fields and plans for an all-weather pitch. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme develops leadership skills while extensive educational trips broaden our learners’ experiences.
Equality of opportunity is at the heart of what leaders and teachers set out to achieve.
Ofsted, June 2013
Student care and guidance Tutors are the first port of call if students have any queries or need support. Heads of Year, supported by a member of the senior team, are also on hand to give advice – so there is always someone to help.
Our house system, named after Bishops of Rochester (Ridley, Ithamar, Justus, Gundulf ), provides a forum where we celebrate effort, attainment and attendance, with merits and house points. Our student council gives students both a voice, responsibility and opportunities for leadership and participation. We take special care to help our Year 7 students make a smooth transition. From Year 5, students join us for curriculum support, taster days and even Saturday and Summer Schools.
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Progression to
sixth form 08
At the Bishop of Rochester Academy we have a growing Sixth Form, with an increasing number of Year 11 students that consider it their first choice for post-16 education.
Students greatly appreciate the support and advice our Sixth Form offers, along with a wide range of academic and vocational courses that are made available. The Academy’s Sixth Form is committed to maximising achievement and ensuring students are able to achieve their goals, which increasingly includes progression to university. The Bishop of Rochester Academy has recently partnered with Chatham Town Football Club to create a Football Academy for students joining our Sixth Form. This will provide enormous opportunities for students to develop leadership, coaching and referee skills alongside their academic qualifications. Further details of the Sixth Form provision can be found in our separate prospectus.
The sixth form is good. It is rapidly expanding the courses on offer. Ofsted, June 2013
Rochhester Statio tion
Rochester
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Medway Tunnel
CHATHAM GILLINGHAM
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Magpie Hall Road, Chatham ME4 5JB t: 01634 303005 e: office@boracademy.org
www.boracademy.org
The Academy is sponsored by: • Rochester Diocesan Board of Education • Canterbury Christ Church University • Medway Council This valuable support continues to assist the Academy in raising educational standards and creating opportunities for the young people of Medway to achieve their full potential.
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Bishop of Rochester Academy
r sl lde Wa
A229
Rainh Rd Ash Tree
Maidstone Rd
City Way
Chatham Station