CRAYFORD ACADE M Y
All children and young people can succeed Haberdashers’
Aske’s Federation Three schools one vision
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S WELCOME Welcome to the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation. Our three Academies provide an education for children aged 3 – 18 in South London. We have been educating young people in this part of London since 1876 and throughout that time our approach has been epitomised by high standards and academic excellence, a tradition that continues today. Our values of aspiration and achievement, personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect are evident in all our work and result in young people who develop and grow as independent, resourceful and resilient individuals.
Our commitment is that, working in partnership with you, we can ensure your child gets the best possible start in life. All children and young people who attend our schools have the opportunity to gain academic qualifications to equip them well for the next stage of their life, but we provide so much more than that. Our vision is that by the time young people leave us they will have experienced a whole range of opportunities that not only build their mind, but also build their character. As a result they are fully prepared to be successful in their adult lives as workers, as parents and as partners. Adrian Percival – Chief Executive
Principal’s Welcome On behalf of the pupils and staff at Crayford Academy, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our school. We are delighted when families from the local community we serve decide to send their children to us, to receive a Haberdashers’ education. Many pupils who arrive in year 7 will have already experienced life in this school, having attended our primary phase. This is important, as it helps us embed our ethos at an early stage in the secondary – expectations of our pupils are high from the start. We are a larger than average school that takes pride in getting to know pupils and parents, working in partnership to get the best possible academic results for children and providing an education for character that is synonymous with the Haberdashers’ schools. Belonging to a Federation of schools affords our pupils even greater advantage, through shared staff expertise and the opportunity to compete in sporting and extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There is a focus at Crayford Academy on the importance of academic studies, particularly in essential literacy and numeracy skills, which we believe provide greater access to the breadth of secondary subjects offered. We are very proud of the environment in which we work and our pupils feel the same. Facilities for learning and recreation are first class, purpose built, safe and allow us to cater for a wide range of abilities. We have a thriving Sixth Form, and when you meet these students, you will notice that standards of behaviour and uniform, codes of conduct and good manners are consistent. Sixth Formers provide role models for younger children in the secondary phase of the school and are able to help staff protect our values and ethos, supporting our House system and as part of the student leadership team. Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy is very popular with parents and children, bringing stability and self-esteem to all involved. In total we serve over 1500 pupils. As Principal, I am determined that this school, our staff and pupils continue to make a positive difference to the local community. I look forward to working with you. Richard Farrow – Principal
“ THE PRINCIPAL LEADS BY EXAMPLE; HIS BELIEF IN MAKING THIS ACADEMY THE BEST IT CAN BE IS ECHOED BY LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS.” – OFSTED 2014 –
“ STUDENTS ENJOY ATTENDING SCHOOL AND WORK HARD IN LESSONS. THEY RESPECT THEIR ACADEMY ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS RESPECTING EACH OTHER.” – OFSTED 2014 –
HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S FEDERATION
STATEMENT OF VALUES, AIMS AND ETHOS The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation is a federation of three all-through schools each at the heart of its community that share a vision for the education of children and young people. Our vision is built from our values of aspiration and achievement, personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect. We are forward looking and value innovation, but always within the context of our long tradition of providing excellent education. Based upon these values we aim to ensure all the children and young people who come to our schools: • Are happy and safe at school and are able to learn successfully within a supportive environment. • Are able to achieve their full potential personally, academically and socially. • Develop and grow as independent, resourceful and resilient individuals.
• Are equipped with the skills, qualifications and love of learning they will need to be successful in the world they will join as adults. We will achieve these aims by providing a safe environment where all children and young people can succeed and through: • Provision of a curriculum that is stretching, relevant and provides each student with the opportunity to excel. • High expectations of every member of our community. • Excellent teaching, leading to the highest standards of academic excellence. • The best standards of behaviour based upon our values of mutual respect, self-discipline and self-confidence. • A respect for tradition that embraces innovation and challenge.
“ We are encouraged to take advantage of all that Crayford Academy has to offer. We go to school, play sports and participate in many other extra-curricular activities. It is the first step for making a good life for myself and has allowed me to excel both inside and outside of school.” – Anya-May Carragher (Year 12 Student, Head Girl) –
YEAR 7 OUR PUPILS DEVELOP AND GROW INTO INDEPENDENT, RESOURCEFUL AND RESILIENT INDIVIDUALS. The Academy offers, wherever possible, single-sex teaching in years 7 – 11. It is the view of the Federation that pupils in the secondary phase learn more effectively in single-sex classes. However, the benefits of a co-educational community are recognised and all house, enrichment and extra-curricular activities are co-educational. The achievement of boys and girls is equally matched and we aim to satisfy the aspirations and goals of all our students.
The best standards of behaviour are expected based on our values of personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect. Through embodying these values, the pupils are able to achieve their full potential, both academically and socially. We see parents as partners in the education of their children and will keep them informed of their child’s progress regularly at each stage of their education.
“ STUDENTS ENJOY RICH ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES, INCLUDING SPORTS CLUBS AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES.” – OFSTED 2014 –
OUR CURRICULUM The curriculum at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy is balanced and challenging throughout the school, ensures accessibility to all and is tailored to the needs of the individual. The curriculum is designed to advance every pupil, not only academically, but also socially and morally, in line with the aims, vision and ethos of the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation. We pride ourselves in having a curriculum that combines thinking and learning; our curriculum provides all pupils with the opportunity to be enterprising and to work successfully with others of all ages. The curriculum is delivered through a variety of media, including the use of ICT as an effective learning tool. Strong teaching ensures differentiation for a variety of abilities. Throughout, the curriculum takes into account the strengths and areas for development of each pupil. In order to do this, the progress and attainment of each pupil is closely monitored. The curriculum is flexible enough to allow pupils to progress at a rate that is appropriate to their abilities. Our pupils develop into articulate, confident young adults who do not shy away from being successful. At all levels, pupils are assessed on a regular basis and their progress carefully monitored as this is an essential tool in raising academic achievement. Our pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of enrichment activities, from elite athletics to debating and public speaking. Wherever possible the school
will support this participation to enable them to reach the highest levels of their chosen specialisms.
KEY STAGE 3 (KS3) Pupils follow a common curriculum in mainly mixed ability and where possible single-sex classes. Differences in ability are addressed by differentiation of tasks and activities both in the classroom and for home study. Pupils study modern foreign languages, humanities, art, drama, computing, music, religion & ethics, technology and PE as well as the core subjects; English, mathematics and science.
KEY STAGE 4 (KS4) Crayford Academy is at the forefront of curriculum development and will utilise the full resources available within the Federation. The Federation is committed to developing a full range of courses, which will allow all pupils, irrespective of ability, to access a curriculum which is appropriate to them. In addition to the core subjects of mathematics, science, English and physical education, pupils currently choose four option subjects to be studied at KS4. The choices offered will be wide and varied and will be designed to provide an appropriate pathway for each pupil. Pupils will receive expert guidance on their choices of pathway from subject and careers staff as well as form tutors.
REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT At all stages, pupils’ progress is regularly assessed and reported to parents. On-going assessment is essential in developing a curriculum to suit the needs of all our pupils.
“ THE GENERAL QUALITY OF PUPILS’ SPEECH WAS VERY GOOD, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO ARTICULATE THEIR IDEAS. THEY WERE HAPPY AND CONFIDENT PUPILS, WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE TAUGHT WELL.” – OFSTED 2014 –
EXTENDING THE CURRICULUM EXPERIENCE The Academy provides an extensive range of enrichment activities, which includes off-site educational activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) scheme. Enrichment gives both breadth and the opportunity for cross-curricular work within the Academy and also across the Federation as a whole. It is compulsory for all pupils in years 7 to 11 to participate in a wide programme of activities. Enrichment activities are timetabled mainly out of the normal Academy timetable (i.e. before morning registration, lunchtime, after school) but in addition to this, activities could involve pupils in residential stays away from school and will take place during and out of term time as appropriate, e.g. D of E expeditions. In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, a wide range of extended time is provided within departments to enhance
the basic curriculum. For example, in computing a programming club may run after school. Enrichment gives both breadth and the opportunity for cross-curricular work within the Academy and provides a perfect opportunity for our older pupils to work with the primary children. The enrichment programme is a key element of our all-through curriculum. All pupils are expected to involve themselves fully in these additional activities. The curriculum offer is broad and balanced and is a strength. Parents receive comprehensive information about subjects. There is a good focus on reading, writing and maths. SMSC provision is strong and actively promotes British values. There is an outstanding range of activities available for pupils. Comprehensive information is provided to pupils and parents on post 16 and post 18 education and careers.
“ THE BEHAVIOUR OF STUDENTS IS GOOD. PARENTS, STUDENTS AND STAFF ALL AGREE.” – OFSTED 2014 –
MUSIC SPECIALISM The aim of the Music Specialism programme is to seek out, develop and nurture musical talent. We have a dedicated team of instrumental peripatetic tutors who work at the academy. Pupils who have been awarded a music place will automatically be entitled to individual instrumental lessons funded by the academy. Pupils are entered for external music practical examinations and theory examinations when they reach the necessary required standard. Each pupil’s musical needs differ and our aim is to create a bespoke programme for them. Extra-curricular opportunities are strength of the Music Department with ensembles including a school orchestra and choir, woodwind and string ensembles, rock band clubs and more. An annual large-scale production allows pupils the opportunity to develop performing skills and the annual Eisteddfod caters for all types of performers. In addition to these we have a cycle of events including whole Federation events at Southwark Cathedral, performing for our sponsors on Deputation Day, Founders Day and our annual Carol service. Trips and events are planned to enhance the musical experiences of our students.
“ Being a music specialism student has given my daughter so many fantastic opportunities that she would not have received anywhere else. It has been wonderful to see her grow in confidence as a musician and to know that she is encouraged to reach for the stars and that anything is possible.” – Parent of a music specialism place holder –
SIXTH FORM Schools within the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation have provided outstanding sixth form opportunities for well over a hundred years. The Sixth Form at Crayford Academy has built upon this strong ethos and expectations: we provide a broad and academic curriculum that supports our pupils’ ambition to access Higher Education or Apprenticeships. Our pupils benefit from specialist teaching, state of the art facilities, extensive extra-curricular activities and a dedicated Sixth Form team that looks after their wellbeing and supports their academic achievement. Crayford Academy has a music specialism and offers a large range of opportunities for our senior students to excel in this area. This is in complement to many enrichment opportunities including volunteering, charitable enterprise, leadership experiences and programmes offered and supported by the Haberdashers’ Company. The Sixth Form has its own purpose-built facilities on the second floor of the main school building and pupils will continue to benefit from all aspects of our first-class facilities including playing fields, gym, ICT facilities, lecture theatre and media suite. Being part of a vibrant Sixth Form such as ours is excellent preparation for Further / Higher Education and the workplace, giving pupils a broad and varied range of experiences and aspirations.
“ The support from teachers is amazing and there’s always a space provided for revision during exam periods. Crayford Academy’s Sixth Form is the perfect environment to learn and extend my knowledge in my A-Level subjects.” – Amy Holland (Year 12 Student) –
CAREERS Career Guidance and Career Exploration are integral to a pupil’s development and growth at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy and serves as a preparation for their transition to adulthood. The presence of career-related activities provides the connection between learning and earning, equipping our pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to enter and thrive in the working world. Work-related activities and educational visits have enabled us to develop partnerships with business and industry to show our pupils the importance of an academic passport. They also have the opportunity to attend career fairs, industry talks, insight days, career workshops, industry
placements and university open days. Alongside the work related opportunities the academy has embraced local, national and global campaigns such as STEM, ‘Girls who Code’ and ‘I am Creative’ projects, so that our pupils explore their potential whilst gaining industry experience. Our aim is to ensure that every student leaves the Academy with a suitable and sustainable destination tailored to them. This is achieved through a clear strategy that works alongside educational engagement from year 7 to year 13 for every pupil. The Academy employs a full time Careers Coordinator helping us to guarantee every pupil secures a place in education, training or employment when they leave us.
“ THE CURRICULUM OFFER IS BROAD AND BALANCED AND IS A STRENGTH. PARENTS RECEIVE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT SUBJECTS. THERE IS A GOOD FOCUS ON READING, WRITING AND MATHS. SMSC (SOCIAL, MORAL, SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL) PROVISION IS STRONG AND ACTIVELY PROMOTES BRITISH VALUES. THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR PUPILS. COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO PUPILS AND PARENTS ON POST 16 EDUCATION AND CAREERS.” – OFSTED 2014 –
CRAYFORD ACADE M Y
OUR SPONSORS THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF HABERDASHERS. A RESPECT FOR TRADITION THAT EMBRACES INNOVATION AND CHALLENGE. The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies and has a long history closely connected to the development of the City of London. Arising from this, in the 21st Century the Company plays a major role in the provision of support for education and is a vibrant participant in new educational initiatives. Alongside this, remains a continuing commitment to charitable work that continues to play an important part in the work of the Company. Education is of prime importance to The Haberdashers’ Company. The schools that it supports in the maintained and independent sectors are of the highest national standard academically and prepare pupils for a full life. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, of the Company’s schools, other educational establishments and young people in education.
All children and young people can succeed Haberdashers’
Aske’s Federation Three schools one vision
The Company, as Trustee of the various educational charities that provide for the schools, is responsible for ensuring that the revenues are spent properly and that building projects are good value for money. The Company’s Education Committee maintains close links with the schools and is kept advised of broad educational issues and initiatives. The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation is a multi-academy trust and all information on governance can be found on the Federation website: www.haaf.org.uk
CRAYFORD ACADE M Y
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy Iron Mill Lane Crayford Kent DA1 4RS Telephone: 01322 402 180 www.haaf.org.uk
All children and young people can succeed Haberdashers’
Aske’s Federation Three schools one vision