INCLUSION • PROGRESSION • EXCELLENCE
Part of New College Durham Academies Trust Š Copyright Consett Academy Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print (August 2011). Consett Academy reserves the right to amend information at any time.
A warm welcome ..................................
04
challenge & inspire..............................
16
Our sponsors.......................................
06
Sport & Technology.............................
18
Inclusion, Progression & Excellence.....
08
Innovation in learning
Caring for every student.....................
10
A Supportive Environment....................
22
.......................... 12
Student Learning & Progress................
24
............................... 14
Cutting edge campus............................
26
Academy Partnerships High expectations
....................... 20
A warm welcome We offer an exciting and inspirational environment for young people to learn and succeed in.
04
CONSETT ACADEMY
Choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Your child will need to feel safe and secure and be assured that they will have access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences, which will shape the rest of their life. We believe that your child is entitled to the very best in education and here, at Consett Academy, we offer just that. Consett Academy will operate on two sites: North Campus (former Consett Community Sports College) and South Campus (former Moorside Community Technology College), but will move onto a new purpose built campus in the heart of Consett, in 2014. The new campus will offer unrivalled facilities for our students and Consett’s community. We believe in hard work and in encouraging achievement of all kinds. Our approach is founded on a special partnership between you as parents, our Academy and your child – education is most successful when parents are closely involved in their child’s development. We will therefore work closely with you to ensure your child achieves the very best.
We believe in setting high standards. We know that with good teaching, a well disciplined environment and a structured system of guidance and support all students who attend our Academy will be inspired and grow into confident, capable young people, well prepared for adult life. This prospectus provides an outline of our Academy and what it can offer your child. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself. I look forward to welcoming both you and your child personally to our Academy.
Kevin Reynolds Principal Designate
www.consett-academy.org.uk
Our sponsors As a high quality provider of education and training, New College Durham is committed to providing the best for your child, whatever their ability or aspirations. We will aim to provide the best foundation for their future, by offering exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and develop.
06
New College Durham has established a strong reputation for providing high quality education. New College Durham is delighted to be the lead sponsor for Consett Academy. The College has established a strong reputation for providing high quality education and training for both young people and adults. A recent Ofsted inspection (June 2009) found the College to be “Outstanding” across all key areas and our further education success rates place us in the top ten percent of Colleges nationally. In recognition of the levels of excellence achieved, the College has since been awarded “Beacon College” status by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) in March 2010. Durham County Council (DCC), as co-sponsor, provides expertise in school improvement strategies, advice on overcoming social and economic barriers to success and developing collaborative approaches to curriculum delivery with other local providers. DCC supports the Academy’s commitment to transforming learning and developing exemplary practice. Both organisations firmly believe that your children deserve the best teaching, with the best facilities and resources, in order to learn, enjoy and succeed. Our joint vision is for all children, whatever their ability and background, to have the opportunity to fulfil their real potential and make an informed choice about their future. We will place great importance on partnership work and collaboration with the local community. With the College’s experience as a provider of education and training, we will utilise the support of new and existing business partners, to ensure learning is relevant and interesting for your child. We will ensure that we develop a strong sporting and technology related approach in line with the Sport and Technology specialisms. Where appropriate, we will also promote best practice, whilst offering our support to ensure all children receive the highest quality of education, throughout their time studying with us. www.consett-academy.org.uk
Inclusion, Progression & Excellence We will provide the highest quality teaching and learning, to help students gain the necessary skills to progress onto higher study and employment.
08 Page 4
WE HAVE three core values: Inclusion, Progression and Excellence. INCLUSION We are committed to every student and seek to realise your child’s potential, ability and talent. We will support your child by providing a personalised learning experience, designed to ensure your child is confident, happy and successful. Our Academy will be a place where all are valued, shown respect and included.
PROGRESSION We will encourage and support students as they travel along their learning journey. We will offer effective guidance and advice to your child and your family, allowing them to make informed choices for future study and employment. We insist upon the highest academic standards and a commitment to learning from every student. We will offer new challenges and experiences, motivating your child to achieve their best.
EXCELLENCE We will provide the highest quality teaching and learning experience for your child. We will provide strong leadership and effective support, so that your child will achieve their potential in academic disciplines, vocational skills and extra-curricular activity.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
Caring for every student We will provide young people with a happy and secure environment in which to grow and develop. Happy, confident and challenged students become successful learners and fulfil their potential.
10 Page 4
We aim to be a caring institution that takes its responsibility for the welfare of young people very seriously. We will strive to provide a happy, welcoming and secure learning environment for all. A specialist induction programme will help your child to settle very easily into the Academy and to be ready to meet the new opportunities and challenges they will find here. Help will always be at hand if needed, either from other students, form tutors or year managers. Your child will have a special relationship with their form tutor, cemented and strengthened by daily contact. The form tutor acts as a guide and mentor and monitors the progress and welfare of all students in the group, including attendance and punctuality. Should you ever have any concerns or worries about your child’s welfare or progress, you should contact in the first instance the appropriate tutor, who will be happy to meet you.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
ACADEMY Partnerships We will work in partnership with our local community and all those who share our core values of Inclusion, Progression and Excellence. Above all we will work in partnership with all those who form our Academy community, staff students and parents, to create a successful, thriving academy.
12 Page 4
WE AIM TO be a learning environment which is valued by learners, their families and the extended community. WE aim to become the heart of the community that WE serve, to develop strong links with all members and to provide learning opportunities for people of all ages.
Primary Partners We acknowledge the importance of working closely with our primary school partners. This will minimise stress and anxiety for students and parent/carers. It will also ensure continuity between the primary and secondary stages, so that the progress your child makes in primary school is sustained and built on at our Academy.
Partnership with Parents and Carers Here at the Academy we understand and value the vital role that parents and carers play in their child’s education and we will develop close links with you. We want to encourage you to take an active role in the Academy and provide support for your child’s education. We will support you in encouraging your child to access the range of learning opportunities, that will be delivered beyond the Academy day. Clear and frequent communication is important to enable you to support your child. We will offer regular opportunities throughout the year, for you to monitor your child’s progress and to talk to teaching staff. Communication between the Academy and home will take various forms: Academy newsletters, letters, telephone conversations, meetings and online access via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You can contact us in person, by phone, email or online: Web: www.consett-academy.org.uk Email: consettacademy@newdur.ac.uk North Campus Durham Road BlackHill Tel: 01207 503515
South Campus Dunelm Road Moorside Tel: 01207 507001
www.consett-academy.org.uk
High expectations We expect our students to be successful, whether that success is academic, sporting or in the contribution made to the wider life of the academy community. We expect the highest standards of behaviour and commitment to individual student success.
14
WE will place great value on ensuring that YOUR CHILD becomeS A responsible and conscientious adult. We believe that YOUR CHILD and OUR staff have the right to feel happy, supported and safe. WE EXPECT Respect and regard for one another as members of the Academy and of the larger community and good manners and politeness will be important qualities in our students. Everyone will be expected to make a positive contribution to Academy life. Our code of conduct will outline our high expectations with regard to teaching and learning, behaviour and appearance. Your child will be required to wear our official Academy uniform at all times. Our aim for your child is to ensure that they will make the most of their individual abilities. Our highly qualified teachers and support staff will be dedicated to delivering an inspiring education that motivates your child, raises standards and provides opportunities for future development into further and higher education or training.
Recognition and Reward We strive for excellence and aim to recognise student achievement throughout the Academy and at every level. During all key stages students will be rewarded for a wide range of achievements, including academic success, sporting excellence and good attendance. Celebrating success motivates and inspires high standards of student achievement and self discipline.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
challenge & inspire We will provide a broad and challenging curriculum. We are committed to high standards of learning underpinned by imaginative and innovative teaching. We will ensure that every student has a strong grounding in essential skills such as literacy, numeracy and ICT.
16
Key Stage 3
• All learning will be assessed and regular reports will enable you as parents and carers to follow the progress of your child.
The curriculum will be designed to improve transition from primary education to secondary education, to increase engagement, enjoyment and motivation and accelerate progress. The curriculum at Key Stage 3 aims to raise your child’s aspirations, develop knowledge, skills and understanding, and promote self belief and self confidence.
• There will be a focus on Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), which allow your child to access the information and support they need, to make choices from a position of strength. • Specialist help will be available for students with Special Educational Needs.
Key Stage 4 The Key Stage 4 curriculum will be personalised to meet your child’s individual needs and aspirations. Your child will be supported to access the most appropriate courses and to achieve the best they can.
• In addition to timetabled lessons, your child will be able to attend enrichment activities at the end of the teaching day. These activities could be a sport, hobby, performing arts or a further academic course. The enrichment programme will supplement the curriculum and add character to your child’s learning experience.
Sixth Form Our Academy will develop post-16 provision and aims to encourage all our young people to consider options for further study after Year 11. Our Academy will offer a range of ‘A’ level subjects and a level three vocational qualification linked to the sport specialism. www.consett-academy.org.uk
Sport and Technology Our Academy specialisms of sport and technology will be at the centre of the curriculum, developing and improving learning opportunities for all. The Specialisms will enhance our students’ opportunities for personal development and to participate in a wide range of careers, supporting our efforts to raise standards of teaching and learning, not just in the Specialisms, but across the curriculum.
18 Page 4
The curriculum will be enhanced by the sport and technology specialisms. They will have a significant impact on standards and achievement for learners, as well as motivating students and contributing to outstanding teaching and learning across the curriculum. We aim to constantly evaluate our practice to ensure that the skills and knowledge our students gain match local, as well national and international needs.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
Innovation in learning We will improve student engagement through the use of technologies that are driving the future work environment, from digital creation to web based concepts. Students will be prepared for the challenges of life and work in the twenty first century.
20 Page 4
At our Academy, we will embrace new technologies and constantly look for new and innovative techniques that will enhance your child’s learning experience. With a firm emphasis on e safety, ICT at our Academy will facilitate flexible, interactive and creative approaches to learning.
It will enable your child to take an active role in their own learning so they become accomplished independent learners, fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of living and working in the 21st Century.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
A Supportive ENVIRONMENT We will encourage our students to develop the capacity to think deeply and critically in a range of contexts, equipping them to continue learning throughout their lives. We will strengthen their commitment to such values as kindness, helpfulness, personal responsibility, and respect for others.
22 Page 4
Supporting the Individual
Independent Study
We place great emphasis on developing a curriculum which will benefit all our students. Your child will be offered additional activities including mentoring and study skills sessions. Extended study opportunities will be available for gifted and talented students.
We consider homework to be very important. Regular homework helps your child to work on their own, plan their own time and take responsibility for their own progress. Success in examinations depends on mastering these skills.
At our Academy, all students will be equally valued and guided to access appropriate provision. All staff will be involved in this part of your child’s education, by effective teaching, learning and classroom management and through well established monitoring and evaluation processes.
Appropriate homework will be given in each subject on a regular basis, with feedback provided by teaching staff. Your child will be able to access resources through the Academy online from home, via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
www.consett-academy.org.uk
Student Learning & Progress
We will ensure that parents are fully involved and informed about their child’s learning. We believe parents have a key role to play in the success of their child and have a vital part to play in the overall success of our Academy.
24
Teaching and learning is our core purpose and will be given the highest priority. Our approach to teaching and learning will be designed to support individual needs and to produce lifelong learners. We will enable your child to understand their own learning, their strengths, and how to become more effective learners. This will be achieved by linking their learning goals to aspirations and motivations, which will be at the centre of our practice. Learning will also be supported in the home, in workplaces and in community settings as part of the your child’s transition into adulthood.
www.consett-academy.org.uk
Cutting edge campus Our Academy campus, which will open in 2014, is a visionary project to build an iconic, flexible, learning environment and a thriving heart to the local community.
26
Based on the three key concepts of inspiration, creativity and innovation, an environment will be created that allows each student to excel, whether in academic endeavours, work-centred learning, sport or the arts. We will shape contemporary learning areas, supported by modern learning technologies. Your child will enjoy 21st Century facilities and an IT rich environment. We will use a range of digital technologies, offer bespoke science laboratories/studios, technical areas and a cutting edge design and research area to enhance the curriculum experience for all our students. The new campus will reflect our Academy’s ambition to be the leading provider of education in the area, with a bold design to encompass a wide and modern curriculum. High quality facilities will promote the best quality learning experience. We will create a campus that reflects the highest possible aspirations for all our learners. The campus will be built using the latest technology and materials, to ensure that your child is in the best possible environment in which to learn and to enjoy Academy life.
Designed and produced by Cleverbox 020 8466 7222
www.cleverbox.co.uk
north Campus
South Campus Dunelm Road Moorside Consett County Durham DH8 8EG Tel: 01207 507001
South Campus
North Campus Durham Road BlackHill Consett County Durham DH8 5TW Tel: 01207 503515
Email: consettacademy@newdur.ac.uk www.consett-academy.org.uk
South Campus
north Campus