Shenley Academy Prospectus 2013-2014

s

ctu e p s o r 014 P

2

e v e i h c A e r i p s Inspire A

Introduction to Shenley Academy Shenley Academy has been judged as an outstanding school and now has a wonderful new building.

We believe that all our learners are of equal value and that they all deserve to fulfil their potential.

So we have already introduced new styles of teaching, learning and care which have been judged to be highly effective. We have created a well ordered, positive community in which we expect every member to challenge themselves and strive for personal, social and academic excellence. We have an outstanding staff team. So creating the best environment for learning was a key priority in the design of our new building. The result is a light, spacious and contemporary place to learn.

Shenley Academy is an outstanding school. Its overall provision is outstanding because so many elements are excellent and rigorous self-evaluation ensures that outcomes, both in terms of students’ academic achievement and their wider personal development, are ever-improving.

OFSTED Nov 2011

1

“

“

We also know the benefits that come from learning in natural environments.

New landscaping is creating a parklike setting, new sports facilities, an amphitheatre, a conservation area and an orchard will complement the building. Along with a £1.4million investment in ICT, our truly inspiring provision has created the best possible conditions for young people to learn, progress and succeed.

We emphasise the basics: uniform, manners, good behaviour and hard work: • Team work and leadership • Self discipline and responsibility • Commitment and contribution • Consideration and care for others • Resilience: learning to face challenge today and for life.

Inspire Aspire Achieve Our motto: ‘inspire, aspire and achieve’ underpins all we do to support and inspire our students to gain confidence, grow and succeed.

2

A message from the Principal I am very proud to be leading Shenley Academy, which has already become a centre of excellence.

Everyone who visits the academy is impressed with the welcome they receive, our polite and well-mannered students and the positive learning environment. Shenley Academy has been open since September 2009, a very short time in the life of a school.

During this time, there have been massive improvements. At the end of 2011, we were judged by Ofsted to be an ‘outstanding’ school. We are attracting high numbers of applicants for places here. We are also retaining and attracting excellent staff!

Then, in September 2012, we moved into this inspiring new building Our Logo: Spark: Designed by our students, suggests anything that encourages us, a catalyst, a person or thing that causes a change: Shenley Academy

3

Our students are stretched, challenged, guided and supported with their own personal targets and ambitions.

Good examination results are important, but we believe that happy, safe, supported students and positive relationships are the key. So life here is also about: • making the most of the superb opportunities • having the chance to shine • making a contribution • being part of the team: personal and team effort is expected and rewarded.

We are one of a select few secondary schools nationally to receive the Every Child Matters award.

And our first priority at

Shenley Academy will always be our students’ care and guidance, whether this is monitoring and keeping them on track or ensuring they have the help they need to deal with personal or social issues.

Shenley Academy is more than just a new school. We are the school of the future. The skills that students learn at Shenley Academy will provide the foundation for their future. We are determined to ensure that the handful of years spent at Shenley Academy will open the door to a lifetime of opportunity.

Ambitions and expectations are high: I am privileged to lead a school which values, inspires, really cares for its students and which offers them so much. I hope you will join us.

Our Governors and Sponsors

Our Sponsors are E-ACT, a not-for-profit organisation established to promote excellence in education and learning; charitable education trust (No: 1124189). The focus of E-ACT is supporting young people to achieve their true potential.

“

E-ACT aims: • To provide excellence in education, thereby enabling the life chances of young people to be enhanced • To support young people to become successful, integrated citizens who contribute towards creating a cohesive society • To enable young people to benefit from high quality experiences and opportunities supported by E-ACT’s partners, employers and higher education institutions.

“

We have an excellent Local Governing Body, which includes representatives from business, Higher Education and two local primary Headteachers. They are local people who work hard for us.

Our Chair of Governors, Chris York, has had a long association with the school.

This is an exciting opportunity to create a world class school for our community.

Dave Banton Chair of Governors

4

Our learning environment The academy is divided into faculties, each with its suite of classrooms/learning areas with interactive whiteboards in every classroom.

• Science and Technology (ground floor)

• Performing and Creative Arts (first floor)

• Sport and Health (ground and first floors)

• Humanities (second floor)

• Mathematics (first floor) • English (second floor)

5

• ICE: ICT, Languages and Enterprise (first and second floors)

Faculties include suites of classrooms and specialist accommodation:

• A technology suite with a state of the art food room, two large multi-material workshops serviced

by Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) with additional electronics facilities • Two Dance Studios equipped with sprung floors and full length mirrors with dedicated changing facilities • Two drama studios and a theatre with a well equipped auditorium with high-tec sound and lighting systems, tiered seating for productions and events • Two large art rooms with state of the art graphic design facilities

“

• Extensive music facilities including two Apple Mac Music suites, an industry standard Recording Studio, teaching areas for individual, small group and larger ensemble work complemented by a comprehensive range of musical instruments • Two four court sports halls, extensive external pitches, a state of the art Fitness Centre and a large table tennis arena • Excellent changing facilities with individual showers for sport located adjacent to the internal and external sports facilities • A Library and Resource Centre which includes an internet cafe and facilities to store, retrieve and distribute books, pamphlets, videos and audio programmes • A Sixth Form Centre with additional dedicated teaching and seminar rooms, internet cafe and independent study facilities.

A positive climate for learning.

OFSTED Nov 2011

“

• Eight state of the art science laboratories have been designed and equipped to provide large areas of accessible space for practical work up to Advanced level in Physics, Biology and Chemistry

6

• The academy is divided into 5 Colleges each led by a Head of College, with a Pastoral Support Manager in support • Students join a college and a very small, mixed age tutor group where older students actively guide and support newer members

“

The academy provides outstanding care, guidance and support for its students.

It monitors closely the performance of all students to maximise their participation and engagement.

OFSTED Nov 2011

“

The College System

• There is enthusiastic competition between colleges for sport, culture and the arts including music, contribution, vivo awards, behaviour and attendance • The Form Tutor provides twice daily personal support and guidance • The tutor leads the Learning for Life programme.

OFSTED Nov 2011

Tutors are crucial. They see students daily, and get to know students well, they monitor and guide their progress and welfare. They work with the

7

student to set high but achievable goals and support them to achieve those goals. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents; a home/

“

“

Learning for Life... has a demonstrable impact on (students) ability to reflect on their learning.

school partnership being actively encouraged. Our Learning Support and Student Welfare Teams give additional support.

OFSTED Nov 2011

Students say that they feel very safe, and understand how to keep fit and healthy. They enjoy being at the academy and are proud of the many and varied contributions they make to their own community.

OFSTED Nov 2011

“

“

“

“

The academy is able to call upon an impressive range of in-house personnel and external expertise to provide well-targeted support for students. Students feel well supported through the vertical mixed-age tutor groups.

8

The Curriculum

OFSTED Nov 2011

We have rejected the one-sizefits-all model, to provide a varied, differentiated, challenging and exciting curriculum.

• We offer a wide choice with different routes through into the sixth form, further and higher education and employment • We actively teach learning for life skills • We are committed to outdoor learning as a key part of students’ experience.

Students learn more and understand better when they can apply what they have been taught in a practical situation so the Shenley Academy ethos of practical application permeates our teaching.

In years 7 to 11, the average time devoted to teaching per week is 25 hours, plus up to one hour 40 minutes of tutorial time. This is significantly more than the Secretary of State’s recommended minimum per week.

The extra time is invested in our ‘Learning for Life‘ skills development programme and allows time for individual support and guidance from personal tutors.

9

“

“

The outstanding curriculum is tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of different groups, and is underpinned by high-quality teaching, exemplary use of assessment and rigorous tracking, combined effectively with excellent guidance.

10

Key features of our curriculum • Students are taught in ability sets according to the grade they are working towards in the different subjects • Smaller-than-average class sizes support the progress of all students in all subjects • Our broad and balanced curriculum promotes a full range of learning and life skills, equipping students with the skills, attitudes and awareness needed in the 21st century which employers have told us they look for in young people • We mainly follow the National Curriculum. Subjects include: English, mathematics, science, ICT, modern foreign languages (French and Spanish), history, geography, technology, dance, drama, music, art, health, sport and fitness and religious education

11

• If appropriate, students can begin examination courses in year 9, or take A level taster courses at the end of year 11 • Personal, Health, Moral and Social Education is taught as part of the learning for life tutorial programme and through immersion days. Topics include safety, drugs education, sex education, personal hygiene, family life, health-related exercise and lifestyles. Sex education is offered to all students in line with recommendations from the DfE • Our specialisms Science and Performing & Creative Arts develop a wide range of employability skills. Both specialisms support a range of courses pre and post-16 and offer stimulating out-of-hours learning opportunities • We provide high quality careers and enterprise education (in conjunction with KPMG and Birmingham City Football Club)

geared towards raising the aspirations of young people. This includes work experience towards the end of Year 10 and in Year 12.

“

“

The academy’s curriculum provides rich opportunities for high-quality learning and wider personal development and well-being, and is carefully adapted to meet the specific and changing needs of individuals and groups.

OFSTED Nov 2011

• Sport is a real strength. Our extensive grounds, modern sports facilities and highly-committed sports staff are dedicated to making sure students get the most out of physical activity, whatever their aptitude or ability.

We offer a variety of sports, with our teams often competing at city, district and county level. These activities currently include football, netball, rugby, tennis, rounders, table tennis, basketball, athletics, cricket, trampolining and hockey, with many after school clubs. Our fitness suite is open before and after the academy day • We have been awarded the prestigious Artsmark Gold for the very high quality of our creative and performing arts curriculum, extensive out of hours learning opportunities and excellent partnerships.

Special (Educational) Needs Many students at one time or another will need additional support.

Our Learning Support Department works closely with the pastoral and curriculum teams on a process of assessment, intervention, support and

reintegration. Support is offered in a number of ways, including through our pastoral team, the nurse and by accessing external support services.

Out of hours activities The before and after hours activities are almost as varied as the scheduled day. Students can try out new hobbies, continue studying or make use of computer facilities or the excellent library • Drama, dance, music, sport, writing, reading, fitness, maths groups and art activities are on offer before or after the formal day. Many students remain on site until we close at 18.00. The library remains open until 19.00 Monday to Thursday and until 16.00 on Fridays • Breakfast is available every morning from 08.00.

Music tuition Music is an important part of life at Shenley Academy so we do not make a charge for instrumental/ singing tuition. Students who attend music tuition must commit to attending regularly as we may have to operate a waiting list

12

Assessment

OFSTED Nov 2011

We set high but achievable targets in all curriculum areas which we discuss with parents/carers as well as with the students themselves.

We then track students’ progress carefully using a traffic light system. This system helps us to identify whether we need to intervene or alter the teaching programme. Parents/carers receive termly reports, indicating progress in each subject. Annual reports give more detail. In lessons, assessment for learning focuses students on what they need to do to progress in their learning.

13

“

“

The academy works hard to promote highly positive relationships with parents and carers... and ensures that they are well informed and closely involved in their children’s progress.

OFSTED Nov 2011

“

“

A large majority of teaching is consistently good, with much that is outstanding.

The use of assessment is a notable strength.

14

Our Focus on information and Communication Technology From the outset we have focused on the effective use of ICT. Now, with our considerable investment in ICT, supported by extensive staff training, we are set to achieve our aim of becoming one of the most advanced state schools in the use of new technology.

Our aim is for students to become e-confident learners, equipped with the skills, confidence and specialist knowledge they need in the 21st century.

All students study ICT from Year 7 and use the online curriculum and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support and extend their learning across the curriculum. To support this all students have access to the internet via high powered filters. Each student has their own email address and home area and can access curriculum materials and the VLE through our website.

15

A £1.4million investment in ICT and a new Virtual Learning Environment (from October 2012) supports an online curriculum and gives students (and parents/carers) access from home. Our new ICT provision enables 1:1 access in many areas.

This includes: • An academy wide network of more than 1000 devices including All-inOne PCs and high-spec netbooks • High-speed broadband throughout supported by site-wide WiFi provision • Many large All-in-One PC suites across the academy • Two full suites of state of the art Apple Macs

• Dedicated sets of netbooks in Science, History. Geography, Religious Studies and Business Studies • All 80+ teaching rooms equipped with a teacher’s workstation, whiteboard with Promethean/ Smart Board facility, Epson projectors and Nuvo sound system • Printing and scanning facilities available in every faculty • An internet style cafe with Allin-One PC workstations in The Learning Resource Centre for use by students throughout the day, before and after school.

The Sixth Form Centre has its own internet style cafe with All-in-One PC work stations and laptops are available for individual students to use.

16

Partnerships

OFSTED Nov 2011

Partnerships with leading organisations are one of the keys to the academy’s success.

Shenley Academy has built an impressive group of partners, giving additional opportunities to students who are benefitting from the well established partnership with Birmingham City Football Club, there is a strong partnership with the Outward Bound. Equally exciting are the links with the CBSO and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The link with the international accounting firm KPMG has provided every Year 10 student with personal employment mentoring and advice.

17

“

“

The academy is highly committed to promoting any partnership that has the potential to improve the well-being and achievement of its students.

Visits and Residentials

OFSTED Nov 2011

“

“

The academy has well-established procedures for safeguarding students which are rigorously implemented and reviewed so that staff and members of the governing body are fully aware of their responsibilities.

A wide range of trips and visits are offered to the students. All Year 8 students spend five days at an outward-bound centre, abseiling, zip-lining, facing personal and team challenges. This free event is just the start of many culturally diverse visits, activities, and opportunities designed to educate, challenge, foster lasting relationships and give a taste of the world beyond Shenley Academy.

18

Uniform In accepting a place at Shenley Academy, parents and students agree to abide by the uniform policy.

All students from years 7 to 11 wear Shenley Academy uniform, including the outside coat. Uniform details are available separately and outlined in the Student Planner. Ties (clip-on-only) are available for purchase from the academy. Training shoes of any kind are not acceptable.

Uniform sports clothing is also required. These high standards are supported by restricting students from wearing make-up, only one small stud earring, no patterned hair or unnatural hair colourings.

The Sixth Form

Admissions

The academy has a growing, successful Sixth Form offering a wide range of courses. We are part of the Oaks Sixth Form of local schools and colleges for coordinated planning of students’ courses and options.

We have also built strong links with higher education to maximise opportunities for our students. Year 12 and 13 students do not wear uniform, but a dress code has been agreed with students indicating that a clear standard of smart casual dress is required. If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form, please ask for the Sixth Form prospectus.

We offer places to students on the basis of our admissions criteria which is the same as for Birmingham Local Authority schools, although we are an Independent School and the Governing Body, rather than the LA, is responsible for admissions.

Parents and student should use the Birmingham local authority form for admissions.

Open Evening/Open Day/Visits Parents/carers of prospective students wishing to visit Shenley Academy can do so during the designated open evening and days or at any other reasonable time.

Senior staff are always available to answer queries or to offer explanations about any matters relating to admissions.

Please see website for details.

19

Shenley Academy & Sixth Form Shenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4HE New main entrance from Long Nuke Road T: 0121 464 5191 F: 01214643711 E: enquiry@shenleyacademy.org.uk W: shenleyacademy.org.uk

Bus routes 29A from City Centre and Northfield 103 from Quinton and connect to 29a at Harborne 49 from Bell Lane Northfield and Weoley Castle 20

Notes

21

22

Shenley Academy & Sixth Form Shenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4HE T: 0121 464 5191 F: 0121 464 3711 E: enquiry@shenleyacademy.org.uk W: shenleyacademy.org.uk