North Birmingham Academy Prospectus
A flying start to life at NBA We are dedicated to ensuring that our new Year 7s make a comfortable transition from primary school, so they join us ready to hit the ground running. To achieve this, we have developed a comprehensive, engaging programme which begins before students join us in September. Encompassing a variety of activities including visits to the academy, taster lessons and our Summer School, the programme helps our incoming Year 7s to get to know their new teachers and classmates, as well as the NBA environment. Managed by our Director of Transition, activities are positively received by our new Year 7s and their families every year, and go a long way towards making the move to secondary school less daunting.
Welcome North Birmingham Academy is an increasingly successful 11-19 school where passion for delivering world class education opportunities for young people underpins our commitment to every student. As a popular choice for young people we aim to ensure that every student has the opportunity to progress, achieve and aspire to successful destinations at the end of their GCSE or Post 16 study. Our approach focuses on the whole child. We expect to know every student well enough to ensure we meet their individual needs and they have every opportunity to progress and achieve their best. Our broad and balanced curriculum provides effective pathways that meet the needs of all students. A superb programme of extracurricular activities ensures that all students have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary and contribute to our
Academy community, whilst enriching their development outside the classroom. Our stunning facilities mean students are surrounded by an exceptional learning environment with the equipment they need to succeed. As an 11-19 Academy, we expect many students to return from GCSE study to the NBA Post 16 where our knowledge and understanding of their individual needs will ensure we can work with them to progress successfully to higher education, apprenticeships or employment. The choice of secondary school for students is of course incredibly important. Our aim is to ensure that you have all the information you need to be confident that North Birmingham Academy will meet the needs of your son or daughter. If you have any questions or would like further information, do not hesitate to contact the Academy where we will be happy to help. Philip Lloyd Principal
It’s extremely important to us that Year 6 pupils and their families get to know us before they join us in September; moving up to secondary school can be a tough time, so our wellestablished programme of events are always hugely successful in helping new students settle in. Julie Taylor, Director of Transition
The teachers worked hard to make sure we felt at home right from the beginning. Starting two days earlier than the rest of the school was really helpful in learning to find our way around. Year 7 student
At NBA, we are extremely proud of the balanced, varied curriculum we offer. We recognise that different students have different strengths and talents, identifying these areas and creating a personalised learning programme for students across all year groups. Led by enthusiastic and innovative teaching staff, students receive exceptional tuition and guidance throughout their time here. We also believe it is never too early to begin considering career paths and further education options, so tailored careers advice is offered from Year 9 onwards. As they progress through the academy, we encourage all of our students to enrich their learning and personal development beyond the classroom. Extracurricular clubs and sports teams are numerous and open to all, and opportunities exist for students of all ages to build their leadership skills through joining the Student Council, becoming a Student Ambassador or helping the community through a range of outreach projects.
Although we’re only in Year 9, we’ve already received plenty of careers advice, including information on the grades we will need to get into Post 16 and university. Year 9 student
We enjoy being Ambassadors because it gives us the opportunity to represent the academy at community events and talk about our experience to parents and primary school pupils. We respect the responsibility we have been given and wear our Ambassador ties with pride. Year 8 Student Ambassador
Preparation for GCSEs At NBA, our belief is that our students should be prepared for their GCSEs in the best way possible. From Year 7 onwards, students are regularly reminded of the rigours and challenges of GCSE study, and what they will need to do in their early years in order to maximise their chances of success in the future. After entering GCSE study in Year 10, students continue to receive outstanding personalised teaching and guidance, whilst being encouraged to develop their independence and self-sufficiency. Trips and activities outside of the academy serve to deepen students’ understanding of the curriculum, and careers fairs and advice from staff urge students to think hard about their post-GCSE options. Throughout the challenging GCSE period, outstanding pastoral support is available through the students’ Head of Year and access to the Learning Zone.
I really enjoy the structure of the lessons in Year 10 – teachers work hard to make sure they’re interesting but challenging at the same time. Year 10 student
Thanks to the support I’ve received during my time here, I’m looking forward to continuing my studies at NBA Post 16. Year 11 student
A platform for future success
Post 16 and beyond Following completion of their GCSEs, many of our students choose to remain with us to pursue further qualifications at NBA Post 16. Our sixth form provides a learning experience of the highest quality in a calm, supportive environment, with a wide range of study programmes to accommodate academic, vocational and combined pathways. From English Literature to Creative Media to all three Sciences, there is something to suit all areas of strength. Post 16 students also benefit from a variety of unique opportunities to build their leadership skills and enhance their personal statements and CVs. The Emerge Leadership programme gives them the chance to act as mentors to younger students. We work closely with the NCS Challenge helping students to build independence and having the opportunity to contribute to the lives of the local communities. Within the Academy, Post 16 students take a leading role on Student Voice changing our environment in a positive and collaborative way.
Each Post 16 student receives thorough guidance on their next steps in life, whether they wish to pursue academic or vocational pathways. Trips to universities encourage students to be aspirational in their goals, and our work experience programme gives students an invaluable taste of life in the working world. This is supplemented by a dedicated team to support and advise students, whatever their chosen pathway may be. Students are encouraged to apply for the top Universities and in recent years we have seen an increase in progression to these. With a constantly growing list of hugely successful alumni, there has never been a better time to complete this phase of your journey at NBA Post 16.
“Working together towards success�
Mr Philip Lloyd, Principal