Sharnbrook
Sixth Form INSPIRING MINDS FOR INSPIRING FUTURES
SIXTH FORM
Sharnbrook Academy Federation (SAF)
exists to provide an outstanding education for all our students, putting their progress at the heart of everything we do.
Sharnbrook Academy Federation currently (September 2018) has five member academies, a nursery, a sixth form, a community sports centre, and SAF Pilgrim Partnership Initial Teacher Training. Sharnbrook Academy Federation is committed to maintaining the unique nature of all of the academies within the Trust. We firmly believe in the concept of local academies for the local community and our staff work collaboratively across all our academies to improve education for all the children in our care and to provide an outstanding educational and enrichment experience for each individual pupil. As CEO and Accounting Officer, I have overall responsibility for the performance and management of the academies in the Trust. There is a Principal within each SAF academy and together we make the overall executive leadership team of our MAT. We are very proud of the work we do at SAF in the very best interests of the students in our care and thank you for your interest in our academies. IAIN DENNING CEO Our MAT has a passion for seeing all children succeed and we are guided in our decision-making by one question, “Is this in the best interests of children?” This question does not just relate to academic attainment. It also underpins our strong duty of care to ensure that children’s wellbeing and self-esteem as learners and citizens, are nurtured and supported.
Our core values are to:
Strive
Work hard and ensure that your best effort drives all that you do
Aspire
Aim high and to be best you can possibly be
Flourish
Fulfil your potential and make a real difference
Welcome The most important people in Sharnbrook’s Sixth Form are the students themselves! Our focus is to ensure that we provide the right environment for young people to learn and to grow as individuals. Experience has shown us that offering a broad range of subject choices, alongside a wealth of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, effectively prepares students to take their place in a world beyond
education which is becoming increasingly competitive. It is essential, therefore, that they make the most of their aptitudes and abilities as they move towards higher education or an apprenticeship to give them a successful future career.
Behaviour in the lessons we visited was exemplary. Pupils‌ do well because teachers give a lot of advice and support in lessons, but also out of lessons and after school. Ofsted
Curriculum We are in the enviable position of being able to offer a huge range of subject choice at level 3, and also have the flexibility to accommodate most combinations! Students typically study 3 courses and, as A level qualifications are now linear, they will sit their exams at the end of year 13. If students opt for a BTEC course (these can be studied alongside A levels), all of their year 12 units should be ‘passed’ to progress into year 13. Students are carefully guided in making sensible choices to enable them to access their potential future careers.
Teaching was characterised by confident subject knowledge… learning time is used very productively. Ofsted
Facilities Sharnbrook offers a large and impressively equipped campus that enables our students to enjoy experiences that are simply not available elsewhere. Highlights include: • our state-of-the-art science block; • our dedicated music centre, boasting a suite of practice rooms, professional quality mixing facilities, a performance area, a suite of music PCs and much more; • a suite of fully equipped media editing rooms; • a professionally equipped TV studio; • projectors and whiteboards in every teaching room; • the facility for a live televised broadcast every Thursday to every tutor group; • “AA1” – our dedicated, large presentation centre; • a large dance studio; • two specialised drama studios;
• a large gymnasium and sports centre, including a fitness suite, aerobics studio and well equipped changing rooms; • a full-size climbing wall; • a large all-weather sports ground in addition to our tennis courts and sports fields; • a specific ‘Sixth Form Study Centre’, staffed by a librarian and boasting two suites of computers; • an additional 20 computer suites across the school site; • dining facilities serving a broad and varied range of hot and cold meals, along with a dedicated sixth form café in Dining One.
There is good-quality advice and guidance in the sixth form which leads to high retention rates. Ofsted
The progress of sixth form students is monitored well and focused support is put in place quickly for any individual underachieving. Evidence provided by the school shows that students in the sixth form are making good progress. Ofsted
Pastoral Support As students mature into more independent learners, we can assure you that student welfare is not forgotten in the sixth form! There is vertical tutoring in years 7-11 and years 12 and 13 are also vertically tutored as we feel it is important to recognise the particular needs of sixth form students. Additionally, house system operates throughout a student’s time at Sharnbrook as we value the continuity and pastoral support it offers, whilst also providing leadership opportunities lower down the school.
We provide a dedicated ‘listening ear’ service if a student needs a friendly chat about issues that are perhaps more personal in nature. This, in turn, refers to our Key Services should more specialised, professional guidance be required. Students speak highly of this service. Additionally, we have a member of staff who will arrange one-to-one meetings to support students who may be struggling with more academic issues, such as time management.
Future Focus We have a dedicated team of professionals and a wealth of experience to draw upon when students begin researching the exciting array of possibilities before them, particularly via our Futures programme. Whether it be one-to-one support through the UCAS process (university application), careers guidance, accessing help from our many alumni connections, or planning work experience, we aim to provide as much support as possible, encouraging students to look ahead and prepare for life beyond Sharnbrook. We also have a particular focus on Oxbridge and early entry candidates, as well as assistance in creating a CV and letter of application, as the ultimate aim is for every student is to gain employment at some point in the near future!
Inspectors observed high-quality feedback helping students make progress. Ofsted
Additional Opportunities Academic success is obviously very important, but we are equally committed to providing students with a broad range of opportunities in order to develop additional life skills. The Enrichment Programme, particularly in year 12, targets areas of personal development, community involvement and career preparation, with sixth form students actively involved in all areas of school life and beyond through a variety of activities, ranging from house activities to sport, Duke of Edinburgh and many more! The fancy dress day and concert at Christmas, along with the charity hampers, are also particular highlights of the year.
Pupils told me that one of the best things about the school is the wide variety of subjects available and opportunities out of lessons, such as trips and productions. Ofsted
Thank you to all the teachers for their help and support during our daughter’s 2 years in sixth form at this amazing school.
- Parent
Staff are very proud to work at the school and morale is high. - Ofsted
It is what you make of it. With an extremely supportive team of staff and a wide range of courses to choose from, I trust that you’ll find your niche. - Oliver, Y13 pupil
SHARNBROOK ACADEMY FEDERATION
Brook Day Nursery
SAF has an on-site nursery, Brook Day Nursery, which caters for children from 3 months until they start primary school. This is a fantastic facility and benefits our staff members and the wider community. The nursery is located on the Sharnbrook Academy site. Sharnbrook Academy are privileged to have excellent facilities, a wide curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities for students to get involved in. Our vertically structured pastoral system provides a very high level of care that allows all students to feel a sense of belonging to the school as well as meeting their needs. We set high academic standards and support pupils in realising their potential. We spark intellectual curiosity and encourage a love of learning in our students. Sharnbrook is a school where success is encouraged and celebrated, and creativity is nurtured.
Sharnbrook
Sixth Form
The most important people in the SAF Sharnbrook Sixth Form are the students themselves! Our focus is to ensure that we provide every opportunity for them to learn and to grow as individuals on their journey through life. As the world beyond education becomes ever more competitive, it is essential that we prepare our students to make the most of their aptitudes and abilities as they move towards higher education and a successful future career. We believe that students who choose to study at the Sixth Form are choosing to achieve the very best they can, and we know that they will be given all the support, guidance and encouragement they will need along the way. Oakley Primary Academy is a friendly village school. We are proud to be a ‘values’ school. The values we teach are modelled by all of the team and are integral to everyday life. We strive for resilience and excellence though a supportive atmosphere and engaging lessons.
PILGRIM PARTNERSHIP
The SAF Pilgrim Partnership has been providing classroom-based School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) in the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes areas for over a decade. We offer four comprehensive training routes where young and mature students can learn how to become inspirational teachers and future school leaders.
Lincroft Academy has high expectations of all of its students and in return offers a high quality education at the heart of our community. We develop our students into successful, confident and responsible young people ready for further education or employment. At Lincroft, it is important to us that our students feel safe and happy. We are certain that young people work most successfully in a school community that is caring and friendly, yet firm and clear in its expectations and standards.
Great Ouse Primary Academy is a school that thinks and dreams big for its pupils. Expectations are high for all who make up the Great Ouse Primary Academy community and these standards reflect the wonderful physical environment we have developed to enable children to flourish within and beyond the school walls. We are committed to developing learners who are resilient, learners who are focused and learners who are aspirational in their goals; learners well prepared to be successful citizens of the 21st century.
MAT Trading
Harrold
SAF MAT Trading is committed to continuous school improvement and we have a wide range of CPD opportunities and links with external organisations to ensure that all staff receive the best possible training and experiences to enhance the learning environment and outcomes for all our young people.
Harrold Primary Academy is situated in the pleasant residential village of Harrold in North Bedfordshire. We share the school grounds with Harrold Pre-School with whom we enjoy close links which benefits the children when they transfer to the Reception Class. At the end of Year 6, the children usually transfer to Sharnbrook Academy.
Primary Academy
Sharnbrook
Community Sports Centre
A friendly local community sports centre located in the heart of Bedfordshire countryside. We specialise in rehabilitation schemes, ranging from GP referral to Cancer Rehabilitation. Our fitness studio is air conditioned for your complete comfort; we have over 40 stations that are simple and easy to use. Free weights, barbells, kettlebells, core & stretching areas, cable machines and vibration plate included to add variety to your routine. The Cardiovascular equipment has on board touch screen TV monitors to provide entertainment while you work out. We offer a personalised programme for all our members.
Sharnbrook
Sixth Form Academy Principal - Peter Rattu ODELL ROAD SHARNBROOK BEDFORDSHIRE MK44 1JL Tel: 01234 782211 Email: information@sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk www.sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk
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