“Amazing, friendly and fun. We are very pleased how our son has come on since starting in Year 7. Thank you to all the staff who have helped with this. You are all fantastic!!� PARENT
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WELCOME TO REDWOOD PARK ACADEMY We hope you enjoy reading our prospectus and that it helps you to learn about Redwood Park Academy, our achievements and the exciting developments that are taking place. We are proud to be part of Solent Academies Trust, which has an excellent track record. The academies all work closely together, sharing knowledge, skills and expertise. We are a special school for 141 pupils aged 11-16 years who have complex learning difficulties, many who have autism. We believe Redwood Park is a very special place in which to learn, work and grow both inside and outside the classroom. We are committed to providing the very best education for our pupils, providing them with meaningful, personalised learning experiences which promote their development. We support them to become as confident and independent as possible as they move forward into the next stage of their lives. As you find out more about Redwood Park you will discover an academy that has created the most stimulating learning environment with inspirational teaching, a relevant and challenging curriculum and an active partnership with families and the communities in which our pupils live, work and socialise. We are a caring school that works hard to provide a safe, well supported and happy place of learning where everyone feels valued. Don’t take our word for it, read on‌
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OUR VISION Redwood Park Academy is a place of learning that inspires our pupils and staff. Our pupils enjoy their learning and as a result they have a positive mindset and they benefit from all the opportunities on offer. Each member of our team has a critical part to play, a chance to grow and develop, move forward and focus on the belief that all things are possible.
OUR ACADEMY ENABLES PUPILS TO: • • • • •
Achieve great things Solve problems and become as independent as possible Experience the excitement of investigation and discovery Develop self confidence and self belief Communicate effectively
Our vision is focused on ensuring that we prepare our pupils for the next significant stage in their lives, whatever that might be. It identifies what they will achieve and how we will make sure that happens. Redwood Park Academy puts the pupils at the very core of all that we do. When we make a decision the first question we will ask is: “How will our pupils benefit?” In creating our vision we asked 3 questions: What will you see? • What will you hear? • What will you hear said about our academy?
“A happy school, a fun place to be and enjoyable.” Parent
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PERSONALISED LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT We have created a learning environment where pupils enjoy their lessons, participate actively and achieve their best. Our curriculum is personalised and responsive to each learner, building on their strengths, interests and their longer term goals. We have created a curriculum that is practical, relevant, creative and stimulating and that creates opportunities to learn through a range of contexts using a project based approach that is relevant and meaningful. We make sure that the learning for each pupil rests on the long and medium term outcomes of their Education, Health and Care Plan ensuring that we meet their very particular needs. The achievement of each of our pupils is carefully tracked and monitored against aspirational targets to maximise their progress. This evidence is used to inform our carefully targeted and individualised intervention programmes.
“Understanding, happy and kind. The level of commitment from the staff in the school is outstanding.� PARENT
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“Highly stimulating learning opportunities that include working outdoors in horticulture and in Forest School.” CHALLENGE PARTNERS NOV 17
STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION All our pupils are taught within small classes averaging 8-10 pupils. There is a strong focus on our whole school ethos and a sense of community. Pupils have many opportunities to learn together with their peers regardless of need or age through themed days, whole school performances, assemblies and team events. Work is differentiated and personalised; adapted to meet each pupil’s specific learning difficulties and their personal learning style and ability. Progress is regularly reviewed and where appropriate, interventions are used to ensure all our pupils achieve very well. Additional support is provided through a wide range of educational and health professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Sensory Integration specialists, educational psychologists, CAMHS and the School Nursing Service. These professionals provide an advisory input for class staff as well as practical sessions with the young people.
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CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY All our pupils have access to a wealth of practical and exciting learning activities both on and off site, indoors and outdoors. Teachers provide challenging, inspirational and engaging lessons that foster a love of learning. Pupils are encouraged to be reective, creative in their thinking and to become increasingly independent learners as they progress through the school.
OUTDOOR LEARNING IS ONE OF OUR PASSIONS
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
RESIDENTIAL VISITS
These include Forest School, Horticulture, Watersports, Outdoor Adventurous Activities.
We offer opportunities for pupils to exhibit their work and to perform in a range of contexts.
These encourage our pupils to develop their confidence and become more independent.
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CARE AND SUPPORT WE REALLY CARE Our pupils thrive within the positive and supportive ethos of the academy. Every pupil is valued as an individual - and is given every encouragement to succeed. They make excellent progress in their personal and social development and this helps them to overcome many of the barriers to their learning. The knowledge, experience, confidence and reassurance that the school, with parents, will help pupils through the challenges they face, makes us a caring community. We have high expectations of our pupils and believe that they will learn, feel safe, secure and positive about themselves with our clear and consistent approach.
SAFEGUARDING Redwood Park Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people as our number one priority. Robust systems are in place to ensure that young people are protected from harm. The Safeguarding Policy and procedures for supporting and protecting young people is on our website and copies are available from our office.
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PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Our aim is for all pupils to leave Redwood Park as well rounded young adults who have achieved great things.
GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT We run a well-developed careers guidance programme that links directly to the Preparation for Adulthood and Life curriculum. TRANSITION PLANNING From Year 9 onwards all pupils create a Transition Plan with their families, the school and other agencies. This Education Health and Care Transition Plan evolves in line with the young person’s changing needs and aspirations. WIDER COMMUNITY Pupils are fully involved in the wider school community and have the opportunity to connect class based learning with real life experiences. We encourage and develop independence and participation in our highly successful Duke of Edinburgh programme; play an active role on the school council; take part in work experience, sporting, cultural clubs and events; care for our chickens or help and support pupils throughout the school, we have something to suit their interests and ambitions. CITIZEN SERVICE We run a 6 week transition programme for all Year 11 pupils during the summer term. As well as an Enterprise project this provides up to 2 weeks away from home where pupils take part in activities and learn new skills for their future.
“The school sets us up for our lives ahead and gets us ready”. YEAR 11 PUPIL
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“This report was outstanding for us. What a difference your school has made to my son’s learning. So happy he is really changing and growing so much.” PARENT
PARTNERSHIPS AT REDWOOD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS, CARERS AND FAMILIES Our partnership with parents is the absolutely essential factor in success at Redwood Park. We ensure that our pupils achieve great things personally, academically and socially and we value the positive relationships we have developed. We work hard to make sure communication is open and positive. We provide regular information about progress, attendance and achievements. We invite parents to annual reviews, parents’ evenings and workshops to provide information, advice and guidance. FRIENDS OF REDWOOD PARK This is a small group of parents, friends and school staff who organise coffee mornings, social events and raise funds for the school. FAMILY LEARNING Workshops are arranged for parents, carers and families in small groups or individually to help families to support their children at home and to ensure consistency of approach. These cover topics such as communication, supporting structure and routines, safe use of social media, reading and cookery. GOVERNORS The Governing Body works closely with the Solent Academies Trust Board. The focus is on the curriculum, ensuring excellent standards of achievement for all pupils as well as the personal health, safety and wellbeing of everyone. The members of the board, including parent governors, act as a ‘critical friend’ and challenge the school to be the very best we can be. Governors attend school functions including parents’ evenings and are keen to get to know everyone involved in the academy.
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Wembley Grove, Cosham, PO6 2RY T: 023 92 377500 E: admin@redwoodparkacademy.info W: www.redwoodparkacademy.info f @RedwoodParkAcademy Designed & Produced by FSE Design Tel: 01933 303520 www.fsedesign.co.uk