Rawlins Inspiring Learning
Rawlins Inspiring Learning
An inspirational centre of learning where students excel
“The academy is well-regarded by members of staff, students and parents.” Ofsted
“There is outstanding practise in the academy.” Ofsted
“The extra-curricular programme is extensive and makes a positive contribution to the development of those students who take advantage of it.” Ofsted
“The curriculum is broad and balanced, which meets students' needs with regards to preparing them for their next stage in employment or education.” Ofsted
“Leaders and governors are highly committed to improving students’ achievement at the academy.” HMI
Welcome to Rawlins Every Rawlins student is special and I demand that all are inspired by excellent teaching, exciting activities and the elation of their achievements. I want each to grow in confidence; to flourish and succeed; to gain the best qualifications and to graduate thoroughly prepared for life in our exciting and complex world. Rawlins provides outstanding opportunity in a caring, challenging environment founded on Christian values. Human potential is unlimited; great aspirations produce stunning achievements. I expect students to aim high in all they do; to be hard working and resilient; to engage in a range of sporting, cultural and social activities; and to develop into considerate, well balanced people. Founded in 1691, Rawlins has changed many times and is now a successful 11-19 academy. Our expert, dedicated staff look forward to teaching the children who will be our next year group of star students. Rawlins promotes extensive communication with parents. We want to see you at events, performances and meetings, sharing successes and discussing progress and if necessary, concerns. I am proud of our students’ academic achievements, our art, sport and compassionate ethos and the quality of education we provide. I hope that the glimpse provided by this prospectus will lead to a rewarding partnership between us. I look forward to sharing with you the responsibility of ensuring that today’s young people experience a successful and fulfilling journey into tomorrow’s world. Callum Orr, Principal
“Students' behaviour around the site is good. Students are polite, helpful and friendly.” Ofsted
Teaching and learning together Our broad, balanced curriculum meets the needs of all our students and enables them to develop their skills and talents to the full. We seek to develop creative, reflective, independent, resilient learners with excellent skills in team working who are ready to face the challenges ahead. We constantly strive for improvement and academic rigour and our examination results reflect this.
“Outstanding questioning in lessons ensure students are highly engaged and challenged.” Ofsted
Our exciting Key Stage 3 curriculum prepares students fully for subsequent GCSE and A-Level study. Students learn all national curriculum subjects; numeracy and literacy are the top priorities. At Key Stage 4 there is a sharp focus on English, maths and science alongside languages, history, geography, physical education and personal development. Students can choose from many options including: computing, sociology, media, art, design, dance, drama and music. Rawlins Academy is renowned for its strong sixth form which offers over 30 A-level and BTEC courses. We ensure that success at GCSE is built upon and academic potential is achieved. Rawlins’ A-level results are amongst the best in Leicestershire. “Students
who complete their courses are well prepared for their next stage in education or employment with the majority going on to study at university.” Ofsted We strive for excellence. Good teaching is the heart of all that we do. Every lesson matters and thorough planning, high standards of discipline and a fast pace gives each student every opportunity to fulfil his or her potential. Imaginative resources, well-structured feedback and good teamwork between staff and students make for a challenging and rewarding teaching environment. Effort is rewarded, success is celebrated and achievement is recognised.
“Students are positive about the support they receive from staff.” SIAMS
Our community Coaching The safety and welfare of your child is our prime concern. Care and attention are given to ensuring that new students settle quickly and happily and rapidly develop a sense of belonging and growing selfconfidence. Every student has a ‘coach’ – a member of staff who cares specifically for them. The coach is the main point of contact for parents. Every day, students of different ages meet in groups with their coach who provides support and monitors progress. Information is shared, targets are set and moral, spiritual and ethical issues are discussed. Students remain in the same coaching group throughout their time at Rawlins and a close relationship between the coach and parents is nurtured.
Houses All students are in one of six houses. Collective spiritual reflection, activities, competitions and pastoral care are delivered through the house system. Many leadership and representative opportunities arise in which students take responsibility and contribute to teamwork, consultation and decision-making. The house system strengthens identity and pride and promotes a positive academy spirit.
“In vertical groupings students meet regularly as a coaching group and every member of staff, including the principal, has responsibility for a coaching group. Students value the support that such groups give.” SIAMS “Students feel safe in the academy and those in pastoral and support roles work effectively to ensure that this is the case.” Ofsted
“Post 16 students volunteer on a range of projects from supporting younger students in the classroom to visiting elderly folk in their homes.” SIAMS “Literacy and mathematics enhancements activities are available after school.” Ofsted “The academy fosters good relations with parents and outside agencies.” Ofsted “The views of parents are encouraged.” SIAMS
Individual Learning Teaching is designed to develop confidence, independence and resilience so that students increasingly understand and manage their own learning. Students are grouped in ways which help them to learn most effectively (for example in sets where the right level of challenge can be achieved). Each student has different abilities, interests and needs – all are welcome in our community. We celebrate diversity and view learning with others from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures as important preparation for life. The learning support department supports students with special educational needs through individual tuition, specialist small classes and support in lessons. Parents are fully involved in the planning of effective support.
Communication Effective communication and cooperation between home and school enhances the success of every student. We value our relationship with parents and always listen and respond to concerns. We contact parents whenever necessary or helpful. We share information and good news in various ways, most notably via the Rawlins website. There are scheduled parents’ evenings but we also encourage parents to contact us immediately to ask questions or raise concerns. Parents can access real time information about their child’s attendance, progress, behaviour and achievements via the Rawlins website.
Celebrating creativity Rawlins promotes creativity and innovation in all subjects. Students excel in art, dance, media, drama and music courses where professional facilities are combined with high quality teaching. Rawlins has its own TV station and students of all ages can enjoy working in front of and behind the cameras. Students produce diverse and dynamic outcomes in a wide range of arts specialisms including photography, print, metalwork, textiles, painting and ceramics.
“Learning is enhanced by a wide range of enriching experiences.” SIAMS Music reverberates around Rawlins through the diverse curriculum and countless performance opportunities such as shows, assemblies, gigs and recordings. Regular recital events at Rawlins and in the community typically include an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music featuring choirs, bands, ensembles and individual performances. There is an exceptional artistic talent amongst our students who shine in dramatic productions, which provide opportunities for the whole academy community on stage and behind the scenes. Hard-hitting dramas, musical showstoppers and superb dance are all commonplace. We nurture an atmosphere of innovation and promote creativity through all areas of the curriculum.
“The curriculum and the enrichment programme ensure that equality of opportunity is promoted effectively and that students are well prepared for modern life in Britain.” Ofsted
Opportunity for all Enhancement and enrichment Students who enjoy and benefit most from Rawlins enter fully into the life of the academy, work hard and take full advantage of enhancement and enrichment opportunities. All are expected to attend at least one after school session per week. The vast range of clubs, teams, groups, performances and visits ensures that everyone can take part in activities virtually every day and we provide a bus at the end of enhancement time to get students home.
Sport and exercise Sport, dance and exercise are vital in academy life. Benefits include the simple pleasure of being physically active, improved health through fitness and the social and psychological advantages of teamwork, individual commitment and developing mental resilience. Students are encouraged to live an active lifestyle now and to prepare for a lifetime of health and fitness. They enjoy access to an impressive range of opportunities including house sport, which provides many opportunities for all students to be involved in fun and meaningful competitive sport at an appropriate level.
“The academy’s programme of extra-curricular activities is good. Sport is particularly well represented; there is also an extensive programme of support for academic subjects.� Ofsted
Rawlins students compete successfully at local, county, regional and national level. It is our aspiration that every Rawlins student enjoys being physically active, understands the importance of exercise, develops habits that will ensure a life of activity and, where appropriate, achieves competitive success in their chosen sport.
Activities and visits A vast array of activities is offered to enthuse, engage and stretch students and provide them with new experiences across virtually all subject areas. Activities week is at the end of the academy year and offers students a myriad of opportunities. Each year, over one hundred visits, many of them residential, are organised for Rawlins students. We have foreign visits across the globe in countries as diverse as Ethiopia, India, France, Italy, Austria and the USA. Shorter visits are often linked to subjects or arise out of the activity programme.
“Teaching is of good quality, characterised by good subject knowledge, a brisk pace with engaging and well-judged strategies which match students' needs and abilities.� Ofsted
Rawlins
A Church of England Academy Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8DY Tel: 01509 622800 Email: enquiries@rawlinsacademy.org.uk Web: www.rawlinsacademy.org.uk
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