Principal’s welcome Choosing a secondary school is a big decision. You want your child to be happy, make good friends, develop skills and you also want the best education possible. These aims, academic success and personal and social development, are very much at the heart of my own beliefs and they are what Freeston Academy is all about. In this prospectus, you will find our Freeston Academy Aims. These have been discussed and decided on by Freeston students and staff; they are what we all strive for every day. The Freeston Academy is in the unique position of being supported in its aims by the Freeston Foundation – it gives financial support to help our students achieve excellence in many areas. Freeston is a place of aspiration, ambition, achievement and is a friendly, welcoming academy. Please come to look around and see for yourself at any of our open events or during the working day. Do ask if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you! Rachel Smith Principal
the freeston academy aims
Freeston Students Be curious and ask questions. If you fail, embrace it, learn from it and try again. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. Be safe – both online and in real life. Take pride in your work and always do your best. Learn to enjoy a challenge and embrace opportunity. Don’t waste a single moment of your life. Think deeply, try new skills and broaden your knowledge. Aim for excellence in everything that you do.
Freeston Staff Freeston Staff are enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable about the subjects they teach. They are determined to deliver the best quality teaching and make the learning memorable. They strive to use every moment effectively, check understanding and help all students move on. Our teachers are relentless in finding ways to enthuse and inspire their students to get them ready for life beyond Freeston. Freeston staff have the highest expectations of students’ work and conduct.
Freeston Foundation The Freeston Foundation provides the Academy with financial support for key projects for the benefit of our students. The money comes from the funds endowed by our founder, John Freeston, on his death in 1594 and from other benefactors. The Foundation Trustees meet regularly to support the academy and award money to worthy causes. The Foundation has funded prizes, improved social areas in the Academy and has improved the learning environment. The Foundation also gives academic grants to students every year. Most recently The Foundation paid for all 10 successful Freeston students to go to London to see their awardwinning art displayed at The Royal College of Art.
“Students’ progress accelerates in Key Stage 4. Over the last three years the proportion of students leaving the academy with five good GCSEs including English and Mathematics has increased.” Ofsted 2015
exam results The Freeston Academy performs consistently well in GCSEs – despite the harder qualifications. 56% of our Freeston students gained A* - C (or 9-4 in new terminology!) in English and Maths GCSE and several of our students were awarded the coveted new Grade 9 which only 3% of students in the country attain.
Curriculum
At Freeston we offer a broad and balanced curriculum both in school time and beyond. We aim to nurture and develop our students whatever their interests to be the best they can be. The curriculum is tailored to the individual needs of students as they progress through the school. Students at Freeston can study a wide range of GCSEs and vocational subjects to examination level. All students access at least eight GCSEs or equivalents.
“We were so impressed with Freeston. The transition to secondary school was seamless, which allowed our child to settle in quickly.” Parent of a year 7 student
Starting at Freeston Starting a new school is an exciting time when students are looking forward to greater independence and responsibility. It can also be daunting which is why we work hard with our primary schools, to ensure transition is smooth. Students this year are overwhelmingly positive about their start at Freeston “I was nervous to start with but everyone is kind and helps you.” was just one of many comments by one of our new year 7s.
the Freeston experience Staff and students decided that each year group should have something ‘extra’ above the normal curriculum that will make their time at Freeston memorable, such as the opportunity to take part in a residential visit. The Freeston Experience will mean that at the end of five years each student will have extra skills, experiences and aspirations that they have acquired through being a student at The Freeston Academy.
Broadening Horizons In the last few years, Freeston has offered educational trips to destinations such as New York, Spain, London and Iceland, depending on curriculum and year group. These visits are invaluable for broadening horizons and enhancing the curriculum.
Staying Safe We teach our students how to be safe in every situation they find themselves including on the internet. Senior staff meet and greet students each morning and evening at the school gates. We have designated year group areas at social times, and students know who to talk to at school if they are worried or anxious. All students have access to Tootoot, an online anti-bullying system.
We would love to welcome you to The Freeston Academy Please find our contact details below: The Freeston Academy, Favell Avenue, Normanton WF6 1HZ T 01924 302560
E info@thefreestonacademy.com
W www.thefreestonacademy.com
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