Training and education for all 2017

TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR ALL 2017

S PECIAL SU PPLEMENT

WIGSTON ACADEMIES TRUST LEARN • ASPIRE • ACHIEVE

Wigston Academy - Station Road, wigston Leicestershire. LE18 2DT - T: 0116 2881228 W: www.wigstonacademy.org E: admin@wigstonacademy.org 1

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Wigston College - Station Road, wigston Leicestershire. LE18 2DS - T: 0116 2881611 W: www.wigstoncollege.org E: admin@wigstoncollege.org

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

The Magic of Manor High THESE are exciting times at Manor High School, Oadby, as we progress from a well-established and trusted provider of outstanding results at Key Stages 2 and 3 to an 11-16 school with excellent GCSE outcomes.

Our students are prepared so well through their years with us that they are among the highest performers at GCSE level nationally.

We are delighted that so many parents are choosing Manor High as the setting for GCSE success for their children. This is because they know us well and feel confidence in our ethos and our expectations. We always listen carefully to their views and ideas.

Every week is packed with creativity and excellence in all areas at Manor High School. In recent weeks, our students won the Leicestershire Law Society Schools’ Courts Challenge with a collective gold award and two individual prizes despite being younger than the competition.

In the Rotary Club Design challenge, our students beat all other local schools and even a

❝

We are delighted that so many parents are choosing Manor High as the setting for GCSE success for their children. This is because they know us well and feel confidence in our ethos and our expectations. We always listen carefully to their views and ideas.

local university to come first.

The success at Manor High School is built around our four core values: Excellence, Inspiration, Respect and Care. Above all else, our students are happy and confident and share our love of learning.

Our pastoral system is built around leadership, resilience and strong mutual support between students.

The learning extends far beyond the classroom to field trips, residentials and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Our students thrive in a school that is

not too big and which knows them well. Learning and pastoral care are personalised and supportive for every individual. We are committed to academic excellence and also to creativity and fun.

Year 7 pupils offered their views on life at Manor High: “The school helps me to be well organised and to achieve better grades. I am looking forward to the next four years here.”

The second pupil said: “I am getting on well at Manor High, I want to go to school and to learn. This has made me happier and more determined to excel”.

Open Events WE look forward to welcoming you at our Open Mornings and our Open Evening on Thursday, September 21.

Please follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ManorHighSchoolOadby) and Twitter (@ManorHighSchool) to find out more.

Manor High School, Copse Close, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 4FU. Call: 0116 271 4941.

manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

STUDY: Students are prepared well for their GCSEs at Manor High School

Open Days Come and experience our school www.manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Join us on a journey where success is inevitable At Manor High we want to help you make the right choice for your child when they transfer from primary to secondary school. We invite you to come and visit our school during the day where you will see how we prepare children over time to achieve the highest GCSE results, our inspirational teachers, our caring support staff and our rapidly evolving learning environment.

When you visit, what you will probably experience most strongly is the feel of the school. For us at Manor High, this is the fundamental factor and the most difficult to define. We refer to a “buzz factor” or the “magic of Manor”. It is a sense of belonging, energy and a collective desire to make success inevitable. Through strong relationships between home and school, we are able to achieve excellence together.

We are a small, focused, caring and personalised setting. We will know you and you will know us. Through mutual respect and strong relationships, our students flourish in an environment they love.

Manor High School

Open Evening

Thursday 21 September 2017 2

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Contents Degree bound:

Is university for you? Page 13

Early days:

Vital to get a good start. Page 4

Apprenticeships:

Growing in popularity. Page 5

Bursaries:

Securing financial help. Page 17

GCSE struggles: Don’t worry, help is at hand. Page 14 Independent schools:

Wealth of opportunities. Page 18

Which way now?

Consider your options. Page 19

Return to learning: Academies: Going their own way. Page 8

Reinvigorate your options.

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Do you want to further your career in education?

LOUGHBOROUGH Learning Alliance is a dedicated coordination between schools in Loughborough and the surrounding Leicestershire area. Based at Ashmount School, rated Outstanding twice by Ofsted, we are a teaching school, following the national trend of improving the attainment of every child by driving significant improvement in the quality of professional practice.

Loughborough Learning Alliance offers an extensive continuing professional development programme which draws on the skills and experience of schools within the Alliance, alongside expert trainers.

We run courses aimed at Senior Leaders, Teachers, NQT’s, Subject Leaders, Classroom Assistants and Lunchtime Supervisors in areas including Pupil Premium, Special Edu-

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E cational Needs, Team Teach, Lunchtime Supervision, Makaton, Intervention, First Aid, Phonics and Moderation.

As well as scheduled courses, we offer bespoke school-toschool support to meet more individual needs. We also designate and broker Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) and engage in Research and

Development activity (R&D) within the local area.

Do you want to teach primary or early years children?

Our inspirational School Direct programme offers highly motivated graduates the opportunity to train as primary or early years teachers whilst based in a school setting.

Trainees achieve Qualified

Teacher Status (QTS) and a University of Derby Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 Master’s-level credits, whilst acquiring a wealth of practical experience in the classroom, alongside experienced teachers. We can also offer voluntary placements within Ashmount School.

EAST MIDLANDS PUPIL PREMIUM CHAMPIONS: We’re East Mid-

lands Pupil Premium Champions and are trained up to train new Pupil Premium Reviewers across the East Midlands. This is the training leading to NCTL/DfE accreditations that NLEs, SLEs and other experienced leaders who are championing Closing the Disadvantage Gap and use the pupil premium need to conduct pupil premium reviews in other schools.

Vital to get your child a good start GETTING your child off to a good start is paramount to any parent.

While stay-at-home mums and dads can set their own agenda of helping their child to learn through play, others will in part rely on nurseries and other childcare settings to assist them as they return to work.

Choosing the right nursery or childcare setting for your child is subjective. There are many Ofsted registered child minders out there who do a fantastic job of looking after youngsters in a “home from home” environment.

In addition, there are a plethora of nurseries and preschools to pick from too which are also Ofsted rated by the education watchdog.

It’s worth noting however, that a child isn’t automatically guaranteed a place at a particular school simply because they have attended its attached pre-school. Parents must apply through the usual processes.

It’s vitally important that parents take their time to look around and get a feel for a nursery setting before making any decisions.

Questions they may ask

themselves include: Is there an outdoor play area? Do they go on any local trips and visits? Were the staff engaging when you spoke to them? Can they cater for any special dietary requirements? Is the nursery term time only?

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year.

It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year and this is also extended to the most disadvantaged 2-yearolds.

However, the Government pledged that this would

Do you want to further your career in Education?

Loughborough Learning Alliance is a dedicated coordination between schools in Loughborough and the surrounding Leicestershire area. Based at Ashmount School, rated Outstanding twice by Ofsted, we are a teaching school, following the national trend of improving the attainment of every child by driving significant improvement in the quality of professional practice.

Loughborough Learning Alliance offers an extensive continuing professional development programme which draws on the skills and experience of schools within the Alliance, alongside expert trainers.

We run courses aimed at Senior Leaders, Teachers, NQT’s, Subject Leaders, Classroom Assistants and Lunchtime Supervisors in areas including Pupil Premium, Special Educational Needs, Team Teach, Lunchtime Supervision, Makaton, Intervention, First Aid, Phonics and Moderation.

As well as scheduled courses, we offer bespoke school-to-school support to meet more individual needs. We also designate and broker Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) and engage in Research and Development activity (R&D) within the local area.

East Midlands Pupil Premium Champions We’re East Midlands Pupil Premium Champions and are trained up to train new Pupil Premium Reviewers across the East Midlands. This is the training leading to NCTL/DfE accreditations that NLEs, SLEs and other experienced leaders who are championing Closing the Disadvantage Gap and use the pupil premium need to conduct pupil premium reviews in other schools.

Do you want to teach primary or early years children?

Our inspirational School Direct programme offers highly motivated graduates the opportunity to train as primary or early years teachers whilst based in a school setting.

Trainees achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a University of Derby Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 Master’s-level credits, whilst acquiring a wealth of practical experience in the classroom, alongside experienced teachers. We can also offer voluntary placements within Ashmount School.

Loughborough Learning Alliance

Ashmount School, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 4SQ www.loughboroughlearningalliance.org.uk Tel: 01509 632911 Email: jessevans@ashmount.leics.sch.uk 4

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change to 30 free hours by 2018 and this has been rolled out early in a number of ‘pilot areas’.

Next month, Leicestershire joins this list.

County council officials have been working with nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to begin offering the 30 hours of free childcare per week to all eligible three and four-yearolds. Those childcare providers registered to take Free Early Education Entitlement (Feee) and rated requires improvement, good or outstanding are eligible to offer places from April.

Thinking of a career in teaching?

Come and meet local teacher training providers to learn about different routes into your teaching career

Open Event Saturday 6th May 10am - 1pm at Babington Community College

www.teachleics.co.uk @teachleicester

Some of the best routes into teaching are right here on your doorstep Teach Leics is a partnership of all registered local teacher training providers

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Study for an innovative degree that is designed around you A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Increasing numbers turning to training that pays a wage INCREASING numbers of students in the East Midlands aged 16 to 18 say they will consider an apprenticeship after leaving school as their route into employment, according to a study

by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians).

AAT found the main reasons for young people in the East Midlands considering an apprenticeship over university were that they could start earning money straight away – 64

per cent , get valuable work experience – 55 per cent , and learn valuable work skills as soon as possible – 36 per cent .

AAT revealed that three fifths of 16-30 year olds in the East Midlands (59 per cent ) think an apprenticeship could fast track their careers over university.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “The research released by AAT clearly shows the positive impact apprentice-

ships can have on both apprentices and employers alike. The findings mirror what we already know – 92 per cent of apprentices in work feel that their apprenticeship has a positive impact on their career.

And we also know that from an employer’s perspective, 75 per cent report that apprentices have helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.”

getingofar.gov.uk

AT THE University of Leicester, we want you to be able to study for a degree that’s not only innovative in its approach, but also designed and built around you.

We pride ourselves on offering flexibility and choice through the variety of degrees that we offer. There are over 30 different departments across the University, all offering a diverse range of programmes making it one of the most flexible curriculums in the UK. At Leicester, we are committed to providing one of the most flexible curriculums in the UK and have recently increased the number of subject areas that can be studied together. This exciting development means that not only do we offer single subject courses, like Chemistry or English, you can choose to study a combination of two related or diverse subjects from even more areas across the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.

How it works At Leicester, your academic journey starts by choosing whether to study one or two subjects: SINGLE DEGREES Specialise in one subject for the duration of your degree e.g. Economics.

The Benefits ■ Immerse yourself in a subject that you’re passionate about.

■ The focus and specialisation of these degrees are ideal if you have a specific career or academic direction in mind.

■ You may be able to gain professional accred-

itation and recognition to support your career path.

JOINT DEGREES Study two complementary subjects equally, e.g. English and History.

THE BENEFITS ■ Explore two subjects that interest you to a high level.

■ Gain an outstanding depth and breadth of knowledge to broaden your academic and professional horizons.

■ By demonstrating your ability to think differently and across disciplines, you will expand your career opportunities.

MAJOR/MINOR DEGREES Create your own degree. Study a core subject in depth (your Major), while also exploring an additional subject (your Minor).

THE BENEFITS ■ A degree that will satisfy your own unique interests, strengths and ambitions.

■ Complement your Major with a subject that you enjoyed before, may have career-related applications. Or just try something completely new!

■ Great for your career prospects - demonstrate flexibility and versatility that will make you stand out.

Whether you choose a Single, Joint or Major/Minor Degree at Leicester, you will be able to develop your own particular blend of knowledge and skills tailored to your individual interests, academic strengths and career aspirations. Find out more:

le.ac.uk/yourdegree

Find out about Students’ Union President Rachel and how she’s supporting our students at www.le.ac.uk/somebody

Rachel Holland President of the Students’ Union

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Apprenticeship funding change

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Extravaganza of Easter activities at Uppingham school EASTER is nearly upon us, and with that comes the opportunity to make the most of some free time over the Easter holidays. Uppingham Summer School offers a whole range of different holiday activities for children, both during the Easter and summer holidays, and there is bound to be something to appeal to all tastes.

The ever popular Easter Baking course (April 5-7, £140) always sells like hot cakes! There is lots of chocolate involved and plenty of things to be taken home each day and shared with the whole family. Alternatively, Art Week (April 10-13, £220) is ideal for aspiring young artists. They will spend four days exploring different styles and using a variety of media, and will finish the week with their own portfolio of masterpieces.

There are also plenty of sports courses on offer for children who enjoy more

active pursuits. Level 3 cricket coach Tom Flowers will be heading up two weeks of Cricket coaching courses (April 3-7, £230 and April 1013, £184).

These courses are always hugely popular and provide technical coaching in a fun environment. There is also a week of Tennis coaching (April 10-13, £184), and a twoday Athletics camp (18-19 April 18-19, £96). All of the sports courses are aimed at children of all abilities aged between 7 and 14, and are the perfect pre-season training opportunity or introduction to the sport.

With so much on offer, Uppingham Summer School is bound to have something to keep everyone entertained for a few days over the holidays!

For further details or to find out more phone 01572 820800, or visit:

IN APRIL the way the Government funds apprenticeships in England is changing.

Some employers will be required to contribute to a new apprenticeship levy, and there will be changes to the funding for apprenticeship training for all employers.

The levy requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill over £3 million each year, to invest in apprenticeships.

The levy will be charged at a rate of 0.5 per cent of the organisation’s annual pay bill.

However, the government will

uppinghamsummer school.co.uk

Easter Holiday Courses at Uppingham

provide a ‘levy allowance’ of £15,000 to offset against this, as well as a 10 per cent monthly top-up to the funds employers have for spending on apprenticeship training and assessments in England.

Employers with less than 50 staff will have 100 per cent of their training costs paid for by government – as long as they take on apprentices between the ages of 16-18.

Additional help, worth £2,000 per trainee will also be available for employers that take on 16-18-year-old apprentices or young care leavers.

An Independent Catholic School Welcoming All ··· Boys and Girls Day and Boarding 3 - 18 Years AN OUTSTANDING ALL-ROUND EDUCATION

Sport, baking, art and upholstery – plenty to keep both children and adults busy this Easter!

3 - 7 April 5 - 7 April 9 - 13 April 10 - 13 April 10 - 13 April 10 - 13 April 18 - 19 April

Easter Cricket 1 Easter Baking Easter GCSE Revision Course per subject Art Course Easter Tennis Easter Cricket 2 Athletics

£230 £140 £375 £220 £184 £184 £96

Some limited availability for September in Years 5, 9, 10 and 12

For further information and to book:www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk summerschool@uppingham.co.uk 01572 820800 Like us on Facebook 6

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? T: 01509 817072 or 817031 E: registrar@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk www.ratcliffe-college.co.uk

Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SG

PART OF THE

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Meeting trust’s expected standards IN MAY 2016, Stoneygate School became part of Leicester Grammar School Trust, and its latest Ofsted report reflects the immediate action taken by both the Trust and Stoneygate School to bring the school in line with the Trust’s expected standards.

Ofsted visited at the beginning of February and we are delighted with their latest full school report which deems us

‘good’ with some ‘outstanding’ features. The last full Ofsted visit in March 2015 and subsequent report stated the school was ‘inadequate’.

Headmaster, John Dobson said: “I am particularly pleased with their comments and grade on ‘Personal development, behaviour and welfare’; the previous report had deemed this area of Stoneygate School as ‘inadequate’, but it is

now regarded as ‘outstanding’. “ I think the Inspection judgements are a fair reflection of Stoneygate School.

“Moving from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff; we won’t, however, be resting on our laurels - our aim, as ever, is to continue to improve the teaching and learning throughout Stoneygate School.”

Grace Dieu is a great choice A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E GRACE Dieu Manor School, for children aged 12 weeks to 11 years, is often described as a hidden gem. Nestling in 120 acres of idyllic parkland in Thringstone, it is located just 15 minutes from Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and Loughborough.

We offer small classes with specialist teaching in Sport, Music, Art, Drama and Languages, and the School is justifiably proud of its strong academic reputation. This year,

100 per cent of our pupils won places to their first choice senior school. Every year pupils win scholarships to a range of different schools across the region. The benefit of being an independent Prep School means that our families have all options available to them, and are therefore able to make the very best choice of senior school.

Children have acres of space to grow, learn and play. We have extensive sports facilit-

ies on-site - including a swimming pool, sports hall and numerous outdoor courts and pitches. We are also specialists in Outdoor Learning and our Forest School is an integral part of our curriculum. Pupils enjoy den building, foraging, campfire cooking, storytelling and nature watching - as well as taking some of their other subjects outside (from measuring trees for Maths, to studying plants for Science). We even have our own chickens

Leicestershire’s first Prep School Plus for Boys & Girls aged 4–16 Part of the Leicester Grammar School Trust

and alpaca herd. The opportunities for outdoor fun and learning are boundless.

We understand that family life can be busy - so we offer free wrap-around care from 8am-6pm, as well as a Breakfast Club from 7.30am.

Visit us to discover what makes Grace Dieu Manor School so very special, at one of our Open Mornings (March 31 or May 5) or book an individual visit – we would be delighted to show you around.

Grace Dieu Manor School An Independent Catholic School welcoming all faiths

Nursery

12 weeks-4 years

Prep School 4-11 years

Our new Nursery offers superb care for children aged 12 weeks-4 years • Open all year (50 weeks) from 7.30am-6pm for full & part-time sessions • A safe and homely setting with highly trained and experienced staff • Now accepting 15 hours FEEE Government Funding & Childcare Vouchers

Prep School for children aged 4-11

and take take a look at our our school: school: Come and ● Book a priv private ate tour tour ● Com Comee to Open Open Morning, Morning, 9am-12.30pm 9am-12.30pm Saturd Saturday ay 6th May 2017 Forr more Fo more info informat rmatio ion n or to book a visit, visit, please cont contac actt Mrs Whittl Whit tlee on 0116 259 2282 or visit www.st ww w.stone oneyg ygat atesch eschool. ool.co. co.uk uk

• Acres of space to grow, learn & play with Forest School and all of our extensive sports facilities on-site • Small classes with specialist teaching in Sport, Music, Art, Drama & Languages • Free wrap-around care 8am-6pm and Breakfast Club available from 7.30am

Open MOrnIngS 9.30am – 1pm • 31st March • 5th May

Located in 120 acres of idyllic parkland in Thringstone, circa 15 minutes from Loughborough, Coalville & Ashby de la Zouch. School buses available & plenty of parking for a stress free school run!

Visit www.gracedieu.com or our Facebook page, call 01530 222276 or email registrar@gracedieu.com for more information LDM-E01-S4 LM03

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Educating as they see fit ACADEMIES are schools which are autonomous from the state system.

They receive their funding directly from the Government and are free to spend it – and therefore prioritise it – as they see fit.

Whereas state schools have a small amount of their cash retained by the local authority for central services such as HR and payroll – services which can sometimes be ‘bought back’ by academies, this is not the case for the latter. They are free to spend it as they wish.

There are other freedoms which come with being an academy and that includes setting the curriculum, length of term and school days.

Many academies are now part of multi-academy trusts (MATS) which are intended to work together for the greater good of all students. As the schools work closely together they are also able to share resources and even staff which often means they can share the burden of costs.

Once schools become academies, they are no longer answerable to the local authority. Instead, they answer directly to education secretary, Justine Greening and the De-

MANTLE: Carolyn Robson, chief executive of Rushey Mead Educational Trust

partment for Education.

There are around 6,000 academies open today across the country.

Carolyn Robson, chief executive of Rushey Mead Educational Trust (RMET), a Multi-

Academy Trust with several schools under its mantle, said: “The advantages of being in a local MAT are that existing informal collaboration and relationships are made more specific and meaningful. With an

established track record in school improvement and commitment to learning, RMET was set up with a commitment to supporting schools within its community. For this reason, RMET has deliberately inten-

ded to be local and medium sized, maximising the positives of close geographical location and simultaneously growing large enough to be operationally effective.

“RMET has developed trust-

wide systems that reduce workload pressures on individual schools. Our academies benefit from a collaborative network of like-minded colleagues who are able to gain support and skills from other academies within RMET, as seen in our successful trust-wide professional learning day, the Festival of Learning.

“We work reciprocally, sharing some key staff and give opportunities for career progression, right from our SCITT training programme to headship.

“Our Teaching School provides extensive professional development for our staff and governors and we’re part of the national Challenge Partners network.

“Academies within the trust are also able to realise greater economies of scale, which is increasingly important when considering the decrease in school budgets.

“The benefits associated with the MAT model are increasingly important when supporting schools that are going through challenging times. As a Multi-Academy Trust, we have been able to quickly react, providing our pupils with the education that they deserve.”

Abbotsholme School

Because happy children succeed...

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Move onto training School’s alternative straight after school approach to learning DID you know that you can leave school at 16 to start an apprenticeship or course with Heart of England Training?

Why Heart of England Training?

HEART of England Training is an Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding training provider delivering flexible apprenticeships and full time training courses across a number of subjects including Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Nail Services, Customer Service, Business Administration, Marketing, Team Leading, PE in School Sport, Teaching Assistant, Management & Leadership, IT and Warehousing.

Our Hairdressing and Beauty courses are delivered in our training centres which also operate as commercial salons, meaning that our learners are working with real clients in a real salon environment and gaining the skills that employers are

looking for as opposed to purely college based learning.

Why Apprenticeships?

APPRENTICESHIPS are becoming more and more popular as a viable alternative to traditional College or University education as they deliver tangible experience of the world of work alongside key theoretical principles, without any of the associated debt that goes with studying a degree at University.

Heart of England training offers apprenticeships from Level 2 up to Higher Appren-

Heart of England Training Ltd

ticeships which are degree level equivalents in subjects such as Management and Leadership.

Why not see for yourself?

TO find out more about enrolling on one of our outstanding apprenticeships where you can earn as you learn, or a post-16 courses that you can join throughout the year, come along to our Open Event on Wednesday, April 12, between 10am-6pm.

For more information visit:

...training for a brighter future

hoet.co.uk

STEPHENSON Studio School delivers an alternative approach to learning which includes teaching through enterprise projects and work experience.

The curriculum design provides opportunities to learn real world skills from a diverse choice of subjects including engineering, business, science, construction, health and social care and animal care. A new Sixth Form ‘Step Into Programme’ also offers an innovative route into college or an apprenticeship.

An OFSTED report released today states that the actions that the senior leaders have taken have helped to improve the quality of teaching and have led to improvements in the school’s provision since the last monitoring inspection.

Personal tours of Stephenson Studio School and an informative one-to-one information sessions with staff can be arranged during the week, If you or your child, aged 14-19 would benefit from an innovative learning experience then come along or get in touch with us today on 01530 519 099.

OPEN EVEN 12.4.17 T

APPRENTICESHIPS

& Full time courses at levels 1-5 Come along to our next Open Event: 12th April 2017 between 10am-6pm and talk to us about your options...

Subjects include: Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Business Administration, Customer Service, Hairdressing, IT, Management & Team Leading, Marketing, Nail Services, PE in School Sport, Retail, Sports Coaching, Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools and Warehousing We train over 1000 learners in more than 500 businesses across the Midlands. Visit us at: James House, 55 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 7AR

www.hoet.co.uk / info@hoet.co.uk / 0800 0281 576 LDM-E01-S4 LM03

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Come along to our opening evening on

Thursday 21 September 5pm-7.30pm Principal’s address at 5.30pm and 6.30pm Take a look around the exceptional facilities, meet our outstanding staff and chat to current students as they proudly showcase their work.

We’ve been transforming lives for 25 years Please contact us for more information, to ask any questions or to arrange a tour 0116 282 4326 | www.fullhurst.leicester.sch.uk 10

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The Gateway to your Full-time job the likely future opportunities outcome for apprentices WHETHER you are taking you first steps into Further Education or retaking a qualification, Gateway College offers a wide range of vocational and academic qualifications from entry level 1 to advanced level 3 to ensure you achieve your goals.

Featuring state of the art facilities and situated on a purposebuilt 12 acre site in the Hamilton area of the City, each student receives individual support from their Progress Coach as well as dedicated teaching staff, and boasts a broad curriculum with the flexibility to mix and match subjects.

“The teaching at Gateway has been really supportive, my teacher has helped us to reach our potential grades and delivered lessons in a variety of ways to meet all students learning styles and keep it interesting,” Anuj, student.

Gateway believes that all students deserve to have a personalized learning experience that challenges, inspires and motivates them regardless of their background or ability and guarantees they are well placed to succeed in their

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

chosen field. Progression is key.

Through the support offered, work placements, enrichment activities and high quality teaching and learning, Gateway students consistently go on to gain places at their first choice university, take up ap-

prenticeships or find related employment to match their career aspiration.

Places are available for 2017 and 2018 entry, speak to us about your options and how to apply today on 0116 274 4500 or go to:

gateway.ac.uk

NEW research from a leading apprenticeships provider has revealed that almost fourfifths of apprentices get fulltime employment at the end of their apprenticeship.

The results also showed that 92 per cent believed their apprenticeship would give them an advantage when going for a job against those who had not completed one.

The study, conducted by Positive Outcomes, a Government-funded training and apprenticeships provider, questioned 227 apprentices aged between 16 and. All of those questioned were either enrolled on an apprenticeship or had completed one.

Ryan Longmate, joint managing director of Positive Outcomes, said: “The fact that nearly four out of five apprentices go on to gain full-time employment with their apprenticeship provider is a remarkable statistic.

“When you compare that to going to university, where, having completed your degree, the process of job hunting begins in earnest, it really is a fantastic endorsement of

an apprenticeship as a career route. Not only do you earn, learn and gain invaluable experience, you avoid the stress of job hunting at the end of it.”

As part of the wider study, respondents were asked: “Now that you have finished your apprenticeship, did you get a full-time job afterwards with the same employer?” to which 77 per cent said that “yes”, they did, while a further 4 per cent were offered a part-time position. Only 19 per cent of respondents said “no”.

EMPLOYEES Ryan said: “When you add in the part-time employees, the results suggest that more than 80 per cent of apprentices continue working having completed their qualification.

“So not only have they been paid throughout their apprenticeship, gaining a qualification as they go, they also don’t have to negotiate the minefield of job applications upon completion as they’re already there and settled in.

“Even those who haven’t

gone on to a full-time position still take away unequalled experience and a nationally recognised qualification to boost their CV.” The study also asked: “Now that you have finished your apprenticeship, do you think it will give you an advantage when going for jobs against others who haven’t undertaken an apprenticeship?”, to which 92 per cent believed “yes, it did”.

Ryan added: “This statistic is another ringing endorsement of apprenticeships.

“The experience and business insight garnered through an apprenticeship is unparalleled and sets former apprentices in excellent stead to go on and progress in their careers.

“A recent Comres study, conducted in 2015, suggested only 52 per cent of graduates regarded their degree as value for money. While this isn’t directly comparable, when you consider apprentices pay no tuition fees and in fact they get paid to learn, it really puts apprenticeships in an extremely favourable light.”

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Understanding which path to take WITH so many options available to young people when they leave school, it’s tricky to know which path to take.

Loughborough College offers a range of courses including A Levels, BTECs, degrees and professional qualifications.

The college also works with over 350 employers to offer a range of exciting apprenticeships, designed to give learners the opportunity to develop skills and achieve a qualification, while earning a wage in a real job.

There’s a stereotype that apprenticeships are only available in trades like building or hairdressing, but you can actually find apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors, with employers ranging from large, national companies to smaller, local companies.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is 16 or over and are suitable for everyone, whether you’re just leaving school, you’ve been working for years, or you’re seeking to start a new career.

Apprenticeships usually run over 1-3 years with qualifications ranging from Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeships (equivalent to studying 5 GCSEs) up to Higher Apprentice-

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ships at Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7. As an apprentice, you’re an employee, treated like any other employee, earning a wage and working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. You’ll also get hands-on training to work towards a nationally recognised qualification. The opportunities for progression following an apprenticeship are fantastic, with many apprentices advancing to highly skilled jobs.

Loughborough College works with employers to find the right candidates for their apprentice job roles, and if you apply for one you will go through a selection process. Current apprenticeship vacancies with local employers can be found on the Loughborough College website, with apprenticeships starting throughout the year.

Anyone interested in an apprenticeship can visit the Loughborough College open day on Wednesday, April 5, 4:00pm to 7:00pm. The open day is a great chance to find out about vacancies, meet tutors and see the college facilities.

Alternatively, you can contact the Loughborough College Apprenticeship Team on 01509 515461 or;

apprenticeships@loucoll.ac.uk

STUDIES: Pictured left to right are current and former Loughborough College apprentices Louisa Zarmaeva, Paige Norris, Paulina Palyska, Carly Adams, Amy Curtis, Molly Whittenbury and Ellie Festa

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Is university right for you?

WITH university costs considerably higher than they ever have been, young people, and their parents must weigh up whether it’s worth the price.

It’s still the case that those who do go onto Higher Education earn more throughout their lifetimes but the landscape is ever changing.

However, university fees are only payable once a student leaves and is earning more than £21,000 per annum.

University is also a great way to learn life lessons, from learning how to budget for the first time to living with others and finding the right balance between work and leisure.

Universities aren’t just for the young either – many adults choose to return to learning and take a different career direction or simply enhance their knowledge base.

Elliot Newstead, student recruitment manager at The University of Leicester, said: “When considering the benefits of Higher Education, it’s

important to remember there is a lot more than originally meets the eye. Initially, prospective students tend to focus on the courses and facilities available as well as the quality of the teaching, however the opportunities available whilst studying a degree are almost endless.

“Much is made in the current climate about career options for graduates and how universities prepare their students for the ‘world of work’. At Leicester, our award-winning Career Development Service

❝

When considering the benefits of Higher Education, it’s important to remember there is a lot more than originally meets the eye.

Elliot Newstead, student recruitment manager at The University of Leicester

has this at its heart and provides students with fantastic opportunities and initiatives to continually develop themselves whilst being a university student.

“Personal development is also one of the main drivers for students considering university and, for me, this is where Higher Education offers the perfect platform. Whether it be studying abroad or working in industry during a degree, joining the Muggle Quidditch society or moving away from home and into halls of residence, there are a huge number of ways to gain the invaluable transferable skills that employers are looking for to complement the first-class education students receive.

“At Leicester, we believe Higher Education has the power to transform lives through providing outstanding teaching, a welcoming atmosphere and the platform for students of all ages and backgrounds to make the most of the exciting

journey ahead of them.

“In addition, Higher Education opens up a world of different opportunities and possibilities for individuals through the networks you form. These extend beyond university through the alumni networks – so you remain associated with your alma mater for life and can benefit from the opportunities this presents, such as continuing professional development, mentoring schemes, and networking.”

The University of Leicester has been offering “flexible de-

grees” to students since last September.

Undergraduates can now take the option to study a major and a minor subject for their threeyear degree.

Carol Arlett, the university’s pathways manager, said: “For example, they may take history as a major subject and mathematical studies as a minor subject so their degree will be history with mathematical studies.

“We know that the number of students taking this type of degree is going to grow and grow

because increasing numbers of students are seeing the benefits of it.

“Some choose it because they’re not sure exactly which career path they want to take and this allows them to explore others, while some can see just how attractive it will be to future employers, such as learning a language.

“Although there are a handful of universities across the country offering flexible degrees, we believe ours is different because of the breadth of subjects we can offer.”

Long Field Academy: Together We Succeed Long Field Academy is a thriving and popular 11-16 secondary school in the quiet market town of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Long Field is part of the Spencer Academies Trust and is quickly becoming an outstanding Academy due to the passion and dedication of our experienced staff and hardworking students to achieve excellence. This, coupled with the wide range of subjects on offer that are tailored to enable students to study both academic and high-quality vocational qualifications, allows students to achieve high aspirations.

The pastoral system at Long Field is built around our four Houses, Pegasus, Titan, Leo and Phoenix and builds a close community spirit amongst students and staff through regular competitions and charity events.

Mixed-year tutor groups foster positive relationships between students across all year groups. Student leadership is an important part of the life of the Academy: It inspires and motivates our young people to aim higher and enables students to develop skills and experience beyond the curriculum by becoming School Ambassadors and House Captains, leading work with

primary school pupils, presenting on our school and local radio stations, caring for our ducks, chickens and alpacas to give a few examples!

Part of the appeal of Long Field Academy for parents is its small size with only 600 students on roll; because of this, Long Field prides itself

with our Trust to ensure every student reaches their potential.

If you would like to come and have a look around our wonderful school then please contact us to book a place on one of our tours which are held every week on Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Open Evening

Our next Open Evening will be held on:

June 29th 2017 6.00 – 8.00 pm on being small enough to enable each student to feel valued and supported throughout their time at the Academy.

The Academy is a perfect balance of exciting teaching and learning combined with a wide range of support for our students. We have a wealth of extracurricular opportunities as well as over 50 trips on offer which includes trips to New York, Washington D.C. and Sumatra for 2017 which enhances learning in lessons.

Our motto is ‘Together We Succeed’ and this reflects our commitment to working closely with families and

Contact Long Field Academy Address: Ambleside Way Off Leicester Road Melton Mowbray Leicestershire LE13 0BN Tel: (01664) 561234 Email: sstaff@longfield.leics.sch.uk Web: www.longfieldtrust.org.uk Twitter: @longfieldmelton Facebook: Long-Field-Academy

Long Field Academy is part of the Spencer Academies Trust: www.satrust.com LDM-E01-S4 LM03

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Dealing with exam anxiety AS the dreaded exam period appears on the horizon, many of the nation’s young people are beginning to get nervous about their expected performance.

And no matter how much their parents and teachers tell them it’ll all be OK, it can be really tough not to get stressed about what’s to come.

But a new campaign has been launched to help teenagers face their exam fears with the help of other teens who’ve just been through the exam experience themselves.

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Teenagers who’ve been through exams are sharing their experiences with other teens just about to sit their GCSEs. Lisa Salmon finds out how The Mind Set support initiative will help students cope The Mind Set The Mind Set is the UK’s first national peer-to-peer coaching network for GCSE and National students, and it aims to explore the vagaries of exam stress through 12 student coaches who’ve been there and done it, and tell it as it is in individual films about their own exam experiences.

The BBC Learning initiative is working in partnership with Childline, Young Minds and the National Citizen Service to provide the student coaching together with expert support and advice.

Sinead Rocks (pictured), head of BBC Learning, says: “The Mind Set puts students who’ve experienced the challenges faced in one of the most stressful periods of a young person’s life at the forefront, by sharing their stories with those who are about to travel the same path.

“We want this campaign to change perceptions of how students approach and deal with the stress of exam periods by

highlighting the tips, advice and support networks available to them.”

The young coaches are from varied backgrounds throughout the country, and aren’t all A* students either.

Some did resits, and others battled against illness or family difficulties during their exams.

But collectively they state: “The one thing we all have in common is that we found a way to reach our individual poten-

tial and we want to help you do the same.”

Powerful Advice GP Dr Radha Modgil, a Mind Set expert, explains that The Mind Set features information about all aspects of dealing with exam pressure, plus advice about revision techniques and staying well during the exam period.

“We all know that the most powerful advice comes from those who’ve been through a similar experience to us and who’ve got through it,” she stresses.

And the fact that some of the student coaches have faced personal challenges during exams, from grade pressure to fasting, means they can reas-

sure other students who may be going through similar challenges, she says.

Typical worries for students include not living up to their own or other’s expectations; what will happen if they don’t get the grades they want; not being able to cope with revision; not knowing how to revise; and not doing as well as their friends.

Dr Radha says The Mind Set covers all these concerns, and stresses: “It really provides a ‘go to’ place for all students in the long lead-up to the exam period, and is a true friend who can give advice, support and tips in a reassuring way from student coaches who know.”

Areas of Support

The Coaches MEGAN, 16: Megan was so nervous about her exams that she fainted and had to be taken out of school in a wheelchair: “I felt like I was drowning in exams,” she says.

“I don’t want other students to go through what I did, I don’t want people crying over their exams or suffering from anxiety – it’s not necessary.”

JAMES, 17: James says that although he worked hard before his exams, he was ill over the exam period and only got three GCSEs. But he insists: “That motivated me, and pushed me to work a lot harder

in college. “You’ve got to look at different routes, because the academic route might not be the one for you – you might get into an apprenticeship or work experience and other things which can get you to the same place you want to go but it’s more applied to you.

“I’d try to tell myself not to over-think it, to try to stop being stressed and realise you’re not a failure no matter what the outcome.”

■ To see The Mind Set’s videos and tips, visit tiny.cc/exammindset

The doctor says she believes students facing exams need support in three main areas: ■ Practical revision tips and structuring learning: Help with timetables, syllabus content, and how to split time between subjects and methods of learning.

■ Tips on dealing with difficult emotions and worries: Support could include information about mindfulness, being aware of worries and problem solving, as well as being kind to yourself and talking to others for support at an early stage.

■ Tips to encourage and maintain physical and mental wellbeing: Encouraging young people to take regular exercise, and stressing the importance of a healthy diet, regular and quality sleep and socialising.

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Getting your life on the right track with Leicestershire Adult Learning Service A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

NOW is the time to embrace new learning opportunities for your future wellbeing and prosperity.

If you want to boost your job prospects, pursue a new interest, learn computer skills, improve your confidence or brush up your English and Maths for FREE, now’s the time to get back into learning.

With 100s of part-time GoLearn courses to choose from - some leading to recognised qualifications - discover the many ways you can improve your health and wellbeing and learn useful new skills that will positively impact on your life.

Choose from part-time day, evening and weekend courses at venues across Leicestershire.

■ Improve your skills – join English, maths and computer courses to help you get back into work, or support your children ■ Low self-esteem? Discover how to improve your confidence ■ Get creative with arts, crafts and cookery

■ Improve your health and fitness with pilates, ballet or yoga ■ Need to communicate for work, holidays and family situations? Take up a new language. Plus English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), or British Sign Language ■ Free information and advice on learning and careers To help learners who find it difficult to pay there are flexible payment options and if you are in receipt of certain benefits or have a low income there are huge discounts, or courses may even be FREE. Adult Learning also run traineeship programmes for young people who are struggling to find employment or apprenticeships and offer a range of courses for adults who have a learning difficulty or disability.

Find your ideal course and enrol now Visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/GoLearn to download a course brochure or search and enrol online. Or call 0800 988 0308 or pick up a brochure from any Leicestershire Library or Adult Learning Enrolment centre.

‘Negatively’ impact on less fortunate

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: Join English, maths and computer courses to help you support your children

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COULD AN APPRENTICESHIP BENEFIT YOU?

CALL TODAY AAAAA

HEAD teachers in the county have criticised plans to create new grammar schools, saying it will create a second class school system and impact “negatively” on those who don’t get in.

Leicestershire Secondary Headteachers organisation has written to the Prime Minister to raise its concerns.

The letter states that such schools, where typically an 11 plus exam is taken to gain entry, are divisive.

It says that removing the most academic students from state comprehensives will create a “scarcity of role models” and that only the most “affluent and articulate families” capable of making the system work for themselves will benefit.

The letter is signed by Katie

Rush, chair of Leicestershire Secondary Headteachers, and principal of Brookvale High School, in Groby, along with several other county head teachers.

Chancellor, Philip Hammond, announced in the budget that the Government would plough £320m to fund up to 140 new free schools, many of which are expected to become grammars.

Free schools are state-funded schools which can be set up by community groups or charities. However, many of them are now opened by academy trusts.

If the Government lifts the ban on expanding selection as is thought, this will pave the way for new selective schools or the expansion of existing grammars.

Your learner journey starts here!

Enrol today...

NEW adult learning course programme out now

100s of courses to choose from Search and enrol online Easy payment options Fee reductions FREE* English and Maths courses FREE* Skills 4 Jobs courses FREE advice on study routes

*Terms and conditions apply. Charges may apply for ESOL.

Our recruitment service is supportive and we can help to enhance your workforce.

To discuss employing an Apprentice or learn more about the Apprenticeship levy, contact us today...

01530 519 001 stephensoncoll.ac.uk

Pick up a course brochure from your local county library or adult learning centre, or view and enrol online at

leicestershire.gov.uk/GoLearn call 0116 305 0820 or FREEPHONE 0800 988 0308 (open Monday - Friday, 9am-7pm)

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We’re closer than you think BROOKSBY Melton College is a leading provider of specialist, vocational education, graded ‘Good’ in its last Ofsted inspection and ranked top in the East Midlands and third nationally for achievement rates*.

BMC has two campuses, the Creative and Service Industries Campus in Melton Mowbray, and the Brooksby Campus, housed on a magnificent 850 acre country estate between Melton Mowbray and Leicester.

We offer a great range of courses, covering everything from Performing Arts, Hair and Beauty, Catering, Health Care Professions, TV and Film Production, through to Sport, Construction, Engineering, Animal Management and Environmental Industries.

BMC has been a quality provider of specialist Higher Education for over 20 years. Our exciting new partnership with the University of East Anglia, state-of-the-art facilities, firstclass lecturers and smaller class sizes means that all stu-

dents are well supported throughout their time with us.

Our specialist Degrees are designed to equip students with everything they need for a successful and rewarding career.

Our Degree subjects include Animal Management, Equine Performance Science, Sport Science, Digital Film Production, Performing Arts and Teacher Training.

At BMC we pride ourselves on developing our students into qualified professionals, and we have fantastic industry links to further support students to develop exciting careers in their chosen industries.

We have recently invested over £27.7million across both campuses, meaning our students benefit from the best facilities on offer. If you’ve not yet decided what you want to do next year why not apply to BMC and let us transform your future?

Our outstanding achievement rates, state-of-theart facilities and industry expert lecturers make BMC the place to be this September.

*DATA TAKEN FROM NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT RATE. THE DATASET WAS PRODUCED BY CROSS-REFERENCING THE UKPRN FOR ‘EAST MIDLANDS’ COLLEGES BASED ON THE PUBLISHED ‘HOME REGION’ AGAINST THE ‘E&T HEADLINE OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT RATES FOR INSTITUTIONS’ – WITH DATA FILTERED ON ‘SPECIALIST’ AND ‘GENERAL FE AND TERTIARY COLLEGE’.

TRANSFORMING FUTURES AT BMC

APPLY NOW! WE’RE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

RANKED HIGHEST FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EAST MIDLANDS AND 3RD NATIONALLY!* WE HAVE EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS WITH DIRECT BUS ROUTES. BMC provides a range of direct college routes across the region, making it even easier to access the course of your choice. As well as our direct routes into college, you will also find an excellent network of public bus services into both campuses.

GRADED ‘GOOD’ IN ITS LAST OFSTED INSPECTION WE OFFER COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: THE CREATIVE AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES CAMPUS AT MELTON Beauty Therapy, Catering and Hospitality, Early Years, Hairdressing, Health and Care Professions, Life and Living Skills, Maths and English, Media Make-up, Media (TV and Film Production), Performing Arts and Teacher Training

VISIT US AT THE MELTON CAMPUS OPEN EVENING Monday 24th April 2017, 17:30 - 19:30

Register now www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events or give us a call on 01664 855 444

BROOKSBY CAMPUS Agriculture, Animal Care, Construction, Countryside Management, Equine Studies, Floristry, Foundation Studies, Horticulture, Land-based Service Engineering, Maths and English, Motor Vehicle Engineering and Sport

VISIT US AT THE BROOKSBY CAMPUS OPEN EVENING Wednesday 26th April 2017, 17:00 - 19:00 Register now www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events or give us a call on 01664 855 444

For further information and to find out if you’re eligible for a free travel pass visit www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/transport or call 01664 855 211.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN BECOME A BMC APPRENTICE We offer Apprenticeships in: •

Agriculture (Level 2 and 3)

•

Health and Social Care (Level 2 and 3)

•

Animal Care (Level 2 and 3)

•

Childcare (Level 2, 3 and 4)

• •

Horticulture (Amenity and Sports Turf) (Level 2 and 3)

•

Construction (Level 2)

•

Hospitality and Catering (Level 2 and 3)

• •

Land-Based Service Engineering (Level 2 and 3)

•

Motor Vehicle (Level 2 and 3)

•

Customer Service (Level 2 and 3)

•

Equine (Level 2 and 3)

•

Hairdressing (Level 2 and 3)

01664 855 255 apprenticeships@brooksbymelton.ac.uk www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk

Visit www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk or give us a call on 01664 855 444 *Data taken from National Achievement Rate Tables. The dataset was produced by cross referencing the UKPRN for ‘East Midlands’ Colleges based on the published ‘Home Region’ against the ‘E&T Headline Overall Achievement Rates For Institutions’ – with data filtered on ‘Specialist’ and ‘General FE and Tertiary College’.

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When financing is difficult IN A perfect world, money simply wouldn’t be a barrier to learning and all students, no matter what their background, would have the chance to secure an education of their choice.

However, this isn’t always the case. While there are much publicised loans for Higher Education and schemes of repayment, students aged 16 to 19 may not know they may potentially qualify for a bursary to help them out.

Education bursaries of up to £1,200 are available to those aged 16 to 19 to help pay towards the inevitable costs attached with study.

To be eligible, students must attend a publicly funded school or college in England or a training course, including unpaid work experience.

The cash is intended to pay for clothing, books and other equipment for the course, transport and lunch on days of study or training.

The amount of bursary received depends on the circumstances and benefits of an individual and the education provider decides how the bursary is paid. This might be in full or in instalments paid in cash, by cheque or through a bank account.

The women of mathematics

FINANCIAL HELP: Bursaries of up to £1,200 are available to those aged 16 to 19 Some providers may offer a travel pass, free meals or books instead of money or one off payments to cover study trips or travel for university interviews.

There are also vulnerable student bursaries available to those who are in or recently left local authority care, are disabled, on Income Support or in

receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Students will usually receive less than the full amount, or no bursary, if one of the following applies: A course is shorter than 30 weeks, study is parttime and there are few

expenses.

It is well worth asking the education provider for details before taking up a course.

There are also ways of saving money such as sharing books and resources with other students, and attending a course at a nearby provider so that travel costs are free or not too expensive.

THE UNIVERSITY of Leicester has showcased the range of mathematical work being carried out by women.

Presentations formed part of a celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and spanned topics from pure mathematics to mathematical modelling and actuarial science.

Dr Katrin Leschke from the Department of Mathematics, said: “Our talks showed how interesting and fun maths can be and provided role models for female students in a field in which women are still heavily underrepresented.”

Dr Leschke discussed ‘Soap films, quaternions and geometry’, exploring the link between physical objects and mathematical tools to get a glimpse of modern questions and results in surface theory.

❝

Our talks showed how interesting and fun maths can be and provided role models for female students in a field in which women are still heavily underrepresented.

Dr Aihua Zhang presented an ‘Analysis on Brexit voting pattern’ and considered the connection between voting patterns and access to higher education.

The talks were held in conjunction with an exhibition ‘Women of Mathematics Throughout Europe: A Gallery of Portraits’. The exhibition aimed to give an unusual insight into mathematics.

Looking for an exceptional 11-16 education?

Redmoor Academy

Striving for excellence, opportunity and success for all If you are interested in places at our dynamic and consistently over-subscribed school, please contact Mrs Diane Eeley for a personalised tour

Tel: 01455 230731 Email us at office@redmooracademy.org Visit our website: www.redmooracademy.org

In January 2017 we were delighted to be in a position to announce the opening of our new eight classroom teaching block.

The two-storey ultra-energy efficient 655m2 “Schoolhaus” building will form the Academy’s Business and Enterprise Centre.

The classrooms will mainly be used to deliver Mathematics, Business Studies and PE theory lessons. In addition there is a KS4 meeting space, toilet block, offices and a study area for students.

As an academy, we invariably receive many more applications for places than are available and for some time, we have needed to expand our capacity to accommodate additional students.

We are really pleased with the building. Students and staff are really excited about working in our new facilities. This is a 21st century building and our students will benefit enormously by being taught in such a world class learning environment.

The 240 place building constructed by UK Energy Partners and Net Zero Buildings, was officially opened by David Tredinnick MP, Member of Parliament for Bosworth and The Worshipful the Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth, Councillor Richard Allen.

W y Hi kin LE nc R 10 kle oad 0E y P

Mr Tredinnick, MP said, “This is a very important improvement for the school giving them an energy neutral building and a manageable financial package.”

Having completed this project our attention now turns to upgrading our science facilities, kitchens and increasing teaching spaces to meet the growing demand for places.

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Merger brings out the best WIGSTON Academy is a high achieving secondary school which opened in September 2015. The school was formed by merging the two highly successful schools of Abington Academy and Bushloe High School. Our distinctive school badge links the school to Wigston Magna representing as it does the steeples of All Saints and St. Wistan Churches, recalling the town’s former name of “Wigston of two steeples”.

We are extremely proud of our links with the local community, both in the past and in the present.

The priority of the school is to provide the highest quality education for every child within a safe, caring and orderly environment. To this end we are committed to meeting the needs of children by working in partnership with parents and by providing a wealth of experience and opportunities to encourage every child to achieve their full potential, be confident, responsible, independent and well-educated individuals able to fulfil positive roles in society and have a successful future. Our aspirations for the children are aptly summarised in our school motto “Learn.Aspire.Achieve”.

Everyone at Wigston Academy makes every effort to provide each child with the necessary care and support so that they feel safe, happy and are therefore successful. We offer a raft of extra-curricular clubs and activities including a wide range of sports and music

REDEVELOPMENT: The celebratory sod cutting marked the start of building work at Wigston Academy. Guests at the ceremony included executive head teacher Alex Green, Harborough MP Edward Garnier and representatives from Wigston Academies Trust, Leicestershire County Council and GSS Architecture opportunities, drama, dance, art, robotics, Spanish, steel pans and many more. Residential and day trips are arranged every year and have recently

included visits to museums and theatres in London and Birmingham and residential trips to North Wales, Normandy and Paris.

We have a broad choice of options at Key Stage 4, catering for a wide range of interests and specialisms. A £4 million capital works programme has

just been completed, providing us with brand new facilities throughout the campus.

We are always happy to provide the opportunity for

parents to visit us and tour the school. Please contact us via the school’s reception if you would like to arrange a time to do this.

What price would you put on education? ❝ INDEPENDENT schools may come at cost but if your pocket is deep enough, they can provide a wealth of opportunity for young people and the results at GCSE and A-Level often speak for themselves.

Independents are at the top of the ranking system when it comes to schools.

Youngsters are more often than not required to sit an entrance exam testing their literacy and numeracy skills.

This helps to create a more level playing field for teachers when they enter the classroom as mixed ability classes can take up far more time.

In addition, there are typically smaller class sizes in independent schools so resources aren’t stretched like they may be in the state sector.

One of the big advantages is the pastoral care and time they can give to pupils - sport is often a large focus as are other culturally enhancing experiences from trips away, debating events, orchestras and guest speakers.

Schools in the independent sector are also more flexible 18

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Independent schools, by offering smaller classes and personal support for their pupils, deliver excellent exam results.

Alan Whelpdale, headmaster Leicester High School for Girls with the curriculum they deliver because they don’t have to adhere to particular Government protocol.

Alan Whelpdale, headmaster at the highly successful Leicester High School for Girls, said: “Independent schools, by offering smaller classes and personal support for their pupils, deliver excellent exam results. My school is 69th out of 329 independent schools for GCSE results this year, and private schools always top the league tables. Is this enough to guarantee success? Sadly, it isn’t. “Every girl here who wishes to be a doctor, dentist and vet will have A* predicted A-Levels. But so will the other 20 students who will

be applying for that one coveted place. So standing out, having a personality, confidence, opinions and charisma are all vital ingredients. These softer, almost invisible skills are just as, if not more, important. In many cases they will ‘clinch the deal’ in an interview. Creating the opportunities for the girls to develop these soft skills is what private schools do extremely well.

“This month, on International Women’s Day, girls in Y10-13 met 34 women at the top of their careers: Professors, Managing Directors, Engineers and Surgeons, to name a few, shared their knowledge and experience, and, vitally, contributed to our aspirational culture. Opportunities for leadership, travel and exciting extracurricular experiences give the girls the edge over others. A parent once said: ‘You always know a Leicester High girl when she walks into the room.’

“Developing character and academic potential, at the same time, will always result in girls who stand out from the crowd.”

LESSONS: Headmaster Alan Whelpdale believes ‘Developing character and academic potential, at the same time, will always result in girls who stand out from the crowd

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017 LEICESTER MERCURY

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EDUCATION FOR ALL

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Making the right decisions THE Gover nment’s stipulation that young people should stay in either education or training until they reach 18, means that making the right decision about what they do is vital.

There are of course a whole host of options to choose from, whether it’s taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship, studying traditional academic subjects or doing a mixture of vocational and academic.

Youngsters can study part time if they wish, as well as being employed, self-employed or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week.

Staying on at school can be advantageous because the environment is familiar along with the staff.

However, it’s well worth exploring other options.

Studio schools can give pupils a chance to study traditional subjects, as well as giving them greater opportunities to gain regular real life work experience while also being paid.

This aims to give them a head start when it comes to finding a job in the long run for obvious reasons.

Further education colleges also provide an array of opportunities for widening a student’s horizons through study and work. Many have estab-

lished apprenticeship schemes which also give young people the opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’.

Studying a full-time Level 3 Diploma such as a BTEC is currently the equivalent of studying two to three A-Levels.

Young people can gain valu-

able UCAS points by studying vocational qualifications that universities are happy to accept and which offer a credible alternative.

There are advantages too as many vocational qualifications support a coursework driven option, focusing on suc-

Efforts are rewarded STAFF at the University of Leicester say their efforts to ensure greater numbers of students apply from disadvantaged backgrounds are having an impact.

The university has four programmes it offers to help students from poorer backgrounds win degree places and says it has been oversubscribed this year, with applications up by 25 per cent compared with the year before.

It follows a campaign to reach out to schools and raise awareness of the programmes among teachers and younger pupils.

Now staff and university students are visiting primary schools across the city and county, along with

secondaries, in areas where few progress into higher education.

They are talking to pupils and giving workshops in a bid to raise aspirations and dispel myths about studying for a degree.

Professor Jon Scott, provice-chancellor with special responsibility for student experience, said: “The work we have done has had an even greater impact than expected. It has really paid off.

“We’re making connections earlier and getting pupils and their parents to start thinking about university and making choices sooner.

“It shows the earlier we can start talking to pupils and their parents, the better.”

cess over a two year period, rather than an end of course linear assessment/exam. For many young people, this is a much better option that suits their learning styles and interests and increases their chances of success.

Leicester College is one of the largest colleges in the country.

Principal Verity Hancock said: “At Leicester College we create an environment where learners thrive and succeed, with industry-standard learning environments and expert practitioners.

“We’re continuing to develop our offer to young people with strong investment in new facilities including a dedicated motor vehicle training facility and a new sports arena teaching environment in partnership with the Leicester Riders.

“We also have great partnerships with Leicester City Football Club and De Montfort University.

“Vocational Qualifications are increasingly being studied by young people as an alternative progression route into university. UCAS analysis shows that between 2008 and 2012 there was an 81 per cent proportional increase in acceptance of these by higher education institutions.”

ENVIRONMENT: Leicester College principle Verity Hancock

Equipping pupils to succeed A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

FULLHURST Community College has been ‘transforming lives’ for 25 years.

To be part of Fullhurst Community College is to transform lives. We are proud to be Leicester city’s highest performing secondary school and ranked in the top 7 per cent in England. In 2016, our Progress 8 measure (the government’s new performance indicator) was the highest of any school in Leicester. At Fullhurst, we believe that resilience is key and passionately instil a positive ‘can do’ outlook.

In last summer’s GCSEs, 58 per cent of students achieved A*-C in English and Maths, with a significant proportion achieving the top grades of A*/A. In 2012, Ofsted graded Fullhurst ‘good’ in all categories. Challenge Partner reviews, most recently in 2014, suggest the school has many outstanding features.

As the first school in Leicester to be rebuilt under the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme, facilities at Fullhurst are second to none, providing an inspiring environment for learning. The exciting and innovative curriculum has been designed to ensure that every student in the college has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Courses on offer at GCSE are a mixture of traditional GCSE subjects such as History and Science, through to more vocational subjects

such as Motor Vehicle Maintenance. We also have a huge range of extra-curricular activities and other opportunities for students to broaden their horizons.

At Fullhurst Community College, we work in close partner-

ship with local schools, sports and community organisations to ensure we provide the best learning opportunities for our students. The community is at the heart of what we do with our school allotment and city farm supporting local families

accessing the food bank. The students also run a community radio station which broadcasts 24/7, called Fullpower.fm.

The priority of the college is to provide the highest quality education for every student in a supportive and inspiring en-

Join us at the top of the league DID you know that Fullhurst Community College has a wide range of rooms and sports facilities available for community hire? We can accommodate weddings, birthdays, conferences, classes, performances

and a whole host of sports activities including basketball, table tennis, and football to name just a few. Our recently installed floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch was officially opened by Nampalys Mendy

and the LCFC Community Trust team. Fullhurst Community College has a range of rooms available for hire to cater for almost any type of event. Visit:

fullhurst.leicester.sch.uk

vironment. It is our aim that students leave Fullhurst Community College as successful, confident and responsible young people equipped with academic qualifications as well as the personal and social skills to enable them make a positive contribution to society. By staff and parents working together, we enable students to achieve this.

Fullhurst Community College serves a diverse community including some of the most disadvantaged families in the country.

We know that through educational achievement, lives can be transformed. To be the highest performing school in the city, and one of the highest in the region, is the result of many years of improvement made possible through the hard work and passionate enthusiasm of all involved under the clear and focused leadership of Mr Tom Campbell who has taken up new role as Director of Secondary Improvement at Greenwood Academies Trust.

Fullhurst Community College has been transforming lives since 1991; the best way to find out more is to visit us and see us in action.

Should you require any further information or wish to arrange a tour, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0116 282 4326 - we’d love to show you around.

Campbell is moving THE head of Fullhurst Community College, is leaving after seven years in the post.

Principal Tom Campbell helped turn around the fortunes of the school, in Braunstone, Leicester.

When he arrived, it had just come out of Ofsted’s special measures category.

The school is now rated good, and has had dramatically improved GCSE results. The progress of pupils is also among the best in the city.

Mr Campbell is leaving to become a director of secondary within the Greenwood Academies Trust.

Mr Campbell’s new role will be to lead the secondary academies on behalf of the trust, many within the East Midlands.

He leaves Fullhurst at the end of March to take up his new post.

The school has appointed assistant principal Steve Piggot to acting head from that point.

Mr Campbell said: “After seven fantastic years leading Fullhurst, the time has come for me to take on a new challenge.

“Fullhurst has provided an incredible professional experience and I have enjoyed every second working with inspirational staff and students.”

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