PROSPECTUS 2018 | 19 DETERMINATION | EMPATHY | HARD WORK | INTEGRITY | POSITIVITY
Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust | www.twhf.org.uk
John Madejski Academy is proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust
The White Horse Federation (TWHF) is a high-performing multi-academy trust, which supports primary, secondary, special, and teaching schools across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. At its heart is a belief that we want to develop the type of schools that we would be proud to send our own children to. We do this with a relentless drive for academic excellence blended with a shared moral purpose and shared values, but also with an awful lot of fun and happiness in our schools. With a track record of improvement in standards and attainment, TWHF believes that every child should achieve all that they are capable of and more, regardless of background, culture, heritage, or ability. We genuinely believe that working in partnership with our schools, students, and their parents, as well as the wider community, helps creates the best possible outcomes for all our young people.
Dr Nicholas Capstick OBE CEO and Board Member
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DETERMINATION | EMPATHY | HARD WORK | INTEGRITY | POSITIVITY
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL John Madejski Academy has been on a rapid improvement journey. Since September 2016, leaders have been relentless in transforming the academy so that it provides the young people it serves with the best possible education. Ofsted recognised Leadership and Management as being Good and those who visit remark on the calm and purposeful lessons and the dedication of our staff. As interim Principal, I am fully committed to all students realising their potential through excellent teaching, pastoral support and enrichment. The transition from primary to secondary school at the end of Year 6 is a key event in the lives of young people. At JMA we do whatever it takes to ensure that all students are safe, happy and successful. We have high expectations and expect our students to exemplify JMA values at all times; in both their school and home lives. Establishing excellence and demonstrating the highest standards of behaviour, teaching and learning, and leadership is non-negotiable and enables the academy to be a wonderful and exciting place for children to come to school. I am very proud of our students, their achievements, and the desire of all those at the academy to reach their full potential. We love hosting visitors. If you would like to meet with me or tour the Academy, please do get in touch and we can show you around. Camilla Thornalley Interim Principal
WE AIM TO CREATE BREATH-TAKING ASPIRATION A SCHOOL TO FULFIL DREAMS #PROUDOFJMA
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OUR VISION & VALUES Our core values of hard work, determination, empathy, integrity, and positivity permeate all that we do. In our achievement-orientated culture, teaching and learning is our highest priority. We want our students to be healthy and have a great life. We are deeply committed to opening the hearts and minds of our future-focused young people.
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DETERMINATION | EMPATHY | HARD WORK | INTEGRITY | POSITIVITY
LEADERS HAVE CREATED A CALM AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT. PUPILS TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT. THEY RESPECT EACH OTHER’S DIFFERENCES. Ofsted 2017
TRANSITIONING FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL We want young people to enjoy their time at the academy and, if they have a problem of any kind, to feel confident to speak to a member of staff. We make a real effort to make sure all our students feel valued, safe, and listened to. Form tutors are responsible for ensuring students develop the skills to become responsible citizens and contribute to their school community.
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OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES We aim to provide all our students with a solid foundation for their future life and to ensure they thrive during their time with us. Our disciplined approach is reflected in our smart uniform and the emphasis we place on homework, regular progress assessments, and academic mentoring.
HOMEWORK Homework helps to consolidate what students have learnt in school, develops their independent study skills, and enables teachers to check their level of understanding. We expect our students to do at least one hour of homework each school night, which they can choose to do at our optional homework support clubs. More information about homework is available on our website.
ASSESSMENT We regularly assess students’ academic potential and progress. This helps us ensure we’re providing them with the right levels of challenge and support. We expect parents or carers to attend parents’ evenings and academic review days as scheduled.
UNIFORM
THE RAPIDLY IMPROVING TEACHING IS LEADING TO MUCH BETTER OUTCOMES FOR PUPILS. Ofsted 2017
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The academy has a smart uniform that our students have helped to design. They wear it with pride. We strictly enforce our uniform policy and expect students to look smart every day. The uniform is available to order directly from the supplier - SWI.co.uk. More details are available on our website.
BEHAVIOUR Excellent behaviour is non-negotiable and of great importance to us at the academy. Parents are expected to ensure that their children are aware of and follow the school charter. We expect all students to work to the best of their ability all of the time, be actively engaged in their learning, follow the teachers’ instructions, and have excellent attendance and punctuality. We begin each day with a silent line-up which allows students to reflect and focus on the day ahead. Students are rewarded through merits for good work, and the academy hosts various award evenings throughout the year.
DETERMINATION | EMPATHY | HARD WORK | INTEGRITY | POSITIVITY
THE CURRICULUM We have spent a great deal of time thinking about our curriculum, and it is designed to help students learn and retain knowledge, develop conceptual understanding, and enjoy each subject. In 2017, we launched our citizenship programme which is led and delivered by our outstanding PE and Arts team. Unique to JMA, the the programme’s focus is on ensuring that students will be equipped with the personal and thinking skills they need to become wellrounded and confident life-long learners as well as good citizens who contribute to their community and beyond. We also put a lot of emphasis on students showing initiative and working independently as well as developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Students follow the national curriculum, which is delivered through lessons in English, mathematics, science, humanities, modern foreign languages, sport, and the arts. We believe nothing should stand in the way of great learning. We are ambitious for our students, our staff, our academy, and the community we serve. We invest in strong professional relationships to be the best we all can be. We know that students learn best when they’re fully engaged, and we believe the best way to achieve this is through applying a consistent, structured approach across all subjects. We aim to provide lessons that students will enjoy and find challenging, and that will encourage them to take ownership of their education. To support their learning we provide students with the best resources available. • The curriculum is designed to ensure that, upon graduating from the academy, our students should be able to: • Communicate effectively by reading, writing, speaking, and listening well in more than one language. • Solve important and complex problems through a sound understanding of mathematics. • Demonstrate an advanced academic understanding of a broad range of subject areas, and apply this understanding to unfamiliar and challenging contexts. • Process, analyse, and evaluate information about a range of phenomena, using the latest technology. • Appreciate artistic, creative, or sporting talent, and be able to demonstrate at least one of these. • Demonstrate a range of transferable skills, appropriate for independent living and the workplace. • Make informed decisions that result in an active, healthy lifestyle. • Understand and contribute to the society in which they live, and embrace the opportunities offered by the cultural diversity within it.
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SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
THE ACADEMY COMMUNITY
We value building great relationships. Our tutors are the first port of call if students or parents have any queries or need support. Year team leaders, supported by senior members of staff, are also on hand to give advice – there is always someone to help.
We believe that a smooth transition from primary to secondary school is vital for students’ happiness, wellbeing, and continued academic success.
We are committed to encouraging our students’ success in all areas. Acknowledging that every young person has something important to add to the school community is at the heart of our philosophy. Most students are involved in some aspect of extra-curricular activity - we particularly excel in the areas of performing arts and sport - and instil in students the key foundations of pride, community, and achievement. The more students participate, the greater their happiness and academic performance. The learning, achievements, attitude, and wellbeing of all our students matters to us, whatever their level of ability or the challenges they may face. Accessibility was a key priority when designing our school buildings and facilities, and our head of learning support ensures our students with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities receive the support they need to access the curriculum and do their absolute best. This may include additional access to technology and specialist equipment and resources, as well as help from skilled staff. Students who have special educational needs or disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language, receive the support they need to access the curriculum and do their absolute best. We’re passionate about making sure every young person who studies at JMA has the chance to excel.
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PARENTS & CARERS We know that the most influential person in a child’s life is their parent or carer. There are many opportunities for parents or carers to get involved with life at the academy, and we are lucky enough to have an active parents’ forum that meets regularly. Parents’ evenings and work review days, where we will discuss the progress your son or daughter is making, are compulsory. We ask for active commitment from parents and we expect full buy-in to our vision.
OUR STAFF Staff will model professional behaviour to students They have a can-do attitude and will always act in the best interests of the students. In return, we expect the students to enter into respectful communication which is befitting of a child/adult relationship. We work with parents with integrity and we are prepared to listen.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS We have excellent relationships with local businesses and the primary schools in our area, and we value these partnership greatly. Working with the Whitley Researchers and Reading University helps JMA to remain connected to the community it serves, and we are proud ambassadors for the area. You can keep informed with all of our partnerships through the JMA Journal, which is published on our website each and every month.
DETERMINATION | EMPATHY | HARD WORK | INTEGRITY | POSITIVITY
EFFECTIVENESS OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT: GOOD. THE TEAM ARE AMBITIOUS AND SKILFUL. THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO TO IMPROVE THE SCHOOL. Ofsted 2017
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THE ELITE SPORTS AND PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMME ENABLES PUPILS TO PURSUE THEIR CREATIVE OR SPORTING AMBITIONS. Ofsted 2017
ENRICHMENT AND OUR SPECIALISMS We are one of Berkshire’s leading sporting Academies JMA performed over 20 artistic events last year including Chekhov, Shakespeare, musicals and dance productions. Enrichment is a key feature of life at JMA. In addition to homework and revision classes, students can benefit from many different activities These range from climbing club to photography and creative writing.
The enrichment programme runs before and after school. The Duke of Edinburgh Award develops leadership skills, while extensive educational trips broaden our learners’ experiences. These include overseas visits, sailing trips, visits to business and many more, all of which support different parts of our curriculum. A nationally recognised Elite Sports Programme in football and basketball provides opportunities for students who wish to pursue a career in sport. More details of this outstanding provision can be found on our website. Students who show an aptitude in sport are invited to become part of our Elite Sports and Arts Tutor Group which aims to develop and provide exceptional opportunities for younger students who demonstrate excellence in any sport, drama, music or dance. More information is available from our Sports/Arts department.
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SIXTH FORM A large percentage of students choose to continue their study with us after completing their GCSEs and stay on to complete A Levels or vocational courses at our Sixth Form. We believe that Sixth Form is not just about gaining qualifications, but about developing as an individual both in and out of the classroom. We work with students to develop a personalised pathway towards their next chosen step, whether that is university, college, an apprenticeship or employment. Choosing which steps you take next is a huge decision. For more information regarding JMA Sixth Form please pickup a copy of our Sixth Form prospectus.
JOINING US We encourage families to visit the school for open days, guided tours and taster days to get a sense of the school before their child begins their education here. Our admissions officers are always happy to speak to prospective parents about joining our school and providing information.
T: 0118 937 0200 E: info@johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk
JOHN MADEJSKI ACADEMY 125 Hartland Rd, Reading RG2 8AF T: 0118 937 0200 E: info@johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk www.johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk
Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust | www.twhf.org.uk
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