ACADEMY BROCHURE 2014/15
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A WARM WELCOME DEAR PARENTS, IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT I’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO TUXFORD ACADEMY. OUR ACADEMY IS AMONGST THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE HELD A CONTINUOUS OUTSTANDING OFSTED STATUS SINCE 2009 AND THE COMBINATION OF HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, STRONG VALUES AND EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES MAKE PLACES AT THE ACADEMY SOUGHT AFTER BY A WIDE AREA OF BOTH NEWARK AND SHERWOOD, AND BASSETLAW. Everyone associated with the academy is justly proud of what we have achieved over the years. It is my intention that through strong teamwork and in partnership with our students, parents and community that our students and school excel and that examination results continue to be excellent. Visitors to the academy often comment on the positive atmosphere and well rounded, happy students. Along with high quality teaching and learning, student welfare is paramount and we work hard to ensure that any student joining from years 7 to 13 benefits from the full range of opportunities we can offer them; enabling students to reach their full potential.
The superb facilities that our students benefit from at the academy are continuing to develop. This year we are building a new Arts Centre at school which will include new studios, classrooms, offices and technology that will really boost our Creative Arts Faculty and benefit all students in the academy. If you have any questions about our academy then please do get in contact or perhaps visit our website for further information. Finally, we enjoy and value contact with parents and visitors throughout the year. We look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely,
Mr David Cotton Principal
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THE ACADEMY HAS AN IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS OVER A SUSTAINED PERIOD OF TIME, BUT DOES NOT REST ON ITS LAURELS. LEADERS AND MANAGERS’ UNCOMPROMISING PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IS SECURELY FOUNDED ON RIGOROUS SELF REVIEW
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Ofsted inspection report
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STUDENTS ARE COURTEOUS AND CONSIDERATE. THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES WITH COMMENDABLE MATURITY IN LESSONS AND AROUND THE ACADEMY. THEIR POSITIVE ATTITUDES ARE A KEY FACTOR IN THEIR PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT Ofsted inspection report
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OUR ACADEMY WHAT TUXFORD ACADEMY OFFERS YOUR CHILD | Excellent academic results and vocational pathways | Rapid and sustained progress levels | High expectations for teaching and learning | Strong tradition of sporting achievements | Highly motivated staff | Good transport links to a wide area | High success of university entrance (including Russell Group)
OUR STUDENTS | Respond positively to the academy’s high expectations | Benefit from Gifted and Talented/personalised learning opportunities | Access an exciting range of extra-curricular activities and trips | Are part of an integrated community of students | Have high standards of behaviour and respect for others | Benefit from a modern building with state of the art facilities
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A PERSONALISED CURRICULUM MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS IS A CORE PRIORITY AT TUXFORD ACADEMY. ALL STUDENTS TAKE COGNITIVE ABILITY TESTS IN YEAR 7 FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES. SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION ARE PROVIDED WHEN NEEDED; ANYTHING FROM LITERACY SUPPORT TO BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM. In Years 7 and 8 students follow the National Curriculum and study the normal range of subjects including French. Students may also study a second Modern Foreign Language; either German or Spanish. The curriculum is kept as flexible as possible throughout each year to ensure a varied diet of approaches and ways of learning. As part of this ‘Curriculum Days’, which is when the timetable is written in a creative and innovative way, are built into the last half term. This allows us to provide a wide range of educational trips and team building activities.
In Year 9 the subjects are broadly the same, but there is the flexibility for some students to start their GCSE courses early in their chosen Humanities subject. The September timetable, for all students, begins after the May half term. This provides a head start in courses for examination success. Full option choices are available in Years 10 and 11, when students can choose from GCSE courses or high value BTEC courses.
Option 1 | History | Geography Option 2 | French | German | Health & Social Care | ICT | Leisure & Tourism | Spanish | Geography | Engineering | Computing | Business Studies Option 3 | Art | Business Studies | French | ICT | Music | Philosophy and Ethics | PE | Sport Studies | Food | Health & Social Care | Product Design Option 4 | Engineering | Food | Art | Business Studies | ICT | Technology Subject | Psychology | Drama | BTEC ICT
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SYSTEMATIC USE OF ASSESSMENT UNDERPINS STUDENTS’ LEARNING AND PROGRESS. STUDENTS ARE AWARE OF THEIR TARGETS AND HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE, AND TEACHERS ARE QUICK TO IDENTIFY ANY WHO ARE FALLING BEHIND
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Ofsted inspection report
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THE ACADEMY PROMOTES EXCEPTIONALLY WELL THE STUDENTS’ SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO BE REFLECTIVE AND TO VALUE ONE ANOTHER’S QUALITIES AND DIFFERENCES
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Ofsted inspection report
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RELIABLE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Tuxford Academy is a large school and many of our students are from small rural communities. We therefore place great emphasis on helping the individual feel at home and settled as quickly as possible. Everyone joins a small, vertical tutor group for the whole of his or her time in school. Approximately four students from each year group are placed in tutor groups – making about twenty students at any time in a unit that functions like a substitute family in many ways.
The tutor groups are often led by two or more staff, both teaching and support. Two or three Post 16 students are also attached to each group for part of the week. This means that there will be much help, support and guidance available to your son or daughter. However, all students have opportunities to act as leaders (of activities, meetings, teams, etc.) once they have gained the confidence. Learning time is twenty minutes a day, in the morning.
Each group is organised into four colleges, led by Heads of College and supported by College Progress Leaders. The colleges coordinate pastoral support, learning programmes, inter-college sporting events, quiz competitions and much more. The colleges are also leading the school’s participation in the Investors in Pupils award (IIP) which aims to develop young people’s understanding of the function of schools, their leadership skills and their awareness of community values.
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MOTIVATING FOR SUCCESS CLASSROOM INNOVATION AT TUXFORD ACADEMY HAS INCLUDED: THE USE OF DETAILED PERFORMANCE DATA TO SET LEARNING TARGETS FOR EVERY STUDENT, A FOCUS ON DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ THINKING SKILLS AS WELL AS SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND THE EXTENSIVE USE OF CHALLENGES AND REWARDS. The academy has a high reputation for both the quality of its teaching and professional development. As a Teaching School and a National Support School, Tuxford is asked to help other schools drive up their standards too. Working in partnership with parents and students is at the heart of the way in which the school operates.
We believe that students can be most effectively supported in their learning and development if school and home work closely together with full co-operation on both sides.
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STUDENTS KNOW WHAT THEY SHOULD ACHIEVE IN EACH LESSON BECAUSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES ARE ROUTINELY SHARED, AND WORK IS CAREFULLY STRUCTURED AND WELL PITCHED
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Ofsted inspection report
“THE SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES HAVE IMPRESSED US. SKY SPORTS ARE ALWAYS IN SCHOOL DOING EXTRA COACHING. OUR SON HAS GROWN IN CONFIDENCE THANKS TO THE TEACHING STAFF.” Parent
“WE THOUGHT WE WOULDN’T GET IN BECAUSE WE ARE OUT OF CATCHMENT, BUT OUR BOYS DID!” Parent
‘‘WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR SON; HE CONSTANTLY SURPRISES AND DELIGHTS US. HE HAS ALWAYS SEEN TUXFORD AS A LARGE FAMILY AND I KNOW HE WILL BE SAD TO LEAVE.” Parent
“WE LOOKED AT SEVEN SCHOOLS BEFORE TUXFORD ACADEMY! FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT, THERE WAS A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE AS YOU WALK IN. OUR DAUGHTER IS DOING REALLY WELL.” Parent
“AS OUR SON ENTERS HIS FINAL WEEK AT TUXFORD ACADEMY WE JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS OUR ENORMOUS APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO YOUR STAFF’S CARE, EXPERTISE AND FRIENDSHIP TOWARDS OUR SON, ALL OF WHICH HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN HIM STARTING TUXFORD AS A BOY AND LEAVING AS A CONFIDENT YOUNG MAN.” Parent
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THE ACADEMY’S VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ENSURE THAT STUDENTS, INCLUDING THOSE FACING BARRIERS TO ENGAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT, ARE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED
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Ofsted inspection report
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IDENTIFYING AND STIMULATING TALENT Whilst our public examination results are impressive and continue to improve, the academy is also very successful in recognising other skills. One of the major strengths of Tuxford Academy is its enterprise culture. Staff are encouraged and supported in any professional initiative they wish to take within and outside the curriculum and this is why the school is such a busy and exciting place to work.
The academy is very proud of its reputation for quality communication – clearly written and readily available. The website is an important medium for publishing information swiftly and accurately and we encourage all parents to visit it frequently for updates. Schools are required by law to make various policies, procedures and data available to parents – and the website is where these can be found.
Here the information can be found at any time in a single location and they are kept up to date much more easily than when they were issued once a year in printed format. This academy brochure should be read in conjunction with our website: www.tuxford-ac.org.uk.
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A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT TUXFORD ACADEMY WE INSIST THAT: CLASSES ARE “ON TASK AND ON TARGET,” AND THAT LESSONS ARE EFFICIENTLY ORGANISED, HAVE A CLEAR PURPOSE AND ARE WELL STRUCTURED. WE PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDES. The working environment at the academy is modern and attractive, reflecting not only the beautiful setting of the academy but also the high standards we expect of our students. We also ensure effort is put into displays, which are designed to be stimulating and informative for all; promoting achievements and rewarding excellent work.We are able to attract the best teachers and we ensure that they too continue to learn and develop.
ACADEMY STATUS, DALP AND TEACHING SCHOOL STATUS Tuxford School gained academy status on 1st August 2011. The governing body took the decision to opt out of Local Authority (LA) control to give the academy greater freedom to manage its finances.
The academy continues to work closely with the LA and chooses to buy services from county if they are good value for money. Tuxford Academy is a founding member of the Diverse Academies Learning Partnership (DALP). Currently 5 secondary schools and a primary school are linked within DALP to raise standards, share expertise and reduce costs across the academies – for the benefit of all students. Tuxford Academy was designated Teaching School status in April 2012. As a Teaching school we are responsible for developing 6 key areas in our local area including: | | | | |
Initial Teacher Training Research & Development CPD School to School Support Succession Planning/Talent management
| Leadership Development
As the lead school of Trent Valley Teaching School Alliance, Tuxford Academy continues to be at the forefront of new educational practice, developing staff within the alliance to offer the best educational experience for children within its schools and academies. The alliance consists of 8 secondary schools, 1 special school and 24 primary schools. More information regarding the teaching school can be found on our website www.tvtsa.co.uk
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THE ACADEMY’S WELL-STRUCTURED AND FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM IS CENTRAL TO SECURING STUDENTS’ POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT
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Ofsted inspection report
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THE QUALITY OF LEARNING IN THE SIXTH FORM LESSONS IS A NOTABLE STRENGTH. LESSONS ARE WELL-STRUCTURED AND CHALLENGING AND ENABLE MOST SIXTH FORM STUDENTS TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS AND MEET OR EXCEED THEIR INDIVIDUAL TARGETS
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Ofsted inspection report
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SUCCESSFUL POST 16 CENTRE OVER RECENT YEARS THE POST 16 CENTRE AT TUXFORD HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH. NEW SUBJECTS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE WIDE CHOICE ALREADY ON OFFER. NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO LEAD HAVE ALSO BEEN DEVELOPED AND THE MODERN BUILDING HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO IMPROVE AMENITIES STILL FURTHER. The Centre has a well-equipped fitness suite, a refectory serving refreshments throughout the day, video conferencing facilities, a large car park and plenty of space for private study. In September each year many students join the academy for the first time at Post 16 level, but the academy also enjoys an impressive staying on rate. Every Post 16 student is promised a personalised timetable to
reflect an individual pathway to impressive qualifications. Life as a Tuxford Academy Post 16 student is hard work but enjoyable! However, this is balanced with a greater responsibility for personal progress and this is echoed in the business dress they wear when joining in year 12. Students will also enjoy greater freedom between lessons to organise their
study time, as well as time to relax in their own social areas and refectory. There are also lots of opportunities to take part in extra-curricular clubs and societies. Finally, as Post 16 are treated like adults by the academy, students are expected to act in an adult manner, setting a good example for younger students and becoming much more independent as students.
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SKILLS FOR LIFE ONE OF THE STRENGTHS OF TUXFORD POST 16 CENTRE IS THAT IT GIVES STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD. TO PUT IT SIMPLY, WE OFFER CONTINUITY OF HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION. MOST OF OUR STUDENTS ALREADY KNOW THE STAFF WITH WHOM THEY WILL BE WORKING WITH AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEM; THERE IS NO NEED TO ADJUST TO NEW SURROUNDINGS AND DIFFERENT STAFF AT THE START OF POST 16 COURSES. Of course a small proportion of several students join us from other schools and these new arrivals soon discover why Tuxford is famous for being a successful, welcoming school at all levels. At Post 16 our innovative and personalised curriculum continues. All subjects studied during Year 11 have a guaranteed pathway into Post 16 studies.
The range of courses is suited to preparing students for both the world of work or university life. At Tuxford we recognise that leisure, relaxation and making new friends are important for success. At Post 16 level we encourage students to take full advantage of a wide variety of enrichment opportunities.
We know that students will grow, both academically and socially, if they take advantage of the many opportunities at the academy. Enrichment activities include sports leadership, Duke of Edinburgh, extended project, sporting programmes, mentoring opportunities, school based employment and wider global awareness projects.
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MOST SIXTH-FORM LESSONS OBSERVED WERE GOOD OR OUTSTANDING BECAUSE TEACHERS NURTURE ACADEMIC CURIOSITY AND PROMOTE EXCELLENCE Ofsted inspection report
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT
HIGH ASPIRATIONS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS LEADING TO HIGH ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL WITHIN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE AND CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT.
OUR MOTTO
EXCELLENCE THROUGH TEAMWORK.
ARE WEHERE... ARE HERE...
Gainsborough Gainsborough
WE ARE HERE... WE ARE HERE... Retford
sop
Gainsborou
Gainsborough
Retford
Worksop Retford Worksop Elkesley Worksop
Retford Laneham
Laneham
Elkesley
Saxilby
Saxilby
East Markham East MarkhamNorth Clifton Laneham North Clifton Elkesley Walesby
Walesby Ollerton Edwinstowe
Ollerton
Edwinstowe
Edwinstowe
TUXFORDTUXFORD ElkesleyEast Markham
TUXFORD
Walesby
Collingham
Norwell
Edwinstowe
L
North Clifto
Collingham
North MuskhamNorth Muskham
Catchment area
Harby
TUXFORD
Norwell Walesby
Ollerton
Laneham
Harby Harby North Clifton
East Markham
Ollerton Norwell
Saxilby Lincoln
Collingham
South Muskham South Muskham
Norwell North Muskham
Newark
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...
• Visit the website: www.tuxford-ac.org.uk • Book an Intake Tour of the Academy (phone Mrs R Watson on 01777 870001 ext. 555)
• Book an Intake Tour of the Post 16 Centre (phone Mrs G Cupit on 01777 874207)
NewarkSouth Muskham
ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS Newark Nottinghamshire County Council continues to administer the admissions process for Tuxford Academy. Places are allocated by applying the admission criteria that can be found on our website.
Colling
North Muskham South Muskham
Applications for Year 6 transition should be made in writing to: Newark NCC North Base, Meadow House, Littleworth, Mansfield NG18 2TA
Marnham Road, Tuxford, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 0JH Principal: Mr D R Cotton Tel: 01777 870001 Fax: 01777 872155 Email: office@tuxford-ac.org.uk www.tuxford-ac.org.uk Constituent member of The Diverse Academies Trust and of The Diverse Academies Learning Partnership. Executive Principal: Mr C B Pickering