“” Our core values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and COOPERATION underpin all our efforts to ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve their BEST. PERSONAL BES
DOUGLAS BLACKLEDGE
PRINCIPAL AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and COOPERATION underpin all our efforts to ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve their PERSONAL BEST.
Part of our vision for our Academy is to help our students reach their potential, raise their aspir aspirations and improve standards. We work in partnership with parents/carers, students, teachers and the wider community in our pursuit of this goal. We have set clear and ambitious targets for Furness Academy and for its students. Our talented and enthusiastic teaching staff are committed to deli delivering first-class education now and in to the future. This will be enhanced by new, state-of-the-art facilities which are planned
to be completed on South Site by 2013, so it is a very exciting time to be considering joining us.
In order to ensure that you are not disappointed, I recommend that applications are returned on time and with all requested details filled in accurately. I hope this p prospectus gives you an idea of what Furness Academy is like, and helps you make the decision on your secondary school. If you need any more information, please do get in touch with me and I will do my best to help.
Douglas Blackledge Principal
DOUGLAS BLACKLEDGE PRINCIPAL & CHIEF EXECUTIVE
SUE HODKINSON DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES
ANGELA YORK
KEVIN GILL VICE PRINCIPAL
Our Senior Leadership Team has a wealth of experience in a variety of schools. Their job, under the direction of the Principal, is to lead the Academy working with staff, parents and students to make sure that everyone can achieve their
PAULINE HUGHES
PERSONAL BEST.
DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION & FAMILY LIAISON
STEPHEN KELLY
DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVITY & PERFORMANCE
JULIA INGHAM
NEIL TIPPINS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY, CULTURE & COMMUNICATION
HELEN ROBINSON
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & STANDARDS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT & SPECIALISM
HELEN WALKER
DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
“
Our talented and enthusiastic teaching staff are committed to delivering first-class education now and in the future.
THE SPONSORS The three Sponsors of Furness Academy are Furness College, the University of Cumbria and Barrow Sixth Form College. Furness Academy is one of the few academies in the country that boasts only educational sponsors, all of which have an in-depth understanding of the learning needs in Barrow.
FURNESS COLLEGE Furness College has been at the forefront of Barrow’s education system for more than 100 years. Today, it is pioneering young apprenticeship schemes, diplomas and higher education opportunities in conjunction with three universities.
BARROW SIXTH FORM
UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA
Established in 1979, Barrow Sixth Form College is one of the few purpose-built sixth form colleges in the country and unique within Cumbria. It is an active member of the Furness 14-19 Education Consortium, aiming to develop a strategy for the area that will enhance education opportunities for young people.
The University of Cumbria was formed in 2007. It has strong links and close partnership working with Further Education colleges in Cumbria and is the lead institution of Cumbria Higher Learning – a Further Education Distributed Learning Network for Cumbria.
www.barrow6fc.org.uk
www.furness.ac.uk
www.cumbria.ac.uk
THE GOVERNING BODY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DECISIONS MADE WITHIN THE ACADEMY
THE GOVERNING BODY The Governing Body, which works across both campuses, is responsible for all decisions made within the Academy and has a clear role in the ongoing strategic development of the organisation. Any decisions they make come into effect on both sites. The Governing Body is made up of:
- The Principal and Chief Executive (Douglas Blackledge) - The Sponsors (6 Representatives – 2 per sponsor organisation) - A person appointed by the County Council (Anne Burns)
- Parent Governor (Gary James) - Elected staff member (Mrs Sayle)
Additional members can become a part of the Governing Body as agreed by the sponsors, and we are always open to suggestions. Full details of membership and meetings can be found on our website at www.furnessacademy.co.uk.
Our curriculum is designed to take students from the secure and close-knit feel of good primary schooling to high levels of independent learning
CURRICULUM Our curriculum is designed to take students from the secure and close-knit feel of good primary schooling to high levels of independent learning as they progress through their secondary education. Student progress is tracked against target grades and regular information on progress is com communicated to parents via both an annual report and interim reports where progress and attitude are graded using a traffic light system (Red, Amber, Green.) Our curriculum is delivered through three Learning Zones: - Science and Technology (including Mathematics) -C Creative and Performance - Community, Culture and Communications Within and across these Learning Zones, children have opportunities to achieve qualifications in: - English and Literacy - Maths and Numeracy - Sciences - PE, Sport Science and Outdoor Education - Technology - PD (Personal Development) - Modern Foreign Languages - Humanities - RE (Religious and Moral Education) - Information and Communications Technology - Art, Drama and Music
The Academy operates a two year Key Stage 3 where students experience a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes Personal Learning and Thinking Skills. In Core subjects such as English, Maths and Science, students are grouped by ability and in subjects su such as Art, Drama and Music they are taught in mixed ability groups where work is differentiated to meet their needs. Key Stage 4 starts in Year 9 where students follow a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, ICT, Physical Education, Personal Development and Religious Education. In Year 9 students have the opportunity to personalise their learning by choosing two Individual Learning Pathways. Within the Pathways they study two subjects and foll follow externally verified courses such as GCSE and BTEC over the course of one academic year. The curriculum offers great choice and flexibility with students choosing further Learning Pathway courses for Year 10 and 11. Non-accredited enrichment courses also operate within the Pathways to offer options for students who need to develop skills prior to taking GCSE or BTEC.
SPORT SPECIALISM Sport - our specialism - is at the heart of much of what we do in the Academy. We encourage participation in a wide range of sports, including athletics, football, netball and rugby. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork and the achievement of excellence and there is an additional focus on healthy living.
OUR SPECIALIST SUBJECT OFFERS A BALANCE BETWEEN PRACTICAL AND ACADEMIC SKILLS
EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT Each student builds his or her own programme to support academic and personal development, based on individual talents and interests. The majority of our activities have been chosen by our students based on what they want and need from their Academy.
We have a wide range of activities to suit every student and help them grow and prepare for the future. These include music and drama, sport, student voice and supplementary academic tuition for those who need additional help or for those who are particularly able.
LEARNING IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Furness Academy is presently based across two sites though the whole Academy will amalgamate as one in 2013.
for the overall welfare of the students within the Year Group and are concerned directly with the academic progress, behaviour, punctuality and standard of uniform.
We have a strong Pastoral Care system overseen by the Director of Student Engagement and Standards, Heads of Student Engagement and Standards and a team of Learning Group Leade Leaders. When students arrive at the Academy they are placed into Learning Groups. The Learning Group Leaders are the first point of contact for students, parents and carers. The Learning Group meets daily in the morning for registration and it is the Learning Group Leader who monitors the students’ academic per performance, attendance and behaviour.
The Academy has a House System which is composed oof four Houses: Tomlinson, Ramsden, Kennedy and Armstrong. This system has been fostered so that students and staff feel a strong sense of identity. Within the House structure there are plenty of opportunities for students to take part in a range of activities. House Managers oversee the House system and encourage and support students to take on responsibilities within their Houses to develop a sense of ownership and pride.
Each Year is overseen by a Head of Student Engagement and Standards, they are responsible
Learning Zones form an important part of the smaller units system. The Academy Principal has
close contact with the students and staff, and every student will be well known to and supported by his/her Learning Group Leader. Teachers routinely monitor student progress and negotiate next steps to improved performance with them. We encourage parents and carers to work with us to establish work patterns and positi positive approaches that allow all students to achieve their PERSONAL BEST. Learning is at the heart of what we do. However we realise that in order for our students to achieve we must take care of their welfare. We have a team of Learning Mentors and other support staff on hand to address any special needs or potential ba barriers to learning.
MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS At Furness Academy we are committed to offering an inclusive, relevant curriculum to ensure the best possible progress for all our student students, whatever their needs or abilities. We strive to recognise every child’s individual needs and give our students every opportunity to achieve their potential. We place great emphasis on ensuring that students with special educational
and additional needs are identified, assessed and have appropriate programmes of support and learning activities in place to ensure that their academic, emotional, sensory and/or physical requirements are addressed. With the involvement of parents/carers, relevant professionals and agencies and our own Inclusion and Special Needs teams, we work to ensure all
our students can overcome barriers to learning and reach their potential. Provision of all support is mapped and individual targets set and reviewed with parents/carers regularly. This process begins before students reach Furness Academy through extensive transition planning and contact with our partner primarie primaries.
We provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where students are valued and respected
SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION Furness Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. We provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where students are valued and respected. In oorder to protect our students from abuse and neglect we work in partnership with our agencies and have policies and procedures in place which are consistent with those of Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children Board.
It is compulsory that all students wear the Academy uniform and wear it in the correct manner (top buttons done up, ties the right length, shirts tucked in and blazers worn etc.) This includes the journey to and from the Acade Academy, Parents’ Evenings and at all official Academy events at which the students are representing themselves and their peers. It is important to their reputation that they maintain and benefit from a professional image which reflects our values and ethos. The uniform was designed with the help of students at the three predecessor schools, and reflects the high standards and aspirations of the Academy.
UNIFORM It is important to our students’ reputation that they maintain and benefit from a professional image
STUD
VO
WE INVOLVE AND RESPECT THE IDEAS AND OPINIONS OF ALL OUR STUDENTS
UDENT
OICE We involve and listen to the ideas and opinions of all our students in everyday life at Furness Acade Academy and they have already helped us to choose the name of the Academy and its Houses, as well as designing the logo and selecting the uniform. We want students to feel confident that their ideas are valued, respected and acted on where appropriate.
The Academy has an elected student council, which helps us to make decisions that are right for the Academy and the students. Our Head Boys, Head Girls and prefects, who are chosen from an elected short list, are in close contact with the Senior Leadership Team to represent the students.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS We work with parents and with the wider community, including Children’s Services, to make Furness Academy a safe and exciting place for everyone.
We will build state-of-the-art facilities that local people can use in the evening and at the weekend. We also intend for our curriculum to meet the needs of local businesses and the wider business community to continue the regeneration of Barrow.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
Furness Academy’s new admissions policy will apply from September 2011. If you would like a copy of the full document, please get in touch or download one from our website www.furnessacademy.co.uk In the case of oversubscription, parental choice, the school that siblings attend, site oversubscription and the distance from home to another school where a place is available will be taken into consideration. Applications will be considered in the following order of priority: 1. Children in public care;
5. Children outside the catchment area who will
2. Children in the catchment area who will have
have brothers or sisters at the Academy when they
brothers or sisters at the Academy when they will
will be attending;
be attending;
6. Other children in the catchment area, with
3. Children outside the catchment area who have
given to children who live closest to the priority gi
brothers or sisters at the Academy because they
school (measured by the shortest walking route by
have been directed to the Academy by the Local
road). The admission limit for Furness Academy is
Authority;
240 students. It is highly recommended therefore,
4. Other children in the catchment area, with
that, should you be interested in your child
priority given to children who live furthest away
attending Furness Academy, you make the
from their nearest alternative;
Academy your first choice.
.
HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT
This film was made by Year 8 and Year 9 students. We hope you enjoy it.
You can view the video online at furnessacademy.co.uk North Site Tel: South Site Tel:
01229 814980 01229 825163
Email: info@furnessacademy.co.uk
For further information, please do get in touch with us: Furness Academy North Site Thorncliffe Road Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria LA14 5QP North Site Tel: South Site Tel:
01229 814980 01229 825163
Email: info@furnessacademy.co.uk