o t e g d i r E B R U A T U F R U YO Sixth Form Prospectus 2014
Contents Page
Section
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Welcome to Bridge Academy Sixth Form Welcome from the Chair of Governors Our Vision Our Values for Action A Place to Love Learning A Place to become a Specialist Learner We Work Together to Make a Difference Sixth Form Dress Code A Place to be Guided A Great Place to Learn A Place to Broaden Your Experiences Partnership with Parents and Carers Admission Criteria How To Find Us Information Notes
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Bridge Academy will give young people the best possible education whatever their background or ability and will help them develop a life-long enthusiasm for learning. Students experience a broad and rich curriculum with Music and Mathematics as specialist subjects. A culture of high standards and achievement will enable them to develop their full potential, building the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to become responsible and successful adults. Bridge Academy creates an inspiring, secure and inclusive environment where innovative thinking and creativity is encouraged and aspirations are raised. It is a school for the whole community with students, staff, governors, parents and members of the local community working together for mutual benefit. 1
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rm o F h t x i S y m ade to Bridge Ac
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I consider the Bridge Academy to be an exceptional learning community, enriched by an ethos of care, tolerance and hard work. We encourage all our students to give of their best and our three key words of ‘Courage, Aspiration and Success’ are the embodiment of what Bridge stands for on a day to day basis.
We are very passionate about all our students and set very ambitious targets for students in a very caring and supportive learning environment. Our Sixth Form gives all students the opportunity to achieve and be successful. It is our aim to help them to progress to Higher Education and the world of work. I want them to prosper and benefit from the privileges and responsibilities of being a member of this special community. With the full support and commitment of UBS, a global financial institution and our outstanding partner, our Sixth Form is unique. This close relationship with UBS means that the Academy offers all students work experience, career mentors and a range of support that enhances student learning. Bridge Academy Sixth Form is firmly founded on the principle that no student is left behind. All students are provided with the support they need to ensure they achieve academic excellence, to allow them to flourish in their personal development and build the key skills they will need for university and employment.
Bridge Academy Sixth Form will be situated in the main part of the school and will have a wonderful £1.4 million extension as its centre. Our inaugural AS Level results in 2013 were strong, resulting in the Academy achieving an ALPs grade of ‘3’, placing us in the top 25% of schools nationally for student progress – an excellent achievement and one on which we will continue to build. The Head of the Sixth Form, his team of dedicated teachers and support staff have developed excellent systems to facilitate a Sixth Form environment with an appropriate ‘no excuses’ culture. Finally, my leadership team has a wealth of experience in developing outstanding Sixth Forms. We are well on the way to doing so here too. Whether you are already a Bridge Academy student or you are interested in joining us on our ambitious journey, I am sure you will be impressed by what the Academy can offer you. Bridge Academy is truly a Bridge to your Future. Stephen Foster Principal
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Welcome
ors rn e v o G f o ir a h C e th m o fr
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Our vision is for Bridge Academy Sixth Form to be an exceptional place where every student can make the most of their talents and abilities.
We have very high aims for the Academy and our students. We are committed to creating an inspiring culture of learning, achievement and aspiration that will lead to the highest possible standards. We aim to broaden our students’ horizons and prepare them to make the most of the opportunities in the wider worlds of work and higher education. Through exciting learning, diverse experiences and hard work they will develop into the responsible citizens of tomorrow. Bridge Academy is home to a team of highly committed and talented staff who make learning stimulating and enjoyable. Our Principal, Stephen Foster, provides exceptional and experienced leadership to the Academy and is a wonderful role model for our students. The Bridge Academy Sixth Form is outstanding. The Academy’s partner, UBS (the global financial firm), has supported education in Hackney for more than 15 years and Bridge Academy is its
flagship project. UBS’s partnership is a key reason why the Sixth Form experience at Bridge is special. UBS offers multiple partnerships to enhance student experience; access to the world of business; extensive university insights and inspiring role models from its employee community. The partnership between Bridge Academy and UBS is a unique feature that truly differentiates our Sixth Form experience. For our current Bridge students and for those who join us from elsewhere, the Sixth Form will complete their secondary education and give them a firm foundation to help them fulfil their full potential in the wider world. They will emerge as ambitious, caring and responsible young adults. I am delighted you are considering our Sixth Form. Francesca Barnes BA (Ox Hons), Chair of Governors
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Our Vision
In our Academy we will:
Bridge Academy will give young people the best possible education whatever their background or ability, and will help them develop a life-long enthusiasm for learning.
• Build a distinct culture of aspiration, achievement and learning. • Develop innovative thinking and creativity.
Students will experience a broad and rich curriculum with Music and Mathematics as specialist subjects, with technology at the forefront of everything we do. A culture of high standards and achievement will enable them to develop their full potential, building the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to become responsible and successful adults. Bridge Academy creates an inspiring, secure and inclusive environment where innovative thinking and creativity are encouraged and aspirations are raised. It is a school for the whole community with students, staff, governors, parents and carers, and members of the local community working together for mutual benefit.
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• Create an inspiring, secure and inclusive environment. • Deliver a broad and exciting curriculum which will stimulate the imagination. • Enable access to the best worldwide business practices and resources. • Provide a source of learning for all members of the local community. • Accept challenges.
Our values for action Striving for excellence: 1 Leadership: Our leaders lead and engender enthusiasm and commitment. It is through leadership and accountability across our Academy that we establish direction, encourage creative collaboration and provide an inspiring environment for our students and community alike. 2 Ambition, energy and enjoyment: Learning in our Academy is exciting and full of opportunities for growth. Only with high ambitions and relentless commitment to work hard while still having fun, can we realise these opportunities. We strive to be the best at attracting, developing and retaining talented employees, and will invest in their development. 3 Innovation and learning: Our strength lies in experience, innovation and learning. Our distinctive creativity is recognised. We constantly strive to find better solutions to our community’s challenges and to gain insights both within the Academy and with our partners in the community. Responsible relationships: 4 Partnership: Relationships amongst our staff members, as well as our students, their parents and the community, are driven by the power of partnership. This engenders involvement, respect,
contribution and mutual support. We encourage the free exchange of ideas and demand teamwork. 5 Focus on the community: Our community’s success is our success. Through our consultative approach with the community, we understand their objectives and unambiguously commit our resources to helping them meet their goals. 6 Responsibility: Our Academy is a member of a global community and will behave as a responsible community citizen. Our governance ensures the implementation of our agenda of responsibility both to self, other individuals and the community. We strive to contribute positively and actively to local communities. High ethical standards: 7 Integrity: Our Academy and its employees are committed to conducting themselves in a manner that is above reproach. 8 Respect: We respect our students’ right to privacy, and use information with appropriate discretion. We expect self-respect and the acceptance of responsibility, combined with self-discipline and the willingness to co-operate with others. 9 Diversity: Our strengths are enhanced by embracing a diversity of cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences, including a sense of compassion and tolerance of others while respecting their beliefs.
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A place to ING N R A E L E V O L 8
“I want to be a surgeon. My favourite subjects are Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry and I’d like to study them at A-level.” Hina Anwar Our Curriculum Our teachers deliver excellent teaching across the curriculum to ensure our students have high aspirations for themselves and achieve outstanding results. 100% of lessons observed by Ofsted were rated as Good or Outstanding and our first set of AS results place the Academy in the top 25% of schools nationally.
Sixth Formers participate fully in ‘active learning’ in our classrooms and take responsibility for their own learning. There are a number of curriculum focus days where the normal curriculum is suspended. This involves careers education, independent study skills, applying to university and Personal, Social and Health Education.
In Year 12, students choose to study four AS subjects (or BTEC equivalents). In addition students receive a core programme of high quality careers and university guidance as well as opportunities to develop their employability and study skills through ‘Progression Hours’. Opportunities to pursue interests and to contribute as active members of the community are provided through a timetabled ‘Personal Improvement Programme’.
Our partnership with UBS allows us to form unique links with professionals and specialists, in a range of fields, to provide a curriculum that is both ambitious and nurtures individual talent.
Attainment and progress are rigorously tracked throughout the year with results being fed back to students, parents and carers at regular intervals. Art BTEC Art and Design History Politics Biology ICT Product Design Chemistry
Mathematics Psychology Further Mathematics Sociology Drama Media
In the Sixth Form, economists from UBS will help bring our Economics course to life and Spanish speakers will help you practise your language skills. Funding from UBS, as well as specialist IT support will enhance the experiences of the CISCO and Microsoft packages. This year, we can offer the following courses: Spanish Economics Music English Language English Literature Music Technology French PE BTEC Sport
BTEC Music Performance BTEC Science Geography Physics Microsoft Academy (MTA, MCSD) Cisco CCNA Discovery
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o t e c a l p A A E M O C BE T S I L A I C E SP R E N R A E L
Students are creative independent thinkers
Specialisms in the Sixth Form Music and Mathematics are our subject specialisms at Bridge Academy. Both subjects complement one another and create pathways across the curriculum, connecting with a wide range of subjects. There is a widespread love of both subjects across the Academy, with significantly above the national average opting to continue the study of Mathematics and Music into the Sixth Form. Mathematics Through innovative learning, teaching and ambitious projects (including all students regardless of study at KS5), students are encouraged to think, solve problems and make connections between Mathematics and the world in which they live.
the Barbican. In the Sixth Form, students are encouraged to learn to play an instrument or participate in musical activities through our enrichment programme.
We work with UBS and Queen Mary, University of London, to ensure all our students are confident with Mathematics – essential skills for life and a foundation for higher education and the workplace.
In recognition of our specialism we offer a number of music places to external applicants. Please see our Admissions Criteria on pages 24 and 25 for further details.
Music Music is an integral part of Academy life, bringing students, staff, parents, UBS employees and the local community together. Our exciting collaborations promote an appetite for music and include the London Symphony Orchestra, as part of our partnership with UBS. Students also have fantastic and regular opportunities to perform in venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and
Using Technology to Learn At the Bridge Academy, technology is at the forefront of our teaching and learning. All of our Sixth Form students are provided with a device that aids their study. We are the only Academy to offer ground-breaking new courses in both CISCO and Microsoft; our new teaching facilities are specially designed to support and enhance these learning opportunities.
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r e h t e g o t k r o We w NCE
E R E F F I D A E K A M TO 12
Simon Purrier Head of Sixth Form
“I believe that we will inspire our Sixth Formers and help them to aspire to great things.” Simon Purrier Head of Sixth Form We are committed to enabling students to build confidence and to develop leadership skills. All Sixth Form students are encouraged to be ‘active citizens’ through their contributions within the Academy and the wider community. At Bridge Academy, student voice is expressed through: Stepping Up We expect Sixth Formers to act as role models for our 11-16 learners. Therefore we expect the highest standards of dress, conduct and attitude to learning. Sixth Formers have a very high profile in the Academy and the community, representing us at events & ceremonies, leading assemblies and actively engaging with students from Years 7-11. The elected student body The elected Lead Student, two deputies and their team of representatives for welfare, partnerships, sport and social, work alongside one another to consult on key issues confronting Sixth Formers, and help to support change and the effective running of the Sixth Form. Peer Mentoring Every Sixth Former takes on the role of mentor to a younger student within the Academy.
World Wide Volunteering Service Students are encouraged to get involved in volunteering activities. Many students commit an hour a week of their time, whilst others complete more extended volunteering projects during the school holidays. Student Consultations We make it our business to consult all Sixth Form students on issues related to their learning, teaching, guidance support and resources.
“Bridge Academy is not just any school. It's a place where the teachers challenge us, push us and encourage us to be responsible. They care about us as individuals. They know us. They care about our future.” Ben Bedwell
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m r o F h t x i S E D O C S S DRE 14
Preparing young adults for the future
Sixth Form Dress Code Our Sixth Form students take pride in their appearance. We expect students to wear smart business wear in the Sixth form at Bridge Academy. The Academy will act as final authority in the application of the dress code. If unsure, please speak to the Head of Sixth Form before purchasing an item. Girls • Plain tailored jacket, skirt, dress or trousers (black, grey, or navy). Skirts and dresses should be on or below the knee. • A smart business shirt or blouse. • Only fitted blouses may be worn outside the skirt/trousers. All other blouses must be tucked in. • Jumpers/cardigans must be formal and in black, grey, or navy. • Fine or opaque (navy/black/natural) tights may be worn — no fishnets or patterns • Jewellery and make up should be minimal and discreet. Nail varnish to be clear. • Smart flat business shoes.
Boys • A smart business suit; trousers and jacket (black, grey, or navy). • A smart business shirt. • A tie must be worn. • Jumpers must complement a business suit, preferably V – Neck. Absolutely no hoodies. • Smart business shoes. • Jewellery: Discreet earrings may be worn. Turbans, Hijab, or any other headwear worn for reasons of faith must be dark in colour, without commercial logos and complement the formal Sixth Form dress code. Piercings – students will be asked to remove piercings which conflict with the dress code. Hair must be neat, natural in colour, with no markings.
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o t e c a l Ap D E D I U BE G 16
Support for Sixth Formers We place a strong emphasis on giving our Sixth Form students the high-qualify information, advice and guidance they need to ensure their success & development as well as prepare them for their futures, whether in further education or work. Pastoral Support: Sixth Form students are assigned to a tutor group, every tutor is experienced and committed. Tutors support students in every aspect of their personal development. There is a Pastoral Lead for Year 12, a Senior Tutor with Responsibility for Literacy and we have our own counsellor. Intervention: Supporting students to achieve their academic targets through outstanding teaching and learning, as well as a comprehensive intervention programme, is a key characteristic of the Bridge Academy Sixth Form. A core programme of intervention runs across the year to provide development for core independent learning, literacy and numeracy skills. This includes drop-in support sessions, academic writing courses, ‘Bridge the Gap’ and small group literacy/numeracy sessions. Personalised programmes of support are also developed throughout the year based on the constant tracking of student
progress against targets. These interventions are varied in nature and tailored to the needs of the student. Careers and University Guidance: We prepare students for their next stage of education or employment. Alongside the curriculum, there are a series of additional programmes and activities directly linked to careers and university education. We have our own Higher Education and Careers Adviser who works with students in small groups and oneto-one on university applications and provides career guidance. • Progression Hours – two timetabled lessons a week, focussing on independent learning, literacy skills, careers, employability skills, personal statements & CV writing • Drop Down Days - six scheduled across the year, enabling an indepth focus on key topics within progression hours • Lecture Series – weekly during Spring term, with guest speakers from key fields discussing relevant topical issues • University Engagement Programme – activities to enhance subject knowledge and gain an insight into university life • Work experience – a two week placement directly linked to proposed career pathways or areas of interest • UBS Careers Mentors – assigned to every Sixth Form student to provide bespoke support • Personal Improvement Programme – designed to broaden student experiences and support them in learning to become more active members of the community.
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e c a l p t A grea ARN TO LE 18
The Academy’s first-class facilities make it a great place to learn, and all areas of the building are fully accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility. The bespoke Sixth Form Centre provides a state of the art learning space for KS5 lessons, with specialist rooms for the CISCO and Microsoft courses, as well as a Media suite equipped with the latest technology. A Sixth Form study area provides the perfect environment for independent study, with access to ICT equipment, curriculum resources and staff on hand to support learning. Attached to this space is a Sixth Form break-out room, which can be used by students for reading and as a social space. To support student learning, mobile technology is provided to students, which is linked directly to the school network and is Wi-Fi enabled.
The Academy’s central square is the hub, a flexible learning space accommodating students at break and lunchtimes. Lunchtime concerts, art exhibitions and other academy events are well organised in this space. Dedicated spaces for teaching, rehearsals and performance together with a state of the art recording suite support the Academy’s Music specialism. A performance hall, seating up to 450 people, with a grand piano, first class sound and lighting systems, theatre facilities and excellent acoustics, provides an outstanding venue for students, visiting performers and the wider community. The Academy is also well equipped with a Learning Resource Centre and a bespoke Sixth Form library, each of which offer a wide range of books and digital materials.
The learning spaces and classrooms comprise facilities for learning and teaching specialist curriculum subjects, including high-quality Science laboratories, Design Technology and Information Communications Technology. There are Art studios at the top of the main building, a sports hall, and a 180-seat lecture theatre.
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“I truly believe that the strength of our partnership with UBS is one of the elements that really sets us apart from other schools and academies. UBS supports us on every level possible and our students have constant access to inspirational role models from the world of work who provide not only professional mentorship but also model skills for successful living.� Kelly Harris Assistant Vice Principal
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A unique partnership with UBS: Creating outstanding partnerships is central to the Bridge Academy's way of working. The aim of the UBS/Bridge Academy partnership is to ensure that all our students are prepared for the world of work and higher education - with the qualifications, employability skills, confidence and aspirations they need to reach their potential. UBS is a global financial institution with offices in more than 50 countries around the world. 6,000 UBS employees are based in offices near Liverpool Street Station - only twenty minutes walk from the Bridge Academy. In 2012, over 800 UBS employees volunteered at the Bridge. Every sixth former benefits from a UBS mentor and also has the opportunity to work with UBS employees to develop their interview skills. UBS employees also help in a number of other ways - for example - native speakers of French and Spanish help with language skills; employees with Maths and Science degrees provide one to one mentoring as well as running workshops on how Maths is applied in the workplace; and the UBS technology department supports students studying ICT. In partnership with
UBS doesn't just provide volunteers: they funded the new sixth form building as the Academy's priority was to ensure that sixth formers had a dedicated space to mark the important transition to sixth form life. UBS also funds some important partnerships that support students ranging from visits to Cambridge University to the Microsoft and Cisco Academies operating at Bridge. These are just a few examples of how the partnership has helped to create fantastic opportunities for our sixth form and the whole school - it is one reason why we believe that the Bridge Academy really is a Bridge to your Future. Excellence in the Sixth Form Fund Our special Sixth Form Fund, provided by UBS and their clients, is designed to promote excellence in the Sixth Form. It is used to: • Invest in students’ futures – for example to increase the range of opportunities offered in terms of work-related learning, university visits and personal coaching. • Broaden students’ experience of the world – our History, Art and Politics students have travelled to New York to enhance their studies. • Maintain superb resources – specialist teaching spaces have been created to deliver the CISCO and Microsoft programmes of study. • Offer outstanding teaching – 100% of lessons observed by Ofsted have been rated as Good or Outstanding.
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h t i w p i h Partners ND CARERS A S T N E R A P
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Partnership with parents and carers Our partnership with parents and carers at Bridge Academy is crucial to student academic success. To achieve this, we encourage three-way ownership of our Home-Academy Agreement which sets out responsibilities and expectations in relation to: high standards of behaviour, impeccable school uniform, punctuality and attendance.
We regularly communicate with parents and carers through parents’ evenings and subject events, the weekly newsletter and the virtual learning environment. There are regular opportunities to meet with the Sixth Form Curriculum and Pastoral Team. The Senior Leadership Team and the Principal also work with parents and carers to deal with challenges and to celebrate student successes.
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s n o i s s i m Ad CRITERIA BRIDGE ACADEMY DETERMINED SIXTH FORM ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS 2013/14 The Academy has capacity in its Sixth Form for 250 pupils across two year groups. It is anticipated that the majority of places in the Sixth Form will be taken up by students already on roll at the Bridge Academy. The admission number for the Academy – that is, the number of places available for external applicants - is 15. To facilitate a wider range of courses, for minority subjects the Academy will liaise with other post 16 institutions in Hackney. All students must meet the minimum entry requirements for their chosen route unless they can demonstrate exceptional evidence for further consideration (see Exceptions below). After the admission of pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs where the Bridge Academy Sixth Form is named on the Statement, and where the Academy can best meet the needs of the student, criteria will be applied as follows:
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In all cases eligible Bridge Academy students will be allocated places in the Sixth Form before external applicants are considered. When there are more external applications than places available, applicants will be admitted in the following priority order: 1. Looked after children 2. Students subject to a Child Protection Plan 3. Students offered one of five specially awarded music places 4. Students living nearest to the main entrance of the Academy as measured in a straight line on a map or using a GIS computerised mapping system Where a student lives with parents who live apart, but who have shared responsibility, the address where the student spends most of their time will be used. In the case of a student who spends an equal part of the week with each parent, the parents must elect one address for all preferences. For the purpose of calculating distances, the address is identified by using the property
geographical references as determined by the borough Council in which the child lives. In the case of a number of addresses in a block with the same geographical references or one or more applicants living the same distance according to the geographical references, further steps will be taken to identify those that are nearest to the school. The deadline for applications is the 31st January of the year of admission. Late applicants will only be admitted if a space remains in the Sixth Form. They should be aware that spaces may only be available on a limited number of courses. Students, both internal and external, will be offered a meeting before finalising their subject options. The governors will allocate places on oversubscribed courses, in priority order, to those students (both internal and external) with the highest point score through the appropriate entry route set out below. Pupils meeting the minimum academic entry requirements, who we are not able to offer places on their chosen courses, will be offered alternatives where possible. Entry to Year 13 A2 GCE level courses is not automatic. This is assessed on the basis of the successful completion of the AS level courses. Pupils not offered entry to Year 13 A2 GCE courses will be offered alternative one-year courses.
Academic entry requirements: There are two routes of entry to the Sixth Form at Bridge Academy. Both internal and external pupils will be expected to meet these academic entry requirements as stated below: • Route one: Level 3 Qualifications Applicants will gain 6 A*-C grades including English & Mathematics. In addition a minimum of 4 B grades are required, and should be relevant to their chosen AS level subjects or equivalent. Students wishing to study Mathematics at Level 3 must have a grade A at GCSE. • Route two: Vocational Qualifications Applicants will have gained 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or a minimum Pass in a relevant Level 2 vocational course Appeals: In the event of a place not being offered at the Bridge Academy, the applicant has the right of appeal to an independent appeals panel. Exceptions: The Governing Body reserves the right to consider applications from students who have not met the precise conditions for entry but can demonstrate specific expertise in relevant subject areas. This consideration does not affect the right of any student to make an appeal as indicated above.
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Academy location within Hackney
Train Station Road
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London Fields
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Hackney Wick
Hackney Downs Hackney Central
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How to find us
Bus routes 67, 149, 242, 243
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Rectory Park Station
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Old Street
The Bridge Academy, Hackney
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n o i t a m r o f In Visit our website A copy of the full prospectus, newsletters and other background information are available on the Bridge Academy website. By visiting www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk you can also keep up to date with all the latest news. Academy policies If you require a full copy of any of the Academy’s student policies covering curriculum, anti-bullying, child protection, health and safety, exclusions and complaints, please contact Dotun Olaleye on 020 7749 5240 or you can visit the Academy’s website www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk Key contacts To contact either the Assistant Vice Principal or the Head of Sixth Form please call 020 7749 5240 or email SixthForm@bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk. If you need to contact the Chair of Governors, her details are: Francesca Barnes, Chair of Governors c/o The Bridge Academy Laburnum Street Hackney London E2 8BA
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Notes
In partnership with
Sixth Form Prospectus 2014
Bridge Academy, Hackney, Laburnum Street, Hackney, London E2 8BA T 020 7749 5240 F 020 7749 5269 E info@bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk www.bridgeacademy.hackney.sch.uk Produced and designed by www.communitas-pr.co.uk