PROSPECTUS 2009-10
Welcome All Saints Academy Welcome to to All Saints Academy Dunstable Dunstable Our Aims In establishing this new Academy serving the areas of Dunstable and Houghton Regis, we are striving to give every student the skills, experiences and qualifications necessary to participate fully in the adult world. We are confident that all our young people will secure academic success across a broad range of subjects, complemented by the acquisition of essential life skills such as confidence, high self-esteem, a strong work ethic and respect for oneself and for others. Equally, we are determined that every student who attends All Saints Academy will emerge with a positive approach to the future. In achieving our aims we will: •
Offer a broad and balanced curriculum which enables each student to achieve academic success
•
Equip each student with the basic skills and skills for employability needed in the 21st Century
•
Enable a personal approach to learning through flexible and innovative approaches to teaching
•
Provide excellent access to and use of ICT
•
Develop sustainable links with the wider community, particularly with businesses and parents
•
Have high expectations of staff, students, stakeholders and families
Tom Waterworth – Principal Our aim as a new Academy is to be the best at everything we do. We wish to inspire students to believe in, be proud of and be ambitious for themselves. We are aspirational for both our students and the community we serve, will promote successful learners and will build on individual and collective strengths and areas of expertise. We take enjoyment in all that we do, are totally student-centred and are creative in the curriculum we offer and the adults we employ, so that students graduating from All Saints Academy can take their place confidently in the adult world. In doing this, we place great emphasis on basic skills and on skills for work.
It’s exciting to be a part of All Saints Academy, because things just keep getting better and better.
Sponsors and Governance Sponsors and Governance The Diocese of St Albans
The University of Bedfordshire
We are fortunate to receive the financial backing of the Church of England, which has established an Endowment Fund to help provide additional experiences for underprivileged students. All Saints Academy is not an old style church school but a new-style Church Academy; indeed, our admissions criteria are fully in line with the joint admissions criteria for Central Bedfordshire, but we do have support from the Diocese in developing a Christian ethos across the Academy. This ethos is based on the values, among others, of respect, humility, honesty, integrity, responsibility, forgiveness and hard work. Our Christian ethos underpins our work and our relationships with each other, and the Sponsors are clear that All Saints Academy is a school for students of all faiths and those of none.
As Co-Sponsor of the Academy, the University of Bedfordshire has set out to work with us at four strategic levels: • • • •
Continuing professional development Initial teacher training Curriculum development Governance
We are delighted that the University has chosen to work with us in this way, and especially in terms of developing our specialisms of Science and Business Skills for Work. As Sponsors, both the Diocese of St Albans and the University of Bedfordshire bring a unique blend of experience, expertise and support to ensure that the students of All Saints Academy get the best opportunities to outperform expectations.
We chose our motto ‘Aspire, Strive, Achieve’ because we thought it summarises what we as students want at All Saints Academy.
About Saints Academy About AllAll Saints Academy DunstableDunstable The Learning Environment
Our Specialisms
Our extensive campus provides an impressive environment in which students have the space to learn. Most of our learning environment is single storey, with the effect that moving around is very easy. In recent months, we have been able to invest considerably in ICT and related technology. Our facilities include:
In awarding us Academy status, the Government decided that our two specialisms of Science and Business Skills for Work should be at the forefront of everything we do. We are delighted that these two Curriculum Areas are highly successful and, as the Academy develops, will continue to thrive and prosper. All students at the Academy study Science and Business to at least GCSE Level. The Science specialism is mouth-watering, offering a combination of traditional Single and Double Science as well as Triple Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) for the most able. At Key Stage 4, students can also opt to study a range of Sciences, including Forensics, Sports Science, Medical Science and Health-related Science. All students will gain at least one GCSE in Business or ICT, and our emphasis on Business Skills for Work will ensure that we nurture the assets of commercial acumen and entrepreneurism.
• A state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre (LRC) complete with thirty new computers. This spacious room is a hub of activity where independent study or group work and research can take place. Students may borrow wireless laptops on short-term loan. • Five modern, spacious Science labs • Two advanced rooms for the teaching of Business Studies and ICT • A Dance Studio • A fully equipped Technology Suite, including well-provisioned Food Technology and Textiles rooms, together with their own independent ICT facility • A full range of sports and leisure amenities • A Drama Studio • A further three fully-equipped ICT classrooms • A newly refurbished cafeteria, including a coffee shop to cater for students starting early or working after school • Classrooms with interactive whiteboards, ensuring that teaching and learning meets the highest standards
In addition, as the Sports Hub for Dunstable under the Youth Sports Trust Programme, we are investigating ways in which Sports and Science can further support students’ learning across the whole curriculum.
At All Saints we are keen that every child has the opportunity to prepare themselves for life in the adult world. The emphasis on basic skills – particularly in English and Maths – is most welcome.
Curriculum Curriculum Our unique status as an Academy means that we can be very creative in the subjects we offer to our students. It also means that we can personalise our students’ learning in unique ways. We firmly believe that the Core Subjects of Maths, English and Business Skills for Work are the passport to success in life. Therefore we give additional time to these subjects, so that every student has the best possible opportunity to be an active citizen in the adult world. At the same time, we are working very closely with our feeder Middle Schools to offer courses that build on students’ experience and allow for a variety of pathways to success. This means that students of all abilities have every chance to achieve their full potential. Key Stage 3 (Year 9) We are excited that some of our students entering Year 9 have already accelerated their learning and are perhaps ready for early entry into GCSE and other qualifications, particularly in English, Maths, ICT and Spanish. All Saints is the natural progression for these students, as we will continue to recognise their ability and seek to enhance this fast-track learning. Other students will follow courses designed to help them catch up on their learning, and the majority will take courses that give them the ideal preparation for Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) All Saints offers an impressive range of courses and pathways. Our aim is to enable students to achieve their full potential and to allow a mix of vocational and academic courses according to student need, aptitude and aspiration. Subjects offered include Maths, English, Science, Art, Business Skills for Work, Careers and Guidance Education, Design Technology, Dance, Drama, French, Spanish, Food Technology, Graphics, History, Geography, Religious Education, Media, Music, Sport and PE, Personal, Social and Health Education, Textiles and Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry). Key Stage 5 – Post 16 (Years 12 and 13) The range of choices available to students is explained in detail in the Sixth Form Prospectus. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Students who require additional support are extremely well catered for by our Student Services Team, and follow a course of subjects best suited to their needs, abilities and aptitudes.
As a Newly Qualified Teacher I am so excited about being part of the development of this new Academy. The opportunity to help transform the lives of our students is most appealing.
Experiences for and for Preparation Experiences for Life andLife Preparation the Adult World Core Skills
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
At All Saints, we devote additional teaching time to Maths and English, so that all our students have the basics to be successful in life. We also place emphasis, via Business Skills for Work, on developing those qualities essential for the real world: confidence, resilience, creativity and problem-solving, positive attitudes and good interpersonal skills.
Topics covered at various times include sex and drugs education, personal hygiene, family life, food and healthy lifestyles, and health-related exercise, all of which are in line with recommendations from the Department of Children, Families and Schools. Parents have the right to remove their children from sex education lessons as part of PSHE. Those wishing to exercise this option should contact their child’s Achievement Leader.
Religious Education and a Christian Ethos All Saints Academy is a school for students of all faiths and those of none, so students do not have to be churchgoers in order to attend. However, in our everyday work we promote the values of honesty, integrity and reliability, amongst other things, as well as responsibility and hard work. We believe that these values are essential in the modern world, so we promote them via our Chaplain, who supports our work throughout the day and after school, as well as in Assemblies and during Tutor Time. All students at All Saints follow the Local Authority Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, unless parents ask for their children to be withdrawn.
Careers Education and Guidance As befits an Academy specialising in Business Skills for Work, All Saints offers high quality Careers Education that is geared towards raising the aspirations of our young people. This takes many different forms, including work experience placements, individual careers information, and advice on career pathways and access to Higher Education.
The Leadership of this Academy is fully focused on raising standards and improving the life chances of the students it serves. We are totally committed to improving outcomes for students.
Community Community We believe that developing a sense of belonging in our students is an important aspect in preparing them for their lives as adults. By encouraging our students to be active and healthy citizens, we believe that they will enter adult society as confident and engaging people.
our Science Specialism and our status as the Sports Hub for Dunstable. This partnership also embraces additional activities such as master-classes in Maths and Business, and motivational trips and conferences to help our students be positive about themselves and develop their self-confidence.
After School Activities:
Students in the Community
The Academy is open to all students well after the final lesson of the day. For those who enjoy sports, there is a huge range of physical activities, ranging from team sports to individual exercise, including aerobics. For students who enjoy Performing Arts, several activities are offered, including Dance and Drama clubs. The Learning Resource Centre is open after school as well, so that any student can take advantage of our Internet and ICT facilities, or simply engage in private study.
Our second specialism in Business Skills for Work enables us to engage with the broadest range of stakeholders. In addition to every student taking part in Work Experience during Key Stage 4, we are able to exploit our links with local businesses so that All Saints students have greater opportunity to meet with and learn from professionals within the local community.
Additional activities with the University of Bedfordshire Our unique partnership with the University means that we are able to take advantage of their excellent facilities – particularly in Science, health-related fitness and Dance – by organising a range of activities designed to complement
Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA) Many of our students, particularly at post-16 level, are able to help organise sporting activities for younger students, including those from feeder middle schools. Not only do our students enjoy the excitement of organising events for others, but also gain increased confidence in dealing with other young people and adults.
I like the cafeteria – the food is good and it’s a comfortable place to chill out with your friends.
The Student Leadership Team The Student Leadership Team This is a great opportunity for new students to the Academy to get involved in decision-making, often on most crucial issues. Our Student Leadership Team has already had major input into: •
The appointment of teaching and associate staff, including the Principal and the Vice-Principal
•
Proposals for the new Academy building (due for completion in June 2012)
•
All Saints Academy uniform
•
The new Academy day
•
Our revised Code of Conduct
•
Together with other schools, a joint design project with the University of Northampton
New members of the Student Leadership Team are always welcome, as they always bring fresh ideas and approaches. Students who have previously been involved in the Team have thoroughly enjoyed their work and benefited from the range of experiences that this involvement has brought them.
I have been involved with the work on the design for the new building. I feel great that my views and opinions have been taken on board.
The Climate for Learning The Climate for Learning Uniform and Dress Code
Ambition and Opportunity
Since becoming an Academy, we have introduced a new uniform and dress code for the Sixth Form, which we believe is a statement of intent. The way in which we dress has a massive impact on how we perform and on how we feel about ourselves. Consequently, we think our new uniform gives us a distinct identity that reflects our Academy status. Highlighting our specialism in Business, the dress code for our older students means that Sixth Formers wear suits – just as they would within a professional environment.
With our excellent facilities, not least our investment in ICT and in the Learning Resource Centre, we trust that we have provided our students with a solid platform from which to achieve their full potential. In addition, due to enhanced funding which an Academy is privileged to receive, we have been able to appoint staff of the highest calibre, each of whom is determined to enable our students to make the most of their opportunities.
Code of Conduct We have extremely high expectations for the behaviour of our students at all times. During lessons and in Tutor time we expect all our students: •
To give their best attention
•
To work their hardest
•
To listen carefully when an adult is speaking
•
To be respectful to other students
•
To be ambitious for themselves and the people they are working with
And Finally ... Aspire, Strive, Achieve These are the words chosen by our Student Leadership Team to represent what we are all aiming for at All Saints Academy. We hope that these words will be an inspiration to successive generations of students at All Saints.
There are so many advantages offered by working with the University of Bedfordshire: teacher training, curriculum development, support for our specialisms, but above all else in enabling All Saints students to access the University’s facilities and resources.
Admissions and Open Evening Admissions and Open Evening for Entry in September
2010
Admissions
Open Evening, Thursday 24 September 2009
The Academy will not operate any system of selection by ability or aptitude or faith; the criteria will be the same as Central Bedfordshire admissions.
Prospective parents and their children are invited to attend one of two talks given by Tom Waterworth, Principal. These are at 17.30 and 18.30, after which there will be guided tours of the Academy and an opportunity to talk with staff and students. If you are unable to attend on this evening and would like to visit at an alternative time, please contact Reception who will be happy to advise you of a further opportunity during working hours.
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admission number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs where the All Saints Academy is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the following order: •
children in public care;
•
children for whom there are exceptionally strong medical, social or welfare reasons for admission
•
children who will have a sibling in attendance at the Academy at the time of transfer.
•
Other students, with priority given to those that live nearest to the Academy.
As the Principal of All Saints I want every single student to be confident, articulate and positive about the way ahead.
A5120 Bidwell
Houghton Regis
M1 Principal: Tom Waterwor th BA MA To Milton Keynes
ALL SAINTS ACADEMY DUNSTABLE HOUGHTON ROAD DUNSTABLE LU5 5AB
Woodside Estate
Dunstable A505
A5
B469
B4541
To Luton
A5142
A5065
Telephone: 01582 619700 Fax: 01582 619701 Email: office@allsaintsacademydunstable.org Web: www.allsaintsacademydunstable.org