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Business Academy Bexley
Our Vision Students who come through these doors know that it is good to be ambitious and to aspire to all that the world has to offer and that at the Academy they will be supported and nurtured in their aspirations because they deserve the very best. The students at The Business Academy Bexley will learn that no goal is beyond their reach and no prize is unobtainable. Sir David Garrard, Sponsor
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Business Academy Bexley
Welcome There are numerous reasons why I am proud to welcome you to The Business Academy Bexley Sixth Form and I am delighted you are considering us as the place for your future studies. Our Sixth Form is a vibrant, friendly and comfortable environment where students achieve highly, make good friends, contribute to their community and take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. You can be sure that you will be challenged during your time with us and leave with qualifications and experiences that will fully prepare you for your future. The Sixth Form is designed to ensure high quality exam results, as well as providing additional opportunities for you to gain the experiences and involvement to become confident, happy and well-rounded young adults. It provides a very good preparation for your next step, beyond school, through the teaching and tutoring of our well qualified and experienced staff. We are proud of our academic track record and our ability to offer a wide range of courses to suit individual learners. Excellent support through mentoring, Higher Education and careers guidance is an everyday occurrence which means the majority of our students go on to University studying a huge variety of courses. I very much look forward to meeting you, introducing you to our staff and students and showing you all we have to offer. Mr G Cook Head of Key Stage 5 Learning
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Induction During the summer term students who have secured a place in our Sixth Form will have the opportunity to enjoy an induction day, to taste courses, meet fellow students, teachers and the Sixth Form Team. Furthermore students will see the excellent facilities that we offer and gain further insight into our ways of working – so that informed choices can be made which will ensure a successful transition to the Sixth Form and beyond. This will also serve as your first chance to sample the unique atmosphere in the Sixth Form. Unlike learning in the main school, the Sixth Form community work in a fantastic and mixed learning environment. Also, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to move to college to be given more freedom – we put a strong emphasis on encouraging this within the Academy Sixth Form. Both pastoral and teaching staff treat you as young adults, and as such you are expected to be much more independent and to make your own choices.
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Curriculum At the Academy we offer a range of courses both at A-Level and vocational at levels two and three, to suit every individual student’s needs. Our curriculum is both diverse and flexible. We constantly innovate and explore new courses and opportunities for students – helping you develop both academically and personally throughout your time here. Lessons are challenging and carefully planned, with an emphasis on teaching students skills for life, all of which are necessary for success in later life. Opportunities to develop both leadership and team skills are frequent, and the whole Academy Sixth Form experience is one that is tailored to each student. All Sixth Form students are role models for the rest of the Academy. We therefore have extremely high expectations of your dress, conduct and work ethic. For the most up to date curriculum guide, please see the information supplied separately from this prospectus.
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Pastoral Care In the Sixth Form we have a very strong pastoral team who are experts in supporting you during your entire time with us. When you arrive in the Sixth Form you will be allocated a form group with other students, this will enable you to make new friends and harness the fantastic community spirit here at the Academy. You will also be allocated a form tutor, who you will normally keep throughout your time in Sixth Form, this will help you to get to know them and feel more comfortable discussing any pastoral issues with them. You will meet with your form tutor and your form group each day. Together you will take part in inter-form quizzes, charity fundraising events and PSHE/Citizenship activities. You will also have time to gain advice and support about any issues that you might have. In addition, our Sixth Form Office is located adjacent to the Common Room. Our door is always open and you can pop in any time to have a chat with our team. Where possible we also aim to help you with your studies – this year all Sixth Form students have been provided with free wall planners as well as an exam countdown chart.
“ We believe in sustainable improvement, building upon our success, so that each student can fulfil their potential.” Chair of Governors
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Mentoring The Academy has a successful history of student mentoring both from ambassadors of local universities and Prospects. There are plenty of opportunities throughout your time at the Academy to discuss your future aspirations and review your goals and targets. Each week Sixth Form students receive personalised sessions with the Sixth Form Team, where we develop essential life skills such as reviewing progress and designing specific challenging targets for all our students to excel in their subjects. Furthermore these sessions support our students in starting early in investigating their future career paths whether this is into University or the world of work. At the Academy we celebrate all our students’ successes. At the end of each term we hold an awards and celebration assembly. During these assemblies we recognise high achievement, progress made within subjects and extra-curricular activities that our Sixth Form students have been involved with. Some students are nominated each term to receive a letter of recognition for achievement, progress or attainment within their chosen courses. Our Sixth Form students have their very own dedicated learning areas, the Common Room and the new redesigned Directed Study Room (DSR) which now has 50 high specification computers solely for Sixth Form use. In addition to this our Sixth Form students have access throughout the day to the school’s canteen.
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Leadership We have a Head Boy and Head Girl who are elected by both staff and students. The Head Boy and Head Girl represent the student voice of the Academy and will listen to students’ needs and act upon any new ideas that will improve our learning environment and school community. The Head Boy and Head Girl are supported by their Deputies who undertake specific roles within individual Academy Houses. Each Deputy Head Student has a specific whole-school responsibility and has to go through a rigorous selection process in order to gain their role. Each house also has a number of ‘Senior Students’ who work hard to improve Academy life and act as positive role models for younger students. Sixth Form students are also responsible for the smooth running of the Academy Council. These students debate and discuss issues around the Academy and possible changes for improvement. Year 13 students also have the unique opportunity to become Associate Members of the Governing Body, meaning that students can take their ideas and voice to the highest possible level.
“ The teachers here are amazing, they treat you like an individual and always have time to spare for a student.” Sixth Form student
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Learning Environment At the Academy we value every one of our students as an individual. We recognise individual needs and strive to create a secure and happy community for all. Our students are expected to play a part in maintaining the community spirit, respecting the rights of other learners. High standards of behaviour, good manners and leadership qualities are encouraged at all times.
The Academy is rightly very proud of the unique environment which we offer. Our Business specialism allows you to develop entrepreneurial skills and the constant interaction with your fellow students creates a vibrant and enterprising environment in which to learn.
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Future Success The process of researching into life after our Sixth Form starts within the first term of Year 12, when you will be encouraged to research into courses at University and into potential career paths for your future. You will complete your UCAS applications in Term Six of Year 12, ready to be submitted in the autumn. You will be guided through the process during your tutor time, and each student is individually supported by their tutor and careers advisor. If you decide to go straight into work then we will help you to prepare a CV and will provide opportunities to hone and practise your interview skills. Through our links with local employers we will also help you to arrange work experience placements so that you can gain the necessary experience and access into your chosen profession. Whichever direction you choose to take, we’re sure that your time at the Academy will provide you not only with excellent opportunities, resources and insight into your chosen career; but will also equip you with the life skills and experiences to go on and succeed in everything you do.
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Yarnton Way, Erith, Kent DA18 4DW Tel: 020 8320 4800 Fax: 020 8320 4810 Email: contact@tba.bexley.sch.uk Web: www.thebusinessacademy.org
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