Willenhall E-ACT Academy Prospectus
Contents 4/5
Message from the Principal
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Message from the Sponsor
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Academy specialisms
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An enriched curriculum
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Supporting our students
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The Academy life
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Personal Best
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Serving our community
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Admissions
I am delighted that you are considering Willenhall E-ACT Academy as the secondary school for your child. An excellent education is crucial to their future life chances and we will do our very best to ensure we offer you every support in making that choice. Willenhall E-ACT Academy is a mixed Academy, educating pupils in the 11-18 age range with over 1540 students on roll. We are a very popular school, always filling our places. The Academy is making fantastic progress in becoming the first choice of secondary school for parents in the area and we have seen GCSE and A-Level results improving year on year, helped by the support of an experienced and dedicated staff team. In January 2012 we became an Academy supported by the national education charity, EACT, and they are working with us to offer the very best opportunities for the students of Willenhall. The E-ACT team is complemented by a forward thinking Governing Body innovative and determined in their vision for excellence.
Message from 4
the Principal
The whole Academy community comes together around an important set of strong behavioural values known as the ‘Willenhall Way’. These are a clear set of expectations and boundaries for students to encourage them to conduct themselves in a way which will benefit their learning and future opportunities. The Academy has a broad and balanced curriculum to suit the needs of individual learners. As a Specialist Academy, in addition to sport, we have a second specialism of science. We provide a flexible curriculum which affords all students a wide range of choices so they can maximise their full potential and achieve their personal best. Students truly broaden their horizons whilst at the Academy. A strong programme of extracurricular activities sees them given every chance to develop the skills and confidence they will need to succeed in an increasingly global workplace, and we work hard to provide them with opportunities, including travelling abroad to other countries. Some of our students have had ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities to visit partner schools in Tanzania and Zambia, a truly life changing experience. Building relationships with parents and the whole community is central to our ethos and the continued, excellent progress of the Academy. We operate an open door policy and as soon as your child joins the Academy we will build an ongoing, positive line of communication with you, to reinforce the values and high expectations which will drive forward your child’s future success. Mrs V Till Principal
Message from the Sponsor We hope you enjoy reading the first Willenhall E-ACT Academy prospectus. E-ACT has a long history of sponsoring Academies nationally and we bring our team, our expertise and our skills to support Willenhall E-ACT Academy. We are working with the team at the Academy and the wider community to build upon the success achieved so far. We believe that every child should have access to the best opportunities and be given every chance to succeed. We work with the Academy’s highly experienced and excellent Principal, Vicki Till, to ensure that every student receives an inspiring education to help them achieve their highest potential. We look forward to continuing our work with the Academy and the local community to better futures. Sir Bruce Liddington E-ACT Director General
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Academy specialisms 6
Sport and Science
The Academy specialisms are sport and science and they are used to drive innovation and increase investment across the whole Academy. Willenhall E- ACT Academy works with local primary and secondary schools in the area to further promote PE and sport which are so vital for increasing students’ well-being, confidence and self-esteem.
Pupils in years 7 and 8 are housed in their own area of the school for the majority of their lessons where they are taught in ability banded forms. There is a thematic approach to their learning across all subjects with an emphasis on ensuring that they develop the literacy, numeracy and personal learning and thinking skills needed to achieve success in the years that follow. In years 9, 10 and 11 we offer a range of qualifications and pathways including GCSE’s, BTEC & OCR Nationals. All students study for GCSE’s in English and mathematics and there is a rigorous focus, throughout the curriculum, on the core skills of numeracy and literacy. Students also follow courses in science, design & technology and PE, where a variety of qualifications are available. Willenhall E-ACT Academy offers the English Baccalaureate pathway or Ebacc for short. This pathway involves certification at A*-C grades in English, maths, science, history or geography and a foreign language.
Many opportunities arise from the Academy’s championing of sport, providing students with a chance to try a range of sports and get involved in many different competitions and sporting events. Many vocational qualifications and courses lead to students being able to consider sports related careers to increase their skills and further their employability.
The English Baccalaureate contains all the subjects relevant for academic excellence and future achievement. For those who are suited, the English Baccalaureate stretches and challenges and offers a more traditionally academic route of education. We firmly believe that all students who have the ability to do well on this type of pathway should be encouraged to study the EBacc route.
Our science specialism allows us to offer our students insight and depth of knowledge in a subject which has excellent prospects in terms of further study and career choices. Students are offered a wide range of science courses at different levels and the Academy focuses on developing new and existing links with universities and local industry to advance the opportunities afforded by this specialism.
All the courses studied in Key Stage 4 lead to qualifications that are awarded by examining groups outside the school. They are recognised by employers, colleges and universities and provide students with a wide range of opportunities for further study and future employment.
Curriculum Allowing individual learners to flourish is at the heart of what we do, and there are alternative pathways for students of all abilities to choose according to their preferences, strengths and individual learning styles.
The curriculum on offer is very flexible and students are able to study a mixture of GCSE and BTEC qualifications. GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) These qualifications mainly involve studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigation work. Some subjects also include practical work. All GCSEs have a significant examination element. BTECs and OCR Nationals These level 2 vocational courses lead to work-related qualifications and are available in a wide range of subjects. Many have been designed in collaboration with industry and so can equip students with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
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An enriched curriculum 8
Aim higher
The Academy is involved in a wide range of initiatives and programmes designed to stretch and challenge students and broaden their educational experience, giving them new skills and developing their sense of ambition and self-esteem. Musical and dance productions, design competitions, charity events and much more, bring the Academy community together and encourage a vital sense of competition and citizenship. The sports specialism affords students the chance to develop their talents and many go on to compete at a national level. There are over 70 clubs which take place after school as part of the extended curriculum. Partnerships with other schools across the world, including schools in Tanzania and Zambia, give students a global perspective and the chance to broaden their horizons. Developing future leaders is central to the extra-curricular offering – in our Sixth Form there is an extensive programme of volunteering and students gain qualifications and provide extra tutoring to younger members of the Academy.
Leadership opportunities The Academy has a strong culture of enabling students to lead their own learning and become independent, critical thinkers. Within each class there are student leaders who encourage others and all students have the chance to contribute to the teaching and learning strategy at the Academy. The development of the ‘Student Voice’ is a key feature of The Willenhall E-ACT Academy. Students develop their leadership skills through participation in a wide range of daytime and extended activities. All students have opportunities to engage in broader programmes, where the emphasis is on the development of leadership and team working skills, selfreliance, an awareness of the needs of others and being a good citizen. Some recent programmes include: • Involvement in the democratically elected Student Forum, Activity Leaders, Academy and other student based forums • Our Student Governors programme • Leading in lessons • Peer mentoring • Leading in sporting, artistic and creative events • Working with people with disabilities • Involvement in environmental projects • Working with younger children. The Academy uses nationally recognised schemes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as well as leadership and coaching qualifications and awards through the University of the First Age. The Academy offers out-of-hours opportunities through the Academy Community and Leisure Department where students have a voice in shaping the offer.
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Supporting our students 10
Care and Guidance
The Academy fully recognises that young people continually need support in many aspects of their lives as they grow and progress. We provide this support centred around same-age form groups, each with a dedicated tutor who focuses on the needs of that particular year group of students. This allows for a personalised approach to coaching and mentoring whereby individual students and groups of students can receive targeted support when our student monitoring procedure identifies specific need.
When students join the Academy in Year 7 they are placed in banded forms with a tutor who will support their progress throughout Key Stage 3. The year groups are each further supported by a Head of School, an Assistant Head of School and a Pastoral Manager. Students graduate from Year 8 into Key Stage 4 where they are placed in the care of a different tutor who supports them for the next three years. Each year is managed and further supported by a Head of Year and a Pastoral Manager who are specialists in the needs of students in that year. In the Sixth Form, students are assigned a personal mentor with whom they have regular meetings to discuss their progress and receive advice and guidance. They also have a dedicated Careers Adviser and UCAS support if they decide to apply for university. Careers advice, support and guidance The Academy provides advice and guidance on pathways and career options at all stages of students’ progress.This is especially focused in the first term of year 7 and at transition points between Key Stages when students need to make choices as to which pathways and courses to take.We employ dedicated staff to provide the necessary advice, guidance and support. The LCC (Learning and Coaching Centre) The LCC is the Academy’s dedicated learning centre. Students can receive support, coaching and advice during and outside of normal hours from graduate coaches. Those needing extra help with literacy and numeracy are given one to one tuition to ensure that they have good levels of skills in these core academic basics. The LCC is open to groups of students at different times before, during and after school and provides a space for private study, homework and research with the added benefit of having a helping adult to hand. SEN The Academy operates with a team of committed SEN professionals who pride themselves on having an excellent rapport with both students and parents. All SEN students have a key worker who supports and monitors progress both within and outside of lessons as necessary. The department liaises with a wide variety of outside agencies to ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their personal best.
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The Academy Life 12
Timetable and uniform
Timetable 8.00 8.30 9.30 10.30 10.45 11.45 12.40 1.10 1.40 2.40 3.00
Breakfast available in dining room. LCC opens. Period 1 - Lessons Period 2 - Lessons Break Period 3 - Lessons Period 4 - Lessons Lunch Period 5 - Form period or assembly Period 6 - Lessons End of lessons After school clubs
Uniform Girls’ Uniform • Black blazer with purple piping and badge • Black school skirt or black straight leg trousers in same fabric • White polyester/cotton shirt • School tie • Black V-neck jumper with purple V stripe or plain black cardigan (optional, but no other jumper may be worn) • Plain black footwear Boys’ Uniform • Black blazer with purple piping with badge • Black trousers (no pattern or texture) • White shirt in polyester/cotton • School tie • Plain black V-neck jumper (optional, but no other jumper may be worn) • Plain black footwear Pupils are not allowed to wear any other items instead of, or underneath, their uniform. All footwear must be plain black and have no different coloured logos or symbols. Girls must also wear shirts that can be fastened to their neck and not come to school in V-neck blouses. Fashion belts are not allowed.
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Personal Best 14
– “The Willenhall Way”
Core values at Willenhall E-ACT Academy revolve around the idea of ‘Personal Best’. This means students setting high standards of behaviour for themselves and acknowledging that striving for ‘Personal Best’ will raise their achievement and focus their learning. No matter what their ability, all students are capable of achieving their ‘Personal Best’.
Students learn in an environment where there are consistent rules, behavioural expectations and boundaries. They are actively encouraged to be a part of setting standards and expectations and are provided with various forums for doing so. The Academy places great emphasis on the following behavioural rules: • Respect for everyone in the Academy community • Safe and responsible behaviour on the Academy site • Smart and professional appearance and behaviour, especially when representing the Academy • Form positive relationships; co-operation and accepting responsibility for actions • Be prepared - ready to learn, organised and on time for lessons and when handing in homework. The Academy appreciates parents’ co-operation in achieving these values. Shortly after students have started at the Academy, we provide parents with their own password so that they can log onto their son’s /daughter’s records. Parents can view attendance, behaviour and academic information every day and keep up with changes to records as they occur daily. There is a clear system of rewards and sanctions which is available in more detail on the Academy website www.willenhalle-actacademy.org.uk
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Serving our community 16
Learning, health, wellbeing and enjoyment
The Academy seeks to offer the whole community the chance to develop their learning, health, wellbeing and enjoyment through the facilities at Willenhall E-ACT Leisure and Community. Adult education courses, sports courses and classes and the hiring of facilities are all available to the local community. There are also courses for young adults not in employment, education or training which are free of charge.
As a specialist sports Academy we offer a range of learning opportunities including: • Lifeguard and swimming teacher qualifications • Exercise and gym instructor qualifications • Coaching football. The Academy is continually expanding the qualifications and courses for adults and will offer an increasing number of sports and non-sports related courses. The current opening hours are 5.00pm to 10.00pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday. Fitness Suite Our Fitness Suite is open every day for use by members and is well equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, cross trainers, free weights, and resistance machines. Opening Times 5.30pm until 9.30pm Monday to Thursday 5.30pm until 8.30pm Friday 9.00am until 4.00pm every weekend (subject to change on centre bookings) There are a variety of membership options available. Contact the community centre on 01902 633070 for further information.
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The Willenhall E-ACT Academy is part of an inter-LA Co-ordinated Admission Scheme. The Academy, as its own Admission Authority, is required to consult on admission arrangements every two years unless there has been a change to the criteria. Admission Criteria Year 7 criteria 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 students with statements of Special Educational Needs, where The Willenhall E-ACT Academy is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below (NB there is no guarantee of a place for children living in our proximity area).
1. Children in public care (looked after children) Definition: Children who are in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by a local authority. 2. Where the child has a sibling currently attending the Academy, at the time of admission Sibling criterion: Children who have an older sibling already in attendance at the Academy when the application is made and who will still be attending the Academy at the proposed admission date. 3. Children for whom a place at the Academy is essential on medical grounds and supported in writing by a doctor (applications will be subject to verification by the Admissions Committee). 4. Distance criterion: Distance between the home address and the Academy as measured in a straight line, with priority given to those living closest. Entry to Year 12 Pupils will be considered for entry into Year 12 based upon their academic attainment and/or individual subject grade criteria and the availability and suitability of courses at the Academy. Entry to Year 12 is not dependent upon attendance or behaviour records. In September 2013, our Academy will have 200 places available in Year 12. The total number of students in Years 12 and 13 will not exceed 270. This Academy’s entry requirements for Post 16 studies are as follows: • For AS/A2 Minimum recommended entry requirements are a GCSE in 5 different subjects with A* - C grades, including mathematics and English. Although some courses have a two, three or four grade equivalence, such courses will only count as a single subject in this respect. • For improving GCSE grades in mathematics and English, decisions will be based on individual discussions with post 16 staff.
Admissions 18
Year 7 and 12
Key Contacts
Willenhall E-ACT Academy Furzebank Way Willenhall WV12 4BD Telephone: 01902 368221 Fax: 01902 634253 Email: postbox@willenhalle-actacademy.org.uk Online: www.willenhalle-actacademy.org.uk
Principal: Mrs V P Till
Principal
Mrs V Till
Assistant Principals
Ms B Broll Mrs M Campbell Mr D Cresswell Mr D Foskett Mrs S Hussain Mr K Merrall Mr T Samra Mr L Thomas
Academy specialisms & community Staff performance & progress Staffing & timetable Staff training, teaching & learning Key Stage 4 Key Stage 3, curriculum pathways SEN, Academy systems Attendance & admissions
Heads of School
Miss K Solway Mrs E Little
Year 7 Year 8
Assistant Heads of School
Miss J Rock Mr J Till
Year 7 Year 8
Heads of Year
Mrs S Cecil Miss B Sembhi Miss H Lyonette
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
Post 16
Mrs D Detton Ms V Haines Dr. D Suemul
Recruitment, retention & curriculum Mentoring & UCAS applications KS5 student progress
SENCO
Mr R Jones
Pastoral Managers
Mrs H Clarke Mr A Chapman Mrs V Fryer Miss E Courtney Mrs M Macdonald
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11