All Saints' Academy Prospectus 2016

Achieve Excellence

Welcome

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10

“The Academy is improving rapidly because of the outstanding leadership provided by the Principal.”

“The extremely positive ethos in the Academy leads to exceptionally good behaviour.”

Ofsted 2014 2

All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham an 11-19 Church Sponsored Academy An Introduction from the Principal As Principal, I am delighted to welcome you to All Saints’ Academy and our new prospectus for 2016 – 2017. We are a unique Church Academy sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton.

At All Saints’ Academy there is a real desire to achieve excellence in all that we do whilst living out our Christian values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service to others. Our Academy has excellent modern facilities and a staff team who provide a caring, enriching environment for our students where their needs and personal growth are given utmost priority.

Indeed, All Saints’ Academy was recently recognised by Ofsted for having outstanding leadership, outstanding provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, exceptionally good behaviour and good student progress and achievement.

Note from the Sponsors We are delighted to be the joint sponsors of All Saints’ Academy. Both our churches have a long history of involvement in schools, with a good track record of high standards and school improvement.

Embracing a Christian ethos in all that we do, we see this as a unique opportunity to continue our commitment to serving the Anglican and Catholic communities in Cheltenham as well as the West Cheltenham neighbourhood and surrounding areas.

It is our vision to build on our successes to achieve a reputation of educational excellence in delivering a learning curriculum that is enriched through collaboration with our local community of parents, local parishes, other schools, colleges, universities, business and industry. This ensures that all of our students and families, in the community we serve, thrive and achieve their aspirations and God-given potential.

If you would like more information about All Saints’ Academy please visit our website www.asachelt.org or do come and visit. You can book an appointment by emailing admin@asachelt.org. Our open evening is on 3rd October 2016. You will find we are an extremely proud community of hard working staff and students, focused on the enjoyment of learning, in a welcoming Christian environment that has the highest expectations of academic achievement for all.

Dermot McNiffe Principal

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Mission Statement

Partners

At the heart of All Saints’ Academy is the belief that Christ is at the centre of all we do and are.

Rooted in His teaching, we seek to fulfil in every member of our community their full potential so they are able to ‘live life to the full’ and recognise that they are called to use their gifts and talents for the benefit of all.

All Saints’ Academy has strong partnerships with: • Cheltenham Ladies College

We seek to do this by:

• Dean Close School

• providing a safe and secure environment where faith, prayer, compassion and reconciliation are visible in word and in action;

• National Star College

• providing an excellent education with a broad, balanced and creative curriculum which will allow everyone to discover their potential and to develop and share their unique talents; • providing opportunities for all to be nourished and challenged both academically and spiritually in their respective beliefs; • respecting and valuing the diversity of all, believing that everyone is created as a unique individual in the image of God; • building a resilient community able to reach out and support others, both locally and globally; • modelling through the Academy's policies, practices and values a concern to serve the common good, a heart for justice, a desire for reconciliation and the need to protect and sustain the environment.

• Cheltenham College

• Pate’s Grammar School • UCAS • University of Gloucestershire • Cheltenham Festivals Primary Partners • The Catholic School of Saint Gregory the Great • St Thomas More Primary • Springbank Academy • Rowanfield Primary

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“The ethos permeates the school and contributes to students’ outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.”

• Swindon Village Primary

Ofsted 2014

and many more

• Hesters Way Primary • Gardners Lane Primary • Christ Church C of E Primary

Transforming YOUR future 1. An inspirational and vibrant curriculum Students at All Saints’ Academy experience a curriculum that respects and develops their skills, talents and beliefs. At all stages there is an emphasis upon exploration, creativity and celebration of the whole child. Ofsted recognised and praised our curriculum offer.

We have been innovative in supporting students to achieve their very best. Additional time is given to the teaching of Maths and English in Key Stage 3 because we expect all students to exceed expectations by the time they complete Key Stage Four. Full, personal guidance is given when choosing options at both Key Stage Four and in the Sixth Form, so that all students are on the best routes to achieve their ambitions. Students can combine vocational and GCSE courses, including the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects at Key Stage Four. No matter what their future routes, whether a top university, apprenticeship or employment with training, students can aspire and achieve.

Students with special needs receive a specialised curriculum that combines mainstream teaching with targeted support. The Religious Education programme will provide students with an understanding of Catholic and Anglican beliefs and practices, together with that of other world religions.

2. Outstanding Education Our highly skilled teachers and support staff use high quality teaching methods supported by the latest technology, to create relevant, engaging lessons to guarantee that students enjoy outstanding learning. Teaching will be accompanied by practical and effective assessment systems so that students know how to progress and teachers can shape their lessons to students’ needs. There is a programme of regular staff development to ensure that teaching continues to embody best practice from around the world.

We guarantee an outstanding education for your child.

3. First-rate pastoral support We care for students as unique individuals made in God’s image. We listen to their views, develop

their self-confidence and encourage their involvement in the life of the Academy. Every student is important to us and we provide the best care that we can. Students join small groups where a House Tutor is responsible for their progress and their social development. These people are the main point of contact for parents. Associate Tutors and mentors provide additional advice, guidance and encouragement to small groups and individuals.

4. Active partnerships with parents/carers Within a culture of high expectations, All Saints’ aspires to nurture and develop the individual gifts, talents and interests of each and every student. In order to achieve this, we want parents and carers to be active partners in their children’s education. A student welfare team will liaise with parents/carers on all aspects of students’ progress. Parents will be provided with regular updates of students’ progress and advice on how they can support their child as they move through the Academy.

5. Exemplary behaviour We expect students to take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate high standards of conduct towards each other, staff and the community. The working atmosphere of All Saints’ Academy reflects the gospel values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service. The codes of conduct for students and staff stem explicitly from these Christian values. To achieve these aspirations, all of us, students, parents, staff and visitors, embrace these values wholeheartedly.

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6. Uniform The highest standards of uniform are expected at all times. Full details are on our website www.asachelt.org.

The uniform has been designed to meet the requirements of being reasonably priced and practical as well as looking very smart. All students will be required to wear the uniform proudly and in the correct manner to, from and in the Academy.

7. Chaplaincy All Saints’ is a Church Academy and we have a Chaplaincy team that supports students. The Chaplaincy team is representative of the Catholic and Anglican traditions but, of course, is available to students of other Christian traditions and of none.

Chaplains provide opportunities for prayer and worship, organise regular events of a spiritual nature, give spiritual advice, encourage charitable fundraising and service to others and generally support students in a caring and supportive way.

8. Collective worship A collective act of worship takes place each day, which is designed to be relevant to students and the world we live in. In addition certain festivals, religious calendar events, special services, Mass and Communion will be celebrated as appropriate.

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9. Religious education Religious Education is taught as an important, discrete subject for all students. Students will engage in a programme, which enables them to understand the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Catholic and Anglican traditions and other world faiths, and recognise the importance of the spiritual dimension of life.

10. Sex education and Relationship policy As we are a Church Academy, our policy reflects the teaching and beliefs of the Catholic and Anglican traditions. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from lessons that incorporate sex and relationship teaching if they wish. A full policy is available on our website.

11. Disabilities and special educational needs Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs are welcome to apply for a place in the Academy. Being a modern building, we are fully accessible for any student with disabilities. Upon application we will work with you to consider how we can fully meet your child’s needs.

12. Gifted & talented students At All Saints’ Academy we believe that every student is gifted and talented in some way. It is our responsibility to find and nurture these gifts and talents, and help students to excel. We recognise, of course, that some students are particularly gifted academically and as with other gifts and talents, we will help students to stretch their academic potential.

13. Admissions As we are an Academy, any young person can apply to join the Academy. Our full admissions policy and forms are published on the Academy website www.asachelt.org.

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Enrichment All Saints’ Academy enrichment programme is about enjoyment, challenge and development of our students’ God-given talents.

It is important that everyone’s education is enriched through the enjoyment of exploring different experiences and developing skills and talents through a wide range of activities offered outside the usual timetabled curriculum. At All Saints’ Academy we encourage all our students to participate in extended activities that they enjoy or wish to get involved in to challenge and develop themselves.

Our students have many opportunities to gain life-changing experiences, stretch themselves and have fun. Whether it’s through joining Duke of Edinburgh, Combined Cadet Force, creating the All Saints’ Student Newsletter, Dance, Drama, Sport, fundraising, making up for lost time in an area of study or wanting to join an All Saints’ visit to a developing country such as Tanzania or a trip to New York.

Employers and universities have praised the All Saints’ Enrichment Programme saying “it is an asset with a range of fantastic opportunities for all.”

The Combined Cadet Force The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a military cadet organisation based in schools and colleges throughout the UK. It is funded by the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and it is one of the largest Youth Movements in the UK. The role of the CCF is to help boys and girls aged 14-18 years develop their leadership, confidence, self-reliance and discipline skills as well as to get a taste of life in the Armed Forces.

There are opportunities each week, and during the year to let cadets stretch themselves, finding out how much they can achieve whilst having fun in the process.

Military training is designed to demonstrate why defence forces are needed and how they function.

Cadets also do non-military training which includes activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, orienteering, etc.

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Cheltenham Festivals Students are actively involved in projects with Cheltenham Festivals.

In 2015 & 2016 groups of students were involved with the ‘First Story’ project, writing poems which were published into a book. This brilliant book will be available to purchase at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Homework At All Saints’ Academy we place a high expectation on our students completing homework each evening. This is to promote the benefit of having a healthy attitude towards independent study whilst deepening their learning and progress.

Our online homework system is called “Show My Homework” (SMH). Each student and parent can log onto SMH to access the homework set for each week.

All Saints’ Academy Homework aims to: • Improve students’ attitude towards learning outside of normal Academy hours.

• Develop students’ skills in lifelong learning.

• Allow students to take more responsibility for their own independent study.

• Teach the necessary planning and preparation skills.

The All Saints’ Academy Enrichment Programme and homework provision will support and develop the necessary skills for future learning, university, employment and life.

“Students respond very well to the extremely positive ethos in the Academy.”

Ofsted 2014 9

Trips

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We support your child’s education by offering them fantastic opportunities to go on trips around the world. Students have previously visited: New York, Berlin, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain and the mission trip to Tanzania.

What our students say about All Saints’ Academy

Alumni Liam Taylor is studying BSc (Hons) Computer Information Systems at University of Bath, 3rd year

‘I like that All Saints’ reward students for their hardwork.’

Owen McGaugie, Year 8

‘The facilities are excellent.’

Borys Bilak, Year 9

‘My A Level subjects gave me a great introduction to topics and fundamental skills needed to succeed in my degree. Having a BTEC as one of my subjects enabled me to become familiar with meeting deadlines.’

‘I like the range of activities and opportunites at All Saints.’

Lilly St Francis, Year 10

Demi Wheeler is studying BA (Hons) Media & Communications at Birmingham City University, 3rd year

‘We have an amazing performing arts program that is growing rapidly.’

‘The facilities are fantastic, especially for sports and music.’

Chloe Fletcher, Year 11

Anna Marszalek, Year 11

‘The staff are very supportive and helped me achieve the high GCSE grades that I wanted.’

Aerhon Cruz, Year 12

‘I sat my GCSEs and A Levels at All Saints’ Academy. The help from the staff allowed me to achieve my grades and guide me towards my chosen career path. All Saints’ also continue to support students after they have left, myself included!’

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“Students take pride themselves and in the Academy showing respect for each other, for adults and the environment…This is testament to the culture established by senior leaders, sponsors and governors.”

Ofsted 2014 All Saints’ Academy

All Saints’ Academy Blaisdon Way Cheltenham GL51 0WH For more information please contact: T: 01242 711200 E: admin@asachelt.org www.asachelt.org

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