Bedford Technical Academy Prospectus

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY A Science and Technology Academy for 13-19 Year Olds Opening September 2016

CONTENTS 3–

Welcome

5–

A new Academy for Bedford

6–

What makes us stand out?

8–

Putting you in touch with top employers

11 –

Our curriculum

14 – Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s careers 17 – Enrichment 18 – Our Academy: FAQs 20 – Our location 22 – How to apply

ACUIGEN IS A CUSTOMER FEEDBACK COMPANY SERVING CLIENTS IN THE UK, ACROSS EUROPE, THE USA AND ASIA. THIS EXTENDED REACH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BY A SKILLED WORKFORCE WHOSE COMPETENCIES IN IT AND TECHNOLOGY GIVE US AN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE EDGE. FOR APPLICANTS WHO HAVE A ROUNDED EDUCATION WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON MATHEMATICS, IT AND TRADITIONAL SCIENCE SUBJECTS. UNDOUBTEDLY THE MORE STUDENTS WITH THESE SKILLS WILL MAKE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES VIBRANT.

DEREK JONES, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, ACUIGEN 2 Follow us - facebook.com/bedfordtech and @bedfordtech

WELCOME TO OUR NEW TECHNICAL ACADEMY Thank you for your interest in our new Bedford Technical Academy, which will open in September 2016.

I am genuinely excited to be able to offer you a new and unique educational experience at Bedford Technical Academy. The curriculum will combine traditional subjects with cutting edge technology strands up to GCSE level, all taught to the highest standard. In the Sixth Form, you will be able to follow the new prestigious Technical Baccalaureate, which is equivalent to three A-Levels, as well as take additional A-Level subjects. This innovative curriculum and our high expectations and aspirations will prepare you for higher education at top universities and careers in rapidly expanding technology industries.

You will be taught by specialist teaching staff, whilst industry partners will provide mentoring and workplace opportunities to develop exciting projects linked to our technology strands. Whether you are interested in veterinary studies, computer game design or any other career, we have links with employers, educators and industry professionals who will help bring your learning to life.

I hope this prospectus gives you a flavour of our Academy and I look forward to meeting you soon at one of our information events, where I will be happy to discuss your future with us.

Paul Spyropoulos Principal Designate

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 3

WE AT VETSKILL ARE PLEASED YOUNG LEARNERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO TECHNICAL SUBJECTS THAT WILL UNDERPIN THE SPECIALIST VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR A VETERINARY-RELATED CAREER. AN EARLY INTRODUCTION TO VOCATIONALLY APPLIED STUDIES WILL GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR PLACE WITHIN THE MUCH NEEDED TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS SUCH AS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AND VETERINARY NURSING. GREG WARMAN, CHAIRMAN, VETSKILL

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A NEW ACADEMY FOR BEDFORD OUR VISION

Our vision is to offer students and their parents a new and different education choice, providing a clear career path to industry with leading science and technology employers, or on to higher study at top universities. Placing high expectations on students, we will raise education standards in the local area through high quality teaching, industry-standard facilities and an inspiring culture of learning.

OUR VALUES

•

Student Focus We will seek to achieve a high quality learning experience for every student.

• High Performance

We will strive for consistently high levels of performance in all aspects of our work.

• Respect, Openness & Honesty

We will treat everyone with respect, encourage openness and honesty, and recognise each other’s contribution and achievements.

OUR ORIGINS

We are proud to be part of Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT). As a member of BCAT, Bedford Technical Academy sits as part of a local family of schools and colleges in Bedfordshire.

After speaking with many people in the local area, BCAT found that there was immediate demand for the Bedford Technical Academy, not just from parents, but from young people who are often more switched on to technology. Ultimately, Bedfordshire families recognised the need for an education provider to help shape a future for their young people.

WHY BRING A TECHNICAL ACADEMY TO BEDFORD?

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) has identified the industry sectors that will grow the most in the near future. The study pathways we offer match the skills needed in these high growth sectors, which means that by studying with us you will begin to focus your future and ensure you have everything you need for further study or employment.

• There will be a 6.5% growth in science industries in

the east of England between 2013 and 2020 (EMSI).

• Around 42,000 people are currently employed

nationwide in the pharmaceutical sector and the health and life sciences industry markets are predicted to grow 4-10% per year over the next eight to 10 years (Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Growth Dashboard: 22 January 2015).

• The UK has the largest games development sector

in Europe, generating £2 billion in global sales each year and contributing some £1 billion to national GDP (Creative Industries UK). Employment in the UK’s digital technology industry is forecast to grow by 5.4% by 2020 (Powering the Digital Economy 2015, Tech City UK).

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 5

WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT? SPECIALIST SUBJECTS

PROGRESSION

Combined with a rich core GCSE and A-Level curriculum, you will be able to choose one of our unique study pathways to follow:

We seek only the best for our students and have top universities and quality careers firmly in our sight.

We will help and advise you to progress in the right direction on leaving the Bedford Technical Academy.

• Creative Technologies • Information Technologies • Science Technologies

TECHNICAL STAFF We can promise a new, highly-qualified and enthusiastic team who will be able to concentrate on your education.

EMPLOYER LINKS Employers will play a key role in giving you a real insight into science and technology careers through industry focused classes.

ENRICHMENT Our enrichment programme is not only great fun to take part in, but will also help you to develop the skills that employers value.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ARE KEY DISCIPLINES WHICH WE CONSIDER WHEN WE ARE LOOKING TO TAKE ON APPRENTICES AS OUR BUSINESS IS FOCUSED ON INNOVATION TO PROVIDE THE BEST CHRISSY ROWLEY, UK PERFORMANCE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, TRESCAL LIMITED

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 7

PUTTING YOU IN TOUCH WITH TOP EMPLOYERS Employers will play a key part at Bedford Technical Academy in giving you a true insight into industry and developing relationships from early on. Some of these employers are also part of our governing body, which means they help to shape how we work and what we provide to you.

WORK EXPERIENCE Work experience is a vital part of the CV of any prospective employee and we will ensure you have the opportunity for appropriate and relevant work experience regularly during the academic year.

We have links with hundreds of local employers who will provide:

• Work-related project briefs • Guest speakers to talk about industrial practices or relevant employment opportunities

• Visits to the companies for you to witness industrial practices first hand

• Employment application form completion advice and interview practice opportunities.

GET INVOLVED IN REAL-LIFE PROJECTS, PLACEMENTS AND VISITS WITH EMPLOYERS TO BE FIRST CHOICE FOR THAT UNIVERSITY PLACE OR JOB.

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GLASDON UK LIMITED ARE MARKET LEADERS IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF AWARD-WINNING STREET FURNITURE PRODUCTS. OUR COMPANY SLOGAN IS ‘QUALITY BY DESIGN’ AND WE PLACE NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION AT THE CENTRE OF OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY. THE COMPANY MUST CONSTANTLY EVOLVE TO MEET THE SPECIALISED DEMANDS OF OUR MARKET AND IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO FOLLOW A MORE TECHNICALLY-FOCUSED CAREER PATH, AS THIS WILL BE A VITAL PART OF THE PROCESS TO ENSURE WE HAVE A SUFFICIENTLY WELL-QUALIFIED TEAM TO MEET THE SKILLS REQUIRED IN THE FUTURE. NEIL GILKES, NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, GLASDON UK LIMITED

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 9

DID YOU KNOW? SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EARN AMONGST THE HIGHEST SALARIES OF ALL NEW RECRUITS. (National STEM Centre)

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OUR CURRICULUM Bedford Technical Academy will offer three different routes of study, combining career focused technical qualifications and work experience opportunities in Science Technologies, Information Technologies and Creative Technologies with a pre-16 study programme designed for students joining us in Year 9, and a post-16 study programme for those students entering Year 12 (Sixth Form).

Our five-year curriculum starts at Year 9, continuing on to GCSE study and then progressing on to our post-16 study programmes.

PRE-16 In Year 9 you will concentrate on English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science and IT, starting your GCSEs as soon as you reach the appropriate level.

You will also study Humanities, Languages, Religious Studies and PE, and undertake an innovation project that relates to one of the technology study pathways. In Years 10 and 11, you will continue with your GCSE studies, plus a Level 2 vocational qualification relating to your chosen study pathway.

Study Pathway

Level 2 Technology options

Science Technologies

Animal Care Triple Science

Information Technologies

Digital Applications IT User Skills in Open Systems & Enterprise

Creative Technologies

Smart Product Design & Manufacture Creative Digital Media Production

POST-16 In Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form), you will work towards the Technical Baccalaureate, which is equivalent to three A-Levels and includes a Level 3 technical qualification relating to your chosen study pathway.

Study Pathway

Level 3 Technology options

Science Technologies

Veterinary Studies Clinical Healthcare Pharmaceutical Sciences

Information Technologies

IT Systems & Networks IT Computer Software & Games Development

Creative Technologies

Product Design (CAD) Computer Games Design

You will also have the option to study additional A-Level subjects.

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 11

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WHAT IS THE TECHNICAL BACCALAUREATE? The Technical Baccalaureate is equivalent to three A-Levels, which is worth up to 420 UCAS points. In addition, you can study additional A-Level subjects, which are equivalent to up to 140 UCAS points each.

THE QUALIFICATION WILL INCLUDE:

• A specialist Level 3 technical qualification in the pathway of your choice • Maths Level 3 qualification • Extended Project • Work placement

THE ONLY PLACE IN BEDFORD BOROUGH TO STUDY FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS TECHNICAL BACCALAUREATE QUALIFICATION.

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 13

PREPARING TODAY’S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S CAREERS Once your time at the Bedford Technical Academy comes to an end, you will be well placed to apply to university, a Higher Apprenticeship or move into employment.

UNIVERSITY If university is the path for you, we strive towards helping our students into the top Russell Group of universities. The Russell Group is committed to the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research and includes Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield and Warwick.

YOUR CAREER Science and technology graduates have the potential to earn amongst the highest salaries of all new recruits (National STEM centre). By 2020, 830,000 science, engineering and technology professionals will be required (National Foundation for Educational Research).

FOCUS ON CAREERS VETERINARY SURGEON A typical day: diagnosing and treating sick and injured animals carrying out a range of tests such as X-rays and scans supervising veterinary nurses and support staff keeping records of the treatments that you carry out.

• • • •

INCOME: As a newly qualified vet you could earn around £29,000 a year and up to £44,000 with experience. A senior partner could earn over £50,000.

IT NETWORK MANAGER A typical day: assessing a client’s network requirements implementing network security measures monitoring and reporting on network performance and usage managing network growth and development.

• • • •

INCOME: You could start on between £24,000 and £27,000 a year, rising to between £30,000 and £50,000 for experienced managers.

CLINICAL SCIENTIST A typical day: interpreting test results and suggesting methods of treatment to doctors researching, developing and testing new methods of diagnosis and treatment giving doctors advice on buying and using commercial products and equipment.

• • •

INCOME: A trainee will earn around £25,000 and then progress to between £26,041 and £34,876.

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COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPER A typical day: designer – deciding what a game looks like and how it plays. artist – creating the game’s visual characters, objects and scenery, and producing concept art and drawings (storyboards) at the planning stage animator – bringing the characters, objects and scenery to life with computer modelling and animation software during the production stage programmer – creating the code to make the game work. You could specialise in developing graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), or gameplay software.

• • • •

INCOME: Starting salaries are around £25,000 a year, up to £30,000 and £50,000 for experienced and skilled designers, head programmers and producers.

PRODUCT DESIGNER A typical day: discussing what your client wants, known as the ‘brief’ investigating how existing products work or how services are used using computer design software to produce detailed blueprints make samples or working models, known as prototypes testing designs to see what works well refining the designs to sort out any problems or faults.

• • • • • •

INCOME: Starting salaries are around £19,000 to £25,000 a year. Experienced product designers can earn between £30,000 and £40,000.

All job information from National Careers Service.

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 15

DID YOU KNOW? 830,000 SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS WILL BE REQUIRED BY 2020.

(National Foundation for Educational Research)

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ENRICHMENT Our enrichment programme is not only great fun to take part in, but will also help you to develop the skills that employers value.

Just some of the activities that could be on offer to you include:

• Computing/programming • Dance • Drama • Enterprise Society/Young Enterprise • Gaming club • Homework club • Mentoring provided by community stakeholders • Music technology/DJing • National Citizenship Programme • Public speaking/debating club • Quiet study • School Council • Science club • Sports clubs • Study support • Team leading/aspiring managers club • Volunteering in health care sector or other sectors

DEVELOP THE SKILLS THAT EMPLOYERS VALUE AT THE BEDFORD TECHNICAL ACADEMY.

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 17

OUR ACADEMY: FAQS WHAT IS A TECHNICAL ACADEMY?

WHO CAN I TURN TO IF I NEED HELP?

Technical Academies are state-funded schools that are independent from local government control. This means we have the freedom to design our curriculum and learning experience in a way that benefits our students best, making a real difference to local young people and their parents. Although independent from the local authority, academies are regulated and inspected by Ofsted and exam results are publicly available, just like other secondary and upper schools.

We will have a dedicated student support team in place who will be able to help you with anything from additional support for individual learning needs, to providing someone to talk to about issues in your private or school life.

MY FRIENDS MAY STAY AT SCHOOL – HOW WILL I MAKE NEW FRIENDS IF I COME TO THE TECHNICAL ACADEMY?

HOW BIG WILL THE CLASS SIZES BE?

Many of our students will take the choice to leave their existing school to join the Technical Academy, so you will be able to meet fellow students in the same position. Our positive approach to student involvement, with great clubs, societies and activities, will also ensure you meet and get to work with a wide range of fellow students.

I HAVE SPECIFIC LEARNING NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT WILL THE ACADEMY OFFER? You, along with your parent or carer, will meet with our specialist staff to address your individual needs.

WHAT ABOUT WELLBEING AND SAFETY? We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We constantly strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at the Technical Academy and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place alongside supportive staff to ensure you can study with us in a safe and secure environment.

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WILL THERE BE ANY HOMEWORK? Yes, homework will be a normal part of your learning at the Technical Academy.

There will be class sizes of approximately 20 for core GCSE subjects and 18 for post-16 provisions.

WILL I HAVE TO WEAR A UNIFORM? There will be a uniform, which will be available to purchase locally at reasonable prices.

WILL FREE SCHOOL MEALS BE AVAILABLE? Yes, subject to eligibility.

Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 19

OUR LOCATION BEDFORD TECHNICAL ACADEMY WILL BE IN BEDFORD BOROUGH. We are currently working with the Department for Education and the Local Authority to find a suitable site.

A bus service will be provided to the site in order to make it accessible to the local community from:

Marston Moretaine

Houghton Conquest Kempston

Bedford

Wixams

Great Denham

New Cardington Elstow

Wootton

Stewartby Cotten End

Biddenham

Shortstown

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Apply now: www.bedfordtech.co.uk 21

HOW TO APPLY READY TO APPLY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO NEXT‌ The Technical Academy will operate an open and inclusive admissions policy, with support on offer for those with learning and physical disabilities. We expect a high level of achievement from our students and will provide specialist support to ensure all of our students achieve the highest success.

APPLICATIONS FOR YEAR 9

APPLICATIONS FOR SIXTH FORM

You will need to apply directly to Bedford Technical Academy using the application form available on our website: www.bedfordtech.co.uk

You will need to apply directly to Bedford Technical Academy using the application form available on our website: www.bedfordtech.co.uk

IS THERE AN ENTRY TEST TO START IN YEAR 9?

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR YEAR 12?

No. Applications are invited from parents and students of all abilities who feel the curriculum offer is right for their child/them. Like all state schools, we accept applications from anyone, and if oversubscribed allocate places according to strict and fair criteria.

You will require 5 GCSEs at grade A* to C, including English and Maths. For students studying additional A-Level subjects, further entry requirements will apply.

See our website for more details.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?

We will invite you to come and meet the Principal and our teaching team. You and your parent or carer will also have a one-to-one interview with us so that we can get to know you.

We will invite you to attend an interview with us where we will discuss your interests and aspirations.

You will receive your formal offer of a place on 1 March 2016, which is National Offer Day.

We will let you know if you have been successful and offer you a place at Bedford Technical Academy within two weeks of your interview (subject to achieving relevant entry requirements).

During the summer term prior to starting with us you will be invited in for an induction day.

After accepting your offer you will be invited to attend a welcome day at the Academy.

Post-GCSE results advice will be available on the day Thursday 25 August 2016, should you need our help.

You will be invited to enrol once your place has been finalised at the end of the summer and attend an induction day.

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Bedford Technical Academy c/o Bedford College Cauldwell Street Bedford MK42 9AH Tel: 01234 291745 Email: info@bedfordtech.co.uk Web: www.bedfordtech.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/bedfordtech @bedfordtech

This prospectus is also available in large print and audio formats. Call 01234 291745 to get your copy.