School Prospectus 2012
Bethnal Green Academy
The most improved school in London and the 2nd most improved school in England.*
Contents Headteacher’s Welcome
3
Our Curriculum
4
Post 16
5
Community Partnerships
6
How to get here / Local Area Map
7
Awards
8
Students and staff working together to create culinary masterpieces at our Cook Off Competition run by the Technology Department.
A local school that goes the extra mile. Tower Hamlets Primary Schools Columbia Virginia St. Matthias Mowlem
3 mins. 7 mins. 12 mins. 18 mins.
Hackney Primary Schools Sebright Randal Cremer Burbage London Fields
12 13 17 19
mins. mins. mins. mins.
The Lloyds Readers programme helps support our students with their core reading and literacy skills.
Outstanding Progress We are all very proud of the rapid improvements we are making together as a school and we were equally delighted to win the Outstanding Progress Award at this year’s Education Business Awards. A team of students and staff attended the ceremony at Arsenal’s, Emirates Stadium in North London hosted by BBC Newsreader, Moira Stewart (see photo opposite).
2
See page 7 for local directions and public transport information.
Bethnal Green Academy
A world of opportunity.
* GCSE A*- C 2008 - 2011
Welcome Dear Parent/Carer, Thank you for your interest in our school. I have seen quite a few changes since I became Headteacher of Bethnal Green Academy. The school today is very different from the one I first walked into in 2007. Back then it was a school with poor standards and an even poorer reputation.
Students accept our Outstanding Progress Award on behalf of the school at the Education Business Awards 2011.
It is a very different place now. Interest in the school has never been higher and we expect the volume of applications for student places at Bethnal Green Academy to be greater than ever before. Examination results have risen dramatically since 2007. Last year 88% of Year 11 students achieved five good passes at GCSE and 79% achieved five or more passes at A* to C including English and Maths. This puts us among the very highest achieving schools in East London and among the most improved schools in England.
92%
of students who join us in Year 7 achieve 5+ A*- C including English and Maths.
At heart we remain an inclusive, local school proud to serve our twin communities of Tower Hamlets and Hackney. In our school we believe in four key principles: • • • •
Hard work High expectations for everyone Clear boundaries Excellent learning and teaching every day
We expect everyone connected with Bethnal Green Academy to respect these principles and to support us in keeping our school a safe, orderly and caring learning community for everyone. I’m delighted to say that we intend to open a Sixth Form for the first time this September and we believe that this move will give us greater freedom and help us become an even better school in the years ahead. What will not change is our commitment to provide the very best education for the children and families of our communities. On behalf of our exceptional staff, welcome to Bethnal Green Academy. I look forward to meeting you.
Mark Keary Headteacher
Students on parade at the Lord Mayor’s Show showcasing work from our annual Artbeat, GCSE Art project, run in partnership with Allen & Overy.
Your school is tremendous and your students were inspiring. Ed Miliband, MP
3
Our Ethos A clear vision and commitment to providing the very best education is reflected in everything we do at Bethnal Green Academy. We aim to widen attainment, ensuring every student is given the chance to realise their potential and provide a wide range of extra-curricular and volunteering opportunities to further raise students’ aspirations.
Our Curriculum The curriculum at Bethnal Green Academy has undergone a full review with extensive consultation involving students, staff, parents and governors, in order to develop a programme of study that best meets the needs of all our students. The outcome is a curriculum that offers greater choice and increased opportunities for applied learning with an extended, three year Key Stage 4.
Our Sixth Form Working Group are helping create a Post 16 programme that supports their needs.
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 3 at Bethnal Green Academy is a two year curriculum and includes: English
Languages
Technology
Maths
Art
I.C.T.
Science
Music
P.E.
Humanities
Drama
Key Stage 4 At the end of Year 8, students and their families choose their Key Stage 4 options. The Key Stage 4 curriculum is three years in duration and comprises of: English, Maths, Science + Core P.E. + 2 additional option subjects + Year 9 curriculum (see opposite). All students are assessed on both their attainment and their progress each term. Both the pastoral teams and curriculum teams monitor students’ progress and any students who are not achieving as expected receive appropriate intervention and support. Parents and carers receive a progress update each term and we hold a series of Academic Progress Days where parents, staff and students review progress and set targets. If there are any problems, we welcome parents into school to discuss these issues with our staff who are more than willing to help.
Our wide range of extra-curricular activities give students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and discover new talents.
GCSE A*- C including English & Maths. 79%
2010
4 Bethnal Green Academy
57%
A world of opportunity.
2011
92% Students who join us in Year 7.
71%
67%
* GCSE A* - C
72% 71%
71% 67% National
71%
Borough
72%
Bethnal Green Academy
89% 82%
National Average
National
English Math
Borough Average
82%
Borough
How we compare.
Bethnal Green Academy
Results 2011
% GCSE A*- C (2011)
89%
Year 9 Curriculum
... the best secondary school in East London and I’ve seen that first hand. Year 7 Parent
Authentic learning, real-world thinking.
We are committed to offering our students every opportunity to become independent learners and drive their success. One aspect of being smart is being ready, willing and able to be curious, ask questions, use your imagination and persist in the face of difficulty. The curriculum focuses on three core elements: 1. Learning through the outdoor environment 2. Learning through the performing arts 3. Learning through volunteering * Subject to approval from the Governing Body and funding.
Post 16
A great school atmosphere. £18 million refurbishment: Students enjoy and achieve in an environment that inspires and encourages learning.
We offer a highly structured and personalised Post 16 environment where our Sixth Form students will receive both the support and the challenge to achieve the top grades. In return we ask that our students commit to their studies and contribute to the wider life of the school, thereby acting as a good role model to younger students. The support of parents/carers remains very important at Post 16 and we hope to strengthen our partnership with you. We want you to remain fully involved in your child’s education and will regularly discuss their progress with you.
Earn While You Learn
The most improved school in London and the 2nd most improved school in England. 2008 - 2011
We understand that it is important for young people to find their independence in terms of their learning, their future and financially too which is why we are introducing a unique initiative called Earn While You Learn. Sixth Form students at Bethnal Green Academy who sign up to the scheme can earn up to £30 per week by supporting the school in a range of ways including a variety of volunteering opportunities.
5
... a great school atmosphere. A truly inspirational school. Year 8 Parent
Community Partnerships For more than 10 year now, Bethnal Green Academy has developed a unique partnership with international law firm, Allen & Overy, helping raise our students attainment and aspirations as well as supporting the professional development of our staff through a range of innovative and creative projects. The school continues to consolidate partnerships with a range of stakeholders including Teach First, Shoreditch Citizens and Deutsche Bank as well as establishing links with new partners.
Admissions Interest in the school has never been higher and we expect the volume of applications for student places at Bethnal Green Academy to be greater than ever before. We are now one of the best schools in the authority and this means there will be real competition for the 180 places on offer.
Our Student Leaders meeting with Shoreditch Citizens to discuss ways of improving community safety with Labour leader, Ed Miliband and Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, Rushanara Ali.
The easiest way to apply for a place at Bethnal Green Academy is to either complete the authority common application form or apply online at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk. You can apply using the website from 1st September to 31st October but if you are completing a form it must be handed back into the primary school by 22nd October. If you have any questions about admissions or questions in general about the fantastic experiences and education your child will receive at Bethnal Green Academy, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Visit Us
I was extremely impressed with the levels of learning, behaviour and teaching. 6
Visiting Teacher, Teach First
Bethnal Green Academy
We do our best to offer an open-door policy for our current and prospective parents and the wider community. Come and visit our school at a time that suits you or book an appointment to attend one of our weekly tours, weekday mornings between 09.15 and 10.30. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. A member of our Year 7 Transition Team will be more than happy to help. In the meantime, why not visit our website for further information and details of upcoming open evenings, taster classes and community events.
www.bethnalgreenacademy.co.uk
A world of opportunity.
Bus
48,55 18 mins
Orchard 18 mins
Queensbridge 19 mins
London Fields
Lauriston Bus
17 mins
Burbage
388 13 mins
17 mins
12 mins
Randal Cremer
Mowlem
Sebright
22 mins
Old Ford 19 mins
Globe
Columbia 7 mins
Lawdale Virginia
8
Bethnal Green Academy
15 mins
Hague
St. Matthias 13 mins
A local school that goes the extra mile.
Thomas Buxton
We are committed to providing the very best education for the children and families of our local community.
18 mins
Canon Barnett
Located between Hackney Road and Bethnal Green Road we are proud to serve our neighbouring primary schools in both Tower Hamlets and Hackney, many of which are just a short walk away. Nearby bus routes (8, 26, 55) also means it is free and easy for many of our students to travel to school safely from wider areas such as Bow, Clapton and Victoria Park.
Bus
D3
20 mins
St. Peter’s
Try our interactive map on our school website.
Bus
Address:
Bethnal Green Academy Gosset Street London E2 6NW Telephone:
020 7920 7900 Fax:
020 7920 7999 Email:
One of the most recent additions to our recognised awards, the International School Award is an accredited scheme run by the British Council supporting curriculum-based international work in schools.
Sport England is focused on the creation of a world-leading community sports system. Lottery funding allows us to invest in grassroots sport and create opportunities for young people to excel at their chosen sport.
info@bethnalgreenacademy.co.uk Website:
www.bethnalgreenacademy.co.uk Proud to lead the way as one of the first Living Wage Employer schools in East London, we support the Living Wage scheme in partnership with Citizens UK.
The Healthy Schools programme is an integral part of school life at Bethnal Green. It helps shape and support our commitment to teaching our students about a healthy and active lifestyle.
Arts Council England’s national award to evaluate, celebrate and develop quality arts education.
Our Eco-Schools award reflects our commitment to environmental issues supported by our Green by name, green by nature initiative.
We are proud to be part of the London 2012 Get Set Network and learn from the Olympic values our respect, excellence and friendship.
Bethnal Green Academy is the trading name of the Bethnal Green and Shoreditch Educational Trust, which is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company No. 07856680). Registered company address: Bethnal Green and Shoreditch Educational Trust, Bethnal Green Academy, Gosset Street, London, E2 6NW.
A strategic framework run in partnership with Transport for London that encourages and rewards schools who adopt safe and active travel plans for their community.