Passmores A C A D E M Y
Prospectus
Improving upon our best
“ Passmores School provides an outstanding education for its students. As a result, the progress they make in their academic work is outstanding.� Ofsted
Passmores A C A D E M Y
Improving upon our best
Welcome to
Passmores Academy September 2011 marks the start of a brand new chapter in our history with a new name and a new building. I hope that the building lives up to the community it serves because I feel so privileged to be the Principal of Passmores Academy and hope that you feel that sense of pride as you enter the building and talk to the young people and staff. We are one of the first co-operative academies in the country and will demonstrate our commitment to the community every day. Please come and visit us and ask any questions that you need to. Vic Goddard Principal
The Schools Co-operative Society is a rapidly growing network of co-operative trust schools and academies in England. We look forward to working with Passmores Academy in the coming months and years as we work together to develop a group of schools committed to co-operative values and community engagement and in doing so demonstrate the benefits of co-operation. Dave Boston Chief Executive, Schools Co-operative Society
Congratulations to all at Passmores School on becoming one of the first co-operative academies. We look forward to working with you as you continue to embed co-operative values in the school. Mervyn Wilson Principal and Chief Executive of the Co-operative College
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Teaching & Learning Our aim is to provide the highest quality of teaching; taking place in an environment based on mutual respect, positive relationships and trust. Students are frequently encouraged to work in pairs and groups in order to promote team work and develop essential skills.
Our teachers share success criteria and learning outcomes with our students so they can develop their skills of self evaluation and give a context to all learning by understanding the ‘big picture’. Improving literacy and numeracy is the responsibility of everyone and not just the English and maths teachers.
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There are innovative features to the curriculum, including the development of interesting cross curricular and skill-based approaches to learning – typified during our ASPIRE days, designed to develop independent learners and extend the employability skills which will lead to success in the world of work. In Years 7 and 8 students follow a broad range of National Curriculum subjects.
From Year 9, through Learning Pathways, the curriculum becomes increasingly tailored to individual needs and personal choice, aiming to ensure that all students fulfil their potential and enjoy their learning. Our students are encouraged to be adventurous with their learning. We recognise success and reward it and challenge underachievement at the earliest possible stage to ensure every student is successful. We aim to personalise the learning for each student, giving them the skills to become lifelong learners and effective global citizens.
Passmores A C A D E M Y
Improving upon our best
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Enrichment At Passmores Academy we believe in enriching lives. Consequently, we have many activities which take place out of school hours and we encourage all pupils to participate fully in these enrichment opportunities. We regularly run after-school sporting activities with an aim for students to gain as wide a variety of sporting experience as possible whilst at school. As a result there are representative teams picked to play other schools in activities such as basketball, netball, rugby, football, athletics, cricket, cross-country and golf. In addition to sports, an extensive programme of enrichment activities is offered through the year, including visits to theatres and other events across the country. We encourage students to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and we regularly run successful overseas trips for activities such as skiing,
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studying history and learning modern foreign languages in a residential setting. Music groups, including a variety of student led rock bands, meet and perform regularly. The school steel-pan band has an excellent reputation and our productions would be the envy of many a West End stage. The house system offers everyone the opportunity to be active member of our school community and we encourage all to contribute to their house and school.
Passmores A C A D E M Y
Improving upon our best
“ The Leadership of the school is very strong and leadership and management overall are outstanding.� Ofsted
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Our Beliefs
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The central belief of Passmores Academy is that everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher. We believe that all students should be empowered to achieve and aspire to the highest point, to be treated with respect and treat others with respect, and enjoy their academy.
We are committed to providing a caring and safe environment for all of our students so that they can learn in an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other’s views and approaches to life. Learning is a lifelong journey involving making decisions and making mistakes. It is the discovery of new ideas and new answers; it is in making errors that learners refine their abilities and discover new paths. At Passmores Academy it is safe to make mistakes and to not yet know the right answer.
Students are proud to be members of Passmores Academy and all students need to look smart in their uniform to demonstrate that fact. Everyday there are opportunities for students to express their individuality, voice their opinions and make decisions about their learning and about how we do things at our academy. Our talented and committed staff will support and work with your young person so that they go out into the world as a self-confident, thinking person, able to communicate and
Passmores A C A D E M Y
Improving upon our best
The House System At the core of our philosophy is that every individual counts; the care for and education of students must be at the heart of every development. Our vertical tutoring system allows students to work together to develop tolerance, trust and empathy. Younger students are helped, guided and inspired by older students. Older students develop important leadership and social skills. Mixed-age tutor groups are led by a Head of House with a team of tutors/mentors who work with parents and carers as well as our young people. The form tutor is the first point of contact for parents, either by phone, letter, email or note in the planner.
empathise with others, looking for opportunities to be successful and eager to carry on learning for the rest of their lives. Passmores Academy strives to be a place where everyone’s jigsaw piece fits.
“ Students learn very well because they receive good quality teaching, the curriculum is outstanding.� Ofsted
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Aspirations For All At Passmores Academy we develop literate, numerate global citizens that ASPIRE. They are: AMBITIOUS SELF CONFIDENT PHYSICALLY COMPETENT INDEPENDENT REFLECTIVE LEARNERS EMOTIONALLY LITERATE
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We work everyday to ensure that every student: • h as belief in a positive vision for themselves, their future and their academy; • is literate and able to communicate ideas clearly and confidently; • c an think clearly and is able to question, make decisions and solve problems; • is well prepared to participate in the community and as a global citizen.
Passmores A C A D E M Y
Improving upon our best
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Passmores
Tracyes Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6JH
Improving upon our best
Tel: 01279 770800 E-mail: passmores@passmores.essex.sch.uk
A C A D E M Y
www.passmoresacademy.com
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