“It’s a really nice place to learn and staff listen to our feedback and act on it. For example, we now have a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme running” Year 10 student
Welcome to Colchester Academy I am honoured, and privileged to be the Principal of Colchester Academy and welcome you to this fantastic school. We believe that each student is unique and we endeavour to provide an education which supports, challenges and engages our young people. Together we have an unrelenting focus on the individual and create a culture where we develop students’ character, with absolute commitment, giving our young people the currency they need for their future. We can promise you unswerving dedication from a talented group of staff who believe passionately in giving the very best opportunities to all of the young people within our community, both inside the classroom and beyond, to enrich their education with many and varied opportunities. Our culture of high aspirations, achievement and success for all, allows our students to grow and develop, inspiring them to be resilient young people ready to enrich society once they leave school. Once again, welcome to Colchester Academy. Please come and visit us, to see for yourself what Colchester Academy can offer you.
Jenny Betts Principal
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Our Vision Here at Colchester Academy we strive to ensure that our young people receive the very best education, realise their full potential and are prepared to become responsible and successful citizens. We make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of our students. How do we achieve this? Based on our values of Culture, Character, Currency and Commitment, we ensure that we make the most of every learning experience, every day. • We cultivate a positive attitude towards learning across the whole Academy community • We create an exceptional learning experience • We have the highest expectations of every single student • We provide a safe, stimulating and supportive environment • We identify, recognise and fulfil the potential of our students • We invest in teaching and professional development for our staff. We work closely with students to enable them to grow, develop and fulfil their potential, providing rigorous academic challenge and supportive personal development. Our high expectations of students is reflected in our behaviour system and smart uniform code, and all students maintain high standards of appearance and behaviour at all times, allowing older students to lead by example. Providing a friendly and supportive environment, we nurture our students’ personal strengths and support them throughout their time at school. Our dedicated staff want, not only to teach, but to lead and inspire, believing that better schools bring better outcomes and better life opportunities.
We are proud of our achievements and continue to build on them.
such t coming to u o b a s u o ne “I was nerv but everyo rt ta s e th l at ere.” a big schoo – I love it h ly d n ie fr is so ent Year 7 stud
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Our Promise Our students are: • Happy and secure • Self-disciplined and responsible • Achieving their potential • Well motivated • Interested and enthusiastic • Respectful and caring towards others • Respected as individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, disability or ability.
Our parents and carers are: • Kept informed of their child’s progress with regular progress reports and meetings • Given opportunities to be involved in the school community • Kept up to date with school news and events and feel part of the school community • Confident that their child is receiving an excellent education from committed and caring staff.
“The pace of change at Colchester Academy is fast but the Senior Leadership Team communicate this change really well.” Teacher
“It’s nice to have such a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs for my child to attend.” Parent of Year 10 student
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Commitment and Currency Here at Colchester Academy, we seek to give students the currency they need to ensure they are able to fulfil their potential and take their place in the world when they end their time with us. In order to deliver this, students are offered a broad and a balanced curriculum at KS3 where they explore a wide variety of national curriculum subjects. We make sure that students have the base skills and knowledge they need to support them in expanding their aspirations. At KS4, students choose a number of GCSE options and we guide them in choosing the most relevant and appropriate subjects that allow them to progress with their education and employment aspirations, whilst maintaining a focus on academic rigour. Students and parents receive regular and meaningful feedback as to progress both at KS3 and KS4. Our commitment to excellent teaching and learning means that students are at the centre of our teaching and learning approach. We aim to develop not only our students’ knowledge and understanding, but to instil a love and commitment for learning and desire to excel in all areas. We treat each student as an individual, recognising that they have a unique set of gifts and talents that is our privilege to nurture, and allows students of all academic abilities to flourish and thrive. “The lessons here are great and the teachers make them fun. I particularly like my Science lessons as we do lots of experiments.� Year 8 student
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Culture A SAFE AND HAPPY ENVIRONMENT It is vital that our students feel safe and happy in school and we work hard to ensure this is the case. We have a strong pastoral team who work across the school to support students who may be experiencing difficulties. Our transition program works with students in our local primary schools and gives them a taste of life in a secondary school. They participate in a number of events and activities so that they can begin to familiarise themselves with the surroundings of the school, staff and the older students. When new students join us, they will be allocated to a tutor group and this tutor will take responsibility for their students throughout the year. This helps children settle into school life and ensures that they always have a consistent point of contact if they are experiencing any problems or have any questions. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS We are committed to supporting all the young people in the Academy, including those with additional needs. We believe it is important to motivate and challenge all our students and it is our responsibility to enable them to achieve their full potential in all aspects of Academy life. We also work closely with parents to ensure their child receives the supports they need and, where necessary, we seek advice and support from external specialist agencies. All students have equal access to the buildings, curriculum and life of the Academy. GIFTED AND MORE ABLE (GAMA) We provide supportive academic programmes and pastoral systems to meet the needs of gifted and more able students. We use a wide range of approaches and experiences to engage these students to ensure that they are stretched and challenged.
Character There is more to life than just study at Colchester Academy and we make sure our curriculum is supported with a high quality and varied enrichment and extra-curricular programme. These activities provide opportunities for students to participate in clubs, trips and events which broaden and enrich individual learning and provide physical, social, cultural, creative and charitable experiences.
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“I recently joined the Academy and the support I’ve received throughout my induction was excellent and the career prospects here are always promoted.” Teacher
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Student Council Our students are our most important people and therefore it is vital that they feel part of the Academy and that their views are listened to and acted upon. We have an active Student Council and we encourage all students to be part of the day-to-day decision making process of the Academy. This helps to build a sense of professionalism and nurtures their confidence, as well as developing the quality of education and the curriculum. Recent activities include: • Hosting an X-Factor style talent contest • Chef masterclass with The Colchester Institute Chef Roadshow • Music workshop and lessons • Trip to Berlin • Cyber-bullying workshop • Duke of Edinburgh • Residential trips to Mersea Island • Trip to South of France for watersport activities • Trip to Disneyland Paris.
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Join Us The Academy is co-educational and non-selective. Admissions are via the Essex County Council co-ordinated admissions process and full details, along with our Admissions Policy, can be found on our website. If you would like to come and see the school and meet some of our staff and students, keep an eye on our website for details of open events or you can call us to arrange a visit.
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‘Excellence through Collaboration’ Our vision for the Trust is to provide an excellent education for the young people in our learning community through highly effective collaboration, based upon mutual challenge and support. All learners in our Trust will be challenged and supported to be the best that they can be and develop into responsible citizens with a passion for lifelong learning. We believe that developing the attributes below in all members of our learning community is essential in achieving our vision: • • • • • • • •
Resilience Creativity Integrity Respect, tolerance and empathy A positive attitude and passion for learning Excellent communication skills The expertise to collaborate The confidence to learn independently
Keep in Touch! Stay up to date with all our latest news and events by: Visiting our website www.colchesteracademy.org.uk Following us on Twitter @ColchesterAcad Following us on Instagram @colchesteracademy Emailing us general@colchesteracademy.org.uk Calling us 01206
861217
Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, Essex CO4 3JL
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