Capital City Academy Prospectus 2019-20

PROSPECTUS

DETERMINATION, INTEGRITY, CURIOSITY, EMPATHY

Welcome to Capital City Academy

Capital City Academy is an amazing and vibrant place. In 2003, it opened as one of the first ever academies, offering a high quality education within a fantastic, state of the art building. The dramatic all-glass design creates a sense of high expectations among staff and students. Our values of Determination, Integrity, Curiosity and Empathy inform all our work and we provide an exceptional environment for learning and discovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read this prospectus.

It is a great privilege to lead Capital City Academy; the enthusiasm, discipline and ambition of our students combined with the high expectations, outstanding teaching and creative dedication of our staff makes Capital a fantastic place to study, work and grow.

We are proud of our students’ excellent outcomes; progress and destinations (a growing number go on to attend prestigious universities).

We offer all of this alongside a pastoral and careers education that ensures all students graduate from Capital City Academy ready to make a positive contribution to society. We have a curriculum that supports the highest level of academic progress but also finds space to encourage sporting excellence and artistic creativity and we are proud to have teachers that can make all of this inspiring and exciting day after day.

Parents and carers play a vital role at Capital City Academy and this partnership is key to realising a young person’s potential. We welcome and expect active involvement from parents and carers in the education of the students not only through parent meetings, academic review days and information evenings but also through a range of extra-curricular activities for both students and the community.

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...senior leaders are relentless in their drive to improve standards.

Ofsted, November 2015

We are confident that when you visit Capital City Academy, talk to our students, staff and parents, hear first-hand about the opportunities and successes of our school and see the wonderful facilities - you will want to join us.

Marianne Jeanes Principal

Sir Frank Lowe, Founder and Sponsor

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Every time I visit the school I am taken aback by the fantastic work being produced by young people at the Academy. I have enjoyed the stories of academic success - all the way up to Oxbridge entry as well as the excellent art shows and sporting triumphs. I would like to pay thanks to the Trustees for their support and the opportunities they provide for our students from work with the English National Ballet to support for refugee families.

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Our curriculum gives students the opportunity to study a wide range of academic, vocational and arts subjects, ensuring that, whatever their passions, all achieve the best outcomes.

David Lee, Vice Principal

There are three key principles underpinning the design of the Academy’s curriculum: • All students have access to a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum that supports learning and delivers our vision.

• A strong core ensures that basic skills such as literacy and numeracy are embedded at an early stage so that students are able to access the wider curriculum.

A Comprehensive Curriculum

• A range of learning pathways ensures that students achieve outcomes which give them the best opportunities for the future.

The Academy’s curriculum encourages a thirst for knowledge and understanding and a love of learning. It ensures that students have excellent outcomes both at 16 and 18 so they have choices for the next stage of their education. We also ensure that students experience a range of subjects and are provided with opportunities for academic, technical and sporting excellence. The curriculum contributes well to students’ academic achievement, their physical well-being and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes good behaviour and a good understanding of safety matters. Alongside the taught curriculum, extra-curricular activities, pastoral support, assemblies and themed events deliver SMSC. These support the delivery of the Academy values, as well as promoting awareness of self and others including the British values of respect, tolerance, equality and fairness.

In Year 7, students study a curriculum based on the core subjects of English, maths and science, supplemented by an in depth study of the humanities and languages taught by specialist teachers. Alongside this core, students develop their creative and sporting potential through the teaching of PE and a range of visual and performing arts. Students that join the academy below level 4 in English or maths participate in a programme designed to ensure they reach age related expectations as soon as possible.

For GCSE the majority of our students study the full English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, so they progress to Capital 6 with GCSEs in subject with real currency for universities and employers. Capital’s outcomes in English and Mathematics show that students make outstanding progress in English and Mathematics and so are fully prepared for their entry into further education and beyond.

As a guide the recommended homework for a Year 7 student at Capital City Academy is as follows: • 2.5 hours reading (English set text/ accelerated reading book) per week • Plus approx. 30 minutes per subject per week All the information about subjects studied, examination courses available including detailed curriculum and assessment maps term by term can be found on the curriculum section of the Capital website including the A-level and Vocational offers for students in Capital 6 (Years 12 & 13).

‘DETERMINATION’

A Supportive and Caring Environment

We understand that a caring and supportive learning environment enables children to become confident, creative and independent learners so we work hard to ensure we achieve this.

To ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school we start working with students in Year 5, offering enrichment activities that utilise the wealth of resources we have available to us. In Year 6, students will join us for taster day and every parent will have a meeting with a member of the Capital Leadership Team to discuss ways we can best support your child. Before starting in Year 7, students join our summer school offering a chance to meet new friends, enrichment activities and fun whilst supporting students’ literacy and numeracy skills; once term starts this also runs as a Saturday school.

Every student is assigned to a Learning Adviser who will guide them through their time with us to ensure it is as successful a journey as possible. We understand that along this journey some students may require additional emotional support and so we have a dedicated team of mentors, safeguarding and well-being officers and a fulltime psychology service. Our teaching staff work with the More Able Coordinator and Inclusion Team to ensure the academic needs of our students are supported.

Although our Learning Advisers provide a first point of contact for parents/carers who may have any queries or require support, they are supported by a team of Year Team Leaders and senior members of staff to provide further advice and guidance. There is always someone to help!

We have the highest expectations of our students and so feel confident to provide them with the opportunities to demonstrate and develop their leadership skills. From involvement in Student Parliament to becoming a Sports Leader or a Peer Mentor there are a variety of ways in which students can become involved in our community.

Celebration of student attainment, leadership and achievements has been a key factor in developing our positive learning environment and we look forward to you joining us for these celebrations.

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I chose Capital for my secondary school because I know it is a good school and the teachers are very kind.

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‘EMPATHY’

New Year 7 student

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The teachers at Capital help me to organise my own work load and prepare me for the independence required at University.

Capital 6 student

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Another positive aspect of what the school offers is the extracurricular activities. My son has an aptitude for sports, maths and science and he went to “SHINE” every Saturday which is a great school program for Year 7 students.

Year 7 parent

All students have the opportunity to participate in many enrichment opportunities. Enrichment is a key feature of our curriculum. In addition to homework and revision clubs, students can benefit from over 100 different activities. These range from Chess and Debating, to Photography and Basketball.

Enrichment

Students might want to get involved in our Student Parliament, and becoming the mouthpiece of the student body, or in contrast, articulate in a very different way by joining our very own Capital Performing Arts Company. Students will have the opportunity to audition for a place in Capital’s Theatre Company, Dance Company, Band …. Or even all three!

Opportunities also include pulling on your walking boots, and joining our outdoor explorers. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme develops leadership skills, while extensive educational trips broaden our learners’ experiences. These include overseas visits supporting different parts of our curriculum.

Our varied and extensive enrichment programme runs daily before school and until 6:00pm including some weekends and holidays.

Students in older year groups get the opportunity to deliver programmes and obtain qualifications in coaching, mentoring, literacy and catering. A full programme is posted on our website and given to students each term. Our programme includes access to several community groups such as The Track Academy, MG Stars Gymnastics, Community Table Tennis and Brent Schools’ football.

Our Enrichment programme enables our students to become fully embedded in our school community. All of our students are given the opportunity to compete in a vast programme of competitions ranging from sporting events to timestable rockstars.

We look forward to introducing our students to a multitude of exciting new experiences here at Capital City Academy.

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The academy offers a full range of after-school clubs and activities along with trips and visits. As a result the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development is good.

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Ofsted, November 2015

‘CURIOSITY’

As parents/carers you can expect that we will have the highest aspirations for your child and will expect them to rise to the expectations we have of them. Clear communication is essential and so we will keep you informed about upcoming events, while throughout the year providing you with information on your child’s progress, achievements and any concerns.

We expect that parents/carers will take a positive interest in their child’s learning and support them with their studies, while ensuring their child attends regularly and is ready to learn when they come to school. Participation at Parent/Carer Evenings and Academic Review days is essential and taking an active role in school community, such as the Parents Forum, would be beneficial for all.

By working together our students will have the best opportunities to reach their full potential!

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For over nine years at the Academy I have had the privilege of celebrating some amazing stories of students’ achievement. Often the most significant contributing factor is a strong home-school partnership.

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Strong Home-school Partnership

At Capital City Academy we believe that for students to reach their full potential it is essential that parents/carers, students and staff work together. Children do not stop learning about values and relationships when they enter a classroom; nor do they stop learning about the curriculum when they are at home.

David Gacheru, Director of Achievement

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The parent sessions are great. It was a really positive experience meeting the teachers and finding out how my child learns in school. It also helped me understand how I can support my daughter at home.

Year 7 parent

Our Specialisms

We specialise in Sport and the Arts, providing diverse teaching approaches, access to wider learning and lots of extracurricular and leadership opportunities.

Sports Sport provides tremendous opportunities for students to develop confidence, understanding, experience and skills. At Capital, students benefit from high quality specialist teaching and a broad academic and vocational offer. The specialism enables us to offer students a whole host of exciting opportunities including bespoke timetables and funding for national and international athletes across a range of sports including athletics,badminton,football, Irish Dancing, Basketball, Table Tennis, Fencing, Moto GP and Rugby. We are extremely fortunate to have full use of a state of the art 4G surface through the generous support of the FA’s Football Foundation. We work closely with the F.A., Queen’s Park Rangers and Brent schools football. Capital City Academy has also hosted the English Schools Trials for both Boys and Girls for the South England Region and were honoured to host the launch of the 2014 Premier League.

One of the most exciting outcomes of the Sport specialism has been the introduction of the Sports Apprenticeship Scheme for 17-19 year olds. Capital City Academy is the London Hub for the programme with 11 young people currently employed within our local primary and secondary schools. Since September 2018 we have had a Rugby Development Officer based at Capital City Academy in partnership with the RFU.

CASE STUDY: NIA W-G At the age of 5, when I was in reception, I was the 3rd fastest student in the lower school. As a result, my father decided to find a children’s athletic group for me to join. After the first session I was moved into an advanced group. This heralded the beginning of my athletic adventure. By aged 13, I had broken multiple records for my athletics club, won gold medals at the Middlesex County Championship (schools and club); South of England Championship and recently I came 4th in the 60m National u15 championship.

I joined Capital City Academy in Year 7. As an elite athlete I was offered sponsorship which helps with my athletics expenses. The support has been fantastic, ranging from hotel accommodations at major competitions to physio expenses and racing and equipment. This support ensures I can totally focus on my passion without any hindrances. I am currently ranked the 3rd fastest u15 girl in the UK and have recently been selected to represent Middlesex at the English Schools National Championship. I am very grateful for Capital City’s assistance in my accomplishments.

The Arts Capital has a long tradition of excellence in the Arts. We are currently in the process of reapplying for Arts Council’s prestigious ArtsMark Gold recognising our commitment to excellence in Arts education, its partnerships with arts organisations and artists, enrichment opportunities and the quality of the Arts provision.

Our vision is to widen participation, develop and enhance understanding and increase enjoyment of The Arts. Our specialism in the Arts enables us to provide a rich and diverse arts experience including the Performing Arts: Music, Dance & drama; Visual Arts: Art & Design, Graphics, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design; Media and Catering. Students have been able to participate in opportunities with the Photographers’ Gallery, The Royal Academy, UAL, GOLD and V&A. We aim to equip students with the arts education that they need should they wish to pursue this career pathway in higher education. In addition to this we provide a multitude of opportunities for students to widen their knowledge of the performing arts industry and professionals through partnerships with the English National Ballet, Royal Academy of Dance, Royal Ballet School, the Tricycle Theatre and the Shakespeare Schools Festival Company.

CASE STUDY: MYA S The first time I picked up a table tennis paddle was in an after school club at Capital City Academy when I was in year 7. From then I joined the after school team and became hooked on the sport. I do not think people realise just how hard the game is and how hard you have to train on and off the table.

In Year 8, I won first place in The London School Games for Brent.

In Year 11 I was chosen for the county junior team and had to learn how to balance my studies with my commitment to table tennis.

Capital helped me with this by allowing me time off to train and compete; giving me one-to-one sessions with the coach; and financially assisted me with expenses.

My next ambition is to get selected for the England Team and I am aiming to qualify for the part i 2020 or 2024 Olympic Games. Thank you to everyone that helped me, especially Capital City Academy and my amazing coach and inspiration.

Creating the next generation of leaders

Students at Capital City Academy play a significant leadership role in many aspects of school life.

Students in Years 9 – 13 have the opportunity to apply to become an ‘Orange Jacket’ in student leadership programs ranging from Active Play Leaders in Years 9 and 10, Lunch Supervisors in Year 10 and Catering Mentors in Years 12 and 13. Students apply for these roles at various stages during the year and the process is as rigorous as a real job application. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview. Students who are successful and undertake leadership responsibilities are able to include this on their CV, which supports future university and job applications.

Our work in this area has been recognised nationally and is frequently praised by visitors. Historically, Capital City Academy has been the top school in England for the number of volunteer hours logged on the Step Into Sport Programme. Our leaders work within the school and local community; deliver and train other leaders across London and run the academy’s student parliament.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award - another fantastic leadership opportunity in which students can take part - offers students the opportunity to develop their mind, body and soul in an environment of social interaction, teamwork and physical challenge (an expedition).

Many students also gain additional leadership qualifications and accolades. For example, last year student Fatima won the Youth Sports Trust national CARE award for her outstanding contribution to leadership. She has also recently won a major FA volunteer award.

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Through the academy’s sports & arts specialisms they have opportunities to develop leadership and performance skills and appreciate the arts.

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Ofsted, November 2015

‘INTEGRITY’

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The Academy provides opportunities for all students in all year groups to take on roles of responsibility.

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Ofsted, November 2015

CAPITAL CITY ACADEMY Doyle Gardens, London NW10 3ST Tel: 020 8838 8700 / Email: admin@capitalcityacademy.org Website: www.capitalcityacademy.org Follow us on Twitter @capital__city