Headteacher’s Welcome
On behalf of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), the Governors, staff, and students, I am delighted to introduce you to Havant Academy.
Our values of ‘working hard; and ‘being kind’ provide a productive climate for learning, and a culture that engenders a sense of belonging, within which every student is known and supported to succeed.
Our key aims at Havant are for our students to have high aspirations and expectations for themselves and their school, and that these are recognised. We passionately believe that our students deserve, and can achieve, the very best outcomes. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students experience the best support and care, within an environment where they can safely engage in their learning.
We offer a broad, and balanced Curriculum, delivered by a dedicated team of subject specialists, which provides students with the quality of education they need to achieve academically, to access a range of opportunities post 16 and to lead successful, happy, and fulfilling lives.
At Havant Academy every child matters; we believe every child has unique potential, and that it is our duty to nurture and develop it. With the support of our dedicated team of teachers, staff, and governors, we strive to provide an excellent education that prepares our students for the challenges of the future.
We are a school at the heart of our local community, and we aspire to be the school of choice for all who live here.
“My child settled at Havant really quickly and I have been really impressed with the level of care and commitment shown by the staff. She has really grown in confidence since starting here.”
Parent/Carer
Miss Vicki Dillon-Thiselton Headteacher
The Kemnals Academy Trust Havant Academy have been part of the TKAT family of schools since 2010.
Transition
Students join Havant Academy from a wide range of primary schools and we work closely with all of them. Our Transition Lead and support staff work with both primary colleagues and students to ensure they settle as quickly as possible into Year 7 life at Havant Academy. We know that the transition from Primary to Secondary can be an anxious time for both students and parents/carers and that is why transition at Havant Academy starts long before students walk through the door. Our Transition framework includes the following:
• Open Evening
• Open Mornings to see the Academy at work
• Visits to our feeder primary schools
• Subject specific transition activities throughout the year
• Transition days in the summer term
• Summer school during the school holidays
“I don’t think their first year could have gone any better. We are very happy with Havant Academy.”
Year 7 Parent/Carer
“I wasn't sure what to expect from secondary school but I really like it here, the teachers are really kind and I have made lots of new friends.” Year 7 Student
Curriculum
At Havant Academy, we deliver an exciting, broad and balanced Curriculum, which aims to provide all students with the knowledge, and skills they need to leave our school academically successful, therefore making a positive contribution to society. We intend that, by experiencing this Curriculum, all students will be able to access the best further and higher education pathways; Apprenticeships, or the world of work, and lead successful, happy and fulfilling lives.
At Key Stage 3, students access all subjects and our Curriculum meets, and often extends beyond National Curriculum requirements, lasting for three years to ensure breadth and depth. We are ambitious in what we expect students to achieve during this Key Stage, and aspire for all our students to make strong progress with us.
At Key Stage 4, we intend that all students continue to follow a broad, core Curriculum which builds on the breadth of experience at Key Stage 3. Through our ‘Careers’ programme, students receive careful guidance to help them select their Option subjects to ensure the most appropriate education pathways post Key Stage 4.
In addition to the core curriculum, in Key Stage 4 students have the following options to study:
• History and/or Geography
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Religious Studies
• Business Studies
• Music
• Art
• Citizenship
• Dance
• Drama
“We have had great support from the Head of Year 7 and the teachers.” Parent/Carer
• Health and Social Care
• Hospitality and Catering
• Travel and Tourism
• Sport
• Outdoor Learning
Our Curriculum is further enhanced by our Personal Development Programme, Enrichment sessions and trips, visits and guest speakers.
Inclusive curriculum
We are a fully inclusive school and offer a personalised curriculum providing support for the needs of all our students. This includes challenging the most able and supporting those who find learning more difficult. As part of this curriculum, we have introduced a Stellar group within Year 7 for our most able students.
Academic excellence
What is the Stellar Group?
At Havant Academy, we believe in nurturing the full potential of every student, ensuring that each individual is challenged, supported, and inspired to excel. Our Stellar Group is specifically designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning.
This group provides a stimulating and enriched curriculum tailored to meet the needs of students who are working above their age-related expectations. It offers a more rigorous and in-depth study of subjects, allowing students to engage in higher-level thinking, creative problem-solving, and independent learning.
What is different about the Stellar Group curriculum?
We believe that the ability to communicate across multiple languages is a key skill in the 21st century. This is why a central feature of the Stellar curriculum is the study of two languages starting in Year 7: German alongside Spanish.
Stellar Group students will be supported in reading a variety of texts in a range of subjects that will widen the depth and breadth of their knowledge and understanding.
Stellar Group students will attend additional workshops on a range of topics which may include: etymology, philosophy, astronomy and complete multiple projects that require independent research and group collaboration.
Why are we creating the Stellar Group?
We believe that education is not just about mastering content but also about developing skills for life-resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning.
We want to ensure that students who are academically gifted or talented have the challenge and support they need to reach their potential.
The aim of the Stellar Group is to support students to achieve grades 7-9 at GCSE and to be well prepared for attending Russell Group Universities.
Key Features of the Stellar Group: Accelerated Learning: Students engage in advanced topics and critical thinking activities.
Teacher Expertise: Personalised attention to nurture talent and encourage growth.
Exclusive Opportunities: Access to academic competitions, guest lectures, and subjectspecific workshops.
Well-rounded Development: Strong focus on character education, resilience, and teamwork
How does this programme benefit students?
Academic Growth: Being a member of the Stellar Group allows students to stay ahead of the learning curve and prepare for future challenges.
Confidence and Skills: Stellar students gain confidence in tackling complex problems and improve communication skills.
Networking & Collaboration: Being in the Stellar Group helps our young people to make friends who share a passion for learning.
“I have really enjoyed my first year at Havant Academy. It was weird being the youngest again but I have made a bunch of new friends and there has been excellent support and all the staff are so friendly.” Year 7 Student
Eligibility and Admission
The Stellar Group is open to students who:
• Demonstrate a high aptitude for academic subjects.
• Show enthusiasm for learning and a proactive attitude.
• Meet the entry criteria based on assessments, teacher recommendations, and prior performance.
• Entry assessments are conducted during the transition to Key Stage 3 or based on Key Stage 2 results. This is reviewed throughout the year.
Additional Learning Needs
At Havant Academy, we provide a tailored provision to support all students with additional learning needs. Whether it is within the classroom or through specialist interventions, students receive the extra support they need to succeed. If you have any further questions about how your child can be supported with us, please contact our SEND Department.
Personal Development Programme
Our Personal Development Programme strives to ensure that every student is ready to enter the next stage of their life, irrespective of what path they have chosen. We pride ourselves on developing well rounded and responsible young people with the morals and values to contribute and succeed in society.
The programme delivered by tutors in fortnightly lessons and through three annual ‘Game Changer’ Days, involving learning centred on PSHE,
Enrichment
At Havant Academy we believe that education should extend beyond the classroom. Our Enrichment Programme is designed to provide students with unique opportunities to nurture and develop their wider talents and interests. We strive to offer something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Citizenship, Careers and IT/Computing. Our PSHE lessons cover Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World and Relationships and Sex Education.
Students also have the opportunity to become members of the school’s Junior Leadership team, which as the main body representing the student voice in the school supports the school’s leaders to drive improvements for everyone in the school to benefit from.
Enrichment sessions happen fortnightly with students able to select their sessions each term. There is a very wide variety of sessions offered including: martial arts, Dance Live, Rock School, Photography, Wood skills, Mindfulness, Community and Charity projects, Karaoke and a range of sporting options.
“Pupils are confident, safe and feel well cared for.” Ofsted
Student Support
We are proud to provide a wide range of support services for our students and recognise the importance of student’s wellbeing. Students are well supported by an experienced support team who are committed to enabling students to engage positively with their learning.
We strive to forge a positive working partnership between home and school to ensure our children achieve their potential in a caring and positive learning environment.
At Havant Academy we pride ourselves on delivering effective pastoral care by an experienced team comprising of the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Year, SENCO, Form Tutors, ACE Team and Key Workers.
Our Form Tutors represent the primary point of contact at Havant and will deal with the majority of questions or concerns that may arise. For more serious issues, the Head of Year is there to support you and your child, both in terms of their academic progress and for any significant pastoral issues that may arise. You can contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year by phone, email or letter. Our Attendance Team should be kept informed about illness, absence or any change in home circumstances to enable them to pinpoint any need for additional support. Each Tutor Group will be assigned to one of our ‘Houses’ and participate in a wide variety of House competitions throughout the year, and in particular inter-house competitions.
Uniform
At Havant Academy, we believe that wearing our distinctive uniform gives our students a sense of 'belonging', helps foster pride in the Academy and stops students coming to school in inappropriate clothing or footwear.
Our students are our ambassadors in the community. We therefore expect students to wear full Academy uniform when travelling to and from the school, at all Academy functions, on extra-curricular visits and when taking part in representative sport.
Main Uniform
• A black blazer
• A plain black v-neck jumper
• Black formal style trousers or Havant Academy pleated check skirt
• Plain white school shirt/blouse
• Academy tie
• Plain black footwear with a flat sole
• Plain black or grey socks or black/neutral tights
PE Kit
• Havant Academy black and purple sports shirt
• Black shorts, black tracksuit trousers or black sports leggings
• Black or purple socks
• Black, non-marking trainers
Reading
At Havant Academy, we believe good reading skills are a key contribution to leading a successful life. We have an ambition to create fluent readers who value reading. Reading is a core part of Academy life and we place significant emphasis on reading in subjects across the curriculum. We also dedicate specific time in the school day to reading, three mornings of each school week. During this time, students are read to by their tutors, and follow the story in their own books. The book titles have been selected in collaboration with students, so that they are age appropriate but sufficiently challenging and interesting. In addition to our classroom reading provision, we have a large and well-stocked library.
We are proud that we subscribe to the School Library Service means that the school receives copies of the latest books as well as support with online services such as SORA, a digital platform that our students use to access reading material online. The library is open to all students before school, at break times and after school. The library provides a calm space for students to immerse themselves in the stories they love.
We encourage students to loan books from the library to take home, our dedicated library manager along with our teaching staff guide students in their reading journey. In Years 7, 8 and 9 students have dedicated reading lessons as part of their English provision. During these sessions, students explore texts under the supervision of their English teacher, and take online quizzes to enable staff to measure comprehension. We test students at least twice per academic year for their reading age so that we are able to celebrate students making good progress with their reading, identify and provide the right levels of support if needed.
For students who need additional support with reading, a tiered intervention system is in place, enabling students to catch up quickly. This ranges from classroom level support to small group intervention and 1 to 1 phonics provision where appropriate, all of which is delivered by our specially trained and experienced staff. We are proud that our students leave Havant Academy as articulate young people, confident in their reading and comprehension ability.
The Havant Way
At Havant Academy, we have a clear ethos of ‘Working Hard’ and ‘Being Kind’. We believe that if all of our school community embodies these values, they will be happy and achieve significant success.
To support our ethos, we encourage students to follow the Havant Way which is that they will:
Work Hard:
• I will always try my hardest and learn to the best of my ability.
• I will contribute to class discussions, and share my ideas.
• I will think actively in lessons to understand what I know and have remembered.
• I will take pride in my work in all my subjects.
• I will take responsibility for my own learning, including at home.
• I will be in the right place, at the right time, with the Havant Five.
Be Kind:
• I will always do as I am asked, the first time I am asked.
• I will respect other people, their opinions and personal space.
• I will work collaboratively, either in a pair or as part of a team.
• I will be kind to myself; knowing that it is okay to make mistakes and to learn from them.
• I will keep my phone switched off and away during school.
• I will take care of the school environment.
Safeguarding
At Havant Academy we are fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our school. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. We aim to provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child, and strives to make sure that every student in the school feels secure, well cared for, and able to reach their full potential. The school has an extensive, dedicated and well-trained safeguarding team who ensure that the safety and wellbeing of members of our school community are at the heart of all that we do.
The Havant 5
At Havant Academy, we expect students to arrive at school prepared for their learning. They are therefore requested to bring in five key pieces of equipment each day. The Havant 5 can be purchased online via our Parent Pay School Shop service.
At Havant Academy, we are very proud to provide the TKAT ACE Programme for our students.
The ACE Programme seeks to provide additional support for all our students receiving Pupil Premium (PP) funding. This funding is used to provide initiatives that will help those children reach their full potential, both academically and socially. In our academy, and other schools within TKAT, some of this funding is being used to support the ACE Programme.
ACE provides every child, in receipt of Pupil Premium, with access to ACE support staff who will meet with them and regularly contact their family, supporting them throughout their time at Havant.
The Kemnal Academy Trust (TKAT)
We have been part of the TKAT family of schools since 2010. The TKAT ethos, which Havant Academy subscribes to, is as follows: ACHIEVING MORE TOGETHER.
TKAT is an educational Trust that respects the identity of each school, driven by the desire to add value and inspire a community of aspirational learners. The key objective of TKAT is to ensure that the life chances of all pupils in our Academies are significantly improved as a result of our educational provision. TKAT is committed to providing outstanding teaching and learning to enable all pupils to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
TKAT believes in:
• raising educational standards of progress and achievement
• exceptional teaching and leadership
• outstanding professional development
• effective support from the Centre and school-to-school
• innovation and problem-solving Staff follow a programme of high quality, bespoke professional development driven by the latest educational research. Our staff are experts in their subject areas and as a result, teaching is consistently engaging and challenging.
“Without a doubt, being a part of the student leadership team has had many perks, but also having our opinions heard and being able to act on them to make a change that is beneficial to all.
I highly recommend that anyone passionate about making a change, really considers a role in the team, you won't regret it.” Year 7 Student
