An Inspiration Trust Academy
We care, we share, we dare to do more
Our Vision Welcome
At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, we aim to support our students in all aspects of their school life.
The Great Yarmouth Charter Academy motto is ‘Sapientia Potentia Est’, meaning ‘Wisdom is Power’. Our pupils reflect wisely, learn eagerly and behave with integrity. This is because we believe that we provide our pupils with the wisdom to succeed in different contexts.
We were rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted for the second time in a row in June 2024, who stated that “Pupils at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy are proud to attend the school. It provides them with a safe and structured environment. It is a place where pupils can thrive and achieve their potential.”
They also recognised that “The most disadvantaged pupils are provided with a range of opportunities to ensure they can succeed. From breakfast club to subsidised activities, the school takes its role in ensuring pupils have the chance to thrive very seriously.”
Our Curriculum
At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, the principle of participation guides our curriculum vision.
We believe that a well-taught, high quality curriculum should equip pupils with the knowledge that will allow them to participate meaningfully in the world - i.e., it should empower them to take ownership of how they participate in the world.
In practice, this means our curriculum should do these things:
To equip all pupils with the necessary skills to successfully access our ambitious knowledge rich curriculum
To broaden the cultural horizon of all pupils through teaching opportunities inside and outside of the classroom
To enable pupils to leave Charter as confident readers so they can function in modern Britain
To ensure all pupils have an aspirational route for careers and further opportunities.
Our curriculum is ambitious because we think about how we can teach our pupils the best knowledge we have. Each of our subjects specify a core entitlement that is taught to all pupils so they can participate in school life. Within this, we carefully select and sequence the knowledge that is taught to our pupils to ensure that it is ambitious. We do this, for example, through the careful selection of texts in literature.
Our ambitious approach ensures that the futures of the pupils who attend Great Yarmouth Charter Academy are not limited by the curriculum. Indeed, our curriculum increases pupils’ cultural capital, opening up opportunities - whether that be to choose how they participate in further study and employment, or by allowing pupils to participate in wider social, cultural and political conversations of society.
While we believe that reading is an essential part of education, pupils being able to read is not enough. At school, pupils should read regularly in order to develop fluency and familiarity with literature of all kinds.
Pupils who read regularly are more likely to appreciate knowledge for its own sake and are in a better position to become lifelong learners as they have access to the world’s supply of knowledge.
In turn this increases pupils future study and employment prospects and allows them more opportunities to shape or change how they participate in the world. To do this, we promote disciplinary literacy. That is, reading and literacy in all subjects - not simply English. Consequently, our pupils become fluent in the language and vocabulary of all the subjects they study in school.
We use a mixed approach of form teaching and ability sets depending on the subject, to provide the best guidance and outcomes for our pupils.
“The school’s personal development curriculum is growing and evolving rapidly. Pupils and students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and large numbers take up this offer. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in ‘activities week’. This includes visits to the British museum and theatres in the West End of London.
OFSTED 2024
Extra-Curricular Activities
At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy we offer a range of enrichment activities that all students are encouraged to take part in.
Some of these enrichment activities have led pupils to identify potential future career paths and get involved in supporting both charity and community action. At the end of the school day we provide a number of clubs that students can sign up to participate in.
If a pupil is interested in sports such as swimming, football, netball, badminton or athletics, for example, they will have the opportunity to join the club for fun, or to develop their competitiveness by
representing Great Yarmouth Charter Academy on the school sports teams.
If a pupil has a more artistic flair they may wish to participate in the art club, choir, or drama club. The choir has performed at numerous events including performances held at Norwich Cathedral or at the local Minster. Our drama club always endeavours to put on an annual performance for the community.
Every year we also have activities week for our KS3 pupils and in Year 10, pupils have the opportunity to get involved with work experience week, gaining valuable experience in an industry of their choice.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people aged between 14 and 24. It aims to create a world where young people can reach their full potential whatever their circumstances.
Their ethos is to enable every young person of every background to do their DofE and succeed, regardless of any barriers.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides a balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person – mind, body and soul – in an environment of social interaction and teamworking.
Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem, and the award requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who take part.
Any young person can do their DofE, regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving the award isn’t about competition or about being first, it is about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Music Matters at Great Yarmouth
Charter Academy
Inspiration Trust strongly believes in the power of music to enhance lives, both through the sheer pleasure of listening to and enjoying music, and through the discipline of individual and group playing and singing.
As part of our extended Arts and Culture Programme, pupils have the opportunity to take part in a variety of plays, concerts and music competitions. As part of our commitment to music education, we also offer our students a range of lessons with
our highly-skilled and experienced team of Visiting Music Teachers - these include piano, guitar, singing and drum lessons. Learning to play an instrument helps students to develop cognitive and social skills, expand language and motor skills, as well as help build determination and patience. Plus, it is fun!
Our pupils are encouraged to participate in numerous trust-wide music competitions, including Battle of the Bands, Piano Competition, and the Annual Music Competition.
Every year our students get to take part in our trust-wide Carol Service.
An annual tradition, the Carol Service sees pupils from all across our sister schools - primaries, secondaries and sixth forms - join forces to perform a series of traditional carols and hymns in the winter term.
Always a big calendar event, the Carol Service is a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to showcase their brilliant musical capabilities, whether through playing instruments or singing, while getting to perform in an iconic location.
The Carol Service is a fun Christmas event that always makes for a lovely family evening.
We are delighted to offer Music Aptitude places to Year 7 students joining us each September.
As we are passionate about music education at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy and the Inspiration Trust, we allocate up to 10% of places available in Year 7 to children who demonstrate an aptitude for music at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy. Children who wish to be considered for an aptitude place will sit a musical aptitude test.
Musical Aptitude Music
Scholarships
Those pupils who gain admission to Great Yarmouth Charter Academy via a music aptitude place become a music scholar and receive extra benefits.
We value music education and want to encourage musical young people. We know that musical opportunities are not always easy to find, so aim to create them for you. We understand that the whole school community benefits when musical people choose our school.
Music scholars receive all the benefits of being a pupil at our school, plus the following additional benefits:
2x free instrumental/vocal lessons per week (if you don’t already play the piano, one of these will probably be a piano lesson)
Your music exam fees will be paid
A piano accompanist will be provided, where appropriate
Termly masterclasses with the Inspiration Trust’s Director of Music
A nominated scholarship mentor in your school
Regular performance opportunities
Regular opportunities to attend highquality performances.
To find out more and apply, visit our website.
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The quality of education provided by Charter is good. There is typically a sharp focus on developing pupils’ core knowledge and skills. This knowledge is routinely systematically checked by staff.
OFSTED 2024
Facilities
We are lucky to have spectacular facilities for pupils to explore their interests and abilities outside the classroom, from our on-site swimming pool and extensive sports fields to our well-equipped drama room.
There has been significant investment in the academy since becoming part of the Inspiration Trust family. The site on Salisbury Road has been refurbished and over 15 classrooms have been modernised, including a dedicated science block called the Futures Building.
We have thousands of books, fiction and nonfiction, to support our aim of ensuring that all pupils reading ages reach their chronological age – we aim for every pupil regardless of ability to have access to exciting new titles to inspire and challenge them. We aim for every pupil to fulfil their potential.
Our House System
Our House system is tied to our local history, with our Houses named after local people of great magnitude. Our Houses also represent our virtues, with each House representing values that embody our community at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy:
McMillan (Prudence, Perseverance and Aspiration) - Sir Kenneth McMillan was a British ballet dancer and choreographer who was artistic director of the Royal Ballet in London. Kenneth studied from 1940 at Great Yarmouth Grammar School, to which he won a scholarship.
Lewis (Fortitude, Resilience and Loyalty)
- Naomi Lewis was a British poet, essayist, literary critic, anthologist and reteller of stories for children. Having studied at the local Great Yarmouth High School, Naomi then went on to win a scholarship to read English at Westfield College, University of London.
Sayer (Temperance, Gratitude and Motivation) - Malcolm Sayer was an aircraft engineer during wartime and later an automotive aerodynamicist. His most notable work was being partly responsible for the engineering body development of the E-Type Jaguar.
Bentley (Justice, Respect and Selflessness) - David Edward Bentley was an English bishop. He was formerly the Bishop of Lynn and, subsequently, the Bishop of Gloucester in the Church of England. Bentley was educated at Great Yarmouth Grammar School and the University of Leeds.
Taking Part in Trust-wide Sports Competitions
At Inspiration Trust we pride ourselves on our sports provision which not only includes a nationally-recognised sports curriculum, but includes half-termly trust-wide sports competitions.
These competitions include football, athletics, swimming and basketball, and sees us working in partnership with brilliant local organisations such as the UEA Sportspark and The Nest in order to offer our students the very best facilities in which to compete. The atmosphere at these events is always described as electric!
Through taking part in sporting competitions our students are given the chance to shine outside of the classroom and learn vital skills such as the importance of team work, determination, patience and perseverance.
It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function and improves overall well-being through having fun and making friendships.
Secondary Olympiads
Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy believe it is a core part of what every pupil should expect from their time in education and we are proud to deliver that.
All pupils have the opportunity to be involved in our trust-wide Olympiads. These see pupils compete in competitions within their favourite subjects, allowing them to shine in areas where they are gifted.
One of our strategic aims is to ensure each and every child fulfils their potential. We believe this potential is not only reached through academic success, but through wider opportunities such as competitive programmes.
Our Olympiads cover everything from maths and modern foreign languages through to geography and computer science. They help children learn about teamwork and morals, and offer a fun, alternative way to explore the subjects they love.
School Meals
We take our responsibility to encourage our students to eat healthy very seriously.
Eating well at school improves pupils’ nutrition and health. There is also a direct link between eating well and concentration and behaviour in lessons. Students who eat well are more likely to achieve. Our catering team offers a high-standard healthy menu to pupils every day, with our cashless system meaning parents can be sure that dinner money is only being spent on good quality food.
We encourage eligible families to apply for free school meals so that no pupil needs to go hungry. If students prefer to bring their own packed lunch they can eat it alongside students choosing a hot meal.
School Day
Our school day starts at 8:30am for KS3 pupils, and 8:40am for KS4. The school day runs until 2:50pm on Monday and Friday, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday finishing at 3:50pm.
We have an extended school day three days a week which allow us to gain an extra three hours of teaching time per week.
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The programme for supporting pupils who struggle to read is a real strength of the school. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, and the reading provision enables them to make rapid and sustained progress.
OFSTED 2024
Our Uniform
We have a smart uniform that helps pupils feel part of the academy community and ensures they are focused on learning rather than fashion.
Our uniform is aimed at giving students a professional and purposeful outlook, reducing bullying by removing expensive branded items and giving a sense of community and belonging. Our uniform includes:
Black blazer with the Great Yarmouth Charter Academy badge on the pocket
Plain white shirt or blouse with collar School tie
Plain white, grey or black socks; or flesh, grey, or black plain unpatterned tights. Knee socks are not allowed
Plain grey knee length box pleat skirt; or plain grey trousers in slim, standard, or comfort fit
Flat black leather-type shoes with enclosed toe and heel
Belts should be plain back or grey with a small buckle
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy rucksack bag.
Unbranded items can be bought from any supplier, as long as they meet the published uniform guidelines on our website.
Preparing our Students for their Next Steps
All pupils will have to make key decisions during their time at the academy. To help pupils understand the qualities, attitudes, and skills needed to succeed in working life and independent living we have a varied and inspirational careers and further education programme.
We offer visits to industry, trips to colleges and universities, work experience, guest speakers, and tailored workshops for all pupils at key decision points to inspire and educate them on available options.
Twilight sessions such as further maths or an extra language, or attendance at events and competitions are also available.
We work closely with the University of East Anglia to widen experiences and offer vast opportunities through mentoring and visits to the top universities.
We work closely with our pupils to ensure that they make the right choices for their future and we build our curriculum to ensure that we can support their ambitions.
Post 16 Provision and Sixth Form
Students have the opportunity to pursue A-Level courses at two of the most prestigious sixth forms in Norfolk, Jane Austen College Sixth Form and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form.
Jane Austen College Sixth Form
Jane Austen College sixth form has been established in recent years as one of Norfolk’s top sixth forms, with students consistently achieving some of the county’s leading results. The sixth form specialises in English, humanities and the arts, with students benefiting from outstanding expertise and facilities.
Offering excellent teaching and academic support, students also have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of societies and electives.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Rated Ofsted Outstanding, Sir Isaac Newton is one of the UK’s best sixth forms, specialising in science and mathematics provision. The A-Level provider has an academic focus inspiring the next generation of leaders in STEM industries.
At Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, students learn from experts in their field and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. Students receive the very best learning opportunities to achieve the very best outcomes. Bespoke support is provided to every pupil, helping you to develop into a scholar and a well-rounded, happy young adult.
SEND Support
At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy our SEND Department is well staffed and well resourced, delivering a range of additional provision based on assessment of the needs of individual pupils.
Our team provides individual programmes of support for pupils to help them overcome a number of issues, such as literacy difficulties, including dyslexia; numeracy difficulties; working memory; and communication and interaction difficulties.
If you are considering Great Yarmouth Charter Academy and wish to discuss your child’s needs please contact us and we are
pleased to meet both you and your child and to liaise with their current school.
For full details of our provision and what support we can offer, please take a look at our SEND Policy and Information Report, as well as the contact details for our SENDCo via our website.
Pastoral and Safeguarding
Every student is important to us and we ensure we identify and support each student’s needs.
We pride ourselves on having a caring and supportive pastoral system, based around year groups.
On entry, pupils are placed in tutor groups whereby the tutor is responsible for each pupil’s welfare and their overall academic progress. Pupils will often stay with the same tutor throughout their time with us. They are supported by our Heads of Year and their teams, who provide support across behaviour, attendance, and attainment. Year 7 pupils have dedicated Form Tutors who specialise in inducting pupils into our school.
Pupils are rewarded for good behaviour and good attendance and tutors help pupils feel safe by tackling any conflicts which may arise between pupils.
At Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, we are committed to keeping staff, pupils and visitors safe and happy. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead ensures that effective support is provided to pupils that need it and our strong pastoral system ensures that all pupils are well known and their needs understood.
The Admissions Process
Most students join us at the start of Year 7, however we do accept students mid-year or into other year groups when we have capacity to do so. Applying for a place at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy is straightforward and as with all secondary schools in Norfolk, is organised through Norfolk County Council.
The process tends to begin in the autumn of the year prior to when the student wishes to start with applications closing at the end of October. Norfolk County Council then allocates places with offers sent out at the beginning of March. Should more students apply than we have places, spaces will be allocated based on our admissions policy which can be found on our website. More information on the admissions process is also available on our website.
Admissions Team, County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich NR1 2DL
Telephone: 0344 800 8020
Email: admissions@norfolk.gov.uk
We are part of Inspiration Trust, twice ranked the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress