Jane Austen College Prospectus

An Inspiration Trust Academy

We care, we share, we dare to do more

Welcome

I am delighted to give you a small flavour of life at Jane Austen College.

Our school mission is ‘to develop our knowledge and character so that we lead great lives.’ We bring this mission to life through our values: work hard, take responsibility and be kind.

We teach an unashamedly rigorous curriculum driven by powerful knowledge and take huge pride in the intellectual efforts of our students. We are an academic and inclusive school, and we believe that with the right teaching and the right amount of effort, our students can all be successful in their goals. It may not always be an easy journey, but the rewards of that hard work will last for the rest of their lives.

We help foster character through diverse bodies of knowledge in subjects ranging from English to Computer Science to Classical Studies to Music, as well as a rich form-time programme of reading and PSHE. Our electives programme, our character days and our student leadership opportunities also offer students the chance to broaden their horizons and benefit from a rounded school experience.

For your child to meet these ambitious expectations we will need to work together. We will play our part by providing the best possible schooling we can. We ask our families to join with us in partnership to support and challenge our children to achieve their best.

We look forward to you joining our school community and to getting to know you over the coming years.

Summer Turner, Principal

What Can We Offer You?

Our College is based in an impressive historic building: Claxton House, on Colegate. An important part of Norwich’s heritage, the former shoe factory has been sensitively refurbished to house everything a modern school needs.

From science labs to music studios and art rooms, we enjoy a superb and inspiring environment for our students. The perfect place for students to learn and grow.

Our ever-expanding Social Science department has secured us an additional site. Located next to the Guildhall, and right in the heart of the city centre, our beautifully repurposed building hosts classrooms, pastoral support and a sixth form study area.

To keep our students fit and active, we have sports and dance studios and a well-equipped fitness suite in our main building.

Supporting Students Through Every Step

New students joining Jane Austen College in Year 7 enjoy a structured programme of transition days, and staff will be available at the end of the day to answer any questions from parents/carers.

The purpose of the transition period is to:

Introduce students to their form tutors

Meet other students

Experience a range of lessons

Get familiar with the school building

Reassure students and parents alike that they will be well cared for when they arrive at the college

Ask form tutors and staff any questions.

New students are also introduced to current students at our academy who welcome the opportunity to support them with a positive transition and experience at secondary school.

Our new students have:

A dedicated home room where form time and the majority of lessons take place

An allocated pastoral team, with a teaching Head of Year and non-teaching Head of Year, and Form Tutor.

Our motto is to develop our knowledge and character so that we can lead great lives, and all staff are committed to supporting all students to flourish.

Our Curriculum

Our knowledge-rich curriculum makes sure that our students receive a highquality education. English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages are given more curriculum time to ensure a broad foundation for learning.

Students also have lessons in Philosophy, Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education. All students also study a language until at least age 16.

Our wide, liberal curriculum is combined with exciting extra-curricular electives, student leadership opportunities and a first-class careers and PSHE education programme. We believe that this combination provides our young people with the best possible opportunities.

We work closely with local and national organisations, including universities, theatres, galleries, and museums to widen horizons and ensure our students enjoy the fullest cultural life.

Each day starts with form time or assembly. Form time is a daily session where students meet with their tutor, read together, develop their character through enriching activites, and engage in focused discussions. Tutors get to know their students well as individuals so they can provide excellent pastoral support and care.

As an academy that specialises in English, students are taught to read and write to the highest standards.

We have the option for our students to choose a slightly longer school day to include time for independent study and electives. This means that at home, students can focus more on family time, and students can, if they wish, do their independent study with access to teachers while at school.

This supported independent study time instills a love of learning and scholarship whilst electives ensure that students can pursue extra-curricular activities and build their wider character and resilience.

Extra-Curricular Activities

School should be about so much more than just lessons. We place a high value on culture and the arts, and experiencing the joy of sport, both individually and in teams.

Our optional extended day allows students to choose ‘electives’ to enhance their academic timetable. These create opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills as well as help students to develop their individual passions and interests. Recent examples of electives have included:

Chess and strategy games

Choir

Computer games design

Contemporary dance

Creative writing

Debating society

Drama groups

Forensics

Politics

STEM club (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths)

School newspaper

Sports including athletics, boxing, football, netball, rugby, and cricket.

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 Jane Austen College

The 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 peripatetic lessons with our highlyskilled 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!

In Year 7, students participate in choir as part of their term-time programme. Our pupils are encouraged to participate in numerous Trustwide music competitions and Inspiration Trust has made a pledge to have a full orchestra or musical ensemble in every one of its schools by 2027.

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 strongly believe that our students should have their say on how their school operates, as well as be given opportunities to develop their core skills including teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.

Our Student Council members are elected every year by each form group to represent the views of the class at our fortnightly meetings. We discuss student opinions on topics such as electives, lessons, uniforms and much more.

School Council School Trips and Visits

Members of Jane Austen College’s Leadership Team regularly attend these council meetings to offer their expertise on specific topics and also ensure that our student’s views have been heard and taken into consideration when school decisions are being made.

Throughout the year a number of departments organise trips and activities to support the learning of their particular subject.

A trip to Rome was recently organised by our Classics department, offering the opportunity for our students to explore classical civilisation, and the ancient site of Pompeii.

We also regularly invite visitors and speakers to lead assemblies or an activity at Jane Austen College. The aim of these trips and activities is to develop pupils’ learning and understanding of the subject in greater depth.

We have three Character Days annually which offer our students a break from the curriculum and gives them the opportunity to explore future careers and build skills.

Topics covered throughout the days include revision skills, PSHE and being a good member of the community. Speakers from UEA and HSBC Finance support students to build essential life skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Visits to venues such as Kew Gardens and the Science Museum in London aim to deepen a student’s understanding of a subject and create a fun day of learning outside of the classroom.

Performances

We believe that students should have the opportunity to take part in a myriad of experiences, including our annual perfomances with professional set, sound and lighting.

Annually, we collaborate with Hewett Academy and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form to give our students a taste of what it’s like to perform in a professional production, from the audition process, through to rehearsals and the final performance.

Previous productions have included Annie and Grease, and have taken place at The Walter Roy Theatre at Hewett Academy, which can accommodate an audience of up to 300.

Those that aren’t in the production cast are able to be involved in all aspects that take place behind the scenes, including building sets and scenery, managing the stage, as well as assisting with costumes and hair and make-up.

Musicians are also given the opportunity to accompany the performance as part of a talented, live orchestra of both staff and students.

Our House System

When students join Jane Austen College, they will be allocated a House: Bronte, Ishiguro, Julian or Shakespeare, named after great writers who have national and local significance.

The House System promotes unity and encourages a healthy attitude to competition through varied school events including art competitions and sporting events.

Students are awarded House Points across all their activities at school. Students also gain House Points throughout their school day for: Taking Responsibility, Being Kind, and Working Hard.

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 rugby, 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.

Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at Jane Austen College believe it is a core part of what every pupil should expect from their time in education and we are proud to deliver that.

Secondary Olympiads

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 Literature, 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 School Day

The current schedule for form time is:

Assembly once a week for all year groups

Character Curriculum (PSHE & RSE) once a week for all year groups

Y7-10 reading twice a week from booklets

Y7-8 enrichment (Y7 Choir and Y8 Speaking) once a week

Y9-10 revision once a week

Y11 revision three times a week.

Reading is an important part of each day at Jane Austen College. Each morning there is time for reading for pleasure and literacy support. After this, students engage in a wide academic curriculum, attending five lessons split into one hour segments. Our students benefit from the best teaching.

Parents/carers can select what they would like their child to do after the end of the school day on Mondays to Thursdays - either to go home and complete work there, or choose from one of our many electives (Tuesdays to Thursdays).

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays there is also the option to remain in school and complete homework in Additional Prep sessions until 5.30pm.

Breaks in the morning and for lunch ensure that students have time to relax and socialise.

Lunch is an important part of the day, with all students staying on-site to enjoy their meal. Our cafeteria offers freshly made hot and cold meal options every day. Alternatively, students can bring a packed lunch from home.

Pupils at Jane Austen College make exceptional progress in their learning. From when they arrive in Year 7 right through to Year 13, they build up a rich store of knowledge.

Pupils discuss what they know with impressive confidence and maturity.

OFSTED 2022

Each day starts for our students at 8:50am with form time or assembly. Form time is 8:50am to 9:20am daily, during which tutors get to know their students so they can provide excellent pastoral support and care.

Our Uniform

Our uniform is smart and we want our students to take pride in their appearance.

Our uniform is not gender-specific and students have the opportunity to add badges reflecting their participation and achievement in the school.

You can order your uniform from our supplier, Stevensons, on their website or at their Norwich-based store.

Our uniform includes:

Grey blazer with logo

Smart, tailored black trousers or kneelength kilt

Long-sleeved white shirt

Red and grey school tie

Red v-neck jumper (optional)

Smart, black, leather or leather ‘look’ shoes - no trainers, heels or boots

Shoes should be worn with white or black/dark-coloured socks or thick/ opaque black tights.

To find out more, visit our website.

Our PE kit includes:

Black or red half-zip mid-layer top with academy logo

Black or red unisex polo top with academy logo

Black sports bottoms or tracksuit

bottoms

Black shorts or a skort

Sports leggings with academy logo

Black sports socks

Black or red half-zip rain jacket (optional)

Black long sleeved base layer (optional).

Careers Programme

Our Careers Programme aims to help students understand themselves, their interests, what they are good at and how this affects the choices they make during their time at school.

Our programme helps to develop a plan of action for the future, offering advice on the different routes available after Year 11 including training, further and higher education, apprenticeships and jobs.

We work with our students to establish the different courses on offer, what qualifications and what opportunities there might be; helping them develop confidence in application writing and interview skills, which is vital for the world of work.

Post 16 Provision and Sixth Form

Our students have opportunities 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

Our 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. Our 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. Our college is a vibrant, diverse, and social community, whether you choose to join the debating society or choir, or get involved with sports clubs or drama productions, students are able to develop their passions.

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form

One of the UK’s best sixth forms, specialising in Science and Mathematic provision Rated Ofsted Outstanding, 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 recieve the very best learning opportunities to achieve the very best outcomes. Bespoke support is provided to every pupil, helping them to develop into a scholar and a wellrounded, happy young adult.

Both Sir Isaac Newton and Jane Austen College Sixth Form courses are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and students benefit from their unique partnership with the opportunity to explore courses at both sixth forms.

Their city centre locations provide easy transport links and a thriving social environment. Their iconic and extensively redeveloped buildings are tailored to their specialisms.

SEND Support

Our vision is for all of our students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to be integrated fully into the life of the college, and that all students have access to high-quality teaching.

We also look to increase the confidence of students with SEND, encouraging them to be involved in their own provision.

We aim to do this by providing support and challenge in all lessons to improve the educational opportunities of all students, regardless of ability. Our SEND team are committed to meeting the needs of our SEND students, including initially establishing

reasonable adjustments and provisions, offering day to day support, and keeping communication channels open with the student and their family to review their progress and the provisions we can provide.

For more detailed information about what our academy does to support learners with SEND, please read our SEND Information Report on our website.

Pastoral Care and Safeguarding

Pastoral care is crucially important, and we work in close partnership with students and parents to support our young people at every stage. Our pastoral team is organised by year group. Each year group has two Heads of Year: one teacher and one non-teacher who is available to support students full-time. Together they guide students through their school career.

Our whole pastoral team works hard to prevent bullying and to keep our school a safe and respectful place.

We work in close partnership with our parents and provide regular updates on student progress. Each term, parents receive either a report home or are invited to a

Parents’ Evening, although our teachers and form tutors are happy to discuss student progress at any point throughout the year.

Our fortnightly newsletter keeps parents updated and throughout the year there are regular opportunities for parents to be involved in college life, such as coming along to concerts and sports events and being part of the PTA.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our young people. To achieve this we ensure the continuous development and improvement of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding within our staff and volunteers. All of our staff undertake a full enhanced DBS check.

Applying for a place is straightforward and follows the same Norfolk County Council process as other local secondary schools.

We don’t have a catchment area because we want our school to be open to any family which shares our unique ethos, so you can apply to Jane Austen College even if you live in the catchment area for another school.

We hold open evenings and tours to allow students and parents the chance to experience the college for themselves; please visit our website at janeaustencollege.org for details.

To apply for a place at Jane Austen College, you must do two things: Complete the Norfolk County Council application, as normal Complete a “fair access banding” test.

What is “Fair Access Banding”?

This is when each applicant sits a short test which places them into a banding based on the outcome. The school then takes an equal number from each band to ensure our intake remains fully comprehensive. This isn’t a pass or fail test, and students and parents should not be concerned about it at all. Full details can be found on our website.

Remember - to apply for a place you must compete both parts of the application.

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

The Admissions Process `

Park

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form

Meadow