An Inspiration Trust Academy
We care, we share, we dare to do more
Our Curriculum
We are proud to have a nationally-recognised knowledge-based curriculum that is structured by traditional subjects. It is properly sequenced to ensure systematic, thorough teaching for all.
The curriculum at Wayland Academy is designed with long-term learning in mind. Pupils should be able to take what they learn into adulthood and use it to provide them with the opportunities to succeed in life. Our curriculum takes pupils beyond what they already know and enables them to be more socially mobile, ensuring they acquire knowledge they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to.
Based upon the principle that all pupils will acquire an understanding of their subjects and gain mastery of a body of subjectspecific knowledge that we have defined, our curriculum provides the capacity for pupils to learn even more and develop their understanding.
No matter what a pupil’s starting point or prior learning is, our pupils will be able to access knowledge. For example, we work with Bedrock Learning as we know a strong reading ability directly correlates with a pupil’s ability to access the curriculum.
Every pupil has equal access to our curriculum and their progress is rooted in what we expect them to know at each stage of their education.
We see the importance of making the curriculum relevant and meaningful, ensuring it is transferable and allows our pupils to build links across all subject areas.
Subject-specific vocabulary is emphasised in all lessons with formative and summative assessment used to capture pupil progress throughout their school life. We take the time to ensure gaps of knowledge are identified and use this to inform lesson planning and curriculum design.
Wayland Academy is proud to be an Inspiration Trust school. Being part of a large academy trust provides us with access to a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise, allowing us to provide the very best education for your child.
Learning at Wayland Academy
During Key Stage 3 our pupils study a broad curriculum including English, biology, chemistry, physics, maths, history, geography, French, religious education, technology, physical education, art and music.
We guide pupils as they narrow their studies towards GCSE, ensuring they achieve their goals and make the right choices for them as individuals.
Careers and Futures
Ensuring that pupils are well prepared for life after high school is important at Wayland Academy.
All pupils undertake careers education lessons as part of their wider Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme from Year 7 onwards.
In addition, pupils have access to independent level 6 advice and guidance as well as access to our highly experienced careers adviser.
In school we deliver a programme of guest speakers, work experience in Year 10 and employability skills sessions to ensure that, when choosing what’s next after high school, Wayland Academy pupils have the support they need to make the choices that are right for them.
Personal Development
Our inclusive curriculum celebrates diversity and promotes tolerance and mutual respect of others within our community.
Our curriculum has been carefully mapped to empower pupil’s personal growth and promotes fundamental British Values that cover social, moral, spiritual and cultural awareness, as well as personal, social, health, relationship and sex education.
To complement scholarship in academic subjects, our Personal Development Strategy has been set up to provide a wealth of opportunities to develop pupil’s personal growth and understanding of the wider world, helping to set them up for their future lives.
Atmosphere, Identity, Respect (AIR)
In order to achieve outstanding behaviour, we need to maintain high expectations, allowing for no shortcuts. Together we are shaping the Identity of our young people to ensure they will be independent and ready to fully integrate into society once they leave our Academy.
As a result, we create and facilitate a positive but challenging learning Atmosphere that instils the importance of showing Respect to everyone. At Wayland Academy we use these three core principles to create a culture of strength and character around our Academy and beyond.
The Wayland Way
#NoExcuses
At Wayland Academy we want to empower our pupils. “We have high expectations; and just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses”.
We intend to give every pupil the same chances in life, no matter where they start from, irrespective of challenge or barrier. #NoExcuses has lead to a campaign which has seen our pupils produce posters which provide a narrative around significant
Our Big IDEA
Innovate
The only way we grow is by trying new things. From the way we teach to finding new technologies, we are always looking out for better ways of doing things. We are not afraid to push boundaries, break tradition and innovate to educate.
Discover
Understanding what makes someone who they are is extremely powerful. From their strengths to their weaknesses, their beliefs to their culture. We give our young people opportunities to discover who they are and who they want to become, academically and emotionally.
figures that have overcome challenges and difficulties to become successful. Those featured are from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and belief systems, but they all have something in common - they persevered and had #NoExcuses.
For our pupils these figures act as inspiration and show them that anything is possible.
Explore
There is a big wide world out there and we want to share it with our pupils. Our teaching goes beyond the classroom, giving our pupils real-life experiences which allows them to develop the key skills needed to grasp new opportunities, leading them to create a life they love.
Activate
We equip our young people with the confidence to believe in themselves, supporting them on every step of that journey. We help them overcome obstacles and we reward successes, so that when it’s time for them to move on, they feel like they can take on the world.
SEND Support
At Wayland Academy, we are aware of the needs of each individual pupil and recognise that we have a responsibility to support every pupil to achieve their potential.
At Wayland Academy we aim to:
Ensure that all members of the school community support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and that SEND pupils are integrated fully into the life of the school.
Ensure that all pupils have access to high-quality teaching.
Ensure that all pupils identified as having SEND have, as far as possible, equal access to all aspects of the curriculum, with modifications made to the curriculum if appropriate.
Provide appropriate scaffolding to ensure that all pupils can master knowledge.
Meet the special educational needs of children with physical disabilities as far as is practicable in terms of the layout and resources of the Academy.
Increase the confidence of pupils with SEND, encouraging them to be involved in their own provision.
Communicate with parents about all aspects of the special needs provision made for their children and seek to develop this partnership.
By providing a whole-academy approach we are able to deliver pupil-centred planned provision through resources, intervention and support. As well as providing early review, identification and assessment of pupils we believe may need extra support so that they have the best opportunities to succeed.
Committing to this approach helps improve attainment and progress of pupils with SEND. We are able to remove barriers to learning so that pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and provisions for pupils to match their needs. Listening to the views and wishes of pupils is also considered with the effective working partnership between the Academy and your family to reach a common goal for our pupils success.
Our Academy Council
We believe our pupil’s voices should be heard and therefore we give them the opportunity to voice their opinions across a number of key areas.
Members of our Academy Council are elected to cover the key areas below:
Anti-Bullying
Diversity
Behaviour
Careers
Environmental
Academic
Extra-Curricular
Rewards SEND.
Running for Academy Council
Pupils that want to be part of the Academy Council are asked to complete an application form specific to the role they are hoping to be elected for.
They can apply for multiple positions but can only be successful in one area. Staff then shortlist candidates and a whole-school election will take place. To be elected, pupils must produce a slide stating why they are right for the role they have applied for. These are displayed in form time so everyone has the opportunity to see who is standing for election.
Academy Council Meets
The Academy Council meet every half-term and each person provides information on what they have been doing within their roles. The time is also used to discuss the agenda items that appear throughout the school year.
Keeping Children Safe
At Wayland 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.
We actively educate our pupils about current affairs and the responsibilities they have within society and our wider community. This includes the responsibility for each child to stay safe at home, school, online and also to maintain a healthy mind.
Music Matters at Wayland 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 pupils 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 pupils 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 pupils 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 pupils 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.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is many things. It is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement and something that is highly-regarded by employers, supporting generation after generation to successfully navigate life.
Completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is not an easy feat and we are proud to say that a significant number of pupils persevere and see the challenge through to the end.
Trips and Visitors
Throughout the year we organise specific trips and activities to support the learning of various subjects. This may include trips out as well as the organisation of visitors and speakers coming into our Academy to lead an activity or assembly. Such activities may include:
BBC Radio Norfolk
Macbeth performance
Diana Award and Anti-Bullying conference
Careers conference
Theatre trips
Geography field trip
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.
Each year a cohort completes the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in their own time. At Wayland Academy pupils volunteer for 6 months, completing physical and skill sections. Pupils go on to complete a practice expedition for 3 days (2 nights) in Rutland before participating in the assessed expedition in the Cotswolds.
We also offer our pupils the opportunity to participate in a number of international trips. Again, this is to support our pupils’ learning and help them understand their subjects in greater depth. Previously, such international trips have included:
The Battlefields of France and Belgium
Ski Trip to Italy
Activity trip in the Ardeche Paris and Disneyland
Enrichment and Extended Learning
To accompany our pupil’s academic study, we are proud to also provide a wealth of support, guidance and engagement opportunities that enrich our pupil’s educational experiences and support their learning. We understand that it is not always possible to find a quiet area at home to complete work and therefore extended learning is not simply viewed as an out-of-school activity.
Any activity that broadens our pupil’s experience, knowledge and understanding is encouraged and we are proud to offer a wide range of extended learning opportunities that include online learning programmes, small group catch-up
Activities Week
Each year we run an Activities Week where pupils are offered the opportunity to participate in a range of activities during the week, planned for both in and out of school.
A full programme of activities is scheduled for pupils in Year 7 to 9 and are designed to cater for a variety of interests. Families and pupils have the opportunity to opt in to either a paid or free programme of events.
interventions, after-school academic support sessions, as well as well-planned homework that truly complements their at-school learning.
To further develop our pupil’s learning and experiences, we provide a programme of trips, visits and events, as well as the opportunity to be involved with a number of charity projects. We operate an excellent selection of after-school enrichment activities and clubs that cover sport, performance and crafts as well as social and academic opportunities.
Pupils are encouraged to be involved with our Pupil Voice programme and to become Antibullying and Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors.
Activities likely to be involved are:
Visits to London
Water sports activities
Escape Room activities
Theme Park Trip
In school activities
Careers workshops
Our House System
When pupils join the Academy, they will be placed in a tutor group of approximately 30 pupils with their own Form Tutor. All pupils are allocated to one of four Houses which represent local historical figures:
Chapman
Lincoln
Carter
Boudica
Each House comprises of a Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 tutor group and sees pupils engage in a wide range of House-themed competitions and challenges, the biggest of which is our highly-competitive Sports Day. All House competitions are linked to our Academy Rewards System and when pupils are rewarded the points go towards their House’s total points.
Instilling a House system drives school culture and encourages pupil development through access to a wide selection of experiences. Pupils learn how to work together and share ideas, building confidence as they interact and build friendships with other year groups.
In order to promote a sense of community, cohesion and a sense of rivalry between Houses, all of our staff and leaders are also allocated a House to be a part of. Each half term our pupils attend a House Update Assembly where everyone is able to reflect and celebrate everything they have been part of. House rivalry is also embedded into weekly Year Group Assemblies.
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 pupils 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 pupils 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.
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.
It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function and improves overall wellbeing through having fun and making friendships.
Whilst outstanding sports provision is often overlooked within the state sector, all of us at Wayland 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.
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
School meals are provided by Caterlink. The menu is ever evolving to replicate food innovation and trends. Wholesome health food is produced by our chef who works hard to create a bespoke menu which benefits our pupil’s wellbeing and ability to study.
We often host themed events and special taster menus throughout the year. Our school is cashless and all canteen purchases require pupils to use the biometric or PIN system.
School Day
The school day at Wayland Academy runs from 8:40am until 2.45pm on Monday and Friday, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday school finishes an hour later at 3:45pm.
Due to our extended school day pupils receive three extra hours of learning per week compared to most other schools.
This is offered alongside a broad range of extracurricular options at break times and after school which allows our pupils to try new things and become well rounded
Community and Charity Work
Charity work is a vital part of the curriculum as it helps children understand the world around them and increases their awareness of issues in the local community and beyond. Our staff work closely with local charities to raise awareness and funding.
Pupils at Wayland Academy are encouraged to be kind, caring and supportive in school, at
home and in the community. Our community and charity projects help pupils recognise the part they can play in making the lives of others better and the positive impact that kindness and caring can have for people both close to home and much further afield.
Our Uniform
Our expectations are that pupils will always be in full uniform when on the academy site.
We want pupils at Wayland Academy to take immense pride in their dress, behaviour and learning.
You can order your uniform from our supplier, Stevensons. Our mandatory uniform includes:
Academy blazer with logo
Plain white shirt
Academy tie (House specific)
Black tailored trousers (straight legs)
Black pleated skirt
Black tights
Black socks
Black shoes, smart and polishable
V neck knitted sweater (Optional).
Our mandatory PE kit includes:
Academy t-shirt with logo
Academy shorts with logo
Academy 1/4 zip training top with logo
Academy PE socks
Trainers
Gum shield (when appropriate)
Studded boots (when appropriate).
Optional PE Kit:
Plain black leggings or tracksuit bottoms
Academy Skort with logo.
Post 16 Provision and Sixth Form
Pupils go on to study at a variety of Post-16 providers from Wayland Academy. Whether that be to institutions in Norwich, or to a provider based in one of our local towns and villages.
As part of Inspiration Trust we are fortunate to have excellent links with Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, Jane Austen College Sixth Form and Thomas Paine Sixth Form, all commutable from Watton.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is a specialist Maths and Science sixth form in the heart of Norwich. At Sir Isaac Newton there is a focus on academic excellence and high aspirations for the future.
With encouragement to aim high, staff are supportive and committed to helping pupils achieve their goals. Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form has the vision to create the next generation of leaders within STEM industries. Named as one of the best sixth forms in the UK, the A-Level provider provides its pupils with the very best learning opportunities so they achieve the very best possible outcomes.
Jane Austen College Sixth Form
Jane Austen Sixth Form College is part of an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school and is one of Norfolk’s top sixth forms, pupils from Jane Austen College Sixth Form consistently achieve some of the county’s best results.
As a sister school to Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, there is an option to study some subjects at both sixth forms - perfect if you would like to study a mixture of STEM and Humanities subjects.
The school is focused on academic excellence and is committed to creating a supportive learning environment for all pupils. Pupils at Jane Austen College Sixth Form are encouraged to aim high and achieve their goals with the help they need to reach these targets.
Thomas Paine Sixth Form
Connected to Thetford Academy, Thomas Paine Sixth Form offers various academic and vocational subjects alongside personalised pastoral support. They are committed to ensuring that young people have access to the high-quality education they deserve, and ensures that pupils don’t have to travel further afield to achieve highly.
The Admissions Process
Most pupils join us at the start of the academic year in Year 7, however we do accept pupils mid-year when we have capacity to do so. Applying for a place at Wayland 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 pupil 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 pupils apply than we have places, spaces will be allocated based on our admissions policy which can be found on our websitewaylandacademy.org/admissions
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