NURTURING TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE, INSPIRING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
PROSPECTUS
Welcome A very warm welcome to Highfield Leadership Academy, a place where we want our pupils to be safe, happy and well and where we recognise and value the contribution of our staff and community in helping our pupils to achieve positive outcomes. Working together for excellence is essential to the Academy’s success, and we are fortunate to have families, staff and governors who are committed to playing an active role in contributing to our vibrant and thriving Academy community. We are absolutely committed to our mission of delivering educational excellence, character development and service to communities. As a designated Leadership Academy, our pupils are afforded a wealth of opportunities to develop their civic, moral and performance leadership skills through project-based learning and community work. We pride ourselves on our personal touch and long-standing reputation for going the extra mile, and parents appreciate the warmth and care of our pastoral support, knowing that we encourage pupils to fulfil their potential and develop their individual talents, regardless of their prior ability or background. It is this pupil-centric approach to educational excellence, coupled with our range of enrichment and character-building activities, which ensure we deliver on our vision of Nurturing Today’s Young People, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders. Highfield is part of a family of schools within Star Academies. Our teachers and associate staff are experienced, well-qualified professionals and pupils’ welfare is always their main priority. The Academy is committed to positive progress and, through successful collaboration with all our stakeholders within and outside the Trust, we work together to ensure Highfield’s pupils are able to reach for the stars.
ANDREW GALBRAITH PRINCIPAL
Academy
MISSION
To promote a culture of educational excellence, from within a caring and secure environment enriched with the values of discipline, mutual care and respect, which extends beyond the Academy into the wider community. Our mission consists of three key elements: EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES
A belief that everybody has the potential to succeed within a high quality and intellectually challenging educational environment.
A cohesive identity so that our pupils, their parents and communities feel a strong sense of belonging to the Star family.
A commitment to instilling high aspirations, a desire to learn and ambition to achieve.
A passionate focus on a values-based education that instils honesty, integrity, compassion and mutual respect into all our pupils.
A determination to develop outstanding British citizens who are proud of, and contribute to, the social and economic prosperity of our country.
A personalised approach to securing excellence, stemming from a passionate belief that each individual is unique and special and capable of rising above any perceived limitations.
A strong core of tenacity, self-respect and self-belief that inspires each pupil to become the best person they can be.
ACADEMY VALUES Our STAR values are at the heart of everything we do.
A sense of personal accountability and of responsibility to others. A commitment to charitable endeavours and to making a difference to our world.
ACADEMY PRIORITIES Our three priorities are: Keeping our pupils safe, happy and well
SERVICE
TEAMWORK
AMBITION
RESPECT
Being a responsible citizen in our community
Working together for excellence
Aspiring to be our best
Treating others as we wish to be treated
TWO
Achieving and sustaining excellence Looking after our staff and community
THREE
Keeping our pupils
SAFE, HAPPY
& WELL TRANSITION
We have a well-established programme designed to support the transition from primary school into secondary school. We work closely with our ‘feeder’ primary schools to ensure that Year 6 pupils are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by secondary education, so that they can make a confident beginning at Highfield Leadership Academy. We provide a number of taster sessions throughout the year, a summer school and a range of other introductory activities designed to support pupils making the move into Year 7. All Year 6 pupils who are allocated a place at the Academy attend an ‘Induction Day’ in the summer term. This day gives the pupils an opportunity to spend a day with their new tutor group, meet new friends and, most importantly, start to meet some of the teachers with whom they will be spending the next 5 years.
PASTORAL CARE At Highfield Leadership Academy, pupils are members of tutor groups led by a team of Personal Tutors and Heads of Year, who monitor pupils’ progress and engagement with the Academy, and offer support as needed. The Heads of Year making up the Pastoral Team are supported by a Senior Leader designated to their Year Group. Heads of Year and Personal Tutors remain with their Year Group to ensure consistency as pupils progress through the Academy, nurturing strong relationships with pupils and their families.
FOUR
We believe that all pupils must be enabled to feel safe in the Academy. We do not tolerate bullying or discrimination in any form. Tutors, Heads of Year and Senior Leaders will respond promptly to any concerns and take appropriate action. In addition, our Prefect and Pupil Leadership teams act as role models for younger pupils, and offer support to them on an informal basis.
ATTENDANCE We expect the highest standards of attendance and punctuality. Research evidence and national statistics link good attendance to achievement and academic and social potential. Therefore, we encourage all pupils to work towards 100% attendance and set a minimum attendance target of 97% per year. Excellent attendance is celebrated and recognised at the end of each term at our awards assembly.
BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING Every lesson is precious. We set high expectations in order to raise aspirations and ensure that each pupil is inspired to reach their full potential. We expect all pupils to arrive at their lessons promptly, appropriately equipped and ready to learn. Good behaviour for learning is a prerequisite for success and requires pupils to engage with the lesson; apply themselves diligently and work at a good pace; show respect and courtesy to their teachers and fellow learners; collaborate and cooperate with others and show resilience when faced with a challenge. We have a school anthem which reinforces our STAR values ensuring staff and pupils are united and working towards a common vision.
SAFEGUARDING We take safeguarding very seriously. We ensure that our young people are kept safe from harm within the Academy and we have robust systems, policies and procedures to ensure that they are protected at all times. We ensure staff have the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to keep children safe through provision of regular training on child protection issues. A qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (Child Protection Officer) within the Academy provides support to staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties and liaises closely with other services such as children’s social care. We complete robust recruitment checks on all staff and vet all speakers who visit the Academy. We have developed a Wellbeing Programme to teach our pupils how to build healthy relationships and stay safe, including being aware of the risks of sexual exploitation, radicalisation and the internet.
SPORTS Sport is an important part of Academy life. The variety of clubs and sports on offer reflect the breadth and talents of our pupils and ensure that all pupils have an opportunity to participate in sports they enjoy and excel in. Popular clubs include: football, netball, cricket, rounders, athletics, rugby and gymnastics. Our teams compete successfully in major competitions at all levels.
ARTS AND CULTURE The Academy has a vibrant Performing Arts Department, offering opportunities for involvement at every level. We have an annual production for those interested in theatre, and we encourage pupils to take on leadership roles in our plays and productions. All Year Groups are invited to audition for age-appropriate main parts, as well as chorus and dance groups. This gives pupils the opportunity to lead by example and use their skills to encourage others.
FIVE
Achieving &
SUSTAINING
TEACHING AND LEARNING
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
EXAMINATION SUCCESS
Our aim is to put teaching and learning at the heart of everything we do. Teachers are constantly encouraged to keep up-to-date with developments through continuous professional development, sharing best practice at weekly staff briefings and staff forums. We are committed to ensuring a happy, motivating and innovative learning environment, conducive to ensuring pupils’ engagement and achievement.
We assess our pupils regularly and use this information to inform our planning. If data suggests a pupil is at risk of not achieving their potential, we plan a programme of intervention to support their progress. Each half-term, we send a report card to parents, informing them of their child’s progress. If a child is not making expected progress, we will ask parents to come to the Academy every half-term to discuss progress and agree targets.
We strive to achieve the best results for all our pupils. We tailor the curriculum to match our pupils’ potential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve the best GCSE results they possibly can.
CURRICULUM We have created a broad and balanced curriculum in line with national guidelines and expectations. There is a strong focus nationally on the English Baccalaureate subjects and this is reflected in our curriculum. We encourage pupils to study the ‘E-Bacc’ subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Foreign Language and a Humanities subject at GCSE. In addition, pupils also have the opportunity to study i-Media, Art, Drama, Technology subjects, PE and much more.
SIX
HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING Homework is set regularly to consolidate learning in the classroom and promote independent study. Year 7 and 8 receive around 5 hours of homework per week. In addition to core subject homework (English, Mathematics and Science), Years 7 and 8 will complete a homework booklet set by a non-core subject every week. Years 9, 10 and 11 receive an hour from each option subject and each core subject a week.
LEADERSHIP Our Leadership offer is designed to instil the three interdependent Star leadership virtues of Performance Leadership, Moral Leadership and Civic Leadership – virtues that together ensure our pupils not only ‘do their best’ but ‘do the right thing’ and play a full role in society. We provide our pupils with a unique learning experience, which gives them the skills and confidence to take on leadership responsibilities. Focusing on service, teamwork, ambition and respect, our Leadership initiatives promote maturity, commitment and teamwork and enable our pupils to experience what it is like to stand up and take the lead.
- are offered, aimed at developing key personal skills and aptitudes, along with our pupils’ specific interests and talents. Highfield offers a variety of Leadership Academies to meet the different interests of pupils, and Leadership Academies change every term, so that all pupils’ interests are catered for. The Academy offers many exciting extracurricular activities including theatre productions, choir, games club, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, visiting poets, drama groups and much more. We have a strong tradition of success with sporting activities across the local area and beyond.
We promote leadership in the broadest sense - not limited to traditional public roles. We are committed to developing confident individuals who are leaders at home, amongst their peers and friendship groups, their community and, later on, in the workplace.
In keeping with our belief that learning should not be confined to the four walls of a classroom, Highfield offers a range of opportunities including residential trips, such as visits to the First World War Battlefields and skiing trips to Italy. Many subject areas offer visits in this country as well. For example, a theatre trip to London, or the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham.
We offer many opportunities to enable our pupils to become outstanding leaders in aspects of Academy life and beyond and have a very successful Senior Pupil Leadership Team that comprises of Head Girl and Head Boy, deputies and senior prefects.
COMBINED CADET FORCE
LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES ENRICHMENT
The CCF (Army) aims to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness and a sense of service to the community. Activities include drill, skill at arms, shooting, field craft and first aid. Up to 40% of a cadet’s time is spent on adventurous training activities. By joining the CCF (Army) cadets, pupils will also have the opportunity to get involved with volunteer and charitable work in the community and to gain nationally recognised qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and BTECs.
We strongly believe that high quality extracurricular activities enhance the learning experience beyond the curriculum and are an essential part of Academy life, and we pride ourselves on giving all of our pupils the opportunity to reach their full potential. For all our pupils, a comprehensive programme of enrichment opportunities - Leadership Academies
The Academy offers the opportunity for pupils to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The CCF (Army) is the Army Cadets section of the Combined Cadet Force.
It provides a wonderful opportunity to take part in Army themed activities and events, all of which focus on building self-disciplined individuals with self-courage and a sense of worth. As a youth organisation, the CCF (Army) strives to give cadets a fun and safe experience. There is no commitment or expectation on cadets to join the regular Armed Forces when they have completed their schooling. For more information, please see the CCF prospectus on our website.
CAREERS INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE In order for pupils to make informed choices about their future pathways, they are offered a comprehensive careers advice and guidance service at the Academy. Our careers programme includes: taught enterprise learning, visiting speakers, experiential learning opportunities through partnerships with colleges, independent guidance sessions, college readiness preparation and work experience placements.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS It is very important that pupils with special educational needs are properly identified, assessed and supported and that the support is tailored to each child’s particular needs. In deciding what those needs are and how we can support the pupil to overcome any ‘barriers to learning’ arising from those needs, we work closely with the pupil and their family. This 3-way partnership underpins all our work and is essential in making sure that all pupils make the best possible progress.
SEVEN
Looking after our
STAFF& COMMUNITY As part of our home-school partnership, we want our parents to be actively involved in the life of the school to help us make the right decisions for your child. If you are interested in playing a role within the school and supporting us on our journey to outstanding, we welcome you to express an interest in joining our Parent Forum, which meets once every half term.
EIGHT
SUPPORTING OUR WIDER COMMUNITY
GOVERNING BODY
It is one of the Academy’s driving principles that our activities and endeavours should serve to enhance and enrich our local community. Our Leadership specialism emphasises the importance of civic responsibility, charity and social action and we have a well-developed community programme aimed at building and promoting positive relationships between pupils, parents and our wider community. We regularly reward pupils for their commitment to helping others and encourage them to contribute to a range of charitable causes. All learners at Highfield complete community service projects as part of the curriculum.
The Governing Body, a sub-committee of Star Academies, monitors the Academy’s performance. The Governing Body also oversees the operational aspects of the Academy, ensuring it makes sound decisions, fulfils its legal obligations, and puts into place Star policies and systems that enable the Academy to flourish. It ensures that our pupils are safe, happy and well and holds the Academy to account for upholding its STAR values: Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect. Our team of governors is hard-working and passionate about the Academy, and keen to form collaborative relationships with parents and the local community to ensure that Highfield prospers and its pupils benefit from a holistic curriculum that encompasses educational excellence, character development and services to communities.
There are
240
Year 7 places available
Our SITE AND FACILITIES Highfield Leadership Academy is a single site. Our facilities include: > A 350 seat theatre > Networked computer system and lightning fast broadband that covers the whole site >
A large variety of specialised learning spaces including, a Design Technology Suite, Drama Studio, Library (including a Careers Library), Music Suite and Recording Studio
> Specialist PE Facilities > Cafeteria with 3 serveries > 8 fully-equipped science laboratories and specialist rooms These facilities, in addition to the many other well-equipped specialist teaching areas, help to provide for a challenging, high quality curriculum.
UNIFORM Pupils are proud to wear the Academy uniform and demonstrate this by their conduct in and outside of the Academy. The uniform is smart and reflects our aspirations for our pupils to become both business and community leaders.
CATERING AND LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS Academy meals ensure our pupils are getting all the nutrients they need to be able to learn. We have extensive dining facilities that are available for breakfast, break and lunch. All food that we provide meets national nutritional standards to ensure that our children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet.
ADMISSIONS As an 11-16 progressive and inclusive community Academy, the Governing Body will consider all applications equally. Highfield has a history of being fully subscribed in Year 7. There are 240 Year 7 places available. We would strongly encourage those who are interested in securing a place at Highfield to attend one of our open events with their child. These are held in September/October each year. Families applying should name Highfield on their council’s Common Application Form. Full details can be found on our Academy website.
NINE
STAR Star Academies is a mixed Multi-Academy Trust that runs a diverse network of primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation, committed to enhancing social mobility. All our efforts are geared towards raising the aspirations of children and young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to improve their life chances and help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions.
SERVICE
Star Academies is one of the country’s leading education providers, and our schools promote excellence in everything they do. In every school, the entire staff team – working in partnership with parents and the local community – is committed to nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
RESPECT
Star Academies employs the very best staff and invests heavily in their continuing professional development. Staff benefit from an extensive range of nationally accredited training provided by Star Institute.
Character Development
Service to Communities
Nurturing Today’s Young People, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders
Rich & Diverse Leadership Programme
Highly Qualified Staff Using Cutting Edge Research
Focused Teaching, Tracking & Intervention
High Expectations
TEAMWORK
Our schools work together as Star Partnerships in five cluster areas – Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. Schools within the Partnerships collaborate to share expertise and maximise opportunities and experiences for our pupils.
Educational Excellence
Knowledge-Based Academic Curriculum
AMBITION ELEVEN
A message from the
CHIEF
Deciding which secondary school to send your child to is a critical - and sometimes daunting - decision, but I hope this prospectus has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s education, as well as showcasing the breadth of our educational offer, our state-ofthe-art facilities and the wealth of extra-curricular activities our pupils are able to enjoy. At Star Academies, it is our mission to create outstanding schools that deliver the very best education to young people. Our culture is one of aspiration and high expectations. The whole of the Star community – pupils, parents, staff, governors and partners - are united in the pursuit of excellence and a shared ambition to ensure every child has the opportunity to go as far as their talent and their hard work will allow. We are a values-based organisation, driven by a sense of greater social purpose. Our vision of ‘nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders’ is at the heart of our education model. We passionately believe that schools have a transformational impact on society and have seen the difference that a rounded, high quality educational experience can make to individuals and communities. Thank you for considering Highfield Leadership Academy.
HAMID PATEL CBE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE STAR ACADEMIES
TWELVE
Highfield Leadership Academy | Highfield Road, Blackpool FY4 3JZ 01253 310925 | info@highfield.staracademies.org | highfieldleadershipacademy.com