The Valley Prospectus 2024/2025

PROSPECTUS

NURTURING TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE, INSPIRING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

WELCOME

The Valley Leadership Academy is a mixed, 11-16 academy serving the Rossendale area. We encourage our pupils to believe that with hard work, anything is possible. We expect the highest standards of behaviour and academic effort – and the utmost dedication from our teaching and support staff – to ensure we deliver on our mission of educational excellence, character development and service to communities.

We are proud to be part of Star Academies, one of the UK’s leading education providers, and benefit from the expertise, collaborative approaches and comprehensive support that have enabled Star to deliver outstanding results across the country.

Our STAR values of Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect are the cornerstone of our academy culture. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils care about each other, care about the academy and care about the community.

Our leadership specialism is grounded in the belief that successful schools inspire pupils to discover and develop their individual talents. We are committed to giving pupils rewarding leadership experiences in and beyond the classroom. We offer outstanding opportunities for academic, social and personal development that are enhanced by specialist study and leisure facilities.

Our aim is to ensure that our pupils aspire to achieve great things and fulfil their potential, so that when they leave school they are not only prepared academically, but also inspired to make a proactive, positive and lasting contribution to their local communities.

The academy is committed to positive progress and, through successful collaboration with all of our stakeholders within the Star Academies’ network, we will work together to ensure The Valley’s pupils are able to reach for the stars.

VISION, MISSION &

ACADEMY VISION

Nurturing today’s young people, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

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 HAS THREE ELEMENTS

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Excellence is achieved through high-quality teaching of a knowledge-based, high-powered, academic curriculum, with the right support provided at the right time for the right children.

We will enhance the life chances of our pupils by enabling them to achieve great outcomes that will open future doors.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Our excellent pastoral care will boost children’s emotional and physical health, fostering their resilience and self-esteem so that they can enjoy life, find their talents and grow into responsible citizens.

Inclusion is at the heart of all we do. We challenge stereotypes, champion those who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs/disabilities and provide positive memorable experiences so that pupils look back on their school days with pride and warmth.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES

We value parents as key partners in their children’s education and ensure that we engage with them, respect their perspective and support their aspirations.

We will find the best ways of supporting the communities who entrust their children’s education to us, modelling social enterprise through our leadership specialism and ensuring that Star and its pupils make a positive difference in the local neighbourhood.

VALUES

ACADEMY VALUES

Our STAR values are at the heart of everything we do.

ACADEMY PRIORITIES

Our three priorities are:

SERVICE

Being a responsible citizen in our community

ST TEAMWORK Working together for excellence

AMBITION Aspiring to be our best

RARESPECT Treating others as we wish to be treated

Keeping our pupils safe, happy and well

Achieving and sustaining excellence

Building a strong Star community

STAR PLEDGE OF

EXCELLENCE

We will ensure an inclusive school culture in which your child can focus on learning, thrive personally, socially and academically and grow into a respectful, confident British citizen

We will deliver a high-powered, knowledge-based academic curriculum with a strong core of literacy, numeracy and digital education, which prepares your child for the next stage in their education and future career

We will provide your child with excellent teaching from well-qualified, well-trained and motivated staff who continue to benefit from high-quality professional development

We will challenge your child to achieve the best possible standards, and support them using evidence-based interventions if they fall behind

We will engage your child in a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action

We will invite, listen and respond to your feedback so that we can work in partnership to ensure your child is happy at school and achieves their best

PLEDGE ONE

We will ensure an inclusive school culture in which your child can focus on learning, thrive personally, socially and academically and grow into a respectful, confident British citizen.

TRANSITION

Moving on to secondary school is a major milestone in any child’s life and we work hard to make the transition process as smooth as possible. We work closely with our local primary schools so that children in Years 5 and 6 get a flavour of what we offer, through ‘taster’ events that build to a summer school in the school holiday prior to joining Year 7. In this way, we begin to build good relationships from the outset, answer questions and allay anxieties. We also aim to inspire incoming children with excitement about the curriculum and the range of activities and clubs they will have the opportunity to enjoy.

PASTORAL CARE

We will provide excellent pastoral care to help your child throughout their time at our school. We operate a form system which enables pupils to join with their peers and their form tutor on a daily basis. Your child’s form tutor will get to know them well as an individual and will help them to understand the school systems and expectations.

We work hard to help our pupils to lead healthy lifestyles and develop emotional wellbeing and resilience. A range of activities take place during the year which involve pupils working together as form teams, boosting their sense of identity and belonging.

Your child will also be supported by their head of year, the member of staff with pastoral responsibility for the year group.

BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING

We know that a calm, orderly and friendly environment enables pupils to learn well. We have high expectations of behaviour. Our rules are fair, straightforward and applied equally to everyone. All our pupils are taught how to ‘Behave like a Star’ and we reward them for doing so. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and disruptive or hurtful behaviour.

PLEDGE ONE

ATTENDANCE

We place a high value on daily attendance. Every lesson counts on your child’s journey through their school career and the evidence is clear that avoidable absence impacts on attainment. We celebrate 100% attendance through our Star Rewards programme.

INCLUSION

Our school is inclusive. We have high expectations of all pupils, matched with high levels of support. We liaise with primary school colleagues so that we have a good understanding of children’s profiles before they join us. We provide tailored support to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to help them flourish. We build excellent relationships with parents and external agencies to ensure that provision is as strong as possible.

WELLBEING

We pay particular attention to developing children’s emotional wellbeing and physical health through an exciting range of extra-curricular activities as well as through our subject teaching. Pupils take part in a range of indoor and outdoor sports and are encouraged to pursue their creative talents through our clubs which cater for a wide range of interests.

Several staff are trained mental health first aiders who offer support to children in addition to that provided by form tutors and pupil ‘buddies.’

SAFEGUARDING

The safety of your child is our paramount concern. All our staff are appointed following careful recruitment processes and are trained in safeguarding. We teach our pupils how to stay safe including when they are online. We ensure that all pupils know how to report any concerns.

PLEDGE TWO

We will deliver a high-powered, knowledge-based academic curriculum with a strong core of literacy, numeracy and digital education, which prepares your child for the next stage in their education and future career.

CURRICULUM

Our curriculum includes all the subjects of the national curriculum at key stage 3 (English, mathematics, science, art and design, PSHE, computing, design and technology, geography, history, languages, music, physical education). All pupils follow a religious studies course based on the local agreed syllabus.

The vast majority of pupils will complete the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects at key stage 4 (English language, English literature, mathematics, science, a foreign language and a humanities subject). They can also select from high-status vocational options linked to future employment. All pupils receive physical education at key stage 4 and some choose to take a qualification in the subject.

Our curriculum design reflects our high aspirations. We want our pupils to leave school with qualifications that equip them for the next stage in their learning and for future employment.

Careers education is provided for all year groups so that pupils understand the opportunities available to them and link their learning to potential pathways.

READING

We place a strong emphasis on reading. All pupils read every day in addition to their timetabled lessons. Our Star Readers programme ensures that all pupils read high-quality literature that expands their vocabulary and introduces them to the work of renowned authors. We use the ReadingWise intervention to support any pupil who has fallen behind with their reading.

NUMERACY

Pupils’ numeracy skills are developed through the mathematics curriculum and applied in various subjects. We aim for all pupils to enjoy the beauty of mathematics and to have a level of competence that prepares them for life and work in a highly numerate society.

DIGITAL SKILLS

Developing our pupils’ safety and competence in an increasingly digital world is a theme of our curriculum. As well as studying computing as a discrete subject, they apply their skills in many contexts.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

We encourage our pupils to lead healthy lifestyles in which regular exercise is a key component. Our PE curriculum introduces a range of team sports and individual fitness programmes that help pupils to develop physical stamina and positive attitudes using our excellent facilities.

PSHE

We aim for our pupils to be fulfilled, responsible citizens who make positive decisions and understand the rights and responsibilities of living in a democratic society. Our PSHE programme is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their own lives, including managing their relationships, money, and career pathways.

BUILDING CULTURAL CAPITAL

We support our pupils’ development of cultural capital through a range of visits and experiences beyond the classroom. Our focus is on making learning vibrant, relevant and captivating. We have built relationships with a range of local and national services to give our pupils opportunities to explore their own and others’ heritage.

PLEDGE THREE

We will provide your child with excellent teaching from well-qualified, well-trained and motivated staff who continue to benefit from high-quality professional development.

Our teachers are well-qualified subject experts who are trained to understand the most effective ways of helping children to learn. Their lessons are skilfully structured and well-paced, with emphasis placed on pupils’ acquisition of academic vocabulary. They use highquality resources developed collaboratively and quality assured by experts across Star Academies.

Lessons start promptly and include good opportunities for pupils to share their ideas. Independent tasks are designed to build upon the learning that has taken place in class.

Support assistants make a valuable contribution by making lessons inclusive for all pupils.

Our classrooms, laboratories and sports facilities are welcoming, well equipped and carefully maintained.

Remote teaching is provided for any pupil who is absent from school but well enough to learn. It is also immediately available to pupils in the case of unavoidable school closure during term time. Some after-school intervention and enrichment sessions are also delivered online.

PLEDGE FOUR

We will challenge your child to achieve the best possible standards, and support them using evidence-based interventions if they fall behind.

ASSESSMENT

During lessons, teachers continually check that pupils understand the concepts that they are being taught. Lessons often start with ‘do now activities’ that engage pupils with the subject as they recall previously taught content. At the end of lessons ‘exit tickets’ are used (either in writing or verbally) to check that pupils are on track. Teachers gauge pupils’ understanding through lowstakes quizzes and through their marking of work. At the end of each unit of work, pupils complete an assessment that gives the teacher a clear view of how much knowledge they have retained. Teachers provide lots of support and encouragement to take away any fear of assessment.

INTERVENTION

Teachers pitch learning high and support any pupils who require additional help, through interventions and approaches that are tried and tested. Pupils may be invited to attend additional tuition sessions at lunchtime or outside normal school hours, at weekends and during school holidays, for specific purposes. These sessions are always offered as a supportive measure to meet individual needs.

PLEDGE FIVE

We will engage your child in a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action.

Our Rising Stars programme introduces pupils to the work of impactful historical and contemporary social leaders. In our quest to inspire tomorrow’s leaders, we provide leadership opportunities that develop pupils’ character and spur their ambition to make a positive difference within their local community and on a wider scale.

All our pupils are encouraged to show leadership in different situations in order to develop civic, moral and performance virtues. They do this through our five

leadership foundations: sport, creativity, performing arts, enterprise and careers, and charity and social action. Our Star Diplomas recognise pupils’ charitable work.

We participate in cross-trust competitions and challenges and develop partnerships with businesses to support extended projects and work experience. Pupils are encouraged to excel in the arts, including by creating, producing and performing their own work.

PLEDGE SIX

We will invite, listen and respond to your feedback so that we can work in partnership to ensure your child is happy at school and achieves their best.

You are your child’s first educator. We will communicate with you regularly throughout your child’s time with us. We will keep you updated on your child’s progress via half-termly progress cards, annual reports and parents’ evenings. Half-termly reviews take place for children who may need extra support to meet their targets. If your child has special educational needs and/or disabilities, we will involve you in regular reviews of their individual plans. If you wish to raise any matters, we will listen and respond. We survey the opinions of all parents annually and use this feedback to help us improve our provision.

Parents are invited to social events and charitable activities throughout the year and we hope that these help you to feel fully included in the life of the school.

OUR ACADEMY

TERM DATES

The academy will consult on the school calendar on a yearly basis but intends to operate the normal three terms per annum to fit in with Lancashire County Council’s holiday pattern and minimise disruption, particularly to parents and teachers with children in other local schools.

UNIFORM

The academy uniform is designed to reinforce our spirit of excellence. It is smart, practical and durable, designed to convey a professional and business-like image.

CATERING

Academy meals ensure our pupils are getting all the nutrients they need to be able to learn. The academy has extensive dining facilities that are available for breakfast, break and lunch. All food provided meets national nutritional standards to ensure that our children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet.

ADMISSIONS

The academy operates inclusive admissions arrangements. All applications will be considered equally in line with published criteria.

There are 180 Year 7 places available. We strongly encourage those who are interested in securing a place at the academy to attend one of our open evenings. Dates of events will be published on the academy website.

Families applying should name The Valley Leadership Academy on their council’s Common Application Form. Full details can be found on our academy website.

SITE AND FACILITIES

Since joining Star Academies, we have commenced a programme of refurbishments and improvements across the academy to create the best possible learning environment for our pupils. Our facilities include:

 A wide variety of specialised learning spaces

 Outstanding PE and sports facilities, including 3G sports pitches, a sports hall and trampolines

 A dedicated Well-being Area Valley Emotional Support Centre (WAVES)

 Bistro Area

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.

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.

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.

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.

ACADEMIES STA R

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Choosing the best secondary school for your child is a crucial decision. There are many factors to consider when selecting a school that will provide your child with a great education in a supportive and caring environment. I hope that this prospectus will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about this major milestone of your child’s life.

The Valley Leadership Academy is part of Star Academies. We are one of the leading providers of education in the country, with an established reputation for academic excellence.

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. Every child’s educational journey is of paramount importance to us and we take seriously our responsibility to shape their future life chances.

The Star family – pupils, parents, staff, governors and partners – is united in the pursuit of excellence that is realised in every child’s opportunity to succeed. We also want all our young people to enjoy their

school life, benefit from our vibrant extra-curricular programme and relish the leadership opportunities we provide.

We are a values-based organisation, driven by a sense of greater social purpose. Our vision of ‘ nurturing today’s young people, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders’ is at the heart of all we do. We passionately believe that schools have a transformational impact on society and we have seen the difference that a rounded, high-quality educational experience can make to individuals and communities.

Thank you for considering The Valley Leadership Academy.

SIR HAMID PATEL CBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, STAR ACADEMIES