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Excelsior Academy Education for 4 - 18 years

A Laidlaw Schools Trust Academy

Welcome to Excelsior Academy The success of Excelsior Academy reaches out beyond our classrooms and into the community we are proud to serve.

From work placements with entrepreneurs and hosting their own business awards, to creating their own theatre company and striving to gain a pilot’s licence, Excelsior opens up a world of opportunities to our pupils.

Our specialism in Business Enterprise brings out the talent in all our pupils and provides them with the platform to fulfil their ambitions in the world of work or at University.

Excelsior pupils experience a rich mix of learning and hands-on life experience in our high quality, modern school buildings and facilities; this is enhanced by the generous support of our sponsor Irvine Laidlaw.

We use our school corridors and open spaces to showcase the artistic talents of Excelsior pupils, which creates a welcoming and vibrant feel for visitors.

The high quality of our learning environment was recognised in Excelsior’s 2013 Ofsted report. Inspectors judged Excelsior as a ‘Good’ school in all key areas and also described it as ‘Outstanding’ in many other areas, including the quality of some of our lessons. The relationships between staff and pupils are described as excellent. They noted that at Excelsior Academy enthusiastic teaching makes learning enjoyable for children, with a strong bond between teachers and pupils translating into very good behaviour.

Within our safe, secure, stimulating and supportive learning environment Excelsior Academy has been successful in ensuring that pupil attainment has risen at a much faster rate than nationally since opening in September 2008.

From September 2013, Excelsior will expand to become an ‘all- through’ academy, offering education for pupils from reception to sixth form.

Underpinning this all is strong leadership and management, the foundations of Excelsior’s on-going success, marking us out as the city’s newest and fastest improving secondary school.

It is my pleasure to lead the on-going development of Excelsior Academy and to introduce this prospectus which opens the door into our school.

Mrs Philomena Marshall MA, Executive Principal.

“Strong leadership and management have been a key to the academy’s success.”

Ofsted

Onward to University (in this case studying English Literature)

Employment

(former pupil who now works at Excelsior Academy)

TopTen

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Reasons to choose Excelsior Academy Academic success – Pupils make good progress, academic attainment has risen at a much faster rate than nationally since Excelsior Academy opened in September 2008.

6 Excelsior Academy operates a School within a School structure, pupils benefit from being a member of one of Excelsior’s small schools where every pupil is known well by their Principal and school staff while also accessing the resources and facilities of a very large school.

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Excelsior’s Business Enterprise specialism ensures that all pupils engage with the business community – Excelsior pupils were the first in the UK to register a PLC business – an artisan unit in the local community.

8 Excelsior has high quality, highly equipped, state of the art buildings, spacious grounds and outstanding sports and leisure facilities.

The generous support of our sponsor means that all pupils have additional funding to support extracurricular activities including residential experiences.

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Teaching is at least good, often outstanding – Teachers are extremely enthusiastic and provide a wide range of interesting tasks that engage pupils well.

4 Each child is valued equally – the pupils are known extremely well as individuals and the courses they take are tailored very well to their needs. The curriculum is skilfully adapted to the needs and interests of the pupils and there are many occasions where it is extended beyond the classroom.

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The generous financial support of our sponsor means that Excelsior students have the opportunity to access sixth form scholarship places in top boarding schools.

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Pupil behaviour is good and they have very good relationships with members of staff and with each other.

Good behaviour and excellent relationships with staff make Excelsior Academy a very pleasant and purposeful place to be.

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In addition to the bursaries and support offered to all Newcastle City students, Excelsior students have the opportunity to qualify for Laidlaw University Bursaries.

Our School One Academy, Five Schools - Excelsior Academy has embraced an innovative concept following a ‘school within a school’ model. Our purpose built accommodation has been designed to create a warm, friendly and caring environment where all children are known well and personalised learning is a key element.

Each of our schools has its own identity, and each school leads and develops a specialist area students across all year groups mix and work closely together enhancing the ‘family’ feeling already so strong within Excelsior Academy.

Rainbird – Excelsior Primary School

Collingwood – School of Creativity

Hadrian – School of the Environment Technology & Design

In Rainbird we are committed to creating a community of life long learners where children ‘Enter to Learn, and Leave to Achieve’.

Collingwood students believe that to gain the most from their school experience they should ‘Engage, Enthuse and Enjoy’.

Through mutual respect we aim to inspire all our students to maximise achievement in whatever they do.

In Hadrian School we endeavour to ‘Make a Positive Difference’ to the lives of all our young people with an innovative and practical approach to learning. Our motto is “Learn today, Design tomorrow – Shape your Future”.

System

Milburn – School of Health Related Studies

In Milburn School our motto is “Involve Me & I Learn”, the ethos underpinning this motto is aimed at ensuring all pupils and staff who are part of the Milburn School community are involved in all aspects of life within the school.

Excelsior Sixth Form College – School of Business & Enterprise Aspire, Commit, Excel is the aim we have for all our students. We want all students to take every opportunity to succeed, work hard and believe that nothing is impossible. Entrepreneurs start it, drive it and take it to the next level.

Primary School – ages 4 to 11 From September 2013, Excelsior will become the city’s first ‘all- through’ academy, offering education from reception to sixth form.

Not only will this make Excelsior unique within the North East, but it will further cement the outstanding relationship it has with the west end community in which it is based.

Happy children learn better and a strong emphasis will be placed on a balanced education. Soft play, Dance, Arts and Sports will feature strongly in a pupil’s school day, complementing Science, Maths, English and Languages study.

As with all Excelsior education, teachers will be able to devote quality time to each child because of our excellent pupil to teacher ratio.

Pupils will be taught to understand how they should look after themselves, to keep healthy and active and to look after each other.

Children thrive in Excelsior’s caring environment where routine and acceptable levels of behaviour are clear and understood.

The ‘all- through’ academy system will build upon these foundations. We strongly believe that the continuity of being educated from the first day at school, to the last time they leave us through the school gates at 18 years old, will lead to even greater academic achievement.

Having the time to build relationships with children over a period of many years will help us teach pupils the life skills they will need to become good adults, seize life’s opportunities and contribute fully to society.

“Students’ good behaviour and excellent relationships with staff make the academy a very pleasant and purposeful place in which to learn.” Ofsted

Secondary Schools - ages 11 to 16 It’s not just our academic success that marks out Excelsior Academy as Newcastle’s most improved secondary school.

Our pupils are given the environment in which to express their talents which help shape their future learning, career and lives when they move in to our Sixth Form – known as Excelsior College – on to university or out into the world of work.

Ofsted inspectors recognised this when they spent several days sitting in lessons, speaking with pupils and observing school life in our corridors and outdoor recreational facilities.

“In many lessons seen, students made good or outstanding progress. A key feature of those lessons was the opportunity for students to work collaboratively, which they did very successfully.” Ofsted The respect pupils have for their teachers was evident, as was the happy learning environment.

Pupils feel able to express their abilities and strive to achieve.

They take their talents and self confidence home with them and out into their community.

They run their own crafts business EXCEL 5, chat with local elderly people at tea dances staged in our school hall and have even won an award in memory of Diana Princess of Wales for voluntary services to the Royal Air Force.

All pupils study the National Curriculum core subjects of Maths, English, Science, ICT and Sport, with the opportunity to study Languages, Art and Music, as well as vocational courses such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Excelsior places a special emphasis on Business Enterprise; it runs through everything we do. Our pupils plan, design and make products for sale in our very own retail outlet Excel5, based in the nearby Beacon community facility. Their unique mugs, t-shirts, jewellery and art work sell very well, introducing children to the world of commerce in a safe and positive workspace.

We are committed to giving our pupils every chance to gain experience of life beyond school, developing links with local businesses resulting in work placements and apprenticeships.

Excelsior has even staged its own Business and Enterprise awards ceremony, sponsored by 11 local firms who donated and presented awards to pupils who have used their skills to contribute to a business venture in school or their community.

Learning takes place everywhere in the Academy including outside in our grounds. Young Excelsior gardeners are growing their own produce with the help of The Royal Horticultural Society and The Children’s Foundation. Our Academy’s corridors are a showcase for the artistic talent of our pupils with their paintings and designs adorning its walls.

It’s a busy life and a rewarding one for our pupils. They have the talent and we are committed to helping them make the most of it.

Excelsior College – ages 16 to 18 Our college welcomes students of all abilities and from all backgrounds – providing the platform for them to learn and grow before moving on to higher education or employment.

Modern, well equipped facilities match those throughout Excelsior Academy, making it the ideal learning environment for 16 to 18 year olds studying further GCSEs, AS, A Levels, or vocational qualifications.

A uniform is worn by all students consisting of smart business attire which helps instil the values and expectations future employers will expect.

Excelsior College and its teaching staff are there to bring out the very best academic and personal skills in all students, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to move on to university or seize future career opportunities.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor Irvine Laidlaw, there are sponsored places for Excelsior College students at Newcastle and Leeds Universities and sponsored places at the independent Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh.

The college is proud of its close ties with Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, running introductory days for students at the universities where they can see for themselves the opportunities higher education can bring.

Such aspiration is increasingly becoming a reality as more Excelsior College students move on to university. Many others leave us with the self confidence gained from the opportunities offered through the college’s Business Enterprise specialism, giving them the chance to explore their own commercial ideas and work with local employers.

Students have demonstrated this confidence by organising and leading marathon gym sessions to fund raise for the BBC’s ‘Children in Need’ charity and volunteering to work with new Year Seven pupils to make them feel welcome at Excelsior’s summer school.

Excelsior College is always looking to deliver new and exciting courses for our students relevant to a changing world. When students leave Excelsior, they do so equipped with the skills they require to prosper in the 21st Century. We pride ourselves on building strong, dynamic learning foundations that students continue to build on, whichever path they choose next.

“Students are most enthusiastic about the academy and talk about being ‘privileged’ to have so many opportunities. They particularly like the fact that they are respected and listened to.”

Ofsted

Alumni Profile: Soenem Wahid Subjects Studied:

English Literature, Environmental Studies, Government & Politics, History

What have you done since you left Excelsior Academy?

Attended Northumbria University studying for a BA Honours in English Literature & History, I plan to become a teacher when I graduate in 2014.

Why did you choose Excelsior Academy?

I chose Excelsior Academy because I knew the teachers and I knew that I would get the structured support I needed to do my best.

That support and contact has continued and I have enjoyed returning to Excelsior to complete a work experience placement with teaching staff. The years I spent at Excelsior have allowed me to go from strength to strength and build the relationships and skills that are integral to my success.

Profile: Michael Hoganson Subjects Studied:

English, Maths, Science, Sport BTech, Food Technology and ICT

What have you done since you left Excelsior Academy?

I started my football career by signing with Newcastle United on scholarship terms; I am now a member of the Under-21 side and provide cover down the left-hand side of the first team squad for Derby County Football Club.

Why did you choose Excelsior Academy?

It was an easy decision to make as Excelsior Academy equipped me with the skills and knowledge I required to continue with my learning journey beyond school, I felt supported in all that I did.

The opportunities available to students outside of the classroom are excellent, extra-curricular activities are interesting, well attended and enjoyable. They give students the opportunity to develop sporting prowess and teamwork.

Learning Outside

PUPILS LEARN NEW SKILLS DURING ONE OF THE MANY INTERNATIONAL TRIPS ORGANISED BY THE ACADEMY

PERFORMING ARTS PUPILS SHOW OFF THEIR TALENTS IN THE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL PRODUCTION

YOUNG PEOPLE IN SPAIN WELCOME EXCELSIOR COMENIUS PROJECT PUPILS

THE ANNUAL CREATIVE ARTS EXHIBITION , A MUST SEE EVENT ON OUR ACADEMY CALENDAR

PUPILS ARE PROUD TO BE MEMBERS OF EXCELSIOR ACADEMY ARMY CADET FORCE

OUTWARD BOUND ADVENTURES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

A VISIT TO BARCELONA TO ENGAGE AND INSPIRE PUPILS WHEN COMPLETING GCSE COURSEWORK

TALENT IS ABUNDANT IN SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS WITH PUPILS PERFORMING TO LARGE CROWDS

PUPILS AT EXCELSIOR ARE COMMITTED TO CHARITY FUNDRAISING, TAKING PART IN THE ANNUAL CHILDRENS CANCER RUN

the Classroom

COMPETITION WINNERS AT DESTINATION IMAGINATION USA

CELEBRATING SUCCESS, OUR MIXED AGE CRICKET TEAM IN WINNING FORM

NEW YEAR 7 PUPILS GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER , ON A TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITY AT GIBSIDE

SNOWY ESCAPADES IN THE ALPS

EXTENDING CULTURAL AWARENESS ON A VISIT TO AUSCHWITZ BIRKENAU IN POLAND

SIXTH FORM BIOLOGY STUDENTS VISIT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN LONDON

MAKING NEW FRIENDS DURING A VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS ON A RESIDENTIAL VISIT TO THE LAKE DISTRICT

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT BEAMISH MUSEUM

General Information EXCELSIOR ACADEMY

Denton Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 6AF, Tel: 0191 228 8400 e-mail: info@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk website: www.excelsiornewcastle.org.uk Executive Principal: Mrs Philomena Marshall MA Sponsor: Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay Sponsor’s representative: Peter Fair OBE. Student age range: 4-18

The Governors make sure the special needs of students are known to all who are likely to teach them, ensure teachers are aware of the importance of identifying and providing for those registered students who have SEND, and consult the local authority and the governing bodies of other schools in the area as necessary for co-ordinating provision for pupils with SEND. The Academy will have regard to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001) and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Education relating to sections 316 and 316A of the Education Act 1996.

Learning and Discipline

Admissions Policy Excelsior Academy welcomes equally pupils of all abilities, from families of all faiths and none. It is free to all who attend and is non-selective.

You can find full details of our admissions policy on our website, www.excelsiornewcastle.org.uk or by calling Excelsior Academy on 0191 228 8400.

Religious Education, SEND and Behaviour Religious Education

Our emphasis is on promoting and rewarding positive attitudes and behaviour.

We teach pupils the importance of managing their own learning behaviour by identifying what they need to be successful. They will be proud of their achievements.

Good attendance, punctuality, organisation and attentiveness are key. Respect for each other, co-operation with teachers, trying hard, meeting deadlines and completing homework are also vital.

Excelsior Academy is a multi-faith community, open equally to all children from the west end of Newcastle, regardless of their beliefs.

While our emphasis is on rewarding positive behaviour, appropriate sanctions will be applied to students who do not meet our expectations of behaviour. We reserve the right to exclude students as a last resort.

Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND)

Find out more about Excelsior Academy

As well as meeting the needs of disabled children and those with a statement of SEND we are also committed to meeting the needs of other children with SEND within the resources that are available to us.

You can find full details of our policies, curriculum, academic results, governors, staff and academy life on our website: www.excelsiornewcastle.org.uk or by contacting Elizabeth Crawford on 0191 228 8400 or email elizabeth.crawford@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk

Excelsior Academy, Denton Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 6AF Telephone: 0191 228 8400 Fax: 0191 274 7466 Email: info@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk Website: www.excelsiornewcastle.org.uk

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