How is the Academy different from other schools?
The Academy is free from Local Authority (LA) control and has the freedom to develop its own curriculum, however all pupils are required to take end of Key Stage Assessments and Tests in line with national requirements. The Academy is subject to OFSTED Inspections. The Academy benefits from some of the best facilities in maintained schools. The Academy has a specialism in Business and Enterprise, with a particular focus on food.
When will the Academy open?
The Academy was opened in September 2007
What is the admission policy of the Academy?
The admission policy for the Academy has been built around five key principles. That the Academy will:
Promote the enduring values of comprehensive education;
Have no selection by ability, class, gender or religion;
Have high expectations with a commitment to high attainment and a belief in young people, both as they are and might become;
Promote equal access;
Be a truly local school;
Pupils are able to apply for a place in the Academy in line with normal admission procedures. Pupils will then be allocated places in line with the Academy’s Admission Policy.
How many pupils will the Academy have when it is full?
1050 pupils. This is broken down in the following way:
Foundation Stage 1 - 30 FTE children
Foundation 2 – 60 children
Years 1 – 6 - 60 children per year group
Years 7 – 11 – 120 pupils per year group
What is the specialism of the Academy?
The Academy is a Business and Enterprise Academy with a focus on food.
Who are the sponsors of the Academy?
The joint sponsors of the Academy are Mr David Samworth of Samworth Brothers Group of Companies, and the Right Reverend Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester. Their influence will ensure that the spiritual, social and vocational needs of the school community form an important feature of the Academy’s future.
Will pupils for the Academy be selected on the basis of religion?
No.
What national assessments/ tests do pupils in the Academy have to take?
Even though the Academy does not have to follow the national curriculum pupils will still be required to take the national assessments/ tests at the end of the Key Stages. These assessments/ tests are:
End of Foundation Stage – Assessment in relation to the Early Learning Goals
End of Key Stage 1 – End of Key Stage 1 Assessments
End of Key Stage 2 – Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessments and Standard Attainment Tests
End of Key Stage 3 – Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessments and Standard Attainment Tests
End of Key Stage 4 – GCSEs and GCSE equivalents (including Maths and English)
What is the difference between the Key Stages and the Phases?
There are 4 Key Stages (and the Foundation Stage), within the Academy, which are applied to all schools nationally. Pupils are required to be assessed or take Standard Attainment Tests (SATS) or GCSE equivalent qualifications at or before the end of the Key Stages. In order to enable increased flexibility for pupils as they progress through the different Key Stages the Academy will base its curriculum, learning and support opportunities for the pupils in phase which overlap the Key Stages, therefore maximising support and increasing flexibility of learning at the key points of transition.
What part does technology play in the Academy?
Information and Communications Technology is transforming the way that teachers teach and individuals learn in our schools. Development of the Academy means the school is equipped with the latest technology in use in schools at the moment. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards that are used to bring the latest multimedia approaches into lessons. Pupils have access to fast and reliable internet connections that can facilitate national and international communications via video conferencing. The range and variety of applications the pupils have access to includes a range of audio-visual tools that provide opportunities to record and publish their creations. The children are able to design and create their own music videos, websites etc all using the latest equipment and software.
Why was this site chosen for the Academy?
It was identified that an Academy in the Eyres Monsell and Saffron district of the city would contribute to:
Raising standards within an area that form many years has suffered from the impact of under investment and the consequent effect that this has on achievement, academic attainment, pupil behaviour and future life prospects;
Providing an attractive, well resourced and flexible educational facility within the city boundary that will restore confidence within the local community, make a major contribution towards the regeneration of the area, enable the young people of the area to receive a first class education;
Addressing parental concerns about the lack of choice for secondary education within the local community;
Raising educational standards across the city by providing support to local schools using state of the art facilities and cutting edge technology.
Will the pupils have to take a test to get into the Academy?
No.
Will parents and the community be able to contribute to some of the decisions about the Academy?
Some decisions were made early in the process and therefore parents and the community have not been involved in these decisions. However, where appropriate, the Academy will seek to consult with parents and the community regarding their views and this information will inform the overall decision.