STEWARDS ACADEMY. Science Specialist

Transcription

1 STEWARDS ACADEMY Science Specialist

2 WELCOME TO STEWARDS ACADEMY Stewards provides a good education and is an improving school. It has many outstanding features. An ambitious and inspiring school. OFSTED 2010 As Headteacher of Stewards Academy, I would like to introduce you to what I believe is an exceptional school with an excellent reputation at both local and national level, achieving education of the highest quality. Pupil achievement is at the heart of all we do. We offer excellent teaching, a broad and balanced curriculum, an impressive range of extra-curricular activities and a supportive environment. We are proud of our success as a school for all abilities. In recent years we have regularly been placed in the top 10% of schools nationally in terms of the progress children have made between the ages of 11 and 16. Stewards is a leading Science Specialist Academy. We have achieved national awards in Sports and the Arts. We have received the International Schools Award, Healthy Schools Status and we are at the forefront of developments in Information Technology and Science education. We are one of the first in the country to have achieved the Cultural Diversity Quality Standard (Diamond Award). We have created an environment of trust and collaboration - a place where everyone is respected and where the traditional values of mutual care, consideration and acceptance flourish. We are committed to our pupils becoming good citizens who will contribute positively to society. Everyone has a vital part to play in developing our school. We listen to our students, respect their views and regularly celebrate their successes and achievements across the whole spectrum of school life. We have strong links with our parents and with the business community. 1

3 Outcomes for pupils are outstanding. Pupils are enthusiastic ambassadors for the school. Their great maturity contributes to the school s family atmosphere OFSTED 2010 Pupils are extremely proud of their school community and are eager to show off its many virtues... Pupils social and moral development are excellent; they show impressive tolerance, understanding and respect for one another. Parents are greatly in favour of the school, especially how well it cares for everyone... the school is committed to encourage pupils to achieve the best they can. OFSTED 2010 The letter to pupils from Her Majesty s Inspectorate said the following; We would like to congratulate you on your excellent behaviour and many other aspects of your personal development, such as your involvement in the school and wider community, which are also outstanding. You are correct when you praise the care you are given so highly and the inspectors judge this area as outstanding. OFSTED 2010 Stewards Academy is forward thinking and at the same time we believe in traditional values. We offer a rich and varied learning experience for all pupils. The quality of display around the school is unsurpassed. Visitors invariably comment on the friendly, purposeful and welcoming atmosphere. I hope that if you have not already visited Stewards, you will take the opportunity to come and see for yourselves. Our pupils and staff would be proud to show you our school and will make you very welcome. Rhonda Murthar B.A. M.A.(Ed) Headteacher 2

4 THE CURRICULUM Stewards Academy has long enjoyed a reputation for high quality teaching. At Key Stage 3 we offer a broad and balanced curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish) History, Geography, Religious Education, Art, Music, Drama, ICT, P.E. and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education. At Key Stage 4 students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, P.E. and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship/Religious Education. In addition they choose from an impressive range of courses on a pathway suited to their ability which will lead to formal accreditation at GCSE, BTEC or Diploma level. Sixth Form Provision A Levels are currently taught at Stewards Academy and we are developing our partnerships to extend the range of our A Level provision. A SCIENCE SPECIALIST ACADEMY Science Specialist status has brought significant additional resources, learning experiences and opportunities to all students. The Science department has been accredited as a Leading Science department in the county. Stewards is also a Lead Space Academy in the UK. We offer a range of courses including Triple Science and BTEC and have an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities. We regularly host visiting speakers from the world of Science and organise a variety of trips to places of scientific interest. Science Club is a popular weekly activity where pupils have great fun learning and the opportunity to meet leading scientists; for example, from space exploration, astronomy and robotics. Our pupils have exciting opportunities to take part in Science projects such as Science Alive, Big Bang Eastern Science Fair (CREST), Institute of Engineering and Technology Faraday Engineering Challenge, National Physics Laboratory Water Rocket Challenge, Gravity Racing Car (STEM), Institute of Physics Lectures, British Naturalist Association Blake Shield Competition and Community Space Watches. 3

5 Teaching is good and many lessons are both purposeful and fun. The curriculum is good, much enriched by exceptional links with other local providers and splendid extra-curricular opportunities. OFSTED 2010 THE ARTS Stewards has received the Artsmark Gold award and Creative Partnerships award in recognition of our commitment to Arts Education. The Arts subjects are popular options for Key Stage 4 with GCSE courses running in Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Photography and Media Studies. Visual and Performing Arts are a strength. There are a wide variety of clubs offered throughout the year including; Art, Dance, Drama, Rock Club and Vocal Coaching. Music School also takes place every week offering individual or small group tuition on a large variety of instruments. Many successful Arts events are held during the year including Drama productions, Art exhibitions, Performing Arts showcases and Dance performances. The Annual School Production regularly brings together a cast of approximately 50 students to perform in front of large audiences of primary school pupils, parents and members of the local community. We also hold regular musical events such as the Christmas Concert and the Summer Concert, giving pupils an opportunity to showcase their considerable musical talents. 4

6 A carefully considered programme for those who are gifted and talented raises both their horizons and expectations. OFSTED 2010 SPORT Stewards has received the Sportsmark extension award in recognition of our sports provision. All pupils experience a range of PE lessons including traditional team sports, athletics, swimming and dance. GCSE and BTEC PE are very popular and successful examination courses. There is an active extra-curricular programme which includes trampolining and table tennis. Inter-form sports competitions, Sports Day, the swimming gala and league fixtures are regular features of the sporting calendar culminating in the Annual Sports Award Evening. PERSONALISED LEARNING Stewards is a leading practice school for Able, Gifted and Talented. It is an inclusive school which caters for all abilities and aims to support all students to achieve success. Able, Gifted and Talented Programme We are committed to providing the best possible education for able students. Using information from primary schools, results of objective tests given on entry to Stewards Academy and information from subject teachers, able, gifted and talented pupils are identified early in Year 7. We have extensive provision for able pupils including the following: Setting by ability groups in the core subjects and Modern Foreign Languages Specialist able, gifted and talented mentor support Enrichment activities programme including day trips and residentials Summer schools Masterclasses 5

7 Opportunities for additional courses and early entry to external examinations University visits and taster days Arts Award enrichment activities Opportunities for achievement in National Awards and competitions Links between Stewards PE department and regional sports teams to develop sports talent Public speaking opportunities and involvement in meeting well known public figures Support evenings for parents of able, gifted and talented children Learning Support We recognise that some students experience learning difficulties and at times need additional support. The Learning Support Department provides a range of support to meet individual needs. This may include: Basic Skills classes taught by specialist teachers Top-up support classes in Literacy, Numeracy and Learning Skills Reading Recovery programme Specialist learning packages In-class support from Learning Support Assistants Learning Mentor support Referral to the Learning Support Unit (LSU) Counselling with specialists from outside agencies Careers guidance and access to vocational skills or Alternative Education placements Parent support evenings OFSTED 2010 said: there is excellent equality of opportunity for all. 6

8 OFSTED 2010 said There are excellent, extensive links with schools abroad. Extra-curricular provision is excellent. AN EXTENDED SCHOOL At Stewards we recognise and value the contribution that extracurricular activities bring to the personal and social development of our students. We provide an extensive range of extra-curricular clubs and educational visits. These include theatre trips, day trips abroad, university taster days and field work. The Stewards Challenge rewards good attendance, work and behaviour. As an extended school we also offer breakfast club every morning, homework club, revision and coursework clinics, Mandarin classes and a range of Sports, Arts, Science and ICT activities. Residential visits are organised for every year group including adventure trips to Bude in Cornwall and to the Ardèche in France. At Stewards we prepare our young people to be responsible global citizens and we provide the opportunities to extend our pupils perspective on life. We regularly organise residential visits to Europe (France and Spain), America (New York) and more recently we have set up an exchange with our partner school Zhenhua No.10 Middle School in Suzhou, China. FACILITIES Stewards Academy offers very good facilities. Our specialist areas include the following: 8 Science laboratories 6 ICT suites A Performing Arts Centre for Music, Drama and Dance A purpose built Technology Centre and state of the art Food Technology and Graphics facilities A Vocational Construction Centre Art and Design studios which include a Photography Centre Sports facilities including a gymnasium, heated indoor swimming pool, multi-gym, multi-use games area and a newly built changing room complex Specialist suites for all subject areas Learning Support department A Resource Centre and Library Food and Vegetable Garden and a Chinese Garden 7

9 Many specialist areas have been refurbished to a high standard and include additional access and facilities for students and adults with disabilities. A secure bike storage area is available. All staff are provided with laptops for teaching and all classrooms have interactive whiteboards, visualisers and projectors. We have excellent ICT facilities including our Virtual Learning Environment ITS Learning. WORK RELATED LEARNING HOME SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP The education of your child is a partnership between home and school. We look for the support of parents in ensuring that their children attend school regularly, are punctual, properly equipped, follow our Behaviour and Attendance Policy and are in full school uniform. There are regular communications between school and home. These are in the form of reports and letters or telephone calls when appropriate. Students enjoy many opportunities to work with business partners through the Enterprise Education programme, Business Mentor scheme and work experience placements. Information, guidance and support from our Vocational Learning department, Learning Mentors and Guidance Officers assist students in their choice of careers, further and higher education. There is an extensive programme of visits available to all students. Work Related Learning is integrated into the curriculum through our Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education programme and specialist Curriculum Days. 8

10 Representatives of the Ethnic Minority Pupil Voice Group Throughout the year there are consultation evenings which coincide with the student s progress report. Every pupil has a personal planner which is signed regularly by tutors and parents. General school news is communicated through the Academy s website Every half term we also issue the Stewards Academy Newsletter. As children join the school they are allocated to a tutor group. The tutor will remain with them throughout their school career. This ensures continuity for each student as well as allowing a strong partnership to develop. The form tutor and Head of Year are the main contact point for parents. Student Voice There are numerous opportunities for pupils to participate in the life of the Academy and to take on positions of responsibility. Every year pupils may stand for School Council in a democratic election process. Members of School Council play a very important role in the development of the Academy. They regularly meet Governors at committee meetings and host public events. We have a prefect system and four Year 11 students are elected by their peers to be Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl. Sharing the leadership of the school in this way encourages a sense of responsibility as well as helping young people to develop their confidence, maturity and self-esteem. The Governing Body Governors support the school wholeheartedly and play an active part in the life of the school. Former pupils and parents are well represented as are representatives from the business community, bringing a wide range of skills and experience to the benefit of the school. If you would like to visit and see the school at work, please telephone or write to: The Headteacher Stewards Academy Parnall Road Harlow Essex CM18 7NQ 9

11 It is evident that cultural diversity and equality objectives are embedded into the school ethos. Cultural Diversity Quality Standard: Diamond Award

12 STEWARDS ACADEMY Science Specialist Parnall Road, Harlow, Essex CM18 7NQ T F E admin@stewardsacademy.org W Designed and printed by The School Brochure Specialists, FM Litho Design and Print. T: W: