Mossbourne Community Academy Prospectus

Mossbourne Community Academy Prospectus

WELCOME Mossbourne Community Academy is not a normal school. The teaching is fantastic, the facilities are first class and our students are polite, hard-working and impeccably behaved. There is an exciting range of extra-curricular groups, choirs, bands, debate, sports and drama clubs for students to join, and our Music Specialism provides an outstanding range of musical opportunities to develop talent and potential. None of this is easy. Staff at the Academy work hard, and we expect the students to work hard too something they will be supported in doing every step of the way. We care deeply about all students, so we never accept anything less than their best in terms of effort, attitude and behaviour. Our learning environment is calm and safe; it is a place where students can truly fulfil their potential. Our students will leave with the confidence, skills and qualifications to choose the kind of life they want to lead, and to lead it guided by the values courtesy, hard work and excellence. Please take a little time to look through this prospectus to find out more about us. I look forward to meeting you at Open Evening. Peter Hughes Principal

OUR STORY A history of excellence. Mossbourne Community Academy exists to inspire all students to excel. Such was the vision and passion of the late Sir Clive Bourne, who firmly believed that all children can succeed, regardless of background or circumstance. Founding Mossbourne Community Academy in 2004, Sir Clive Bourne made it his mission to provide the children of Hackney with a better school and higher standards: a route to attaining a better level of education and achieving more in life. From the two Outstanding OFSTED judgments and headline-grabbing exam results, to students gaining places at Oxbridge, MIT and other world-renowned universities, Mossbourne redefined national expectations of what could be achieved in inner-city, non-selective education. Today, Mossbourne Community Academy exists as the first of four schools within the Mossbourne Federation, which aims to provide a first-class education to young people across Hackney, and proudly upholds the values and vision of Sir Clive Bourne. Mossbourne is an academy in which success is available to every single student who is prepared to work for it. We always think about everything we do and how we can do it slightly better. We apply that philosophy to every single thing we do, every day. Peter Hughes Principal

Mossbourne has given us a platform to study, most definitely, but more importantly, it has taught us to learn. We have been equipped with skills that not only aided us in our exams but will aid us for life: to write, perform, debate, orate and above all, be kind. Year 11 Student OUR ETHOS Courtesy, hard work and excellence are our guiding principles. It s an ethos that reflects our belief in traditional values, combined with an innovative approach to learning. The safety and wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do; pastoral care is outstanding and our inclusive environment welcomes all learners equally, regardless of ability, circumstances or ethnic origin. Students are encouraged to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. Good manners are a prerequisite, allowing us to ensure that students are learning in a structured environment, essential for focused study and motivating students to succeed. Through hard work and diligence, staff set the example that students follow and we support everyone, every step of the way. As a parent/carer, you ll stay in touch with your child s progress through regular reports, meetings and parents evenings. There is a thriving Parents Association, which runs regular events, including fairs and uniform sales at key times of the school year. Beyond academic achievement, we believe in nurturing well-rounded young people. We encourage students and staff alike to take an active interest in all aspects of academy life: assemblies, clubs and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including the prestigious Student Council. The academy subsidises an instrumental lesson programme to enable as many students as possible to learn an instrument. Our Music specialism provides a musical education rivalling that of the private sector a wealth of ensembles, choirs, bands and orchestras caters for all tastes. Everything we do at the Academy is geared towards helping your child to achieve their full potential.

There is no special ingredient. It s just doing absolutely everything as well as we can, always. Maths Teacher THE CURRICULUM The core areas of our curriculum are English, Maths and Science on which students spend over half of all lesson time. Beyond these core areas, students enjoy a broad curriculum covering creative and practical subjects to develop a truly wide range of knowledge and skills. Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) Humanities History, Geography and Religious Studies Spanish (some students also study French, Latin or Turkish) Art and Design Technology Art, Textiles, Resistant Materials and Food Music Drama Computing Physical Education Key Stage 4 (Years 9 11) Students continue with core subjects (English, Maths, Science), Spanish, History or Geography, and Religious Studies. They then choose two option subjects from: Business Studies Computer Science Drama Economics Fine Art French Latin Music Physical Education Psychology Sociology Textiles Oracy and Literacy We believe that being confident and articulate in both private and public speaking is an essential life skill. To encourage students to acquire and improve their speaking abilities, the Academy has a very strong focus on oracy. Students learn to speak standard, formal English with clarity and confidence, inspiring each other to enjoy and explore language through debate, public speaking, drama and recitals. In Year 7 students also take part in two guided reading sessions (Read, Lead, Succeed) every week. Grouped by reading age, and led by a member of staff, students review literature, challenging and inspiring them to develop their oracy and literacy through reading and discussion with their peers.

ORGANISATION & PREPARATION We put the onus on the students to be organised; they are expected to have the correct books and equipment every day and to meet all homework deadlines. Teachers at Mossbourne consistently deliver inspirational and creative lessons, but more importantly, they are always looking to improve on their own practice. The students definitely feed off that passion. English Teacher Using the student planner a key item of equipment, used to record homework assignments and appointments with staff students manage their time and study commitments during daily prep sessions. These silent study sessions help students to prioritise work schedules, stay organised, develop independent study skills and take ownership of their own learning. EXTENSION & ENRICHMENT Contented, confident and successful students have a healthy interest in a wide range of activities and pastimes. We provide all students with a wealth of opportunities to feed their interests and curiosity, through our Extension and Enrichment Programme, which covers a truly diverse selection of topics and activities. This has included: Debating Cooking Creative writing Drone building Chess Film studies Architecture club Jewellery making Drama Music appreciation Badminton Soft toy club

TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY The move from primary school to secondary school can be both an exciting and challenging time for children. Newcomers begin to develop their understanding of secondary school life, while forming new peer groups, within the first few weeks. Therefore, we at MCA believe that good preparation is vital for a positive start. We work hard to ensure Year 7 students experience a smooth start at the Academy. Our Transition Team works closely with primary schools to get to know each child and understand their specific abilities and needs. Students benefit from a strong focus on pastoral care throughout Academy life; it s a personal approach that ensures teaching is responsive and tailored to the individual. Due to the fair and consistent approach my daughter settled in very quickly; she was reassured by the strong pastoral systems and excited by the excellent classroom teaching. Year 7 Parent

KEEP IN TOUCH To support every student s development, it s important to maintain strong home-school links so please feel free to get in touch about any matters you d like to discuss. For general information please visit the Mossbourne Community Academy website: www.mca.mossbourne.org For regular updates and timely news, simply follow us on Twitter: @MCAmossbourne Mossbourne Community Academy 100 Downs Park Road, London E5 8JY enquiries@mca.mossbourne.org