The Academic Year

The year will be divided into six terms. The last week of each term is an enrichment and enterprise week where there are many whole school and departmental activities designed to enrich the curriculum though a variety of activities.

In these weeks, activities such as Duke of Edinburgh, field trips, sporting trips and visits abroad take place. There are also catch-up lessons, study periods and exam preparation sessions for students as they need them.

We also have many social enterprise activities and use these opportunities to widen the cultural and social horizons of our students.

An ethos of trust, care and a culture of achievement

Students who accept a place at the academy will be making a commitment to work hard, to make the maximum use of our facilities and to become full participating members of the academy community. Students are expected to abide by the academy Code of Conduct in order to maintain a positive atmosphere at all times.

We will provide an environment where bullying is seen by all to be unacceptable. To this end, it will be given a high profile in the Personal, Social and Health Education ‘The ME Programme’, in tutor time and in assemblies. There is a Student Parliament which has established an anti bullying council and also provides a forum for students to contribute to the running of the school. We are committed to student-centred learning which focuses on the needs of individuals, and we promote teaching and learning styles that encourage co-operative working.

We believe that all student achievements should be recognised. Great emphasis is placed on celebrating achievement and promoting responsible behaviour whenever possible. Awards will recognise effort and achievement. Many certificates are given in recognition of consistent effort and participation in the academy community.