Creating a ‘small school' environment for all our students

Many parents feel that size matters when it comes to a school - and generally the ideas is ‘the smaller the better'. But small often means that choices available are limited by resources, and the Academy has chosen to provide a much broader range of options for our students. Our challenge is to break down the size of the Academy for individuals. The Academy also recognises the need to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to achieve their best, whatever their background or ability.

So how do you ensure a child does not get lost in a school with 2,200 students? Answer: the College System.

The Academy is divided into six Colleges of 370 students. . This provides support and guidance within an environment where the needs of each child are known by his or her College leader and their individual progress is monitored closely. Importantly, the College will be the focus of the relationship between the Academy and parents.

This is not an afterthought in the Academy's development - it is the foundation for the design of the building, how the Academy will operate and the vision we have for giving every child more opportunity to shine than you would find in a typical secondary school.

Here are some of the key aspects of the College and how it helps our students.

What is the ‘College' system?

• The Academy is organised in to six ‘Colleges' and pupils entering the Academy will enter one of these ‘colleges'.
• Each College will have pupils of all ages and abilities. Staff are also allocated to a College.
• The College has its own distinctive style and gives pupils their own sense of identity within a smaller ‘family' arrangement.
• Education of pupils is not restricted to their College - all the children are taught in all the colleges and have access to all the Academy's facilities.

How will the College operate?

• Each College has its own leadership structure and administrative and technical support - rather like a small school.
• Children are allocated to a tutor group of 15 - 20 pupils of all ages and abilities providing closer support and leadership. This provides opportunities for older children to support younger children and learn about leadership and responsibility.
• The College Leader is responsible for the progress and success of the pupil and acts as focus for the relationship between the Academy and parents.
• Competition between Colleges is encouraged. It also provides more opportunities for pupils to lead and be involved in formal and informal activities with other colleges.
• Standards are monitored to ensure consistency and quality across all Colleges.

What does it mean for pupils?

• Given pupils a base where they are known.
• Creates a sense of belonging in a ‘small school' environment.
• Makes each pupil part of a team.
• More focused support from teachers and older children.
• Positive role models - Support of an older child as a guide for younger pupils.
• Opportunity to learn about leadership, helping others and taking responsibility.
• More opportunities to take part in activities such as arts and sports.
• Competing with other Colleges.

What does it mean for the parents?

• The College is the focus of the relationship between the Academy and parents
• Greater access to staff responsible for the welfare and progress of their children
• Knowing that your child's progress is being monitored closely
• Knowing that the pupil has greater opportunities for involvement in a range on non-academic activities

What does it mean for staff?

• Encouragement and opportunity to take on leadership roles
• More opportunity to develop new skills
• A smaller school arrangement within the College
• Dedicated administrative and technical support for teaching.