High Weald Prospectus 2016-17

A welcome from the Trust CEO Carol Morris The Brook Learning Trust is proud to have High Weald Academy as part of our family of schools. As a Trust, we bring together our unique academies in our belief in the power of education to change lives and communities. It is our steadfast purpose to challenge and defy the barriers that constrain the educational progress of any child. We set high aims for aspiration and secure collective responsibility for all our children’s achievements. Our work is underpinned by the values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Optimism, Excellence and Accountability. A strong focus on teaching and learning as well as high standards and expectations has led The Brook Learning Trust to become one of the highest performing multi- academy trusts in the county. Last year, children in our academies made better progress - learning and growing with us - than they would have done in other schools or academies nationally. The Brook Learning Trust working with High Weald Academy brings energy, passion and expertise to the education of our children. High Weald Academy is an exciting and ambitious place to learn: we invite you to become part of our flourishing community.

Welcome from the Principal Caroline Longhurst I am thrilled and delighted to be welcoming you to High Weald Academy as the academy to which you will hopefully entrust the secondary education of your child. The core purpose of all work at High Weald Academy is to remove barriers to learning so that all students are able to succeed. This core purpose is embodied in our PRIDE values to which every student, member of staff and the academy community subscribe. The names of our three houses are Aspiration, Achievement, and Ambition; these epitomise our high expectations for all the members of our community.

High Weald Academy is a small rural school serving the local rural community of Cranbrook and the surrounding villages. The academy has a working farm which links it to its agricultural heritage. There has been an upward trend in results in recent years as a result of work to secure stronger leadership, greater stability in staffing and a focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning. The academy provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is regularly reviewed to respond to the needs and profile of the students. There is a wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities for students which extends their learning experiences, broadens their horizons and raises their aspirations.

2016-17 Prospectus The academy has successfully bid for the Priority Schools Building Programme through the Department for Education and is anticipating final plans for this work to greatly improve the learning environment and resources. This is an essential element of the strategic planning to grow the school so that its reputation continues to improve and it becomes the school of choice in the local area. The academy provides an education for students of all abilities and aptitudes and is focussed on ensuring that every student is able to learn, achieve and flourish. We aim to ensure that by the time students leave High Weald Academy, they are able to progress to university, further education, training or employment and succeed in their chosen paths. We provide the highest quality education through supporting and challenging students to achieve their best within and beyond the curriculum. We expect all students to participate fully in the life of the academy and to think about not only what they can gain from the opportunities afforded them but also what they can contribute to the life of the academy. I look forward to welcoming you to High Weald Academy and sharing with you the vision and plans for the future. Caroline Longhurst Principal

Vision and Values High Weald Academy is a small school with a big heart. We aim to be inspirational, aspirational and motivational. We are a family school that is inclusive and offers personalised learning opportunities that help young people develop into the best versions of themselves that they can be; ready to take their place in the world. ‘Aspiration Achievement and Ambition’ is our tagline and used to enthuse and inspire our students. High Weald Academy sees each young person as an individual with different needs, challenges and strengths. Our unifying focus is our shared vision and values founded on the Olympic and Paralympic values and embodied in the acronym PRIDE: P – Personal Excellence R – Respect and Friendship

I – Inspiration D – Determination and Courage E – Equality We are a tight-knit community with family values where everyone supports each other to succeed. We expect every student to always give their best, respect themselves and each other, be determined to succeed and courageous in their ambitions. It is about team work, mutual support and challenge, it is about taking a moral stand for what is right, leading by example and not being afraid to try new things. We instil in all our young people a sense of courage and adventure and the drive to aim for outstanding from their start in year 7 through to the sixth form.

2016-17 Prospectus Teaching and learning High Weald Academy is an academy for students of all abilities and aptitudes. It is permeated by a consistent focus on learning and applied skills where the students receive a continuous daily diet of great teaching. We provide an all-round education for our students that reflects the rural nature of the community in which we are situated, yet with a focus on academic excellence. We have a team of teaching and associate staff who are committed to ensuring that all lessons are engaging and challenging and support students to make rapid and sustained progress in their learning.

Students work in different groupings for different subjects. Sometimes these are mixed ability sets or bands and can be different sized groups to allow for teaching to be tailored to students’ needs. We have a growing partnership with Cranbrook School which ensures that our academically most able students are able to make rapid progress and transfer, if appropriate, to the in year 9. We also have students in the sixth form who are able to study in both schools which extends the range of subjects that students can access and allows for a wider range of experience and education. Homework is an integral part of the learning programme and it is expected that all students complete the homework set which will be either preparation activities for learning in class or extension activities to help them embed their subject knowledge and develop their independent learning skills. Some of these may take the form of projects to be completed over time. Homework is loaded onto our Go4Schools site and can be accessed by parents and students through the Parent Gateway allowing parents to track homework. This system also allows parents or carers to see any rewards and behaviour logs and to see the outcome of regular assessments and reports. As a small academy we are able to know each of our students as individuals and ensure that their learning is personalised, supporting and encouraging them to thrive and succeed. We work hard to ensure that all lessons are good and outstanding. Curriculum

All students follow a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science and PE alongside a range of other subjects to ensure our curriculum is broad and balanced and meets the needs of all our students. In year 8 students are able to choose a variety of pathways in preparation for key stage 4, which leads to a range of public exams and qualifications. There have been significant changes to the national qualifications framework in recent years which means that there are much higher demands on students at both GCSE and post 16 with an emphasis up to age 16, year 11, on traditional academic subjects and a reduction in the number of vocational subjects that students can follow. The core curriculum secures key skills for learning and achievement through which each student will be able to access a broader range of experiences and qualifications related to the specialisms and their interests.

Key Stage 3: Years 7 and 8 – In year 7 students have lessons that introduce them to a range of topics with an eye on progression through the school into KS4 and KS5. This means that we are preparing our young people along a pathway that best suits their aspirations and ambitions and giving them a secure grounding in a broad range of subjects, developing their skills and ensuring they have the basic skills to access

2016-17 Prospectus the full secondary curriculum. It is important that students also develop the right attitude to learning, with a high work ethic and determination to succeed.

Key Stage 4: Years 9 to 11 – At year 9 students are able to specialise in areas of further interest that once again match their pathway and future goals as well as continuing the essential and important core studies in English, Maths, Science and PE. It is also a requirement for all students to study at least one humanities subject and, for many students, to continue to study a language through to GCSE.

Key Stage 5: [Post Sixteen] Years 12 and 13 – Further specialism along their pathway is available for students that continue into the Sixth Form at High Weald Academy. From September 2017 we are launching a new qualification called the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme. This qualification is recognised internationally and will give students access to university or higher level apprenticeships and employment. It consists of IB diplomas, Btec vocational qualifications and a core programme focussed on students’ developing skills for employment and research and independent working. We also work in partnership with Cranbrook School to extend the offer of subjects post 16. We operate a 50 period fortnight with the curriculum arranged in hour long lessons over a two week timetable.

Extra-curricular Activities and Enrichment We believe that having the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities for learning and development outside of the formal curriculum is an essential part of academy life. These include a range of sports, craft, music and other opportunities. Students can engage in a variety of activities to extend their learning and explore new interests. These activities allow students to pursue a range of areas, add to their skills and expertise and involve themselves in the wider aspects of the academy. The students at High Weald Academy also play an active part in the local community and there are opportunities for volunteering, peer support and mentoring. We also have a range of student leadership development and inter-house activities, sporting and otherwise, in which all students are encouraged to actively participate. Our sixth form plays an active part in leading many of these activities, they are role models for the younger students and are an inspiration to those who work with them. Behaviour and Engagement High Weald Academy sets high expectations of behaviour and engagement, including personal appearance. We run a professional organisation and expect students to arrive at school smartly and professionally dressed with the right equipment and books for that day. We maintain the ethos of the academy; we know and care for all our students whilst setting them high standards of behaviour for learning, personal appearance and academic achievement. Our Behaviour for Learning Policy outlines our expectations and lists rewards and consequences. Good behaviour and effort are positively promoted and encouraged with praise, rewards points, certificates and reward events. Our students are great ambassadors for our school both within the academy and in the local community. We expect good manners, mutual respect, honesty and politeness to be the foundations of how we work together. Students say that they feel safe and supported and enjoy school, they are proud to be a part of High Weald Academy.

2016-17 Prospectus Student Leadership and Student Voice We are committed to listening to students and to working to help them reflect on their strengths and recommendations for improvement. We have a School Council that is chaired by the Head Boy and Head Girl and has elected representatives from all year groups. This along with our House system gives a forum for discussing views and ideas and enables students to develop their understanding of the democratic process, gives opportunities for leadership, team work and problem solving. We value the views of our students and encourage active participation in our academy community.

There are opportunities for many of our students to take on responsibilities both in the lower school and in the sixth form. Students in the sixth form apply for the posts of Prefects, House Captains [Senior Prefects], Head Boy and Head Girl for which there is stiff competition and those appointed have significant responsibilities within and outside of the school. They are amazing ambassadors for High Weald Academy and take their roles seriously. There are also roles for younger students such as Sports Leaders where students have opportunities to lead activities, often for our primary partner schools and their pupils. Transition from The academy has an extensive transition programme designed to ensure that the move from primary to secondary education is a successful one and is as smooth as possible. We have close links with our partner primary schools and staff regularly visit those schools and work with the staff and pupils to secure appropriate support for those children who need it most. Every student comes to induction days at the academy and we also conduct family interviews with a senior member of staff to enable both parents/carers and children to share any concerns and talk through the process of starting . There is support in place to ensure that the new year 7s settle in successfully to secondary education which is supported by good communication with home. Pastoral Care and Guidance The academy places a high premium on ensuring that all students are safe and happy during their time here as that is crucial to their achievement and success. We firmly believe that learning can only take place in a supportive environment and that this can best be achieved by working in partnership. We have three Houses: Aspiration Achievement Ambition Each House has a Head who works with tutors and our Student Managers to provide a direct link between school and home. Each student belongs to a tutor group in which there are students from different year groups. This allows students in the older year groups to provide mentoring and support for the younger students. Tutor groups meet for registration and to follow a programme of activities that are designed to promote key skills, develop an awareness of the world around us, current affairs and foster leadership and personal responsibility. Assemblies are held regularly and provide time to reinforce the standards of the academy and to celebrate achievements. Normally students remain in the same House during their time at the academy which enables staff and students to build close working relationships between home and school.

2016-17 Prospectus Progress and Achievement Before students begin their secondary education at High Weald Academy we gather information and data on their learning and progress to date. We have the highest expectations for the progress and achievement of all students regardless of their starting points. This accurate assessment of their strengths and areas for development enables us to ensure that learning is tailored to their needs and that students are supported and extended academically. For those students in need of additional support we have an Additional Educational Needs Department, which the students call ‘The East Wing’ where they receive individual or small group teaching to help accelerate their progress. Sophisticated assessment of their specific learning needs also takes place here and individual educational plans can be constructed to ensure strategies are in place to accurately guide and support every child’s learning journey.

Reports and grades are regularly shared with students and parents/carers which enables parents to be secure about the progress that their child is making. At KS3 this is based on our Steps Assessment Framework and at KS4 and 5 is linked to predicted and target exam grades. We then issue a longer report once a year and this, alongside consultation evenings, allows time to really focus on discussing your child’s progress. Sixth form Students that enter year 12 have a range of experiences ahead of them that will shape the next stage in their lives whether it be moving on to further learning and education or to the world of work. We have a significant number of students that make successful UCAS [university] applications or go on to start a range of exciting careers. Wrapped around studies in the sixth form is a programme of careers advice and guidance, study skills support and additional qualifications. There are also opportunities to plan, manage and lead charity and other events and to apply to become a prefect or even Head Boy or Head Girl. Although a separate key stage, years 12 and 13 students are an integral part of the school and join with the rest of the years in tutor groups and in a number of activities beyond the curriculum. Partnership with the community, parents and carers We place a strong emphasis on the importance of establishing close relationships between home and school and recognise that this is essential for the success and well-being of the students. Communicating effectively and regularly with parents and carers is a priority. We ensure that, through the website, emails, texts, letters and phone calls, parents are kept fully informed and up to date. We welcome feedback from parents and carers to help us continuously improve and develop. We place a strong emphasis on attendance and punctuality. Good attendance is encouraged and rewarded and the Attendance Officer will always contact home on the first day of any absence if we are not already informed. We expect parental support in promoting good attendance as this is the first step towards making good progress in learning. High Weald Academy is an integral part of the community in Cranbrook and as such we are proud to be represented at local events. We are building a band of volunteers to help our endeavours and support our students in a variety of ways, whether this is

2016-17 Prospectus through business links, reading support or working with us through the farm or other activities. We are an academy that serves the local rural area and are keen to further develop local community links. High Weald Farm and Facilities High Weald Academy is a small school with big ideas. We have extensive grounds and a wide range of specialist facilities. We have already had £1.2 million spent on our sports hall and changing facilities. There has been some refurbishment and a new heating system and redecoration in the science, humanities and ICT block, with over half a million pounds of funding from the DfE to support this work. We have also successfully bid for the DfE Priority Schools Building Programme and are now working with the project team to redevelop and rebuild the site over the coming two to three years. Our unique prize winning High Weald Academy Farm is an outstanding facility which supports learning across all subjects and enriches every student’s experience. We are one of only a few schools that still have a farm and ours is one of the highest performing school farms in the county. It is run largely on a commercial basis and the dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens are not kept as pets but are a source of profit when they go to market! The Young Farmers work with the Farm Manager to run the farm and students learn commitment, endeavour, courage and confidence, care and leadership, to name just a few qualities that they develop in running and working on the farm. We also use this brilliant resource to support learning across the curriculum from genetics in Science to land use in Geography, from an inspiration for literature and writing to gaining accreditation around land use and environmental studies. Any student with a pair of wellington boots and a willingness to get close and personal with the animals is welcome to join in and gain a unique opportunity to work with animals and members of the public! We have a range of other specialist facilities that support learning and achievement. We are continually exploring ways of improving and developing our extensive site to make the most of the opportunities it affords.

Admission Arrangements to the High Weald Academy Please see the website for details relating to admissions or go to KCC admissions website http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places

If you would like further information please see academy website or get in touch via: www.highwealdacademy..sch.uk Address: Angley Road Cranbrook Kent TN17 2PJ Tel: 01580 712754 Email: [email protected]

2016-17 Prospectus