Walsall Academy

Information for Prospective Applicants for Teaching Posts

“The academy’s commitment to the professional development of teachers and leaders at “On leaving the academy, pupils attain standards all levels is a considerable in their GCSE or vocational qualifications that are strength of the academy’s significantly above average” work.” Ofsted Report 2016

Ofsted Report 2016 Welcome from the Headteacher

Welcome to Walsall Academy; a place where We want all of our students to complete the students come first and all are challenged their education at Walsall Academy with to be the very best they can be. the skills and qualifications that will enable them to be valuable and employable I am privileged to lead a school which values, members of society. inspires, and cares for its students. Our students and staff want to share their We encourage aspirations, achievement success stories with you. and success.

Walsall Academy is a school which is proud It is my job to ensure that we continue of its outstanding achievements, where tosecure the best education, the best students expect to be praised, celebrated teachers and the best resources for our and challenged. We are relentless in our students. pursuit of high standards and excellent teaching. We emphasise traditional values of Our expectations of students, teachers good behaviour, honesty and mutual and parents are high but the rewards last respect. a lifetime!

Our facilities are world class. Together Do come and see for yourself. I look parents, students and staff continue to build forward to meeting you. a safe, happy and vibrant Academy where everyone can achieve and no-one is left Simon Rogers behind.

HMI and Ofsted have recognised that our students achieve results that are higher than “Parents commented on national averages. Inspectors described the academy as a “thoroughly safe and mature how their children’s environment in which teachers and students confidence and form a remarkably harmonious community.” We were highly commended for leadership aspirations had grown and management; academy staff were during their time at the awarded outstanding grades for leadership at all levels. academy.”

However, we do not rest on our laurels. Governors and staff remain committed to Ofsted Report 2016 working alongside parents/carers and students to create a culture where young people develop the confidence and skills to make their mark in the world. Curriculum The curriculum is delivered through six modules of approximately 6/7 weeks duration. Each module is planned to secure the very best learning and teaching opportunities for students and staff using a wide range of resources available in the school. Every teaching venue is fitted with an interactive electronic whiteboard and A different choice of school the curriculum is available on-line.

In September 2003, Walsall Academy for our students. Positivity and an ability opened its doors for the first time as the At the end of each module students receive to inspire others with your subject first sponsored City Academy in Walsall. a short report from which they are able to knowledge are essential prerequisites for This state of the art school is supported set targets for the next module’s work. a post here. by Thomas School and The Parents also receive the report and are encouraged to comment on the gener- al Mercers’ Company. The trustees have standard of work and homework. made a significant investment and support the Academy through strong Student performance is monitored closely governance. In 2017 Walsall Academy and regular meetings are held to agree became a founder School in TTMAT goals and individual action plans. ( Multi Academy Trust). Individualised support is provided for students and there are express groups for The Academy is an all ability school able students. offering places for boys and girls aged between 11-18. The Academy is heavily There is a longer school day to enable over-subscribed and currently has 1300 students to take full advantage of the students on roll including a Sixth Form of National Curriculum and to spend extra 320 students. time on a wide range of subjects and to develop an understanding of industry and Our mission is ‘to raise educational commerce. standards through effective practice and A breadth of opportunities, both vocational to share them with the wider community’. and academic, in Key Stage 4 and Sixth The school is a test bed for new ideas and Form courses are available. methods and offers exciting opportunities for teachers to help to shape the future of A sophisticated Information Technology this Academy. network provides the opportunity for all students and staff to use ICT as a tool and resource for teaching and learning. Underpinning this creativity is the commitment to provide the best possible education for children of all abilities and backgrounds and to develop a love of learning. Students are encouraged to achieve their best and to develop their talents to the full. This includes academic, sporting and artistic achievements and personal, moral and social developments.

Walsall Academy welcomes teachers who thrive on achievement and who have an appetite for creating life opportunities Working Environment

The facilities of the Academy are state of the art for a new school of the 21st Century. They include:

Performing Arts - Theatre with tiered seating for 400 Extra Curricular - Dance Drama studios with sprung floors and full length mirrors Activites - A Music Technology suite equipped with keyboards and supporting technology

The Session 3 programme gives all Physical Education students a choice of opportunities to - Sports Hall with Fitness Centre complement and extend their - Extensive outdoor facilities education. These range from sports - Suite of Classrooms and hobbies to community work and form an integral part of the timetable. Science - Two major suites of nine laboratories, most of which can be ‘double’ or ‘single’ laboratories, depending on the -curriculum requirement - Two large preparation rooms

Technology - CAD/CAM suites and technology areas fitted with modern equipment - Open plan Art and Design studio

Learning Bases/Study Rooms - Open plan learning areas to deliver English, Mathematics and Humanities subjects

supplemented by more traditional study rooms

Independent Learning Centres - Three Independent Learning Centres fitted with PCs to provide access for students and staff for independent learning

Library and Careers Resource Centre - An extensive Library with resources to support the curriculum and Sixth Form Independent Study - A Careers and Industrial Links Centre Restaurant and Hospitality Suite

- A restaurant furnished to provide breakfast and lunch for students and employees

- Hospitality Suite a training kitchen for the delivery of Hospitality and Catering

Nursery “The academy is held - A nursery for children aged 2 years – 4 years with availability for staff childcare in high regard by its stakeholders, including parents, pupils and staff.”

Ofsted Report 2016

“Teachers, including those who are at the start of their careers, told inspectors how much they valued the opportunities they are afforded and articulated well how this work has enhanced their practice.” Ofsted Report 2016

Professional Development

Applicants have a unique opportunity to work with the staff of the school to help shape the future of Walsall Academy. All members of staff benefit from a well “Pupils enjoy an impressive structured, supportive professional range of opportunities that development programme which includes nurture their wider skills and bespoke provision for newly qualified ensure that they have high teachers and mentors allocated to aspirations.” provide practical help and guidance. Ofsted 2016

We calendar 10 professional Routines development days per year. Our membership of the Teaching Schools Students are taught for a longer school day. Initiative hosted by our sister school “The well-established culture of continuous staff Teaching commences at 8.30am and the Thomas Telford in provides development underpins the normal teaching day finishes at 3.15pm. further opportunities to develop as Middle academy’s drive for further There are two main sessions each of three and Senior Leaders. Our staff are improvement. encouraged to participate in Masters hour duration, allowing students to work programmes. Teachers benefit from without interruption. extensive training to help them to meet the academy’s improvement priorities and The Academy remains open for Session 3 Joint Professional Development Days receive good support to which offers a wider range of academic and are held with staff from our MAT. These develop their individual recreational activities. skills. include Sandwell Academy, and Thomas Telford School. You empower teachers to This enables staff to network and share contribute to the innovation Pastoral System good practice. of new approaches and There is a vertical pastoral system, with pedagogy through action research and collaborative each personal tutor group consisting of a networks.” small number of students from each year Successful candidates will enjoy the group. All members of teaching staff are benefits of working in a successful, Ofsted Report 2016 personal tutors and are supported by Senior forward thinking school, in an Leaders responsible for the Key Stage. environment where developing curriculum initiatives can lead to future professional opportunities.