The Vale Prospectus Join us on the journey. Achieve today; amaze tomorrow. 2015-2016 Academy Including Berryfields Church of England Vision and Values

We believe that, as young people and adults, we are constantly learning. Our aim is to include, engage and challenge individuals within a stimulating environment to prepare them as responsible global citizens. As a community we have identified a set of core values that, as a Church of England Academy, guide and influence everything we do. These are: faith, respect, equality, aspiration, creativity and service.

Through these we develop an appreciation of what it means to be human: to understand ourselves and to make sense of the world around us and how we relate to each one another.

Join us on the journey. Achieve today; amaze tomorrow. WELCOME TO AYLESBURY VALE ACADEMY

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL motivated and challenged to reach and exceed their potential. Staff and Governors work in partnership to ensure that the The Aylesbury Vale Academy is a vibrant learning community students are safe, happy, healthy, respectful and well educated. where students feel secure and happy, where they are This will enable them to become independent young adults who encouraged to participate in a range of learning activities to have progressed in all areas of academy life: academically, broaden their horizons and gain increased aspiration. emotionally and socially. We have a clear sense of purpose. The brand new state of the Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions art facilities provide us with an amazing learning environment you can make. This prospectus will help you see all that we do and the very best of opportunities in which all students can at Aylesbury Vale Academy, but better still, come and see for achieve. yourself. The Academy is an inclusive community working with a clear set If you would like to visit the Academy, please do not hesitate to of Christian values which guide all the Academy’s policies and contact us via email at [email protected] or call us on practices. Our Christian ethos is expressed in the core values 01296 428551 to arrange an appointment. which guide all teachers and learners.

At Aylesbury Vale Academy, our approach is to demonstrate a ‘can do’ mentality, a culture of aspiration and achievement Mrs F Froment which inspires all students to do their very best. This is supported Principal by a broad and balanced inclusive curriculum which provides opportunities for all learners to achieve.

Our staff are committed to teaching in an inclusive, engaging and inspiring way in order that all students are happy and safe, OUR VISION OUR APPROACH OUR CURRICULUM

That every young person will leave the Academy suitably skilled From Primary to Introduction and qualified to either gain a place in further/higher education or The Academy aims to make the transfer to secondary education as Our priority is to support and develop your child through relevant to take a place in full-time employment. smooth as possible and maintains close links with primary schools. and engaging lessons which allow students to question, challenge The Academy’s curriculum helps students to recognise the and take responsibility for their learning. We can learn much from our primary partners and believe that relationships between traditional subjects and the wider world. success in 11-19 education relies on strong foundations gained in Students will learn to combine relevant knowledge, experience and Basis of the Curriculum primary school. We seek to build upon the high standards of good critical thinking to solve authentic problems. behaviour set during . The curriculum is structured around individual needs and linked The curriculum also explicitly aims to develop intercultural to support programmes that seek to raise students’ aspirations. Equally, we celebrate achievement and diversity and encourage awareness and students will learn about their own and others’ The curriculum vision for our Academy has the following main students and staff to enjoy the reward of their skills and efforts. social and national cultures. elements: TUTOR GROUPS • academic rigour

In order to provide a clear focus on the highest levels of • an innovative curriculum which offers students the opportunity achievement for your child, the Academy has a horizontal to gain a portfolio of qualifications, experiences, skills and tutoring system. This enables experienced tutors to help students competences to develop the skills relevant to their age group that lets them be • personalised learning that provides academic, vocational confident and knowledgeable learners. and work-related pathways The Academy has three colleges, each with a separate identity • interventional support for vulnerable students and a unique name. The colleges are Faraday, Franklin and Nobel, named after inspirational scientists. • a programme of literacy and numeracy development

Students become members of a college, as well as a tutor group. • an appropriate balance of breadth and depth, content and skills, and opportunities for independent learning

“My daughter is excelling at AVA. I am delighted with her progress.” Parent, Year 8 KEY STAGE 3 KEY STAGE 4 KEY STAGE 5 - POST 16

The Aylesbury Vale Academy offers its students a broad and In years 10 and 11 students have an element of choice which Students can choose from a range of AS/A level and/or BTEC balanced curriculum. allows them to personalise their Key Stage 4 Curriculum. level 3 Courses. A levels are offered in English, Maths, Media, Design and Technology Product Design, PE and Communication During the Academic Years 7 – 9, all students access courses English, Maths and Science along with core PE and RS are and Culture. BTEC Level 3 courses (equivalent to 3 A levels) are in English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Design and Technology, compulsory subjects for all students. The remainder of each offered in Performing Arts, IT and Business. Drama, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, timetable is composed of three Option Subjects *1 and two Physical Education and Religious Studies. choices from the English Baccalaureate groups *2. This year our Post 16 students have received offers to study the following subjects at university: Personal Health and Social Education, Information and Most students will achieve a minimum of eight GCSE or Communication Technology and Citizenship are taught across the equivalent qualifications. • Accountancy (BTEC Extended Diploma in IT/Business) curriculum. *1 - Art and Design, ICT, Music, Sociology, Electronics, Graphics, • Law (A levels in Law and English Literature and BTEC Sport, Media, Textiles, Business, PE, Religious Studies. Extended Diploma Business) Key Stage 3 Homework *2 - Additional Sciences, Geography, History, Modern Foreign • Advertising (BTEC Extended Diploma in Business and A levels Students at the Aylesbury vale Academy will be challenged at Languages, Computer Science. in Media and English Literature) home as well as in school to ensure that they reach their potential. • Computer Science (A level in English Literature and BTEC Year Key Stage 3 students nationally are required to complete Extended Diploma in IT) between 45 minutes and 90 minutes of homework every night to ensure that they make the necessary progress. • Games Design (A level in Media and BTEC Extended Diploma in IT) We have introduced ‘Show My Homework’ an online system that enables parents/carers to check the amount of homework set and completed.

“We know she is happy at AVA...you have done wonders for her confidence and self esteem.” Parent Year 11. ACADEMY LIFE PE UNIFORM • Navy sports polo with college coloured panels

UNIFORM AND DRESSCODE • Navy tracksuit bottoms with college coloured piping

Faraday College – red • Navy shorts with college coloured embroidery

Franklin College – yellow Post-16 students will be required to dress in businesswear. Male

Nobel College – green students will be expected to wear ties which will be supplied. • A Navy blazer with college coloured logo and college EQUIPMENT coloured lining All students are expected to be fully prepared to learn each day • Grey sleeveless v-neck sweater with college coloured logo and to bring with them: and neck trim School bag, large enough to contain exercise and text books, and • School tie containing:

• Black trousers for boys • Pens • Pencils • Rubber • Ruler • Calculator

• Black skirt or trousers for girls (skirts must be below the knee)

• Plain white shirt

• Hijab must be plain white with no embroidery “My daughter loves the Academy - it really • Black shoes (not trainers) is a place to be proud of.” Parent. • External coats must be Academy jackets or suitable plain dark colours

• Socks - black, grey or white (or neutral tights) “The teachers are really supportive and help us to do our very best...” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will the personal tutor still be the first point of contact Will tutor groups be the same for lessons? for me and my child? No, lesson groups will be planned according to the student’s Yes. The tutor is responsible for ensuring your child is settled, ability, as they are now. There may be some mixed ability groups taking part in Academy life and progressing in their learning. depending on the subject.

How much time is spent in tutor groups? Will the personal tutor know enough about my child’s progress? Twenty minutes each day will be the college session. Students will discuss key issues, plan social events, organise community Yes, personal tutors will have access to reports and grades from activities and challenge other colleges incompetitions. They will subject teachers. The system ensures that problems can be dealt also have structured sessions such as silent reading, considering with quickly. the ‘thought for the week’, or being mentored by their tutor. There will be a period of reflection as well each day. Will horizontal tutoring help my child become more confident? Will assemblies take place? Yes, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills and Assemblies will be both by year group and college throughout a abilities within their peer groups, which will help to build their term. confidence.

Will my child’s attendance still be checked? Will the colleges be competitive?

Yes, by the tutor and the Welfare, Health and Attendance Officer. Yes, experience shows that students want their college to be the most successful in all things. Sports competitions and creative How will tutors be involved in monitoring students’ events will give colleges the chance to be their best. progress?

Tutors will also be mentors and have designated time to review with students their progress in subject areas and Academy life in general.

BEHAVIOUR FOR BULLYING POLICY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

LEARNING CHARTER We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe AND COLLECTIVE environment for all our students, so they can learn in a relaxed WORSHIP ENTITLEMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at Our sponsors, The Oxford Diocese and our staff, are firmly All our students and young people are entitled to: our Academy. If bullying does occur, all students should be able to committed to our Christian values. These embrace all faiths and tell someone and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly • educational provision that meets their needs and enables no faiths. They are:- and effectively. them to enjoy their learning, be safe and healthy and make • Faith • Respect • Equality a positive contribution to the Academy and to the wider All governors, staff, students and parents have an understanding • Aspiration • Creativity • Service community; of what bullying is and what the Academy’s procedures are for responding to it. As an Academy we take bullying seriously. The Church of England Aylesbury Vale Academy is values driven • sustained, high quality educational provision regardless of and has a commitment to teach students about the world’s major gender, race, class, sexual orientation or disability; religions, developing respect for the beliefs and moral values of • a creative and flexible curriculum that stimulates learning and others. encourages engagement; We aim to hold acts of collective worship on a regular basis to • be taught in environments that are conducive to learning and include a variety of elements at different times, to involve the free from disruption; students and, in turn, provide a dedicated opportunity for students • healthy and nutritionally balanced school meals; to reflect and respond to the input.

• be free from circumstances in which they are bullied, ignored, We are supported by our Academy Chaplain, Rev Gareth Lane. ridiculed, or subjected to any forms of discrimination; and to have their voices heard, to be listened to and to know where to go to share their concerns.

“The students’ attitude was exemplary and they represented the Academy brilliantly.” School trip, Barcelona. OUR SCHEDULES OUR TERM DATES

ATTENDANCE “On the visit the school was calm and AUTUMN TERM 2015 For students to be successful, regular and punctual attendance orderly. Pupils worked hard and focussed Thursday 3rd September - Friday 23rd October is essential. Parents are required to telephone the Academy on their learing. They looked smart and Monday 2nd November - Friday 18th December Welfare, Health and Attendance Officer each day their child is are proud to be in the school.” DFE. absent. If your child is absent and the Academy has not been SPRING TERM 2016 informed, parents will be contacted by telephone. Unauthorised Tuesday 5th January - Friday 12th February absence may result in a fixed penalty fine being issued by the local authority. Monday 22nd February - Thursday 24th March

The only acceptable reason for non-attendance is illness. If SUMMER TERM 2016 your child is ill you must telephone on the first day of absence, Tuesday 12th April - Friday 27th May followed up by a written note when your child returns to school, and medical evidence (a letter from your doctor) to support the Monday 6th June - Thursday 21st July absence.

It is a parent’s duty to ensure their children attend school regularly as outlined in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. Failure to do OUR DAY so can result in an investigation and fines and/or the possibility of A.M P. M imprisonment for up to 3 months. 08.30 Registration 12.40 Lunch

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME 08.50 Period 1 13.20 Period 5

The Academy will not authorise holidays taken in term time. The 09.45 Period 2 14.10 Period 6 Principal may consider exceptional family circumstances. If you 10.40 Break 15.00 End of school day need to take your child away during term time you must gain permission from the Principal. 11.00 Period 3

Taking children away from their legal right to education steals their 11.50 Period 4 learning. INDIVIDUAL AND ADDITIONAL knowledge. Special arrangements will be made to enable such ACADEMY LIFE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS students to perform to the best of their ability by meeting their individual needs. The Academy will not treat a student with a Academies are fully inclusive schools, required by law to cater ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME disability less favourably than any other student and will make for children of all abilities. They must adhere to the Special reasonable adjustments to ensure the full participation and We have a strong Enrichment programme available to all students Educational Needs Code of Practice and statutory guidance on integration of disabled students. which incudes inter-college competitions, school trips and charity inclusion. fundraising events. The programme includes: The Finance Director will be responsible for ensuring that staff, Students with additional educational needs receive specialist help parents and carers, are made aware of this policy and that the Bucks Hornets Basketball, Football Training, Sewing from the Academy’s Student Support Team. These students may Disability Code of Practice is followed. The Principal and the Club, Science Club, Youth Cafe, GCSE PE Revision, be given extra support in the classroom or given some lessons Governing Body will have overall responsibility for ensuring that BTEC Sport Revision, Cross Stitch Club, Maths Revision, individually or small group teaching, if appropriate. Students who this policy statement is implemented. The full Learning Difficulties, German Workshop, Netball, Book Club, Computing Club, have a Statement of Special Educational Need are given specific Disabilities and AEN policies are available on the Academy’s Badminton, Breakfast Club and Homework Club. support as determined by the level of funding provided by the website and from the main reception. There is a strong rare of participation in the programme and local authority. students benefit by increasing their confidence and elf-esteem which helps them develop socially and academically. Engagement COMPLIANCE WITH THE DISABILITY in the activities can help some students settle into the Academy DISCRIMINATION ACT (DDA) and form friendships across year groups; building greater The Aylesbury Vale Academy is committed to a fair and equal confidence and self-esteem. treatment of all individuals regardless of disability. Applications for admission from all potential students will be considered in STUDENT COUNCIL line with the published admission arrangements. Applications

Each year group is represented by a Year Group Council, which for employment are considered and assessed on the basis of the has two representatives per form who attend it. These are assisted applicant’s aptitudes, abilities and qualifications. by the Achievement Director for the year group. Representatives The Academy’s new buildings are accessible for students and are elected by each form at the start of the Academic Year and others with disabilities so that they may be integrated fully into minuted meetings take place on a regular basis. Each year group Academy life. Evacuation procedures and escape routes for council sends two representatives to the Academy Council which is students and staff with disabilities will be carefully planned and led by the Head Boy and Head Girl. published.

The purpose of the Student Councils is to provide students with The Academy recognises that special arrangements may be a voice within the Academy where they can discuss and make required to enable students with disabilities, including specific decisions about the issues that affect them. learning difficulties, to demonstrate their capabilities and

Paradise Orchard, Berryfields, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0WS Telephone: 01296 428551 Email: [email protected] www.theacademy.me

Principal: Mrs F Froment Chair of Governors: Mr G Joyner