Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus 2 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus Welcome from the Principal
Welcome to Nova Hreod Academy. We value a broad and balanced curriculum where English, Mathematics, Science, Languages and the Humanities are rigorously taught alongside The greatest I am very proud to be the Principal of Nova Hreod Academy and “ the arts subjects of Art, Music and Drama as the understanding and to work in the wider network of United Learning schools where we danger for enjoyment of these subjects enrich all of our lives. strive on a daily basis to truly bring out the very “Best in Everyone”. most of us is My view is that our schools should be ‘engine rooms of meritocracy’ The ethos of Nova Hreod Academy is summarised in our motto, and I will always ensure that any child attending Nova Hreod Academy not that our “High Achievement, High Standards” and this underpins all that we do. will be equipped to take themselves as far as they are able to go in Nova Hreod Academy is a highly inclusive school where we expect every aim is too high life provided they are willing to work hard and take advantage of the child to maximise their potential and where we ensure that through tremendous privileges that education affords them. carefully planned teaching sequences and interventions, “no child is left and we miss behind” in their learning. Nova Hreod Academy is the ‘school of choice’ in Swindon for students, it, but that it parents and carers who value high achievement and traditional “ Philosophically I believe that “there are two educations, the one that standards in a modern and welcoming learning environment. is too low and teaches how to make a living and the one that teaches how to live.” (Anthony de Mello, The Heart of the Enlightened) At Nova Hreod We actively encourage prospective students and their parents/carers to we reach it. Academy we teach a curriculum designed to equip students with the visit the school unannounced at any time to view the fantastic experience knowledge, skills and character attributes needed to progress to the that is on offer at Nova Hreod Academy. next stage of their education and early adult life allowing them to play Michelangelo Buonarroti a full and active role in both the local community and wider society. I look forward to meeting you soon. Darren Barton Principal
You can use your Nova Hreod Academy app to view an Augmented Reality video on this page 3 A Word from A Word from Ben Parnell Pat Porter
I am the proud Executive Principal at Nova Hreod Academy and have I have been a governor at Nova Hreod Academy and previously Hreod been working here since May 2014. I work extremely closely with Parkway, for the past 12 years, and Chair of Governors for the past three Mr Barton, the Principal, to ensure that students get the very best years at Nova Hreod Academy. We joined United Learning on 1st January out of their education at Nova. 2014, and now the board is known as the Local Governing Body, with United Learning as Trustees. I am delighted with the progress that the Academy has made in ensuring excellent GCSE results but am equally pleased with the fantastic Our motto of “High Achievement, High Standards” is enabling the opportunities for wider development that Nova provides for its students. academy to gain considerable success in the progress of all our students in raising aspirations. Some of the best things about our Academy are the outward bounds opportunities including the CCF; the fantastic Learning Resources Centre The dedicated work of governors, staff and students has been inspirational with opportunities to work with some the country‘s top writers, and will, I believe, make Nova Hreod Academy the academy of choice and the sports. for parents and carers, and I feel privileged to be part of that journey.
Sitting alongside the formal school curriculum we offer a rich ‘student Please accept the invitation of the Governors to come and visit us to experience’ that complements and enhances the great work that happens experience for yourselves the place of learning that is Nova Hreod Academy. in our classrooms on a day to day basis. I believe that Nova Hreod Academy has something to capture the imagination of every child whether that be participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award; being part of our Combined Cadet Force in partnership with Marlborough College; developing entrepreneurial skills as part of a Young Enterprise team; taking part in a Drama production or representing the school in a football, rugby, cricket, netball or rounders team, Nova Hreod Academy will develop the ‘whole child’ in a calm and purposeful learning environment.
I look forward to meeting you in person.
4 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus Teaching Outstanding Transforms Lives Facilities
To access the very best opportunities in life, our students need the very Nova Hreod Academy has a bright modern building, offering superb best learning experiences that Nova Hreod Academy can offer. We facilities to provide students an outstanding learning environment. strive to ensure that all lessons are academically rigorous, exciting and The facilities include: challenging in order that all students achieve to the very best of their ability. To this end, Teaching and Learning is at the heart of all we do: Light and airy classrooms, all with interactive whiteboards; A large landscaped outdoor space with contemplation area; “High Achievement – High Standards” Amphitheatre for outdoor learning and performances; A large sports field with pitches, tennis courts and athletics track; Excellent teaching is engaging, based on expert knowledge, stimulating Impressive domed atrium offering covered recreational space; and thought provoking; excellent learning happens when students are challenged, yet feel supported. Here at Nova, our teachers carefully plan Variety of science laboratories for practical experimentation; lesson sequences that feature all elements of the “Nova 7”: Inviting dining hall offering a selection of healthy food choices; Well-equipped Learning Resources Centre; The NOVA 7 Multi-court sports hall and gym; 1. Binary behaviour (all students are on task); Fitness suite and dance studio; 2. Through the door activity (students settle to work on entry); A large hall for assemblies and performances; 3. Planning with pace; 4. Teacher feedback; Superb art and technology suites; 5. Student response to feedback; Excellent music facilities; 6. Literacy; A range of individual practise rooms. 7. Homework.
5 You can use your Nova Hreod Academy app to view an Augmented Reality video on this page
Positive partnership Respectful with Parents Behaviour
A positive and supportive relationship between parents and staff is vital At Nova Hreod Academy it is very important to us that all our students for the wellbeing and achievement of students. We rely on our parents feel happy at school and are able to work to the best of their abilities. to support us in establishing and maintaining high standards of behaviour, attendance, punctuality and dress. Our Binary Behaviour system is designed to reward those students who are working hard and remove students from the classroom if they take Everyday communication with parents is through “drop ins”, text away the opportunity for others to learn and make progress. messages, emails and by phone. Parents are also welcome to visit the Academy at any time by contacting the pastoral team and making an A common worry for parents of students that attend secondary schools appointment. We have five parents’ evenings every year when parents is that of bullying. Here at Nova Hreod Academy we aim to react to can come into school and discuss student progress. bullying incidents in a reasonable, proportionate and consistent way, applying disciplinary procedures to students who adopt anti-social behaviour and safeguarding any student who has experienced bullying.
In order to do this we will:
Provide students with a variety of ways in which they Uniform can communicate issues to us at the school; Listen to our students about how to tackle bullying and anti-social and Dress Code behaviour most effectively through the School Council; Utilise the thoughts and ideas of parents through our Parents Forum; The Nova Hreod Academy uniform plays an important part in school life as it provides a sense of equality and fosters pride in our school identity. Educate students about the issues surrounding bullying through Our uniform is smart and practical, and demonstrates our principles the curriculum we teach, specifically in PSHE drop-down days and of “high standards” within our community. assemblies.
6 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus You can use your Nova Hreod Academy app to view an Augmented Reality video on this page
Celebrating Sporting Achievement Excellence
We believe that the creation and fostering of a positive ethos is a major Physical activity and competitive sport are highly valued at Nova Hreod factor in maintaining cooperation and good relations within the Nova Academy. Students receive a full and broad curriculum programme that community. Rewarding students for their successes and continuous allows them to explore both individual and team sports. The sports hard work and focusing on achievement and progress throughout the faculty are very proud of the many regional, national and international Academy plays a major part in keeping discipline issues to a minimum. performers and athletes that we have attending the Academy. Our sports teams do well in all league and cup fixtures across Swindon and regularly Nova Stars are awarded to students for excellence and endeavour in get to the latter stages of the rugby, netball, football and rounders all areas. Achievement is celebrated in class weekly. “Positive Praise” competitions. postcards are issued in subject areas. Principal Awards are presented to students for achievement in a number of different categories including We have extremely high standards and expectations of our young positive behaviour, excellent progress and achievement, participation students and try and develop enthusiasm and fun through the range in Academy life and contribution to the wider community. of curricula and extra-curricula activities. To support our high standards and expectations the sports faculty has a core set of values known as T.R.E.A.D.S that are shared across the school which is made up of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Achievement, Discipline, Sportsmanship. We have excellent links with local clubs and an external coaching programme in rugby and netball. This will be developed further across other sports and opportunities over the coming year. It is an exciting time for any budding sports person to be part of the team and we are continually striving to improve in what we offer and the excellence with which it is offered.
7 SEND, Gifted and Assessment, Marking Talented and Inclusion and Feedback at Nova
The ethos at Nova Hreod Academy is simple – we believe, and strive We believe in the power of both formative and summative assessment relentlessly towards High Achievement and High Standards for all. We to drive student progress. Students are set regular, high quality expect all students, from those with specific abilities and skills to those homework tasks that are assessed and returned with detailed feedback. with complex learning needs, to achieve more than they ever believed In the core subjects (English, Maths and Science) students are set one possible. homework task per week. This is marked and returned to students for improvements to be made during “DIT” (Dedicated Improvement Time) This is represented first and foremost by quality first teaching, but where which is the weekly opportunity for students to respond to their teachers’ students need additional support or interventions in overcoming barriers feedback. In the Foundation subjects, homework is set, marked and to learning, the Assistant Principal (SENDCO) co-ordinates a skilled returned for the student’s DIT response every fortnight. team of professionals who work directly with students. Interventions are available for all aspects of literacy, numeracy, social skills and Students are also tested on at least a termly basis in all subjects. organisational skills, and students are identified through an innovative This is a formal assessment and is done under examination type on-site screening programme so that nobody “flies under the radar”. conditions. All students receive feedback on both their levels of attainment and progress as measured by the test and as for homework Staff are supported with detailed information on students who have tasks, there is DIT so students can correct their errors and explore a specific educational need or disability, or who are gifted and talented misconceptions. The results of the termly assessment are used to make in one or more areas. This includes teaching adjustment advice so that any necessary adjustments to the sets that students are to be taught in. differentiated provision is consistent across classes and subject areas. Any changes to the set that a student is to be taught in, are accompanied The Assistant Principal (SENDCO) and Deputy SENDCO work closely with by a detailed dialogue with parents/carers which involves collaborative parents, external agencies and local primary schools to ensure transition target setting to ensure that the student is exceptionally well prepared and support throughout secondary school is first rate, and are available for their next formal assessment. to answer queries at any time.
8 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus Curriculum Framework
Our lessons are 75 minutes long to promote deep learning and involve In order to enable our students to become successful learners we are a full range of engaging experiences. These experiences are based on committed to them all: thorough assessment of and for learning. There are 4 lessons a day over a 2 week cycle. Having excellent literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills that allow them to access resources, make good progress and be prepared for Curriculum Aims further study and the world of work; We are committed to providing a broad and balanced educational Understanding how they learn and being able to learn from their experience for our students. mistakes; Through the delivery of a high quality curriculum we expect our students Having enquiring minds and thinking for themselves; to become: Identifying problems and being solution focused; Successful learners, who make outstanding progress, enjoy learning Being able to learn independently and work with others; and are motivated to achieve their best; Communicating well in a range of ways; Confident individuals who are able to contribute positively to school life and make the very most of all the opportunities presented to them; Managing their learning effectively. Responsible citizens who are able to make a thoughtful and balanced contribution to the wider community by respecting others, acting with integrity, appreciating diversity and understanding their own and others’ cultures and traditions.
9 Enriching United Learning Extra-Curricula Activities at Nova Hreod Academy
Extra-curricula clubs and activities (usually called “enrichment”) Nova Hreod Academy is part of United Learning – a group of academies take place every day, both at lunchtime and after school. Students are and independent schools which aims to provide excellent education encouraged to sign up for at least one of these activities. They are usually to children and young people across the country. weekly and cover a wide range of subjects, including Drama Club and Rock School, as well as weekly reading groups. United Learning’s ethos, which we share, is to bring out the best in everyone – students, staff, parents and the wider community. We believe it is important to offer our young people a wide variety This ethos underpins our core values: of opportunities and students at Nova have opportunities to get involved Ambition : to achieve the best for ourselves and others; in a wide range of activities inside and outside the school day. In the past year, our students have benefited from involvement in The Brilliant Club Confidence : to have the courage of our convictions and to take risks and the Duke of Edinburgh Award and have visited some of the country’s in the right cause; top universities as part of our drive to raise aspirations. Creativity : to imagine possibilities and make them real; Respect : of ourselves and others in all that we do; We are also delighted to have joined up with Marlborough College to deliver a Combined Cadet Force for students in Year 10. Enthusiasm : to seek opportunity, find what is good and pursue talents and interests; Determination : to overcome obstacles and reach success.
Through United Learning, Nova Hreod Academy is able to share best practice with schools across the country and our staff benefit from the Group’s wide range of high-quality professional development opportunities.
10 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus 11 Nova Hreod Academy Prospectus
a : Akers Way, Swindon Wiltshire SN2 2NQ t : 01793 528 800 e : [email protected]
@NovaHreodUL www.novahreodacademy.org.uk
Nova Hreod is part of United Learning. United Learning comprises: UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. VAT number 834 8515 12. Registered address: United Learning, Fairline House, Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4HN . United Learning Trust Charity Number 10993277.