We can use our Academy independence to do things differently - and do things better

• Students have a 30-hour week (it’s usually 24-25 hours). This means that over the school year they have an extra six weeks of learning. They will be in school from 8.30am-3.35pm.
• We organise the school year to support student learning and assessment. This means six week terms with a shorter summer holiday and a two week break in the Autumn.
• We believe in spending extra time on Maths and English. Every day students spend the equivalent of an hour each on literacy and numeracy.
• Lessons will be up to two hours long, which means students will be able to become absorbed in projects rather than wasting time by moving from class to class. We structure lessons carefully to make sure that there are a variety of activities and that students stay focused.
• Students take their SATS exams at the end of Year 8, rather than at the end of Year 9. This means they can start Key Stage 4 a year earlier in Year 9, giving the advantage of an extra year of study at this level. It also means that Year 11 students have the time to take additional GCSE exams or Level 3 qualifications.
• Children are encouraged to stay on at school to do their homework and join in extra activities, and we provide a free snack at 4.30pm. The school is open until 6.30pm.
• There are excellent food facilities available, with a range of tasty and nutritious dishes on offer cooked on site by our own staff.
• There are sufficient computers for every child to use in every classroom. The library is stocked with more than 13,000 books.
• The school has been designed to have several ‘learning villages’ so there are smaller areas within the bigger school. Here, students work with the same teaching staff so that they can work at a level designed for them, and progress well.
• There is a special Enterprise Hub, working with the support of local employers. We will encourage children to learn the skills to set up their own businesses.