Swinton

Academy Prospectus 2017/18

MISSION STATEMENT “Everybody doing everything possible

to help every student succeed in every way.” SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

“All adults in school have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.”

WELCOME TO SWINTON ACADEMY

Dear Parent/Carer We are delighted to introduce this Prospectus which we hope provides you with a real sense of the ethos and purpose of our academy. Swinton Academy is a hardworking, friendly and open community where all people are treated as individuals and challenged to realise their full potential in all aspects of their development. We value respect, co-operation and courtesy and strive to promote effective relationships with all our students, their families and the wider community. We want all our students to feel happy, secure and confident, knowing that we will support them when they encounter difficulties and that all their efforts and achievements will be affirmed and celebrated.

Students at Swinton Academy are hardworking and share our commitment to ensuring they achieve the highest possible levels of achievement. We have a specialism in Mathematics and Computing which is a reflection of our high quality work and determination to promote the highest of expectations for all students. Swinton Academy also has an excellent reputation for PE and sport and expects all students to participate in the wide range of opportunities made available to them. We are fully committed to offering all our students a flexible curriculum tailored to meet their individual needs and to providing them with high quality learning and teaching opportunities which will enable them to experience success, regardless of their ability, gender or background. We look forward to working in partnership with you in empowering your children to take maximum advantage from all the exciting opportunities that Swinton Academy has to offer, so that they develop as fully rounded young people, enthusiastic and able to make a positive contribution to their school and wider community. We hope this prospectus encourages you to seek more information about Swinton Academy and supports you in reaching the very important decision regarding your child’s future education. If you require further details about any aspect of our provision please do not hesitate to contact us – we will be only too pleased to speak with you or show you around our school. Yours faithfully Eunice Newton ACET CEO

Rebecca Hibberd Principal

GOVERNING BODY

Swinton Academy is in its first year as an academy and is now part of ACET (Aston Community Education Trust - a growing partnership of three secondary and six primary academies). Swinton is already seeing the benefits of joining the trust and we are look forward to building on these in the future. The recent examination results from this summer were very pleasing and we are already excited about seeing what our students are capable of achieving in the future. Swinton Academy is also seeing many more improvements to the academy site. Each academy within ACET has its own Local Governing Body which is primarily focused on improving teaching and learning. The LGB includes representatives from parents/carers, staff and the local community. We hold half termly meetings at which all aspects of our provision are monitored and evaluated, with a view to their improvement. We warmly encourage students to make their contribution to decision making at Swinton, not least through engagement in Student Voice opportunities. On behalf of the trustees and governors, I wish all our new students a happy and successful career at Swinton Academy. John Barton – Chairperson of the Governing Body (Mr Barton and other governors can be contacted through the Clerk to the Governors) Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

PROGRESS through the Academy

House System

There are four houses that make up Swinton

Academy's House system; Endeavour, Illustrious,

Intrepid, and Valiant. All students are part of the

house system and are members of one of the

four houses. Students are allocated to a House

'vertically' so that students from Years 7-13 are

present in each House.

Through the House System, students participate

in a wide variety of House activities, ranging from

competitions in group tutor time to Sports Day.

They are able to earn points for themselves and

their House. Points are totalled up each half term

and the winning House flag is raised above the

Academy for all to see and remains there

throughout the following half term!

Being part of a house allows students to build

positive relationships with students across

different age ranges, increases all students'

sense of well-being and belonging, develops

pride in the Academy and celebrates success.

CURRICULUM

Y7 and Y8

Students will also experience Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music and Computer Studies. Students will work towards end of Y7 and end of Y8 target grades, progress towards these target grades will be communicated to parents/carers four times per year. We hope that subjects in lower school engage students in their learning and give them a broad and varied experience of knowledge and content. By offering an up to date and relevant curriculum we plan to strengthen students skill development and promote the qualities that young people need if they are to be effective, lifelong learners, able to meet the demands of life in the 21st century. Swinton Academy is committed to high quality learning and teaching which will provide our students with the essential skills needed to progress effectively in further or higher education, training or employment.

Y9, Y10 and Y11 We support our students in Y8 to make informed choices so that they are ready to begin upper school studies in Y9. Students study a 3 year upper school programme in Y9, Y10 and Y11 and will have the opportunity to study the core curriculum of Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Religious Studies, Physical Education and PSHCE. Students may also be guided towards the English Baccalaureate curriculum which would consist of English, Maths, Triple Science, a Humanity (Geography or History) and a Modern Foreign Language. Students would then have the opportunity to select an option subject from faculty areas such as Art, Design and Technology, Business and Computing, Drama, Music and Health and Social Care. Other students may choose not to follow an English Baccalaureate curriculum and instead select a combined science course with two further option choices. They will be offered support and guidance when making these choices, reflecting our commitment to personalising learning. The Academy makes provision for parents/carers to exercise their right to withdraw their children from religious education.

Post 16 We are delighted to offer a wide and varied range of post 16 courses to our students. We offer an ACET post 16 provision which means that courses run at both Swinton Academy and Aston Academy. This means that our students have a wider range of staff expertise, more course choices and opportunities within post 16. Students are guided on their pathways into post 16, where they can study a complement of traditional A-level courses alongside vocational skills based courses. Post 16 students take a leading role in the academy, being outstanding role models for our younger students. Students are also encouraged to play a wider role in the school as a whole. (For more information please visit the post 16 sections of our Academy website www.swintonacademy.org)

Students in Y7 and Y8 will study the English Baccalaureate curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities (Geography and History) as well as the core subjects of Physical Education and Religious Studies.

Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

“Swinton has given my child the best education he could have wished for and supported us in every way. We always have information given and would always recommend this school.” Source: Parent/carer survey 2017

“Join us and be part of our success”

“Everybody doing everything possible to help

every student succeed in every way”

Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

“Our daughter has been at the

academy for two years now and we are

so pleased with her progress and how

she is growing in confidence.” Source: Parent/carer survey 2017

Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

Uniform & Equipment At Swinton Academy we have the highest expectations in relation to student uniform and all students in Y7-11 wear full academy uniform. As an academy we take great pride in the smart appearance of our students and the important sense of belonging our uniform brings. Correct uniform must be worn not only in the academy, but whenever travelling to and from the academy. Students are expected to wear the academy uniform; this comprises of:

Black blazer with the Swinton Academy badge

White shirt

Academy tie

Plain black tailored trousers or a black skirt that is knee length

Plain black, leather footwear Jewellery must not be worn except for a wrist watch and one pair of plain stud earrings. Facial piercings are not allowed. Make-up should be subtle and kept to a minimum and nail varnish and fake nails are not permitted. Mobile phones can be brought into the academy and used at social times but they must be turned off during lessons and whilst students transfer from one lesson to the next. All students must have a suitable bag to carry their books and equipment. We regard the bag as part of the academy uniform. Basic equipment brought daily to the academy should consist of:

2 black pens

1 pencil

Ruler

Eraser

Student planner (provided by the academy)

Caring for our Students

We offer outstanding care, guidance and support to our students. Each student is placed into a tutor group and the group tutor is responsible for day to day care such as equipment and uniform checks, attendance and behaviour. Each Year group has a Year Manager and a Year Leader. Year Managers do not have a teaching commitment and are available throughout most of the school day to support students; resolving problems and concerns as they arise. Year Leaders are experienced staff; they do have a teaching commitment. Year Leaders are responsible for overseeing the academic progress of students within their year group. Year Leaders direct and lead the group tutors and Year Managers to secure outstanding outcomes.

Our LEARNING DAY Students should arrive on site no later than 08.30 am

Period 1 08.40 – 09.40 Period 2 09.40 – 10.40 Break Period 3 10.55 – 11.55 Lunch Period 4 13.00 – 14.00 Period 5 14.00 – 15.00

A range of snacks are available during morning break and we have

two cafeterias providing a wide choice of meals at lunchtime. It is

expected students will remain on site during lunchtime.

Swinton Academy Prospectus 2017/18

Inclusion

It is the objective of Swinton Academy to provide an inclusive educational environment for each student with the opportunity to fulfil his/her potential using our best endeavours to secure special educational provision. Our staff hold high aspirations and expectations for all children regardless of any special educational need, disability or medical need. We are committed to supporting our students ‘to achieve their best, become confident individuals and make a successful transition into adulthood’. The culture, practice, management and deployment of resources are designed to ensure that all students needs are met, and their targets achieved. Access to the curriculum at the most appropriate level is ensured through quality first teaching, differentiated for individual students. We are guided by current statutory guidance including the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 year (September 2014) Section 19 of the Children and Families Act 2014, Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions (updated December 2015) and the Equality Act 2010, to meet the identified additional needs of students who attend Swinton Academy. Prior to their transition to Swinton, information will be gathered about the individual needs of students. This process will involve members of our Inclusion team, members of staff from the contributory primary school parents/carers and the student. It may also involve any of the following representatives from the local authority (LA) and its support services, other schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals and independent or voluntary bodies. Any student with a medical need will have an individual Health Care Plan completed and copies of the plan available to all parties involved. The IHCP will be updated annually, or before, as new information is received. The Academy and the Local Governing Body is committed to ensuring that students with a disability will not be treated less favourably than other students. We also remain committed to improving provision for students and adults who may find access and movement around the site difficult. Further details can be found in the Academy’s Special Educational Needs Policy, SEN Information Report, Access Plan, Equality Policy and Safeguarding Policy.

In Partnership with PARENTS /CARERS If your child is to enjoy school and be successful, then there must be an effective partnership between students, parents, carers and school. We insist on excellent levels of attendance and punctuality from all students and we ask that parents and carers support their child in achieving this, in order to secure for them the best possible outcomes. Students who attend school regularly perform academically better than those who do not. It is the duty of parents and carers to ensure that learning time is never lost, through medical appointments during the school day or through holidays during term time. Each and every day is crucial and vital learning hours cannot be lost; as such we request that you avoid your child taking time out of school. Should there be an occasion when such a request needs to be made then you should look carefully at our ‘Leave of Absence’ and ‘Attendance’ policies found on our academy website. At Swinton Academy we encourage and celebrate 100% attendance from all of our students.

Parents and carers must encourage the highest standards of courtesy and respect from their child. We operate a clear ‘Behaviour for Learning’ policy which sets out the high expectations we have of students regarding standards of behaviour. All students should feel safe and secure and that they can work within an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and respect.

We believe that it is important to work with parents and carers and are keen to keep you informed not only when problems arise but also when students’ conduct warrants praise. We ask that parents/carers contact school staff should they have any concerns about their child.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

We would encourage all our students to take part in the numerous weekly extra-

curricular activities taking place at Swinton Academy. There is a wide range of

recreational (for example sports, drama, art) and also academic (for example

revision classes for examination year students in all subjects) activities. Our

sports clubs play competitive fixtures/tournaments against other schools during

the school week and on Saturdays. All our clubs are a fantastic way to meet new

friends, tackle new challenges and unwind, while or academic clubs support

learning and progress towards targets. The clubs change every half term so

watch out for these on the Swinton Academy website

(www.swintonacademy.org) and advertised for students in the library and also

on tutor notice boards.

“There are a good range of after school clubs available.”

Parent/carer survey 2017

Swinton Academy recognises the considerable value of close working relationships with parents/carers and welcomes regular communication between home and school. Striving for the best an individual can be is at the heart of Swinton Academy

Please do not hesitate to contact us at:

enquiries@swintonacademy.org

“ Everybody doing everything possible

to help every student

succeed in every way ”

East Avenue Swinton Mexborough S64 8JW

Tel: 01709 570 586 Fax: 01709 571 563

Email: enquiries@swintonacademy.org Web: www.swintonacademy.org