Prospectus2009-2010

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Academies are leaders ininnovation. The independent statusof academies allows new styles ofteaching and learning, supported bysignificant investment in ICT, whichis already visible in the classroomsand our online curriculum.

It is our aim to make ShenleyAcademy much more than anexcellent school in a wonderful newbuilding. It is our intention to createan academy that is a learningresource for all in the communityas well as our students.

We are planning to develop thewhole campus for our community,offering an exciting range ofactivities beyond the school day.It will be a very exciting placeto learn.

We are determined to ensure thata handful of years spent at ShenleyAcademy will open the door to alifetime of opportunity. The skillsthat students learn at ShenleyAcademy will provide thefoundation for their future.

We will ensure that our youngpeople achieve academic successacross a broad range of subjects.This will be complemented by thedevelopment of important life skills,gained through our academy-wideemphasis on ‘Learning for Life’,which OFSTED (Feb 2009)recognised was makinga significant impact.

The wide range of opportunitiesavailable to students during theirtime with us will therefore supportboth personal and academicdevelopment. In return, we expecthigh standards of punctuality, dressand behaviour. We recognisethese help create a positiveattitude to learning which inturn leads to success.

Our Values

Team work - we work and succeed together

Respect - individuality is valued. We show courtesy and respecttoward members of our community and our environment

Integrity - honesty and self-discipline are promoted and goodbehaviour is the norm

Commitment - to each other, to learning, to the academy andour community

Excellence - we aim high to achieve the best that we can.

Introduction toShenley AcademyShenley Academy is more than just a new type of school. It representsa new approach to learning which is purposeful and achievement focused.

Aim High. Succeed Together

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I am very proud to be leadingShenley Academy, which willbecome a centre of excellenceand will truly serve our area.

This will not be an ordinary school.Our new buildings will provide aunique and inspiring environment.Students can expect world-classconditions, best-in-classtechnology and sustainabledesign features.

Plans include a Sixth Form Centrewith excellent state-of-the-artfacilities. We have very excitingplans to develop our extensivegrounds into a centre of sportingexcellence. This includes a wildlifehaven, which is home to a varietyof species and which will bedeveloped to provide an excellentresource for study.

During the next two years, when theacademy is operating in the existingbuilding, we will be supported byadditional resources, includingstaffing. We have improved thealready good environment includingICT resources.

We have the opportunity to link ourhigh quality teaching, strong linkswith business and higher educationto develop the skills, confidence andexpertise necessary for our studentsto be successful in our ever-changing world.

Last year, the predecessor schoolwas given a very positive report byOFSTED (February 2009).

We remain one of a select fewsecondary schools nationally toreceive the Every Child Mattersaward. This means that we areattracting larger numbers ofapplicants for places here. We arealso retaining and attractingexcellent staff!

Our first priority at ShenleyAcademy will always be ourstudents’ welfare, whether this ismonitoring and keeping them ontrack or ensuring they have the helpthey need to deal with personal orsocial issues. I look forward toleading Shenley Academy in ouraim to become a world-class centreof learning and teaching.

Mrs Ruth HarkerPrincipal

A message fromthe Principal

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Our GovernorsWe have an excellent LocalGoverning Body, which includesrepresentatives from business,Higher Education and two localprimary headteachers. All localpeople who have a genuine feelfor the needs of the communitythat we serve.

There is a strong, positive linkwith our sponsor, and EACT’s localrepresentative is John Richmond,Financial Director. There will betwo new elected Parent Governorsand two places will be taken upby elected staff representativesin September.

Our Chair of Governors, Chris York,has had a long association with thepredecessor school and is lookingforward to his new position at theacademy. He can be contactedthrough the academy.

Our SponsorsEdutrust Academies CharitableTrust (EACT) is an educationfoundation and a registered charity(No: 1124189). It is a not-for-profitorganisation established topromote excellence in educationand learning. Sir Bruce Liddington,the former Schools Commissionerfor England is the DirectorGeneral of EACT. He was asenior civil servant and keyadviser on the Government’sacademies programme.

The trust aims:• To provide excellence in

education, thereby enabling thelife chances of young people tobe enhanced

• To support young people tobecome successful, integratedcitizens who contribute towardscreating a cohesive society

• To enable young people tobenefit from high qualityexperiences and opportunitiessupported by EACT’s partners,employers and highereducation institutions

• To provide investment forcommunities to improveopportunities for everyone.

The focus of EACT is supportingyoung people to achieve their truepotential. The trust is committed tosignificantly improving students’ambitions, aspirations, learning,achievement and personaldevelopment, irrespective of theirability, gender, faith or race.

This is an exciting opportunity tocreate a world class school for ourcommunityChris YorkChair of Governors

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We have a highly skilled workforcethat is continually developing newskills which supports theapplication of new technologies.Consistently high standards ofteaching and smaller class sizeswill support effective learning.

We are creating an environmentwhere students’ well-being andenvironmental quality are linked.Sustainability will become afeature of daily life as studentsuse the site and building toimprove their learning andenvironmental awareness.

We are creating an environmentwhere new approaches to teachingand learning are being incorporatedinto the design. Adaptable spacesand specialist learning zones,designed and fitted out with theadvice of business and industry,will help create exciting contextsfor learning.

An open access Virtual LearningEnvironment (VLE) and interactivelearning centres will supportstudent-centred learning. Extensiveuse of new technologies will help totransform learning, offering new anddifferent opportunities to learn,access and present information.

We’re not only creating a first-classbuilding. Our 37 acre site is alsobeing developed to provide afantastic learning and recreationalenvironment for our students.

Our learningenvironmentOur facilities have been updated and improved tomark our opening as an academy. Many areas havebeen refreshed. A massive investment in ICT and ouronline curriculum gives students (and parents/carers)access from home as well as in class. New software willhelp improve learning across the academy and at home,allowing students to actively participative in their learningand assessment.

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Students learn more and understandbetter when they can apply whatthey have been taught in a practicalsituation. Therefore the ShenleyAcademy ethos of practicalapplication permeates our teaching.

The structure of our lessons,working days and terms have beencarefully designed to provide thebest learning conditions. Lessonsare backed up by our ICT systemwhich means that, as well as guidedteaching, students are alsoencouraged to becomeindependent learners, using theirown initiative, exploiting ourexcellent resources. This approachmeans students quickly learn:

• Leadership and teamwork,working independently and insmall groups

• Effective communication andpresentation skills

• Personal learning andthinking skills

• ICT skills and library techniques:information access and retrievalusing modern technology

• How to use audio, video andprint-based resources

• How to monitor personalprogress and achieveaspirational targets.

These skills are supportedthrough our extensive Learningfor Life programme.

“All aspects of the school havebenefited from the ‘Learning forLife’ framework which startedwithin the performing arts andhumanities faculties. This is nowembedded across lessons and insystems for guidance and support.

It helps pupils to gain skills so thatthey are more self-motivated andwork better together. It also helpsthem develop skills that will beneeded to be successful in theirfuture lives. The frameworksupports good personaldevelopment and well-being.”

OFSTED (2009)

We encourage students to take aleadership role in the academy,working with younger students orstudents with disabilities, forexample as Junior Sports Leaders.Our College Councils and AdvisoryGroups give us feedback on manyaspects of school life.

Our ethosWe aim to give our students the best secondary educationpossible, encouraging their individual aptitudes and givingthem skills for life and a confident, positive outlook.

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Our focus on informationand communicationtechnologyFrom the outset we have focused on the effective and innovative use of ICT and we willbe one of the most advanced state schools in the use of new technology as we aim toequip students with the specialist knowledge they need in the 21st century.

We have already made aconsiderable investment in ICTand we are equipped with over400 computers, arranged in suitesin curriculum areas and in eightdedicated ICT centres.

We have interactivewhiteboards/projectors in all tutorrooms and in teaching rooms.Wireless networks are available withall teachers able to use laptops toprepare and teach lessons.

All students study ICT from Year 7.Our Library and Resources Centre is

a multi-media area with computersavailable for student use and wehave a sound recording studio,especially useful in music andmusic technology.

Our online curriculum andVirtual Learning Environment(VLE) supports home andextended learning.

• Multimedia software packagesand online curriculum areregular features of classroompractice, for students andteachers alike

• All students have access to theInternet via high powered filters.Each has their own emailaddress and home area

• Students can access their emailsand curriculum materials throughour website

• Staff are ICT-proficient andprovide expert tuition

• Parents/carers will be able toview their child’s curriculum andhomework from home.

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In years 7 to 11, the average timedevoted to teaching per week is 25hours, plus up to one hour 40minutes of tutorial time. This issignificantly more than theSecretary of State’s recommendedminimum per week. This extra timeis invested in our ‘Learning for Life‘skills development programme andallows time for individual supportand guidance from personal tutors.

Key features• Students are taught in sets

according to the grade theyare working towards indifferent subjects

• We teach the NationalCurriculum to all students;English, mathematics, science,ICT, modern foreign languages,history, geography, design andtechnology, dance and drama,music, art, personal health,sport and fitness and religiouseducation are taught asseparate subjects

• Our broad and balancedcurriculum promotes a full rangeof learning, thinking and lifeskills, equipping students withthe skills, attitudes andawareness needed in the 21stcentury. The curriculum is basedon the skills employers have toldus they look for in young people,and the learning activities arerelevant and topical

• An emphasis on the way ourstudents learn is helped bypractical applications,e-learning, a variety ofexperiences in the classroom,online access and relevanthome learning

• Flexible and responsive teachingfrom highly skilled staff

• Smaller-than-average classsizes, supporting increasinglyindividualised programmetailored to different students’abilities and interests. Thisallows for both supportand enhancement.

• If appropriate, students canbegin GCSE and BTEC coursesin year 9, or take A level tastercourses at the end of year 11.

Our curriculumOur high quality learning environment supports adifferentiated curriculum where students are offeredwork at a level consistent with their abilities. They areencouraged to aim high and progress at a rate whichis challenging but which suits them.

Our specialisms:Science and Performing & Creative Arts

• Develop a wide range of employability skills

• Help to develop creativity, imagination and self-confidence in students

• Support students’ progression beyond the academy and futureemployment opportunities.

Both specialisms support a range of interesting courses pre and post-16and offer stimulating out-of-hours learning opportunities designed toengage young people. They provide a vehicle for the development ofpersonal skills and attributes, as well as helping to prepare for a widerange of progression routes beyond the academy.

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AssessmentWe track student progresscarefully in all curriculum areas,using a traffic light system(red/amber/green) to indicatewhether students are on trackto meet their high butachievable targets.

These grades help us to identifywhether we need to intervene oralter the teaching programme.Student assessments are presentedto parents/carers in termly reports,giving a series of progress gradesagainst each subject. Annualreports give more detail. In addition,assessment for learning focusesstudents on what they need to doto move forwards.

Special (Educational)NeedsMany students at one time oranother will need additionalsupport. Our Learning SupportDepartment works closely withthe pastoral and curriculumteams on a process of

assessment, intervention, supportand reintegration.

Support is offered in a number ofways, including through ourpastoral team, the schoolcounselling service, the nurse andby accessing external supportservices, including those from theLocal Authority.

We conform to the SEN Code ofPractice, the Child Protection Policyand the Disability Discrimination Actand have taken part in the LAAccess Audit. However, the layoutand severity of slopes in the currentbuilding mean that there are somedifficulties for wheelchair access.

Religious EducationReligious education is offered toall our students through thecurriculum. A parent may requestthe withdrawal of their child fromreligious education. When thisoccurs the student will follow acourse of supported self-study inmoral issues.

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Personal, Health andSocial Education (PHSE)The topics covered include safety,drugs education, sex education,personal hygiene, family life,health-related exercise, food,nutrition and lifestyles. Sexeducation is offered to all studentsin line with recommendations fromthe Department for Children,Schools and Families. Parents havethe right to remove their childrenfrom the sex education lessons thatare delivered as part of the PHSEprogramme. Those who wish toexercise this option should contactthe personal tutor.

Careers andEnterprise EducationWe provide high quality careersand enterprise education gearedtowards raising the aspirations ofall young people. This is introducedin years 7 and 8, leading into aspecific programme in years 9 to11. This includes work experienceplacements towards the end ofYear 10.

The programme continues post-16when students are given guidanceon higher education courses andother opportunities, includingemployment. There is a careerslibrary on-site and studentsare free to use this facility attheir convenience.

Enterprise education is developedacross the curriculum and through aseries of dedicated ‘immersiondays’ where staff are supported byexperts from business and industry.These days are highly successfuland provide a wide range of on andoff-site activities and experiencesfor students.

SportSport is a real strength. Ourextensive grounds, modern sportsfacilities and highly-committedsports staff are dedicated to makingsure students get the most out ofphysical activity, whatever theiraptitude or ability.

We offer a variety of sports, with ourteams often competing at city,district and county level. Theseactivities currently include football,netball, rugby, tennis, rounders,table tennis, basketball, athletics,cricket, trampolining, with manyafter school clubs. We have afitness suite which is open beforeand after the academy day.

Culture and the ArtsPerforming and Creative Artsinclude dance, drama, music andmusic technology as well as art anddesign. These areas offer manyclubs and activities includingregular performances, givingstudents opportunities to expressthemselves in a variety of ways, inboth group and solo projects.

I will have lots of opportunities towork with people from business andindustry to help me prepare for lifeafter school. I will have a mentor tohelp keep me on trackYear 7 student

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Our broadercurriculum andout of hourslearning

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After school activitiesThe after hours activities arealmost as varied as the scheduledday. Students can try out newhobbies, continue studying or makeuse of computer facilities or theexcellent library.

Drama, dance, sport, writing,reading and maths groups and artactivities are on offer before or afterthe formal day. Many studentsremain on site until we close at18.00. The library remains openuntil 19.00 Monday to Thursdayand until 16.00 on Fridays.Breakfast is available everymorning from 08.00.

PartnershipsWe already have some excellentpartnerships which provideadditional opportunities for ourstudents, including Birmingham andAston Universities and NewmanUniversity College.

Our link with the University HospitalBirmingham NHS Trust supportsHealth and Social Care courses atKS4 and post-16 and helpspromote healthcare as a career.

We have strong links with theBirmingham Repertory Theatre andmany other arts organisations. Ourlinks with the business communitysupport work placements andwork-related learning. Our businesslinks will include global companies,offering students the experience ofnetworking across the world.

Trips, visits andresidentialsYear 7 students are exposed tothe hands-on ethos of ShenleyAcademy very early on. They spendfive days at an outward-boundcentre, abseiling, zip-lining, facingpersonal and team challenges. Thisannual event is just the start ofmany opportunities designed toeducate, challenge, foster lastingrelationships and give a taste of theworld beyond Shenley Academy.

Students in Years 8 to 12 have thechance to participate in a widerange of culturally diverse visits andactivities, mainly in our Visits Weektowards the end of the summerterm. There are also many tripsdesigned to help students withtheir studies.

College and tutorgroup tripsPart of what makes ShenleyAcademy special is ourtutor/student bond, which is forgednot only by term-time activities, butby out-of-hours trips and visits.Our staff have organised a widerange of on and off-site activitiesand trips. These social occasions,as well as being a lot of fun,increase contact and trust betweenmembers of tutor groups.

The Sixth FormThe academy has a growing,successful Sixth Form offering awide range of courses. We are partof the Oaks Sixth Form and widerSouth West 14-19 consortium oflocal schools and colleges forcoordinated planning of students’courses and options.

We have also built strong linkswith higher education to maximiseopportunities for our students.If you are interested in joiningour Sixth Form, please ask forour Sixth Form prospectus.

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Student careWe have an innovative and verypersonal system of pastoral care.Each student is allocated to a tutorgroup with at least one PersonalTutor. Mixed-age tutor groupsconsist of 15-18 students fromyears 7 to 11.

Ten tutor groups make up aCollege, led by the Head of Collegeand supported by a non-teachingPastoral Support Manager. SixthFormers have their own tutorgroups but support and help to leadcollege groups. Tutor groups meetat the start of every day and laterfor tutor time. On some days tutortime includes an assembly.

The role of the tutorTutors are crucial. They seestudents daily, and get to knowthem, their needs, and their courseof study. They monitor and guidetheir progress and welfare. They willwork with the student to set highbut achievable goals. The tutor is apoint of contact for parents; ahome/school partnership beingactively encouraged.

ExpectationsWe expect a high standard ofbehaviour and work from ourstudents. Discipline is based upon abelief that we all need to livetogether in a well-ordered societywith respect for each other. We usea ‘Discipline for Learning’ systemand students are rewarded througha system of ‘credits’ - rewards andawards which culminates in termlyAwards Assemblies.

OrganisationWe open for students from 07.30onwards. Breakfast is available from08.00. The formal academy daybegins at 08.35 and studentsshould arrive in good time in orderto make a prompt start.

There are five learning sessions,each lasting one hour which arepunctuated by two breaks, one ofwhich is for lunch.

The academy remains open until18.00 Monday to Thursday forthose students wishing to use thefacilities. On Friday, we close at16.00. Supervision of studentsbefore 08.25 and after 15.30 isinformal in some areas andstudents are expected to behaveresponsibly. Those students unableto behave appropriately will bedenied access during these times.

When students remain after theformal taught day has endedthey are expected to log-in onthe website so that we havea record of their presence inthe case of an emergency ora parental query.

Students must register in themorning at 08.35 with their tutor. Ifthey leave for any reason during theday, they must report to theAttendance Office with a note fromparents detailing where they aregoing. Parents of students who areabsent and have not notified us willbe contacted as soon as possibleby telephone, seeking anexplanation for their student’sabsence. This ensures that the

whereabouts of every student isknown every day.

CommunicationsUp-to-date information istransmitted to staff and students viaemail and a series of LCD screenslocated throughout the building. Alist of events is provided to eachstudent at the beginning of the yearand is available through thewebsite. A weekly newsletter keepsparents in touch – this is alsoavailable online. Other postingsof key documents are sent homeon occasions.

Shenley Academy onlineShenley Academy operates acomprehensive and constantlyupdated website which providesgeneral information as well asproviding resources for staff,students and their parents.

Other documentsand policiesAll official/statutory documentationthat applies to Shenley Academy isavailable to be viewed, uponrequest, from the Principal’s PA.

Organisationand careShenley Academy is about learning, self discipline, personal challenge, teamwork,respect and commitment. We encourage students to have a healthy self-image, respectthemselves and to broaden their perspective on life.

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MealsBreakfast and lunch can be boughtin the restaurant.

UniformIn accepting a place at ShenleyAcademy, parents and studentsagree to abide by the uniformpolicy. All students from years 7 to11 wear Shenley Academy uniform,including the outside coat. Uniformdetails are available separately andoutlined in the Student Planner.

Ties (clip-on-only) are available forpurchase from the academy.Training shoes of any kind are notacceptable. Uniform sports clothingis also required. Year 12 and 13students do not wear uniform,but a dress code has been agreedwith students indicating that aclear standard of smart casualdress is required.

Trips and visitsA wide range of trips and visits areoffered to the students. In eachcase, the economic charges arelevied but no profit is generated.Some may be subsidised at thediscretion of the Principal. Strictguidelines apply to all trips andvisits to ensure student safety.

RemissionsGrants which cover the costs oftransport and meals and essentialschool uniform are available to alleligible parents. For further detailscontact the ECM Manager who willdeal with all queries in completeconfidence. Parents in receipt ofeither Jobseeker’s allowance,Income Support, Child Tax Credit,Incapacity Benefit or PensionCredits are advised to contact us todiscuss financial support they maybe eligible to claim.

This may include assistance withmeals, uniform and sports clothing,transport and essential educationaltrips. Further details are availablefrom the ECM Manager.Registration is absolutelyconfidential. For trips that are notan essential part of the curriculumthere may be some assistancegiven in very exceptional cases atthe discretion of the Principal.

Music tuitionWe do not make a charge forinstrumental/singing tuition.Students who attend music tuitionmust commit to attending regularlyas we may have to operate awaiting list.

Charging andremissions

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ExaminationsIn some circumstances (if astudent fails to attend an exam,or chooses to sit additional entriesfor example), pro rata charges maybe levied. Examination entry maybe withheld for students who failto attend lessons without agood reason.

Loss or damage ofShenley AcademypropertyStudents who lose or seriouslydamage our property which hasbeen allocated to them e.g.books, will be charged forreplacement of these items.Damage to other property isalso likely to be charged for.

LockersWhen students move into the newbuilding they will be provided with alocker. They must however providetheir own padlock or pay to hire akey (details will be confirmed).

We take no responsibility for lostvaluables, which should not bebrought onto the site.

Quality assuranceIn 2009, Government Inspectorsgave our predecessor school anextremely positive report, praisingleadership and management, thecurriculum, staff, the care they giveand students. They commentedthat “Strong leadership hasestablished an ethos of highexpectations and rigorousevaluation.” OFSTED 2009.

Complaints andconcernsParents/carers may contact theacademy at any time about matterswhich concern them. We will alwaysinvestigate any complaint speedily,efficiently, fully and fairly and aresponse should usually be givenwithin 24 hours. Complaints shouldbe addressed to the member ofstaff best placed to respond. Ourreceptionists will help to put you intouch with the right person.

Complaints about the curriculumand related matters will normally beresolved in consultation with thestudent’s tutor who will liaise withthe appropriate departmental staff.However, when an outcome cannotbe agreed, the tutor or parentsshould refer the matter to one of theAssistant Principals or the VicePrincipals and ultimately thePrincipal, who will seek to find anacceptable resolution.

Although we would hope that noparent would ever need to use theprocedure, if no solution is foundthen the complaint should be put inwriting and sent to us marked forthe attention of the Chair ofGovernors. The Chair willacknowledge receipt of thecomplaint and outline the way inwhich it will be investigated.Parents’ views will be sought andevery effort will be made toconclude the matter as quicklyas possible.

CommunityIt is an aim that our students areinvolved as actively as possible withthe community we serve and weencourage interaction with localgroups. Our students raise asubstantial amount of money eachyear for local, national andinternational charities. They supportyounger students in a number ofways and have also worked withthem on collaborative projects,for example in Performing Artsand Sport.

AdmissionsWe offer places to students onthe basis of our admissionscriteria which is the same asfor Birmingham LocalAuthority schools.

Parents and student should usethe Birmingham local authorityform for admissions.

Open Evening/Open Day/VisitsParents/carers of prospective students wishing to visit Shenley Academy can do soduring the designated open evening and days or at any other reasonable time.

Senior staff are always available to answer queries or to offer explanations about anymatters relating to admissions.

Please see website for details.

Shenley Academy & Sixth FormShenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4HE

T: 0121 464 5191F: 0121 464 3711

E: general@shenleyacademy.orgW: shenleyacademy.org

Bus routes

21 from City Centre44 from City Centre and Turves Green29 from City Centre and Northfield103 from Quinton - connect to 29 at Harborne69 and 18 from Yardley Wood Garage

Shenley Academy & Sixth FormShenley Lane, Birmingham B29 4HE

T: 0121 464 5191F: 0121 464 3711

E: general@shenleyacademy.orgW: shenleyacademy.org

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