WYVERN ACADEMY

PROSPECTUS

2

CONTENTS

Page Headteacher’s Welcome 3 Vision and Aims 4 Uniform List 5 Teaching and Learning 6 - 8 Extra Curricular Activities 9 - 12 Pastoral Care and Guidance 13 Further Information 14

3

Welcome from the Head Teacher

As Head Teacher of Wyvern Academy, part of Consilium Academies, I am delighted to welcome you to our 2018 open evening. We recognise that choosing a school for your child is perhaps

the most important decision a parent or carer makes. With that in mind, our aim this evening is to provide you with as

much information as possible to help you make an informed choice about your child’s education.

Wyvern Academy is at a very significant stage in its exciting

journey. While building on existing strengths, we intend to enhance and develop all aspects of our pupil’s educational experience. Our hardworking staff are dedicated to securing academic success for your child, but we also aim to provide happy memories and an exciting range of extracurricular experiences and opportunities. As well as providing exciting experiences and opportunities, we believe it is equally important to equip our young people with

life skills so that they can confidently take a rewarding, active and fulfilling place in society. We are passionate about the importance of community partnerships and are always looking for ways to strengthen and develop community links. Our thriving PTA organise monthly community events and

members of the PTA will be available this evening to tell you more about how you can get involved in #wyvernfamily events.

Our school is more than a place where pupils learn – it’s a place where pupils grow and a place where pupils

are encouraged to follow their dreams and share their unique talents in a safe and supportive environment. At Wyvern Academy, we believe that high ambition for every child is a right and endeavour to shape hearts and minds so that they can go out and shape the greatness of society. The best way for you to appreciate what we can offer your child is to experience our school first hand. So feel free to wander around and talk to our pupils, parents and staff about life at our unique and wonderful school. With Best Wishes,

Mo Wilkinson Headteacher

4

OUR VISION

Our school will be a place of excellence where every young person achieves and reaches their full potential .

OUR AIMS

We will provide the best possible education and experiences to develop the whole child during their time at Wyvern Academy

We aim to promote self-discipline, self-confidence, motivation, aspiration and excellence in learning to assist pupils to become independent and self-sufficient adults, who will succeed and contribute positively in their local and global communities

We will maximise pupil achievement through the effective use of teaching and learning facilities.

We aim to offer an appropriate and relevant curriculum, responsive to the needs of all pupils

We intend that there will be no gaps between those children who are disadvantaged and the rest, either in attainment or opportunity

We aim to provide a welcoming environment based on trust and mutual respect, where pupils feel

valued and feel they belong

We will promote equality and celebrate diversity

We aim to create a safe, secure and happy learning environment for our pupils to enable each child

to achieve their full potential personally and educationally

We aim to create a community where the values of truth, honesty, forgiveness and reconciliation are lived and where there is special care for those most in need

We will work in partnership with families to ensure that they are an integral part of their child's

education and build positive relationships with our families and the wider community.

We will provide a diverse range of extra-curricular opportunities and experiences for all our young people to maximise talents and develop creative and social skills

We aim to foster the values of responsible citizenship in a democratic society by:

o providing opportunities to exercise responsibility and leadership o making pupils aware of, and encouraging them to form views on a range of political, social,

moral and spiritual issues o encouraging pupils to understand and tolerate the views of others

5

SCHOOL UNIFORM

BOYS

School Blazer Black with school badge Shirt Plain white shirt - not “polo” shirts

Tie School tie: red and grey striped Trousers Plain black school trousers Shoes Sensible, flat black shoes - not black trainers Socks Plain grey or black PE kit Wyvern zip training jacket, polo shirt, black shorts and football socks

GIRLS

School Blazer Black with School Badge Shirt Plain white shirt - not “Polo” shirts Tie School tie: red and grey striped Skirt/Trousers School kilt, or plain black school trousers (NOT stretchy material or leggings) Shoes Sensible, flat black shoes - not black trainers Socks/tights Plain white or black socks or plain black opaque tights (not patterned)

PE kit Wyvern zip Training Jacket, polo shirt, skort and football socks,

6

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Curriculum Structure and Organisation At Wyvern Academy, our aim is to provide a deep and rich curriculum which meets the needs of all of our learners. It encompasses all of the activities which take place in school, including the formal programme of

educational provision, the informal programme of extra-curricular activities and those aspects of organisation and interpersonal relationships which contribute to the personal, social and emotional development of the

pupils. The formal aspects are delivered to the pupils via the school timetable. We strive to equip our pupils with whatever knowledge, skills and understanding they might need to go on to the next stage of their

educational journey, whatever that might be.

Curriculum Model

On entry to Wyvern, each pupil is assigned to a Form Tutor. Using information from our pupils’ primary schools, every effort is made to ensure that, as far as possible, the form groups are mixed ability whilst

providing the opportunity to broaden friendship groups.

CURRICULUM MODEL 2018 - 19

KEY STAGE 3 KEY STAGE 4 YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10 YEAR 11 ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH – START KS4 ENGLISH ENGLISH

MATHS MATHS MATHS – START KS4 MATHS MATHS

SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE – START KS4 SCIENCE SCIENCE

MFL (French &

Spanish) MFL (French & Spanish) MFL

MA & ENG INT (KS2

100) MA & ENG INT (KS2

100) MA & ENG INT (KS2

100)

GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY OPTION 1 OPTION 1

HISTORY HISTORY HISTORY

RE RE RE OPTION 2 OPTION 2 COMPUTING COMPUTING COMPUTING

PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING

ARTS

Growth – (inc Reading and literacy) OPTION 3 OPTION 3 ART, DESIGN &

TECHNOLOGY ART, DESIGN &

TECHNOLOGY ART, DESIGN &

TECHNOLOGY

PE (GAMES) PE (GAMES) PE (GAMES) PE (GAMES) PE (GAMES)

Growth – (inc.Literacy) Growth – (inc.Literacy) Growth – (inc.Literacy) Growth – (inc.Get

Exam Ready) Growth – (inc.Get

Exam Ready) ETHICS/PSHCE/IAG ETHICS/PSHCE/IAG ETHICS/PSHCE/IAG ETHICS/PSHCE/IAG ETHICS/PSHCE/IAG

7

Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) English, mathematics and science are set according to ability and achievement. All other subjects are delivered to largely mixed ability classes. English, maths and science will complete the KS3 curriculum in two years,

enabling pupils to begin the GCSE course at the beginning of Year 9 allowing more time for the delivery of the KS4 syllabi.

Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11)

All pupils follow GCSE programmes in mathematics, English, science, a humanity subject (history or geography), computer science or a language and a choice from the option subjects including art, photography, business studies, health and social care, music, triple science, design & technology, food technology, music and PE. New subjects for 2018 include, iMedia, dance and citizenship. These subjects were added as the result of a pupil voice exercise in which the pupils requested the opportunity to study these subjects. This is a process that will be repeated every year so that our curriculum continues to reflect the views and aspirations of our pupils. Geography, history, computer science and French appear in the option blocks to allow pupils to maximise academic opportunities. RE will be taught as drop down/collapsed timetable themed days during the year at KS4. In the current educational climate, there are pressures to build a curriculum which focusses on performance tables. This is often detrimental to the needs of the most important people in the education system, the children. We firmly believe that our curriculum is one which will both improve the Academy’s standing in national performance tables and be broad enough to meet our pupils’ needs.

ICT, Computing and Business Studies We believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the way that

computers work and affect society. They should also be able to develop their ICT skills and capabilities so that they will be able to use computers effectively in their other studies and the workplace. The Computing, ICT and Business Studies curriculum has undergone a few changes in response to national requirements. We offer a range of topics to suit the needs and capabilities of all pupils, ranging from basic Microsoft Office skills to being able to program using advanced Python Skills. Computing and business are available as GCSE options following the Cambridge Nationals Level 1 and 2 syllabi. As a result of changes to the GCSE structures we are pleased to offer the Cambridge Nationals Level 2 GCSE Media course beginning in September 2018. Science Following the recent curriculum reforms, Year 9 pupils will now follow one of the following pathways in science:

Triple Science, in which science must be taken as one of their options in addition to the “core” element, leading to the award of separate GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics.

Combined Science, which is a new two-year course, leading to the award of two GCSEs

Physical Education

Physical Education plays a pivotal role in supporting Wyvern Academy’s ability to develop pupils as confident, creative thinkers ready to take their lives and physical fitness forward in exciting new ways. Wyvern Academy

uses PE to help pupils build social and personal skills that will support academic progression. Key Stage 3 pupils will participate in the following sports: football, netball, rugby, volleyball, swimming, hockey, tennis,

gymnastics, basketball, athletics, cricket, softball, health related fitness, trampolining and dance. In Year 9 pupils will have the opportunity to take the Sports Leaders UK Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership. Key Stage

8

4 pupils will study BTEC Level 2 in Sport. There is also a comprehensive extra curricular programme and a PE excursion and pupils will have the opportunity to experience a professional sporting fixture.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

The formal careers programme forms part of the PSHE curriculum, delivered as a timetabled lesson. Guidance on Further/Higher Education, apprenticeships and career choices forms an integral part of this programme.

Representatives from outside agencies, universities and local companies are involved in both the planning and the delivery of CEIAG sessions. We also run the ESH ‘Developing our Skills’ Programme aimed at Year 10 pupils and delivered by representatives of local and national companies who are experts in their field. At key points in the academic year, a number of information sessions for parents and pupils are arranged to keep everyone informed of the opportunities available to pupils when making choices which will affect their next steps. PSHE is delivered weekly. The aim is to encourage pupils to acquire knowledge and skills to become informed, active and responsible members of the local community. British Values, Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) and PSHE are also addressed during tutor time. Our pupils explore a range of national and regional themes to increase their knowledge of the wider world in which they live. Safeguarding All Wyvern Academy policies and procedures relating to safeguarding are available to all parents and carers

via the school website – www.wyvernacademy.org.

Special Educational Needs (SEND) As a school, we seek to develop inclusive values between staff, pupils and parents/carers and remove barriers

to learning and participation. We offer support to pupils with special educational needs, giving them the opportunity to develop self-esteem and to enhance their progress across all areas of the curriculum. Pupils

will:

be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their own learning through shared target setting and support planning where appropriate

be given the opportunity to improve basic skills through additional support and literacy and numeracy intervention programmes

be given the opportunity to learn in different ways which allows for individual strengths and weaknesses

have access to resources which will consolidate and extend learning according to individual need

be involved in the reviewing procedure along with parents/carers receive additional support from outside agencies when this is appropriate

9

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Wyvern Academy has a wide range of extra curricular activities which help to develop the whole child.

PE Department

An extensive extra-curriculum is offered to pupils in many sports and activities including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-

country, fitness, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rounder’s, rugby and swimming. The school competes in various sports at district and county level. Successes are celebrated annually at the Sports Presentation Evening with an elite sports performer presenting the awards.

There are inter-house matches throughout the year. The PE department also organise a rewards trip for pupils who have represented the school at events

such as town sports and the town swimming gala. Visits are arranged to top level sporting fixtures such as the Manchester City v Napoli Champions

League fixture.

Wyvern works in partnership with the Martin Gray Football Academy offering a range of exciting opportunities for our pupils. The Academy works with our PE department

to form links with our feeder primaries to assist with the smooth transition of our pupils. The Academy also offers a range of activities for our existing pupils to develop leadership skills. Music Department

The Music Department at Wyvern Academy is a vibrant department, providing active opportunities for pupils of all musical abilities. There are opportunities for

instrumental and vocal tuition through Durham Music Service.

The music department run choir, band and instrumental clubs during lunchtimes and after school. Pupils are also invited to take part in events. For 2018/19 Wyvern are

piloting the new Rock and Pop strategy through Durham Music Service. The aim is to enable guitar, drum and vocal pupils to play in ensembles from the earliest stages.

These newly formed bands will have great opportunities to perform throughout the year both in school and at a Big Gig in the summer of 2019 hosted by Durham Music Service.

RE

A Christian Youth Worker provides a lunchtime club on Fridays to engage pupils around moral and ethical issues.

French Pupils are given the opportunity to forge written links with French students and are able to exchange letters

and news about their lives and their local area.

10

English

All pupils are encouraged to join the Creative Writing and Drama Clubs which run during lunchtimes. The Spelling Bee Competition forms a fun and competitive tutor activity with a reward for the overall winner. All

KS4 pupils have the opportunity to become involved in extra-curricular drama activities by attending workshops after school. Other activities include theatre visits, public speaking and poetry competitions

The English Department take every opportunity to study the programmes of the local theatres for relevant productions. Regular theatre trips are planned throughout the year to enhance the study of the set texts. There are also productions every year involving the whole school ran in conjunction with the Music Department. Technology Pupils are encouraged to extend their skills in STEM, resistant materials and food technology, both at lunchtime and at the end of the school day. We are extending our pupils’ skills by offering photography and a robotics club as well as the fun ‘Bake Off’ club. The Art Department is open each day at lunchtime for our creative learners and to offer support for our GCSE pupils.

Mathematics Pupils are encouraged to develop their mathematical ability and understanding through their application of

problem solving activities allowing them to draw on their mathematical knowledge from across the subject. This also helps to develop both independence and group work skills where applicable.

In maths pupils are given the opportunity to take part in the UK Mathematics Challenge organised through the UK Maths Trust and Leeds University. Year 7 and 8 pupils are selected to take part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge. If successful this can lead to pupils being able to take part in a national competition. STEM STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and its mission statements include:

Broadening the horizons of our pupils to possible STEM-related careers. Bridging gender gaps sometimes found in maths and science fields.

Forging links with local industries.

Developing links with local primary schools.

Pupils participate in regular field trips where amongst other things, they see how STEM is utilised within industry and how STEM relates to A-levels, University and beyond. In addition, a thriving extra curricular STEM Club is held after school once a week. During STEM Club, pupils are able to extend and indulge their love of STEM subjects, by learning subject material which is beyond the standard curriculum, participating in live web chats with real-life engineers and promoting STEM throughout

the school. STEM Ambassadors occasionally visit during club time to speak and interact with the pupils. Past STEM Ambassadors have included people involved in motorsport, archaeology, geology and medicine.

11

At the end of the 2018 academic year, Year 8 and 9 members of the STEM Club were given the opportunity to attend the 2018 Formula 1

British Grand Prix at Silverstone race circuit. The trip was a culmination of many of the ideas

and STEM principles which had been visited throughout the year and served as a showcase

for the UK STEM industry. In addition it also provided inspiration to our pupils considering possible STEM related careers.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DofE) Wyvern Academy delivers The Duke of Edinburgh Award. It is a prestigious award which has been running since 1956. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme challenges young people aged 14 to 25 throughout the world to serve others, acquire new skills, experience adventure and make new friends. As well as after school skills sessions, participants must also complete many elements in their own time. Commitment is vital. The award adds purpose and pleasure to a young person's life and their achievements are widely recognised in education and employment. Pupils participating in DofE can expect to gain valuable experience of working with others both through voluntary work and through teamwork. Pupils can build their self-confidence by setting and then working towards the goals they set themselves. They will also get to push their boundaries, go exploring, discover new things about the world around them, and hopefully also discover something new

about themselves.

The award is split into four sections, each of which participants must satisfactorily complete. The sections are: Volunteering: Participants choose from commitments such as first aid, child care, conservation, lifesaving award leadership, community sports leadership award and fundraising. Physical Recreation: The award is based on individual improvement and achievement. Participants set a measureable goal to achieve during a 3 or 6 month period. Skills: Participants can choose from many leisure time activities and demonstrate progress and perseverance. Expedition: Participants plan, train for and then undertake a journey in the countryside. The qualifying expedition is undertaken in small teams, normally unaccompanied, though supervised and assessed by adults. Each year, one of the gold assessments takes place in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, a remote and beautiful area.

12

Year 7 Camp Year 7 have the opportunity to go on a residential, outdoor adventure every year. This is an excellent way for them to develop teamwork and build stronger relationships with both their peers and staff.

The Pupil Body Our School Council meets regularly at lunchtimes to maintain a pupil voice for the school. They consult with pupils on major decisions such as school rewards and voting to elect our school charities . Wyvern Media Our school magazine is produced and edited by the pupil led Wyvern Editorial Team. This has given our pupils

exciting opportunities to report on both school news and to write about events and issues relating to the wider community and other parts of the world. It has even included four of our pupils presenting the BBC

Sports News live to the nation as part of the annual BBC School News Report event which is hosted both in school and at the BBC studios in Salford.

Leadership Opportunities

Leadership is important at Wyvern at all levels and our pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of leadership activities such as Sports Leaders, School Council and Pupil Mentor Scheme. Our Year 11 pupils are

invited to apply to be part of the Pupil Leadership Team. This is a strong team headed by our Head Boy and Head Girl and two Deputies. The Team support the school in four major areas, pastoral, site, tutor and

hospitality. The latter attend public events throughout the year, interacting with the public and assisting with organisation. Being part of the PLT builds confidence and leadership skills as well as being a very useful

addition to a CV and applications for further education post 16.

13

PASTORAL CARE AND GUIDANCE

We see the pastoral care of our pupils at Wyvern as being central to our school ethos where every young person achieves and reaches their full potential. Each pupil is allocated to a House when they join us, these are Weardale, Teesdale, Swaledale and Wensleydale. They are also allocated to a tutor group in one of these

Houses. Pupils are allocated a tutor who is available to deal with the day to day needs of their tutees. Each year group has a Pastoral Leader who supports the academic needs and welfare of our pupils and parents,

working closely with staff and outside agencies as appropriate. Competitions run throughout the school year and are linked to the house point system. The Climate for Learning Team provide an additional tier of pastoral

support through effective intervention and by promoting a positive attitude to learning across the school.

Year 7 Pastoral Leader Year 8 Pastoral Leader Year 9 Pastoral Leader Mrs Michelle Delacey Miss Lauren Cox Miss Rachel Clark

Year 10 Pastoral Leader Year 11 Pastoral Leader

Miss Becky Agnew Mr Jonny Willis

The ARK (Alternative Routes to Knowledge) The Centre offers additional support to pupils who are experiencing difficulties on their educational journey.

These difficulties can be short or long term issues that present for a variety of reasons. This may prevent pupils from accessing fully the opportunities the school has to offer. Mrs Walls, the ARK Manager works closely

with Pastoral Leaders, striving to provide a learning environment where all pupils can achieve their personal goals. The advice and support made available is delivered in partnership with pupils, on the basis of equality

and inclusivity. Support is offered in a variety of different forms and parental involvement is encouraged to ensure that a strong home/school relationship is developed and maintained.

Parent Teacher Consultation

The #wyvernfamily motto emphasises the importance of the links between school and the community, and our open door policy is supported by our pastoral and welfare team. Parents, carers alongside pupils are also

given the opportunity to attend parents’ evenings to discuss their child’s progress. A series of EPRA evenings (Engaging Parents, Raising Achievement) run throughout the year providing an opportunity for parents to

support their child’s progress.

14

Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Our PTA continues to go from strength to strength and has achieved registered charity status. New members are more than welcome to join in the range of fund raising and fun activities that are organised on a regular

basis by our staff, parents and pupils.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information and school policies are available upon request or can be downloaded from the our website at www.wyvernacademy.org Our Transition Lead, Mrs Pam Walls will be happy to answer any queries you may have. She can be contacted on the main school number of 01325-351377 or by email at adminoffice@wyvernacademy.org.