prospectus - Balby Carr Community Academy

Balby Carr
Community Academy
PROSPECTUS
A Message
from the head
Thank you for taking an interest in our academy and reading this prospectus. I hope it provides
a flavour of our academy although I know this can never provide a full picture. For that you
need to visit our academy, talk to our students and meet our staff. I believe that this would
provide a compelling picture of the academy, its current strengths and its ambition for the
future.
Balby Carr Community Academy, a member of the outstanding Wakefield City Academies
Trust (WCAT), is a popular and successful academy, which is committed to meeting the needs
and developing the skills of all students and staff.
We are a vibrant 11-18 academy, with enthusiastic students and a dedicated, talented and
experienced team of staff who work closely with each student to ensure they achieve their full
potential. We have clear expectations and the academy focuses strongly on rewarding students
for their effort and achievement, creating a positive ethos with good behaviour and strong
work ethic. Our strong guidance and pastoral care systems ensure students are nurtured,
supported and given every opportunity for personal development through the full spectrum
of subjects and extra-curricular activities.
Students enjoy personalised pathways that include a balance of academic and vocational
qualifications dependant on the needs of the individual. The Sixth Form and Academy of
Sport offer a wide variety of very successful A Level and Vocational courses that allows all
our students to progress to the next stage of whatever their learning journeys will be. Our
high expectations for students is matched by the support and resources necessary for them to
achieve those aspirations.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
The relationships between staff, students and parents/carers are fundamental to the success
of the academy. We seek to promote a genuine partnership between home and the academy,
based on mutual trust and respect, and we operate an open-door policy where parents/carers
are always welcome. Working together, we can ensure that students enjoy their time at Balby
Carr, make good progress and leave us as responsible, well-qualified, mature young people,
ready to make a valued contribution to society.
If you have any concerns or questions not answered by this prospectus, please visit our website
www.balbycarr.org.uk, or contact us at the academy.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
TEACHING
AND LEARNING
WHAT DOES
BALBY CARR STAND FOR
At Balby Carr Community Academy we are committed to raising attainment for all our students
through good quality Teaching and Learning and the celebration of student achievement.
We value education because it has the power to change and improve people’s lives.
The academy is forward looking, popular and friendly with highly skilled and dedicated staff. We
intend to remain at the forefront of educational developments whilst maintaining traditional
values, high expectations and standards.
We work with all students to encourage high standards in all aspects of their lives, whilst
recognising that they are all individuals. We continue to offer a wide range of opportunities
both in the classroom and beyond, which will enable our students to work towards high
academic achievement and to be positive participants in our community.
We recognise that students will achieve and
attain more in a well ordered and respectful
environment and we promote a climate for
learning that accentuates the positive.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Our collective responsibility is to work together positively and ensure the very highest provision
in every respect for all our:
- Students
- Colleagues, parents/carers
- Communities
Through our:
- High professional standards and presentation of self
- Ambition
- Dedication
- Constant pursuit of improvement
- Positivity
Balby Carr
Community Academy
The curriculum
at key stage 3
The curriculum
at key stage 4
Teaching staff at Balby Carr Community Academy remain at the forefront of developments
in education. Their high levels of professional skill and knowledge enable all our students to
achieve their aims. We have a reputation for being innovative and for providing stimulating and
challenging opportunities for students to learn. Our continued focus on high quality teaching
and learning ensures we meet the needs of all students by taking into account their personal
learning styles.
All students follow a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, Science and PE and
can continue with the subjects they selected as part of the year 9 option process.
Years 7- 9
Students study Maths, English, Science, Technology, PE, Art, Drama, Music, ICT, Languages,
History, Geography and RS. Some students in Year 7 will follow a Curiosity, Wonder and
Inquisitiveness Curriculum Programme (CWIq) developed in partnership with renowned
Professor of Education, Mick Waters. This programme will give targeted students a ‘power
start’ to improve literacy and numeracy skills
and successfully access the core subjects that
will be studied alongside this project.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
We enjoy continued success in a wide variety of GCSE Subjects such as Technology, History,
Geography, Sociology, Drama, Art, Languages, PE, Music and the Triple Sciences. We have a
well deserved excellent reputation in the delivery of Vocational Courses and offer a wide variety
including ICT, Business Studies, Business Language, Drama, Performing Arts, Construction and
Hair-dressing.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
Beyond the
curriculum
At Balby Carr Community Academy, we are committed to providing a variety of opportunities
for students to learn and develop a wide range of skills outside the classroom. Our Website,
Personalised Learning Environment and Newsletters provides regular updates for parents of
the activities on offer.
We organise a wide variety of offsite visits for all year groups such as ski trips, sports tours,
exciting trips to the Pantomime, The Deep, Xscape, The Space Centre, Universities, The
London Science Museum, London West End shows, Disneyland Paris and many other places
of interest that are too numerous to mention.
There is an extensive and varied programme of activities, through which students can develop
confidence, problem solving and team-working skills. These activities give them the opportunity
to excel in new and challenging areas and to cultivate interests that may stay with them
for life.
Students have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of leadership opportunities such
as the Student Executive Council, Sports and Reading Leaders, and take part in a whole host
of special interest clubs in all areas of the academy.
As an extended academy we offer many after academy clubs and sports activities. Our
refurbished 1966 suite allows children to remain on site from 2.40pm until 4.30pm under adult
supervision in a state of the art learning resource suite. There is access to computers; learning
supervisors; Wii and gaming activities and a film club. A late bus runs every Monday to
Thursday at 4.30pm.
In the creative arts, students are regularly involved in the many musical groups, rock bands,
vocal groups and take part in musical and dramatic productions such as Bugsy Malone, Alice in
Wonderland, We Will Rock You and Hairspray. Students with an interest in Technology can
get involved in design drawing, metalwork, fashion design and cooking for life.
Opportunities include a wide range of sporting disciplines, from traditional sports such as
football, netball and golf to rowing, BMX racing, boxing, cheerleading and horse riding, which
highlights our continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of all students in our care.
In the performing arts students are involved in many academy productions and events.
Our students dazzled audiences as they performed the show-stopping West End musical
Beauty and The Beast last year. We are already looking forward to this year’s show, Little
Shop of Horrors.
“Balby Carr is good, it is easy to find your way around and
I have made lots of new friends. Teachers help you in lessons
and give you lots of encouragement. After academy activities
are great, especially table tennis and football.”
Mitchell - Tickhill, St Marys
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
Care and
guidance
additional
support
At Balby Carr Community Academy the safeguarding of our students is of paramount
importance. Parents send their children to the academy each day with the expectation that the
academy provides a secure environment in which their children can flourish and be confident.
For students who require additional support to meet their learning needs, help is provided
by a dedicated team of Learning Support Practitioners. This support is provided within the
classroom environment.
The Care and Guidance Team work with our students and parents to ensure they are safe
and happy in the academy. Any alerts are discussed with parents and support is put in place.
We have a thorough health and safety policy, which is monitored each term by the academy
team.
We have specialist staff to help support students with additional learning needs. We offer
excellent support for all students who require literacy and numeracy support and a number of
students will access the innovative ‘Read to Succeed’ programme that promotes enjoyment
and success through reading. The academy has students, staff and parents who are fully
trained as Reading Leaders. This scheme is successful in encouraging good reading habits and
boosting confidence.
Positive behaviour is essential in any community and at Balby Carr Community Academy we
have high expectations for this. The academy conducts a very effective Anti-Bullying/Racism
Programme, the ethos of which is zero
tolerance.
Balby Carr Community Academy is proud
of the interventions used to ensure students
come to zero harm academically, physically
and emotionally. Further information
regarding procedures can be found on the
EPortal.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Accessibility at Balby Carr Community Academy
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled students so that they are
not at a substantial disadvantage. We are always happy to meet with parents and carers to
discuss individual students’ needs.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
able & talented
Provision
information,
advice & guidance
For the many students who are involved in our able and talented programme we have exciting
activities which will inspire and engage them. All subject teachers are aware of students who
take part in activities and they work closely with A&T students to ensure that they are engaged
and stretched to enable them to achieve the high level of success and meet the aspirational
targets that are set with them. We encourage all students to enjoy the success that they might
expect of themselves and that the Balby Carr Community Academy team expects of them.
The careers education guidance programme is delivered throughout the curriculum with the
Head of Careers, who is responsible for engaging with representatives from the business
sector to work alongside students in the academy. Through excellent relationships with such
organisations we are able to extend opportunities for our students by giving them a valuable
insight into the world of work. All Year 10 students have the opportunity to take part in a
highly successful Work Experience scheme.
There are a vast number of opportunities to raise student aspirations. These include visits
to a number of high profile Universities and Colleges such as Leeds, Loughborough, Hull,
Sheffield, Huddersfield and Brookes University Oxford. Opportunities to visit Noel Village
Foundry and Engineering Works are open to our students, as well as a visit to Auschwitz. Our
Physics department works closely with the Ogden Trust to promote the involvement in and
enjoyment of science. Maths students are
involved in national competitions each year.
A wide range of activities are undertaken within the academy. The skills required by students
to help bridge the gap between education and the world of work are practised regularly within
the career modules of study which make full use of our well-resourced careers library for
independent research.
Our highly qualified and dedicated staff
provide all our able and talented students
with engaging and challenging opportunities
to enable them to achieve.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Our Aspire learning programme is extensive and includes modules of work on career transition
skills, enterprise and challenge events with business and industry. Other modules include
financial literacy as well as external visits to University open days, taster sessions at college and
fact finding visits to local firms.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
progression
To post 16
balby academy
of sport
Balby Carr’s oversubscribed Sixth Form and Academy of Sport provides a lively and stimulating
environment for Post-16 studies. Courses are available for students of all abilities and interests,
and our students have an excellent record of obtaining places in Higher Education and
employment.
We run a very successful and oversubscribed Post-16 Sports Academy at Balby Carr.
We publish a separate Sixth Form Prospectus to help students make the important choices
about their future direction and to select the right courses. We continue to invest in the facilities
for our Sixth Form students because we want students to be a part of a vibrant and caring
community with access to the best teaching and high-tech facilities to support their learning.
All Sixth Form students have a unique base for learning in our Sixth Form Centre (SFC) which
provides state of the art IT facilities, as well as a cafe/relaxation area. Training and qualifications
are more important today than they have ever
been and at Balby Carr we provide students
with the skills, knowledge and confidence to
face the next important stage of their lives,
whether it is to find a job, train for a career or
prepare for University.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Academy of Sport offers academic and sporting courses for Post 16 students.
Our students study towards a level 3 qualification, which enables them to either go onto
higher education or enter the world of work. The PE Department provides expert support to
enable students to achieve both academic and sporting excellence. Academy of Sport students
follow a personalised timetable which allows the students to enjoy a unique blend of personal
training, high calibre fixtures, coaching qualifications as well as outstanding academic results.
Balby Academy of Sport 2014 Academies include Boys Football, Girls Football, Boxing, Golf,
Sports Medicine, BMX, Rugby League and Coaching and Teaching.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
balby academy
of sport
gcse examination
results 2014
Each academy offers a tailored programme to suit all abilities with the overarching mission to
allow students to achieve social, academic and sporting success.
Over 50% of Year 11 students achieved both English and Maths GCSEs above grade C, a
real testament to the hard work of staff and students in 2014. Our A2 and year 13 students
achieved a 95% pass rate for the seventh year running.
Balby Academy of Sport is one of the most innovative and fastest growing academies that
offers an outstanding opportunity for Sixth Form students to realise their sporting talent whilst
receiving a world class education. A 100% pass rate coupled with 31 students studying on
sports scholarships at Universities in the USA and Canada are just a few of the outstanding
outcomes for students progressing from the academy.
Outcomes for our students at the end of Year 11 continue to increase over time and are higher
than national floor standards; our students consistently achieve their best possible grades; in
2014, 99.4% of our Year 11 students achieved at least one qualification.
Further Details can be found on our website once all results have been checked.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
post 16 class of
2014 destinations
Name
Destination
Course
Name
Destination
Course
Callum Annakin
Sheffield Hallam University
Physical Education & School Sport
Sukoluhle Mahlangu
University of East London
Psychology and Sociology
Jordan Beaven
Staffordshire UniversityGames Concepts Design
Jamie MasonDoncaster University
Physical Education & Sport Coaching
Sports Coaching
Liam Biggs Hull University
Mechanical Engineering
Gift Mhlanga
Nathan Biggs
Sheffield University
Electrical Engineering
Darren MillingtonDerby University
Business Studies
Daniel Briggs
Leeds City College
Biomedical Science
Ashleigh Mills
Sheffield Hallam University
Sports Coaching
Keeley Brown
Leeds Metropolitan University
Physical Education
Josh Monaghan
Staffordshire Univeristy
Sports Therapy
Jessica Carr
Cumbria UniversityDrama
Mark Monaghan
Sheffield Hallam University
Sports Therapy
Robyn Carroll
Liverpool Hope University
Early Childhood and Education
Sarah PaulDoncaster University
Sport, Fitness and exercise science
Lovejoy Chidongo
Sheffield Hallam University
Sports Development with Coaching
James Rafferty
Sports Management
Danielle Colbourne
North Lindsay College
Foundation Degree in Sport
Hannah ReynoldsHull University
English Literature with Creative Writing
Chelsea DanielsHuddersfield University
Architecture
Jake Rimmer
Sports Therapy
Shannon DawsonHuddersfield University
Broadcast Journalism
Stephanie RockliffHuddersfield University
Fashion Design with Textiles
Elliot Day
Northumbria University
Sports Management
Nathaniel Rothwell
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sport and Exercise Science
Zak Dunn
Leeds Metropolitan University
Physical Education
Harry Ruddlesden
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sports Coaching
Alex DutyHull University
Languages & Translation Studies
Frank Sekyere
Sheffield Hallam University
Computing
Chloe Ewens
Sheffield University
Law
Damon Shaw
Leeds Metropolitan University
Physical Education
Rhys Gaylor
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sports, Physical Activity and Health
Matthew Slater
Leeds Metropolitan University
Physical Education with Outdoor Education
Joshua Grice
Northumbria University
Sports Development & Coaching
Devan Smith
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sports Development
Lucy Gullon
University of South Wales
Television and Film Set Design
Georgia Smith
Manchester University
Psychiatric Nursing
Daniel Guyler
Northumbria University
Applied Sport Science with Coaching
Jordan Smith
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sport Coaching
Sport, Fitness and Exercise Science
Beth Smyth
Northwood University
Business Studies
Ellen HamerDoncaster University
Leeds City College
Manchester Metropolitan University
Teeside University
International Tourism
Taran Stokoe
Northumbria University
Sports Development & Coaching
Katie HarrisDoncaster University
Education Studies
Rebecca Taylor
Teeside University
Sports Therapy
Oliver Hipkiss
Physical Education
Blake Teale
Sheffield Hallam University
Photography
Kennedy Hardy
York St John University
Leeds Metropolitan University
Matthew Houseman Lincoln UniversityHistorical Studies
Keira TealeDoncaster University
Early Years
Amy Hunt
Brighton University
Physical Education with QTS
Igor Tyminski
Manchester University
Politics and Philosophy
Julian Jablonski
Leeds Metropolitan University
International Tourism Management
Caroline Uku
Wolverhampton University
Marketing
Tom Jeffery
Northumbria University
Sport Management
Jack Walters
York St John University
Physical Education
Simran KaurDoncaster University
Early Childhood Studies
Liam Wilson
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sport Development
Marco Lopilo
City of Birmingham (defer 2015)
Computer Networking
Holly Winder
York St John University
Physical Education
Fergus Lynch
Northumbria University
Sports Development & Coaching
Richard Winter
York University
Economics & Finance
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
THE SCHOOL
DAY
WORKING TOGETHER
AT BALBY CARR
The academy operates a two week timetable, using alternating yellow and blue weeks. Each
week consists of 25 one hour-long lessons. On Monday - Thursday, the academy opens with
Aspire Time, at 8.30am, and finishes at the end of Period 5 at 2.40pm. Friday starts at 8.30 with
Period 1 and finishes at 2.40pm with Aspire Time.
We could not do what we do and achieve the success we enjoy without working in a supportive
way with our students, their parents/carers, teachers, governors, our local primary schools,
WCAT and the community we work in.
Period Starts
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Aspire
8.30
8.30
8.30
8.30
1
8.55
8.55
8.55
8.55
8.30
2
9.55
9.55
9.55
9.55
9.30
Break
10.55
10.55
10.55
10.55
10.30
3
11.10
11.10
11.10
11.10
10.45
4
12.10
12.10
12.10
12.10
11.45
Lunch
1.05
1.05
1.05
1.05
12.40
1.45
1.45
1.45
1.45
1.20
2.40
2.40
2.40
2.40
2.40
5
Home
Friday
Parents/carers play a vital role and we work together to ensure they are fully involved in the
education of their child. We strive to keep parents/carers informed of everything we are
doing in the academy and encourage them to support us in ensuring their child is happy and
successful throughout their time with us.
Our students have a voice. We firmly believe that they should have their say in all aspects
of academy life. Our Student Council has elected members from all year groups and meet
regularly with staff to air their views and share their opinions on developments in the academy.
They play a vital role in our teacher recruitment process and thoroughly enjoy their role.
2.40pm onwards - A wide variety of Extra Curricular Activities, Enrichment Programmes &
Home Learning Clubs.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
WORKING TOGETHER
AT BALBY CARR
CELEBRATING
ACHIEVEMENT
We work very closely with our neighbours and local community. We work with community
groups, participate in local projects and offer the use of our facilities for events and activities.
We work with the Headteachers and their teams in our local primary schools to prepare
students in Year 5 and Year 6 for the journey into secondary school. Our transition work is
renowned for its success. We really work hard to get students involved and become part of
the academy through its programme of regular visits and preparation activities.
Good exam results, fantastic activities, dedicated, caring and highly effective teachers, wrap
around care from our staff teams, and a 5 star learning environment, along with very supportive
parents provide our students with a fantastic platform to develop their success. We focus
on rewarding achievement and encourage students to be the best they can be in everything
they do. Our students and staff are the best advert for our academy.
Throughout all of this, our dedicated team of teaching and associate staff work hard within the
academy to ensure that we maintain standards and support our students, whether in mainstream
or our Therapeutic Learning Centre, so that all can achieve the success they deserve and leave
the Balby Carr Community Academy family as responsible, caring and successful adults.
The academy has continued to improve the percentage of students achieving good examination
results. The percentage of students achieving 5 A*-C including English and Mathematics has
improved by 23% in five years. Our A2 Sixth Form students are outstanding with 100% of
our students passing at A Level and 100% of our students who wished to attend University
securing a place to continue with their studies.
Our continued success is as a result of the hard work of all our students, staff, parents and
Governors and the proud community we serve.
We know your children will be happy, well cared for and successful at Balby Carr because we
are an academy that cares about children, where children enjoy their learning and where all
children can succeed.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
KEEPING YOU
INFORMED
Communication between the academy and home is vital in supporting our students. Our
continued success is based upon the strong partnership between home, students and the
academy.
Student Support
All students have a Head of Year who is the first point of contact for any enquiries. They are
also supported by our Key Stage managers who are responsible for academic progress and
wider academy participation.
Sims in Touch
This is our text messaging system which we use to send messages and reminders to parents.
To help us communicate with you please ensure your mobile number and email address is kept
up-to-date.
Correspondence
We regularly inform parents/carers of events or to seek your permission for things such as
academy trips. Our website is regularly updated with news and events and provides a valuable
source of information for parents and carers. Links to standard letters are on the website
however confidential letters will always be sent out by post.
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Website
The academy website address is www.balbycarr.org.uk. The website is a useful means of
accessing additional information. A range of information is regularly updated including the
academy calendar and current academy news items.
Email
You can send enquiries to the academy by using the email address [email protected]
The EPortal
The EPortal is accessible for all students (and their parents/carers) when they join Balby Carr.
A ‘log in’ and password will be allocated which allows students to download learning resources,
access notice boards, quickly ‘log on’ to links to educational websites, check timetables and
academy calendars, as well as hosting a variety of other information.
A parent ‘log in’ will allow you to track your child’s progress, notify us of any absences, book
appointments and update details.
Other features of the EPortal include a careers section, revision centre, exam centre, video
channels and a host of other information.
Balby Carr
Community Academy
Compliments, Comments & Complaints
We welcome feedback from parents and carers. We want to know what we are doing well
but equally we need to know if we are getting things wrong, so that with your support we can
ensure we are doing the best we can for your children.
The Student Planner
All our students are issued with a School Planner. This is an essential tool which students use to
track progress and record Home Learning. Timetable information, academy events and praise
and reward systems can also be found in the Planner. It is our expectation that parents will
support us by checking their child’s Planner regularly.
“I like Balby Carr. Most of my friends went to other secondary
schools but I am glad I came here. The teachers are good and
they help you with their work. The dinners are really nice and I
am going to be on the football and rugby teams.”
Conor - Edlington Victoria Primary
> www.balbycarr.org.uk
Balby Carr
Community Academy
John Innes, Headteacher
Weston Road, Balby, Doncaster DN4 8ND
Tel: 0845 345 1629 Fax: 0845 345 1639
[email protected] www.balbycarr.org.uk