Message from the Principal
It is amazing to think that the academy has now been open for nearly a year, particularly when I consider how embedded the new ethos has become.
Every day I look forward to arriving at work, to be greeted by students with a friendly smile and a positive attitude to the day ahead, and to spend time working with staff, students and parents who are all committed to the ongoing successes we all share and celebrate in.
The House system is established and large numbers of students have taken part in events throughout the year, demonstrating leadership skills and a willingness to participate and enjoy on an impressive scale. We anticipate an even greater degree of involvement next year, with the addition of House Music and House Commerce, while the Hero Programme is set to expand and play a larger role in the vertical tutoring system. Meanwhile, parents and students have benefited from the close and supportive partnership between the Heads of House and home, and we know this is having an ongoing positive impact on student/staff relationships and the team spirit which is evident here.
September sees the launch of our new Year 9 and Year 10 curriculum programmes, so I took the opportunity during the recent Duke of Edinburgh expedition to quiz students about how they feel about their new options. I was very pleased with the responses; some taking Triple Science, some taking additional PE, some Music, some History and Geography, some Business and Economics and all looking forward to following courses which interest them and suit their individual skills and method of working. There is a wide range of courses being pursued through Years 9 and 10 beside those mentioned and we believe we have achieved an exceptionally high quality, personalised, curriculum offer, which ensures all students get the opportunity to study what is of most benefit to them.
Next year is also one of major site developments. The proposals for the new building have been submitted for planning consent and, subject to their approval, work will begin at Easter. In preparation for this we are closing Block 4 and moving all teaching to Blocks 1 to 3 from the end of this term. At Easter we will move into purpose build temporary accommodation which sees us through to the opening of the new building in September 2012.
Rest assured that we will not allow building works to compromise the continual drive for excellence at the academy. There is a significant amount of experience of working on this type of project in the senior leadership team at the academy and we are well supported by an excellent construction firm with considerable expertise of working in education. We have also consciously limited numbers entering the academy this year and next, in order to ensure that we can comfortably accommodate and maintain the highest of standards for those students who attend here.
We set out with a mission to create a learning focused community where happiness is derived from achievement and positive self-esteem, and where everyone has the chance to shine. I believe we have succeeded and that this has been an incredible year. However, we will not be complacent and will continue to work solidly for the success of all the students in our care. We are determined that everyone here will continue to be “Proud to Belong”.
Andrew Hemmings
Principal