Haberdashers Askes Knights Academy

KNIGHTS A C A D E M Y

HABERDASHERS’ASKE’S FEDERATIONTHREE SCHOOLS ONE VISION

ALL CHILDRENACHIEVETHEIR FULLPOTENTIAL

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S WELCOME

Welcome to the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation. Our three Academies provide an education for children aged 3 – 18 in South London. We have been educating young people in this part of

London since 1876 and throughout that time our approach has been epitomised by high standards and academic excellence, a tradition that continues today. Our values of aspiration and achievement, personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect are evident in all our work and result in young people who develop and grow as independent, resourceful and resilient individuals.

Our commitment is that, working in partnership with you, we can ensure your child gets the best possible start in life. All children and young people who attend our schools have the opportunity to gain academic qualifications to equip them well for the next stage of their life, but we provide so much more than that. Our vision is that by the time young people leave us they will have experienced a whole range of opportunities that not only build their mind, but also build their character. As a result they are fully prepared to be successful in their adult lives as workers, as parents and as partners.

Adrian Percival – Chief Executive

Welcome to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy, an all through 3–18 Academy serving the local communities of Bromley and Catford in the London Borough of Lewisham. Knights Academy is a vibrant, diverse school community with a relentless focus on high expectations and aspirations. We provide a happy and nurturing environment, so that as well as maturing into well-rounded, healthy young people, our pupils develop a passion for learning. We strive for excellence in all that we do.

We enable our pupils to achieve success by focusing on high quality teaching, providing an engaging and stretching curriculum, and focusing on each child as an individual within our Haberdashers’ community. Our pupils develop confidence and self-esteem through the excellent provision offered through our sport specialism and the extensive extra-curricular activities.

We are a school that is built on an ethos of tradition and innovation, respect and responsibility, collaboration and inclusion. It is these moral values that we instill in our pupils which enables them to contribute to our school community and the communities in which they live.

It will be my privilege to work with you and your child along this exciting journey of their school career, to enable them to achieve their very best.

Dr Tesca Bennett – Principal

“SINCE HEr AppoINTMENT, THE prINCIpAl HAS SuCCESSfullY INjECTED A No-NoNSENSE ApproACH To IMprovING THE ACADEMY. ”

— ofSTED 2014 —

prINCIpAl’SWElCoME

STATEMENT of vAluES, AIMS & ETHoS The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation is a Federation of three all-through schools each at the heart of its community that share a vision for the education of children and young people. Our vision is built from our values of aspiration and achievement, personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect. We are forward-looking and value innovation, but always within the context of our long tradition of providing excellent education. Based upon these values, we aim to ensure all the children and young people who come to our schools:

• Are happy and safe at school and are able to learn successfully within a supportive environment.

• Are able to achieve their full potential personally, academically and socially.

• Develop and grow as independent, resourceful and resilient individuals.

• Are equipped with the skills, qualifications and love of learning they will need to be successful in the world they will join as adults.

We will achieve these aims by providing a safe environment where all children and young people can succeed and through:

• Provision of a curriculum that is stretching, relevant and provides each student with the opportunity to excel.

• High expectations of every member of our community.

• Excellent teaching, leading to the highest standards of academic excellence.

• The best standards of behaviour based upon our values of mutual respect, self-discipline and self-confidence.

• A respect for tradition that embraces innovation and challenge.

The AcAdemy offers All children The chAnce To Achieve Their full poTenTiAl.

“STuDENTS TAKING pArT IN THE DEbATING SoCIETY SHoWED ExCEllENT ExAMplES of lEADErSHIp, SENSIblE lISTENING AND THE MATurE SHArING of IDEAS ..... ”

— ofSTED 2014 —

“KNIGHTS ACADEMY HAS GIvEN ME THE opporTuNITY To joIN A WArM lEArNING ENvIroNMENT IN WHICH I CAN SuCCEED. ”

— STuDENT —

Ensuring the right of every student to learn and succeed is at the heart of the school’s philosophy and is the foundation for our success. It is important to us that our year 7 students feel happy and safe and are able to learn within a supportive environment. The first year of secondary schooling is a particularly important time for our students. We work very closely with our primary partner schools to ensure transition into secondary school is as smooth as possible. The Head of Year 7 and a team of tutors hold that responsibility to care for our

new students. We work closely with parents/carers to help our students become the confident, happy and fulfilled citizens of tomorrow. The relationship between home and school is vital and parents/carers are encouraged to contact the school to discuss any issues or concerns.

In addition to regular written reports, we make use of new technology to provide parents/carers with up to date information of their child’s progress.

YEAr 7 our sTudenTs develop And GroW inTo independenT, resourceful And resilienT individuAls.

“THE ACADEMY proMoTES pupIl’S SpIrITuAl, MorAl SoCIAl AND CulTurAl DEvElopMENT THrouGH SubjECTS, ENrICHMENTS ACTIvITIES AND DEvElopING lINKS WITHIN THE WIDEr CoMMuNITY. ”

— ofSTED 2014 —

our sTudenTs develop And GroW inTo independenT, resourceful And resilienT individuAls.

Our high expectations and aspirations for students, drives the relentless commitment to continually raise the quality of teaching to support the delivery of an outstanding curriculum.

It is an ongoing priority of the Academy to ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all students in terms of breadth, challenge, engagement and motivation. Strategic curriculum development and creative planning, ensures that pupils are able to make links across subjects and are equipped with the skills and competencies to foster independence and ownership of their learning. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils achieve our stated aim of every child achieving their potential personally, academically and socially.

The curriculum is responsive to the needs of all pupils, with accelerated routes and targeted support and interventions, depending on pupil’s attainment and achievement. Student’s progress is tracked and monitored every six weeks to ensure that they are on the correct trajectory to achieve or exceed their target grades.

The Academy offers single-sex teaching in the core subjects of mathematics, English and science from years 7 – 11 and co-education in the remaining curriculum areas and at post 16 in order to prepare for university, work and life. There is a strong emphasis on the development of literacy and numeracy skills across the Academy with all students engaging in specific skills lessons during tutor sessions. Students are developed to become independent learners and taught study skills and techniques to support them in accessing the

“THE proporTIoN of pupIlS GAINING fIvE or MorE A*-C GrADES AT GCSE, WHICH INCluDED ENGlISH AND MATHEMATICS, roSE SIGNIfICANTlY IN 2013 …..” — ofSTED 2014 —

ourCurrICuluM

KEY STAGE 3 (KS3)

Our all-through school ensures that we are able to offer an effective transition from KS2 to KS3, developing pupils in both literacy and numeracy. Students follow a three year KS3 curriculum in classes set by ability in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science and offering a wide range of curriculum subjects. Termly assessments are used to track and monitor student progress and achievement. Personal, Social, Health & Careers Education (PSHCE) is compulsory and is taught throughout the three key stages.

KEY STAGE 4 (KS4)

The curriculum choices offered through the options programme are adapted to the developing needs of each cohort. Students are consulted on their preferred subject choices and the curriculum is designed accordingly. We offer a broad spectrum of curriculum pathways from traditional GCSE and GCE courses through to BTEC and vocational apprenticeships. Over the two years of KS4, all students study English, mathematics, science, PE, a language and a humanities subject in addition to their chosen subjects.

At all key stages the curriculum is supported by an extensive extracurricular programme provided as part of the extended day, to broaden and enhance the learning experience. Careers education, enterprise education and financial capability are integral to all areas of the curriculum, and are used to support work

experience placements for all students in year 10.A vast array of trips both locally and abroad, enrich the curriculum and encourage student’s curiosity and motivation for learning both inside and outside the classroom.

REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT

At all stages, students’ progress will be regularly assessed and reported upon to parents. On-going assessment is essential in developing a curriculum to suit the needs of all our students. Students’ learning is assessed in different ways, but is centralised around their understanding of the aim of their learning. Assessment focuses on recognising the full range of achievements by learning, whereby progress, effort, behaviour and understanding is assessed.

Students are formatively assessed throughout each lesson and summatively at the end of each of Askean term, as well as annual assessments occurring at the end of the academic year. Students sit external examinations at the end of each key stage with the exception of KS3, where they are teacher assessed. We report to parents using National Curriculum levels from year 1 to 9, whilst years 10–13, are assessed in grades according to the external examining board criteria. Parents/Carers receive both a short report, with progress to date and current attainment. Parents/Carers also receive a long report prior to a parents’ evening with written teacher comments. Students are set in ability groups for core subjects (English, mathematics and science) and mixed ability for all other areas.

“lEADErS HAvE rIGHTlY foCuSED oN rAISING pupIlS’ ACHIEvEMENT THrouGH quAlITY TEACHING, STAff TrAINING AND IMprovING pupIlS’ lITErACY SKIllS. ”

— ofSTED 2014 —

SporT SpECIAlISM Knights Academy is a specialist sports Academy. Extra funding provides additional accommodation, resources, coaching staff and teachers resulting in access to a very high standard of sports facilities and experiences.

We pursue excellence for all in PE and sport and excellence through PE and sport. We raise standards of achievement for all our students and use the power of PE and sport to enhance their academic, personal and social development. Their self-esteem is increased which infuses them with a sense of pride in their successes, encourages them to strive for improvement, motivates them to achieve more and thus raises their standards of attainment in all areas of the curriculum.

Promoting links between schools enables us to share resources, develop and spread good practice which raises standards for all students. Knights Academy makes young people healthier, encourages them to develop their self- discipline and teamwork skills, develops their leadership potential and introduces them to activities they may enjoy and derive health benefits from, for a lifetime.

By providing enhanced opportunities and offering encouragement to engage in PE and sport as spectators, participants, coaches, administrators or officials, the whole community of Knights Academy is included in the benefits that PE and sport can provide.

In planning their career progression, students are supported and guided by their tutor, curriculum leaders, head of careers and an independent careers adviser. Our students continue into a wide range of higher education (including Oxbridge), further education, training and employment.

In addition, the Academy hosts an annual careers fair, attended by a range of businesses and further higher education providers.

An independent careers adviser provides individual advice and guidance interviews to students in years 11, 12 and 13 and upon request. A designated careers adviser will interview year 9 and 10 students with statements for their annual reviews.

Aspects of careers education and guidance, including work related learning and higher education advice, are delivered through all subjects including PSHCE.

Year 10 students are prepared for two weeks of work experience through PSHCE and weekly timetabled careers education sessions during tutor time. Students are encouraged to find their own placements but are supported by Lewisham Education Business Partnership (LEBP) to source quality placements.

In addition, the Academy provides work related learning opportunities through apprenticeships, enterprise schemes, industrial visits and external speakers.

We are proud that all our students continue into; higher education, further education, training or employment.

WorKExpErIENCE

“ THE SCHool HAS A rEAllY NICE AND KIND ATMoSpHErE.”

— STuDENT —

Enrichment activities are an integral part of the Academy ethos. These activities enable staff and students to interact on a less formal basis and give both breadth and the opportunity for cross curricular work. They are, therefore, strongly encouraged for all students.

Enrichment activities on offer include a variety of clubs, societies, academic support sessions and special interest groups. The majority of activities take place on site, some may involve the use of off-site facilities. Activities take place at lunchtimes, after school or at weekends. There are also residential opportunities such as, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a ski trip and an inter-house competitions programme.

ExTENDING THECurrICuluMExpErIENCE

Knights Academy encourages everyone to make positive contributions to the local and wider community. With strong links to national and international organisations and charities, providing many opportunities for trips and visits which enable pupils to be given a wide perspective on the world around them. This perspective adds significantly to the pupil’s personal development and enjoyment. Knights Academy is firmly rooted in the local community, regularly hosting classes for primary schools, as well as being the home of the Lewisham Sports Partnership. Knights Academy sports centre offers sporting and recreation facilities to the local community.

CoMMuNITY

“ THE ACADEMY SEES ITS WorK AS AN INTEGrAl pArT of rAISING ASpIrATIoNS IN THE loCAl CoMMuNITY.”

— ofSTED 2014 —

The Worshipful compAny of hABerdAshers The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies and has a long history closely connected to the development of the City of London. Arising from this, in the 21st Century the Company plays a major role in the provision of support for education and is a vibrant participant in new educational initiatives. Alongside this remains a continuing commitment to charitable work that continues to play an important part in the work of the Company.

Education is of prime importance to The Haberdashers’ Company. The schools that it supports in the maintained and independent sectors are of the highest national standard academically and prepare pupils for a full life. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, of the Company’s schools, other educational establishments and young people in education.

The Company, as Trustee of the various educational charities that provide for the schools, is responsible for ensuring that the revenues are spent properly and that building projects are good value for money. The Company’s Education Committee maintains close links with the schools and is kept advised of broad educational issues and initiatives.

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation is a multi-academy trust and all information on governance can be found on the Federation website: www.haaf.org.uk

HABERDASHER’SASKE’S FEDERATIONTHREE SCHOOLS ONE VISION

our SpoNSorS A rESpECT for TrADITIoN THAT EMbrACES INNovATIoN AND CHAllENGE.

KNIGHTS A C A D E M Y

KNIGHTS A C A D E M Y

HABERDASHERS’ASKE’S FEDERATIONTHREE SCHOOLS ONE VISION

HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’SKNIGHTS ACADEMY

Launcelot RoadBromleyBR1 5EB

Telephone: 0208 461 9240Fax: 0208 461 9241www.haaf.org.uk