Aspire, Believe, Achieve!

Prospectus 2014 - 2015

Aspire, Believe, Achieve!Teaching and Learning is at the heart of everything we do at Staffordshire University Academy achieved through the delivery of inspiring teaching.

We aim to nurture all students to ensure they are happy and confident learners. Through an environment that provides inclusive learning opportunities for all; they can achieve their personal best and aspire to be successful in the future.

We believe in high standards and high aspirations for all in our Academy. Successful learning is about partnership and we work to achieve this through excellent communication between the Academy, parents, Governors and the community and an insistence on the highest standards of behaviour from all.

The Academy moved into a new state of the art building in November 2013 providing our students with high class resources and learning experiences. Many of the latest technologies for education are used. Students have access to several IT suites, an iMac suite, Green Screen Studio and Radio Station. Many classrooms also have laptop computers and technology to support learning. We want students to be engaged with the curriculum in a creative and innovative way, but not forgetting about the core values of education, ensuring students are equipped with skills necessary in today’s modern world.

The Academy embeds in students the fundamental values of democracy, freedom, a wider understanding of different faiths and beliefs; celebrating diversity. Students develop an understanding of the clear link between rights and responsibilities and know the difference between right and wrong. Students learn to be reflective and are taught the importance of respect and tolerance for others. Young adults leaving SUA will contribute positively to the local community and be fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

The Academy is an 11 – 18 school and has a sixth form that offers A level and vocational courses. The sixth form has grown considerably over recent years and last year all students passed their Level 3 (A level and BTEC) courses. Nearly 70% of our students progressed onto higher education, securing places at Russell Group Universities and others, including places at our sponsor university Staffordshire University. Our work with our sponsor provides our students with opportunities to work with specialists in their field. For example, some of our Year 8 students are taking part in a comprehensive heart research study.

The Academy is part of Staffordshire University Academies Trust. We grow people who think and act for themselves, helping them to Aspire, Believe, Achieve! We are dedicated to transforming people and communities by delivering accessible, high-quality, higher education through partnership. We aim to build upon current achievements, raising the aspirations and ambitions of all at the Academy whilst supporting the wider community.

The university is committed to providing the very best possible education and this is why we are so pleased to be supporting the Academy. We very much hope that this will be just the beginning of your link to Staffordshire University.

We wish you and your children every success for the future.

Paul RichardsChair of the Governors

Our Sponsor - Staffordshire University

Admissions ProcedureThe planned admission level for the Year 7 entry is 150. This level has been agreed by the Local Authority. This number may be exceeded at the discretion of the Governing Body.

The Academy will follow the Admissions Policy for all schools in the Staffordshire Education Authority - this can be obtained by accessing the Staffordshire County Council website.

A student who has a statement of special educational needs that names Staffordshire University Academy as their first choice will be admitted to the Academy.

The priorities for admission to the Academy, in order, will be:

a) Looked after and previously looked after children but ceased to be so because they were adopted.

b) Students residing within the traditional ‘catchment’ area of Staffordshire University Academy.

c) Students who at the time of the application have an elder sibling in attendance at the Academy, who will still be attending at the proposed admission date (for admission purposes, a brother or sister is a child who lives at the same address and either: has one or both natural parents in common; is related by a parents’ marriage; is adopted or fostered by a common parent or is an unrelated child who lives at the same address, whose parents live as partners).

d) Students who attend certain primary schools which are defined as major contributory primary schools (i.e. Moorhill Primary School; Redhill Primary School; Westhill Primary School; Littleton Green Primary School; Pye Green Valley).

e) Other students arranged in order of priority according to how near their home addresses are to the main gate of the Academy, determined by a straight-line measurement as calculated by the School Admissions and Transport Services Geographical Information System. Where it is not possible to accommodate all students applying for places within a particular category then the Academy will allocate the available places in accordance with the remaining criteria. If for instance, all the catchment area children cannot be accommodated at a Academy, children who are catchment area children and satisfy category d) will receive offers of a place, followed by children who live in the catchment area and satisfy category e).

Timing of the Academy day08.45 - 09.45 Period 109.45 - 10.05 Assembly / Intervention / Form10.05 - 11.05 Period 211.05 - 11.35 Break 111.35 - 12.35 Period 312.35 - 1.35 Period 41.35 - 2.05 Break 22.05 - 3.05 Period 5

Admissions will be handled in the first place by the Local Authority Schools Admissions Officers who issue preliminary letters before Christmas each year and make the final allocations for the Academy.

Parents whose request for a place for their child is not accepted may appeal to the Local Authority, stating their grounds for appeal. All appeal forms are available on the Staffordshire County Council website.

Parents moving to the Academy’s catchment area later than September 2014 or those who wish to move their child to the Academy should contact the Academy directly.

It is the Governors’ policy at Staffordshire University Academy to avoid any form of selection or discrimination on the grounds of a child’s ability, religion or race.

All applications to the Academy are handled by the local authority. This is done online and further details can be obtained on their website www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/schoolsandcolleges/admissions/secondary/home.aspx

For all enquiries and information please call the Customer Contact Centre (Staffordshire County Council)on 01785 275893.

Mid-term admissions

To apply, please download the application form from our website (www.suacademy.co.uk) and send it by email to principal@suacademy.co.uk.

How to apply

Key Stage 3

• In 2014 the proportion of Year 7 students making expected progress in English was 67% and maths 84%.

• The proportion of students achieving either L5 or L6 in English (76%) at the end of Year 8 was higher than the Staffordshire average.

• The proportion of students achieving either L5 or L6 in maths (80%) has increased by 10% since 2013 and was also higher than the Staffordshire average.

Key Stage 4

• 5A - *C GCSEs including English and maths 45%

• A* - C English 53%

• Expected progress in English 53%

• A* - C maths 67%

• Expected progress in maths 66%

Additional Key Stage 4 Information

• In 2014 the average GCSE grade achieved across all curriculum areas was a C.

• The achievement of more able students was good with 100% achieving 5A - *C GCSEs including English and maths, 100% achieving A*- C in English and 100% achieving A - *C in maths.

• SEND students made good progress based on their starting points in both English and maths.

• 91% of students feel that they are making good progress in English. (Kirkland Rowell, June 2014)

• 83% of students feel that they are making good progress in maths. (Kirkland Rowell, June 2014)

Results 2014

Sixth Form InformationThe sixth form at Staffordshire University Academy has grown considerably over the last few years. Our results in the Academy have continued to improve each year and as a result we have seen more of our students applying and gaining places at top universities and a range of local universities. Other students have opted to go straight into employment, further education or apprenticeships. Staffordshire University Academy is a great place to study – we have high aspirations for all of our students and take great pride in the care, guidance and support we offer to all.

We are committed to providing quality Information, Advice and Guidance ensuring that our students are fully aware of what options they have when they leave and can make an informed choice for their future. Students who choose to study here enjoy their time with us and with their hard work, and the dedicated support from our teaching staff, they achieve their full potential in our sixth form. At Staffordshire University Academy our students develop the necessary life skills and qualifications to support their future and ensure they are ready for university or to begin employment.

Results• Year 13 Academic (A Levels) performance is 228 APS per entry (which is equivalent to a high C grade). Last year the National Average figure was 210.

• Year 13 Vocational (BTEC) performance is 223 APS per entry (which is equivalent to a C grade). Last year the National Average was 213.

• 58% of students achieved A* - B across all A Level subjects (NA 51%).

• 100% of Year 13 students passed all qualifications at A* – E.

• 22% of students achieved A*-A across all A Level subjects (NA 26%).

• 70% of students went on to university. All students who applied to university secured a place. 21% of these students secured a place at a Russell Group University, whilst 11% secured a place at our sponsor university.

As part of our new build, Staffordshire University Academy has invested over £720k into ICT and future technologies. This includes five computer suites fully fitted out with Windows 8 touchscreen PCs and one Apple Mac suite. Students have access to cutting edge technology and software that will give them the skills needed in business and industry.

Every classroom is setup with a widescreen interactive multi-touch whiteboard and an ultra-short throw HD projector allowing a truly collaborative learning experience. There are also over 400 high spec laptops available meaning students always have access to the ICT resources and software that they need.

ICT at the Academy

With the UK emerging as one of the world leaders in 3D printing, the range of objects this technology can manufacture is rapidly expanding. Being used increasingly in many UK industries ranging from fashion to dentistry, Staffordshire University Academy has invested in its very own 3D printer!

The “Mojo 3D Printer” is an industrial standard 3D printer that gives students the chance to see and understand how this technology works first hand. Students are able to print anything from a phone case to the parts needed to create a windup motor.

Used by the BBC and ITV to capture video previously made impossible by logistics and cost, Quadcopter technology has made a big impact in the broadcasting industry.

Staffordshire University Academy now has its very own Quadcopter, the “DJI Phantom 2”.

Check out our website and social media pages to see some brilliant aerial shots of Academy events.

With our very own green screen students have a chance to bring the curriculum to life! From exploring distant solar systems to travelling back in time to walking with the dinosaurs, students are able to create their own films whilst learning key roles such as script writing, camera techniques and production concepts.

Our new radio station gives students the chance to learn about radio broadcasting by creating professional podcasts, whilst building confidence, self-esteem and speaking and listening skills.

Students will get the opportunity to produce a live broadcast to the whole Academy where they will become the star of the show!

3D Printing Quadcopter

Green Screen Studio

Radio Station

SUA in the cloud!

The “SIMS Learning Gateway” will allow parents/carers access to secure real-time data such as your child’s attendance, achievement and timetable via any tablet or smartphone at any time.

All homework will now be set online via ‘Show My Homework’. Staff, students and parents/carers can now view a childs homework calendar online, from any device.

Homework can be handed in online or in class. Teachers can mark online which leads to tracking and marking and adding grades. Teachers can post questions and quizzes online too. They can also attach worksheets, web links and video resources which makes homework questions more engaging and interactive.

“Equipment has been put in to place to provide our students with the latest technology and to embed ICT in to Teaching and Learning.”

SUA Cloud Show my homework

Students now have access to Microsoft Office online, document storage, email, homework and ebooks all via our single sign-on solution to the SUA Cloud.

The SUA Cloud allows students to access all of these resources via any internet enabled device at any time they desire.

In addition to new hardware we have also invested in the latest software and learning platform.

At Staffordshire University Academy we endeavour to ensure that we are offering a fully inclusive curriculum package for all of our learners. The curriculum is reviewed annually and this is particularly important now more than ever with all of the changes nationally.

The new national curriculum was launched this September, final assessments are now in place for GCSEs and at level three there are changes to both academic and vocational courses. We are also beginning to plan for showing progress in ‘life without levels’ from September 2015.

All students, Year 7 to 11, follow a varied curriculum which incorporates the core subjects of English, maths and science. The remainder of our curriculum is made up of subjects from departments within our four key faculties:

We have a two year Key Stage 3 and students in Year 7 and Year 8 follow English, maths, science, geography, history, Spanish, music, drama, DT, catering and PE. During Year 7 and Year 8 students also study RE and computer science by means of calendared planned collapsed curriculum days.

There is a three year Key Stage 4 at our Academy. Discussions are held with parents/carers and students to inform these guided pathway decisions. Most importantly, all students follow a curriculum which best suits their individual needs. Students can select four GCSEs as well as the core diet of English, maths, science, humanities, PE and Spanish. There is an alternative curriculum package for some of our students to follow, with CoPE in place of two of their options if this is the appropriate pathway for them.

Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education (SMSC) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) are both tracked across the Academy. We have a comprehensive assembly programme which also includes weekly spiritual sound bites. Our overriding aim is one of developing our students into well rounded young adults who are respectful and tolerant of others thus preparing them for the world of higher education and work.

During Key Stage 5, we are able to offer a broad selection of courses and this is reviewed annually and updated in our 6th Form prospectus. There is a combination of vocational and academic level three qualifications on offer. These include:

A Levels: English, art, maths, further maths, history, media studies, graphics, catering, chemistry, biology, physics, sociology and psychology

BTECs: health and social care, performing arts, sport and OCR National Cambridge Technical in ICT

We believe the curriculum at Staffordshire University Academy ensures all students are able to achieve their potential; all students are guided onto the correct pathway whether at Key Stage 4 or 5 to ensure they are able to continue on their journey as lifelong learners.

The Curriculum

Global Studies Faculty: science, maths, computer science and geography

Communications Faculty: English, history, modern foreign languages and The Progress Centre

Creative Arts Faculty: design and technology including catering, graphic products and product design, art, business studies, media studies, performing arts including music & drama

Healthy Lifestyles Faculty: physical education, sociology, psychology, health and social care, citizenship, humanities, religious education and CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness)

The Curriculum (hours of delivery)Year 7

En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Mu 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Dr 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Mu 1 Ar 1 Ca 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Dr 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Mu 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2

Ca 2 Pe 2RE/Citizenship/Health/ICT is taught across the curriculum

Year 8

En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Mu 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Dr 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Mu 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2En 5 Ma 5 Sc 3 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 Dr 1 Ar 1 Dt 2 Pe 2

RE/Citizenship/Health/ICT is taught across the curriculum

Year 9

En 5 Ma 4 Sc 3 IT 2 Hi 2 Ca 2 Bs 2 Sp 3 Hu 1 Pe 1En 5 Ma 4 Sc 3 Hi 2 Ar 2 Pd 2 Ca 2 Sp 3 Hu 1 Pe 1En 5 Ma 4 Sc 3 Ge 2 Pd 2 Mu 2 Ar 2En 5 Ma 4 Sc 3 Gp 2 IT 2 Hc 2 So 2 Sp 3 Hu 1 Pe 1

Ca 2 Dr 2 Sp 3 Hu 1 Pe 1CoPE 2 CoPE 2 ICT 2

Year 10

En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Hi 2 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 IT 2 Hu 1 Pe 2En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Gp 2 Gp 2 Pd 2 Re 2 IT 2 Hu 1 Pe 2En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Ca 2 Ar 2 Ms 2 Ar 2 IT 2 Hu 1 Pe 2En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Dr 2 Mu 2 Ca 2 Hc 2 Hu 1 Pe 2

CoPE 2 CoPE 2 So 2

Year 11

En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Hi 2 Ge 2 Hi 2 Sp 2 IT 2 Pe 3En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Gp 2 Gp 2 Pd 2 Re 2 IT 2 Pe 3En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Ca 2 Ar 2 Ms 2 Ar 2 IT 2 Pe 3En 4 Ma 4 Sc 4 Dr 2 Mu 2 Ca 2 Hc 2 IT 3 Pe 3En 4 Fm 2

Year 12

Retake Level 2 English and MathsChemistry 5 Biology 5 Physics 5 Art 5Product Design 5 Maths 5 Catering 5

Media Studies 5

English 5 OCR ICT 5 History 5 Sociology 5BTEC Health 

Single 5BTEC Drama 

Single 5 Psychology 5BTEC Sport Double 5

BTEC Sport Single 5

BTEC Health Double 5

Year 13

Retake Level 2 English and MathsMaths 5 Biology 5 Chemistry 5 Physics 5 OCR ICT 5

RE 5BTEC Applied 

Science 5Product Design 5 History 5 English 5

BTEC Sport Single 5

BTEC Media Studies 5

BTEC Catering 5 Sociology 5

BTEC Health 5

OCR ICT 5BTEC Sport Double 5

BTEC Public Services 5 Art 5

Psychology 5

Pathway A Pathway B Pathway C Pathway D Pathway E

Pathway A Pathway B Pathway C Pathway D

PE

English Maths Science Pathway A Pathway B Pathway C Pathway D GCSE/OCR ICT PE

Pathway C Pathway D GCSE/OCR ICT

GCSE Sociology

HumanitiesEnglish Maths Science Pathway A Pathway B

Pathway C Pathway D MFL Humanities PEEnglish Maths Science Pathway A Pathway B

Design and Technology/PEEn Block Set Math Block Set

MFL

Science Humanities MFL Creative Arts

Creative Arts Design and Technology/PEEnglish Maths Science Humanities

Boys

Blue blazer with Academy logo White shirtAcademy tie Plain mid grey trousersGrey jumper with Academy logo Plain black shoes (not trainers or pumps)

Girls

Blue blazer with Academy logo White V necked, revered collar blouseChecked, pleated skirt, worn on the knee ORPlain mid grey tailored trousersBlack tights (not patterned) Black socksGrey jumper with Academy logoPlain black shoes (not trainers or pumps)

Boys

Black polo shirt with red panels (Academy logo)Black shorts and/or black tracksuit bottoms (Academy logo)Black and red socksBlack sweatshirt (Academy logo) - optional

Girls

Black polo shirt with red panels (Academy logo) Black ‘skort’ or black shorts and/or black tracksuit bottoms (logo)Black and red socksBlack sweatshirt (Academy logo) - optionalTrainers

PE Kit

Important notes:• Plain black shoes means no Vans, Nike trainers or any other brand of black trainer• Boots such as Dr Martins should not be worn around the Academy, students can wear boots to and from the Academy if the weather is bad, however, a plain black shoe is expected during the usual Academy day• Girls are expected to wear their skirts on or just above the knee, no more than 10cm above the knee• All Academy uniform and P.E. kits should be named to avoid being lost• One or two small sets of studs in each ear, a watch and one ring may be worn• Facial or any visible body piercing must not be worn. For example no lips, eyelids, necks, noses or hands should contain piercings.• Hair styles should be conservative. For example students are not allowed patterns razored into their hair and they are not allowed to have their hair dyed in bright unnatural colours.

If any student is not in correct full Academy uniform they will either:• Be sent home to change if we are able to contact a parent / carer• Be able to borrow spare school uniform from the Academy• Be placed in the Inclusion Centre until their uniform is correct

Important notes:• All Academy PE kits should be named to avoid being lost• All jewellery must be removed for PE lessons

If any student is not in correct full Academy PE kit they will:• Be expected to borrow spare kit from the PE Department• Receive a C3 half an hour detention if they refuse to borrow kit• Be placed in the Inclusion Centre if they defy either of the above

Academy UniformAll students are expected to wear the Academy Uniform. This is:

Trainers

The Academy seeks every opportunity to celebrate success with our students.

Personal success can come in many different forms. Students will be awarded points for demonstrating high standards in the following areas:

The points that students achieve are banked.

The rewards process will be as follows:

• Every two weeks the points are banked. • After four weeks, any consequence points are deducted from the rewards totals and the top twenty male and female point scorers in each year group are offered an internal reward.• After eight weeks, having deducted any consequence points from the rewards totals, the top ten male and female points scorers in each year group are offered an external reward.• To ensure the process is fair for all students, it restarts every eight weeks enabling all students to start from the same point.

• Class work• Attendance• Punctuality• Uniform• Effort

• Good behaviour• Helping staff• Homework• Taking part in after-school activities• Having the right equipment

Rewards

In Year 11 students are awarded ‘Attitude to Learning’ tickets for demonstrating a positive attitude to being in the Academy. The tickets are entered in to a weekly prize draw where students are able to win weekly prize vouchers.

We are currently reviewing our rewards programme and will be conducting a staff and student voice exercise to ensure that our rewards policy continues to support all students within the Academy. This will form part of the work for our Student Academy Council members.

Great importance is attached to high standards of discipline and behaviour. Students are encouraged to show respect, co-operation, concentration, self-control and achievement and be responsible for the consequences of their actions.

We have introduced a new system for Behaviour for Learning. At the heart of the system are the choices that students make with regard to their own learning. If a rule is broken then there will be a consequence.The emphasis is on cause and effect and the system focuses around rights and responsibilities. The responsibility for avoiding the consequences lies with the student; they make a choice! The system is adopted by every faculty within the Academy.

There are seven stages of consequences:

• C1: Verbal warning (noted on whiteboard).• C2: Second verbal warning (noted on the whiteboard).• C3: Detention for 30 minutes (that day at 3:05pm).• C4: Removal from lesson to Head of Department (if appropriate) or through the ‘On Call’ system. If a student causes disruption once removed then the detention becomes one hour that same day.• C5: Isolation from peers for one or more days - sanctioned only by the pastoral team via their line manager.• C6: Fixed term exclusion - sanctioned only by the Principal.• C7: Permanent exclusion - recommended by the Principal and sanctioned only by Governors. It is sometimes necessary to place a student on report. Parents are expected to support the Academy by checking and signing the report. We have three types of report card at the Academy. Purple report is to be shown daily to the form tutor; yellow report is monitored by the Pastoral Coordinators and red report is monitored by a member of the Executive Team.

Behaviour for Learning

Staffordshire University Academy is where the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and wellbeing of every young person matter. We fully support the ‘Staffordshire Children, Young People and Families, Inclusion and Well-Being Strategy 2010 – 2020’.

Our Academy aims to provide an enriching and aspirational environment for all. Our Academy is inclusive. We want all students, whatever their needs or abilities, to be happy, successful and achieve their best. We want our students to Aspire, Believe and Achieve!

Within our Academy we have a dedicated Progress Centre who support the educational and emotional needs of our students. This enables the Academy to provide an inclusive environment that nurtures and develops all students whilst offering tailored support and intervention.

Academy Inclusive Statement

Marston Road, Hednesford, Cannock, WS12 4JHTel: 01543 512415Email: principal@suacademy.co.uk

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Please visit our website www.suacademy.co.uk

We do hope you have enjoyed finding out about our Academy.

If you require any further information or wish to arrange a visit during normal Academy hours please contact us.