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achieving beyond expectations
Shaping lives, transforming communities
Prospectus
Longfield Academy
2 Longfield Academy Prospectus
Leigh Academies Trust is a medium-sized, multi-academy trust operating across Kent and South East London. It contains primary, secondary and special academies and is highly inclusive and successful. Our mission is to shape the lives of young people for the better through high-quality education and in doing so, transform the communities in which they live.
‘Longfield Academy has a strong, dedicated leadership team with a clear focus…they have
high expectations of staff and students alike.’
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Welcome to
Longfield Academy
I am delighted to welcome you to Longfield Academy. Longfield is an amazing place to study and learn and we are proud of all our achievements. Our well-qualified and dedicated staff are always on hand to guide students and ensure they achieve beyond expectations and make good progress. The inspirational building supports the understanding of modern day education; a £24 million new build in 2011 has allowed the academy to move forward in its quest to be ‘Outstanding’. Throughout their time at Longfield Academy, students of all abilities, interests and talents are offered the opportunity to be part of an aspirational, challenging and well-disciplined community. They will be offered experiences within and beyond the classroom that will form the foundations of and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Alex O’DonnellPrincipal, Longfield Academy
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‘There is a positive atmosphere that promotes learning throughout the academy.’Ofsted 2014
Introduction
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We believe in high aspirations for the whole community and aim to offer opportunities for individuals to develop personally as well as academically. The college system underpins the values of community, empathetic relationships and mutual support. It allows us to guide the adults of the future to make informed decisions about their future. We know the journey through life is always beset with challenges; we aim to ensure our learners are curious, determined, creative, and able to work both independently and collaboratively, enabling them to be successful.
Additionally, we believe it is crucial to have an understanding and appreciation of cultures, especially our own. We will work collaboratively to ensure no student is left behind.
Above all, our strong moral compass will drive decision-making at Longfield Academy to ensure all achieve beyond expectations.
Our vision
As with all other Leigh Academies Trust secondary academies, Longfield is structured to embrace the ‘small school’ model of learning. The college structure seeks to foster the strong links that exist within a small community. Excellent communication between the colleges and home is a central part of this process.
The academy is led by the Principal, Alex O’Donnell. A Head of College leads each college of approximately 380 students from Years 7-13 together with a team of dedicated staff. All students are organised within a vertical tutoring system where students learn from and support each other to achieve the very best outcomes.
The building has discrete facilities for each of the colleges – Anderson, Matisse and Galileo, whilst also housing specialist resources accessed by the whole academy. Each college teaches mathematics, English, modern foreign languages, ICT and humanities on the first floor.
On the ground floor of Anderson College is the specialist science facility and presentation space. The academy’s provision for some students on the autistic spectrum is also housed in this college.
In the middle of the academy building is Matisse College, which houses the
expressive arts classrooms as well as a large plaza area and indoor garden.
At the far end of the building is Galileo College which houses both a professional kitchen and technology rooms. In the centre is another indoor garden and ‘The Telescope Bistro’ which is open to the public. Most of the Academy’s community facilities are found adjacent to Main Road, including the sports hall, dance studio, multi-gym, learning resource centre, the Helix restaurant and a theatre.
Longfield Academy is a technology- rich environment. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and the academy is equipped with three designated computer suites, one for each college. In addition, the college plaza areas have workstations allowing students to access their learning outside of normal lesson time. The academy embraces the use of iPads as an additional learning tool, which allows students to access their learning from home, via online platforms such as Google Classroom.
Teachers use innovative approaches to engage students in their learning, promoting high standards of literacy, numeracy and communication skills in all subject areas. We firmly believe that developing students’ awareness and appreciation of the wider environment prepares them to become global citizens.
Longfield Academy Prospectus
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Longfield Academy is part of Leigh Academies Trust. The academy is structured to embrace the ‘small school’ model of learning. This ensures that all students are understood as individuals whilst embracing the facilities and opportunities available within a larger school context.
Our building has discrete facilities for each of the three colleges - Anderson, Galileo and Matisse, whilst also housing specialist resources accessed by the whole academy. A Head of College and Assistant Head of College lead each college of up to 380 students from Years 7-14, together with a team of dedicated staff overseen by the Principal.
Excellent communication between each of the three colleges and home is a central part of the academy’s work. Students are organised within a vertical tutoring system where they learn from and support each other to achieve their very best.
Learning is organised into six modules per year. Regular and detailed feedback on academic progress at the end of each module is key to ensure outstanding outcomes for all students.
Our colleges
Lynne WalkerHead of College
Our college is named after Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman in Britain to qualify as a doctor and surgeon. She demonstrated immense determination to overcome many social and academic obstacles placed in her way prior to qualification in 1870.
Anderson College promotes high values and expectations for all learners, encouraging and supporting each other in a collaborative environment. Anderson learners aim to break down barriers, search for opportunities and aspire to greatness.
Our community of staff, families and students work together to celebrate, reward and achieve these goals with respect and resilience at every stage of our lives.
Our college is named after Galileo Galilei, a hugely influential Italian astronomer, physicist and philosopher, focusing much of his work on the study of the universe.
Within Galileo College, we have developed a learning environment where hard work, resilience and working collaboratively is promoted and expected. Our motto is ‘Reach for the Stars’, believing that every student should have high aspirations and strive for the very best outcomes for themselves.
Our highly-skilled and talented staff are committed to providing the support and guidance that all our students need to help make their dreams a distinct possibility.
Named after artist Henri Matisse, our college is proud to sit at the heart of Longfield Academy. It houses the expressive arts faculty and encourages creativity throughout.
Matisse College aims for the best for all its students by providing a family ethos lead by a committed and driven set of staff. We believe in celebrating success and strive to achieve this as much as possible in everything we do. For a fortunate few this results in The Matisse Award, a culmination of their enormous dedication, passion and determination.
Anderson
Jamie LeverHead of College
GalileoIan Hinks
Head of College
Matisse
At Longfield Academy we offer a high-quality, broad and balanced education for all students.
In Year 7 students are taught in college groups to support a smooth transition from their primary experience.
In Year 8, we introduce the express band where streaming of the top third for academic subjects begins. During Year 8, students will select their options for Key Stage 4.
In Years 9, 10 and 11 students will follow examination specifications with targeted teaching and learning to maximise outcomes in the public examinations.
By collaborating with our fellow academies within the Trust we can offer a wide range of courses, whether academic, vocational or technical.
At Longfield Academy we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities and believe that by taking advantage of these opportunities our students broaden their perspective on life. Clubs at the end of each day include sport, art, science, and gardening to name but a few. We offer a range of evening, weekend and longer residential trips including theatre experiences, sports tours, a well- established ski trip, and an annual school exchange trip to Denmark.
Curriculum
7Longfield Academy Prospectus
Extra-curricular activities
Students make greater progress if they have clearly-defined targets that are challenging, yet achievable. Consistent monitoring and a powerful mentoring scheme provide the necessary support, advice and guidance for every student to achieve their potential.
Creating a safe, positive and challenging environment is of the highest priority at Longfield Academy. Each college has a dedicated Support Mentor and College Leadership Team to support students in all aspects relating to attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.
The Special Needs Team work across the academy with individuals and small groups. They engage with external agencies to ensure that all students are supported to make good progress both academically and pastorally.
Student support
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Longfield Academy is a technology-rich environment. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and the academy is equipped with cutting-edge Apple Mac technology throughout. Students access their learning using iPads via Google Classroom.
Teachers use innovative approaches to engage students across all subject areas. Learning is organised according to a highly flexible timetable. Open learning spaces ensure a mature and businesslike environment which prepares students exceptionally well for life beyond school.
Learning and technology
9Longfield Academy Prospectus
‘Students and parents agree that students
are safe at the academy and that
this is because of the strong support they
receive from staff.’Ofsted 2014
10 Longfield Academy Prospectus
Longfield Academy is very proud of the opportunity for our students to access a Professional Catering Course (City & Guilds) at Post 16. Our students complete Level 1, 2 and 3 courses covering all aspects of food preparation, handling, planning and costing menus as well as front of house service.
The Telescope Bistro is a fine dining experience open to the public on two days each week. We seat up to 35 diners in each sitting with a menu planned by the students. Our guests are amazed at the quality of food and service and enjoy dining during the academy day.
Enterprise: The Telescope Bistro
‘I have recommended this unique dining experience to my
friends and family.’Mr G Glover
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Longfield Academy are proud of their comprehensive career education programme which incorporates work- related learning throughout their education.
A student at Longfield Academy will be prepared for the world of work through education, careers education and work-related learning. We will work with the students to improve self-awareness and challenge their ideas.
As part of Leigh Academies Trust all of the academies are committed to the Investor in Careers Award and Longfield Academy are proud to have achieved the full award in 2014. This award demonstrates the comprehensive Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) that the students receive throughout their journey at Longfield Academy.
As an academy we are judged on the destinations of our students. Our students achieve positive destinations by continuing in education, entering the workplace by way of an apprenticeship or going into training.
Our students all have the opportunity to have a careers interview at any stage of their education. The careers section of the website clearly outlines our students’ entitlement and the timescales of the careers education.
Careers education and work-related learning
Longfield AcademyMain RoadLongfieldKentDA3 7PH
t: 01474 700 700e: [email protected]: www.longfieldacademy.org
Longfield Academy is part of Leigh Academies Trust
Chief Executive: Simon Beamish BA (Hons) MSc PGCE NPQH
Green Street Green Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1QEt: 01322 620586 | f: 01322 620401
e: [email protected] | w: www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
Leigh Academies Trust is a registered company, company no 2336587. An exempt charity.
Designed and produced by Trust design | e: [email protected] | t: 01322 626 609
v.1. 07/2016
