Bedford Academy PROSPECTUS 2024 - 2025
Welcome to Bedford Academy Welcome to Bedford Academy, part of HEART Academies Trust. I am hopeful that this prospectus provides you with enough information about what it means to be part of our school. We are first and foremost a communityminded school who put our students at the centre of everything we do. Bedford Academy provides a fantastic foundation for the next steps in your child’s education, whatever pathway they choose.We recognise that every individual is unique and we encourage individuality, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating a commitment to removing barriers to learning, so that everyone has the same life opportunities. We provide consistent support, guidance and challenge for your child, helping them to become well-rounded, thoughtful and responsible members of the local and wider community.We have high expectations and provide a firm but fair approach that helps to develop an individual’s social intelligence. Our insistence on core fundamentals such as a smart appearance, good punctuality and attendance, and a willingness to always try your best creates a mindset to support students development in their journey as young adults. We recognise the key role that parents and carers play in the development of student aspirations and understand the importance of working relationships between home and school. Our partnership agreement supports this and identifies clearly what we must do together to ensure every child has the same opportunity for success. Our structured pastoral support programme enables the key focus during school hours to be on developing students’ love of learning. Our outstanding facilities and building create an environment where both staff and students can thrive.We work together to ensure students are ready, respectful and safe - fully prepared to face every challenge that the modern world throws at them. Our outward facing approach has allowed us to build a school that really is at the HEART of our local community. Our curriculum pathways allow students to establish a thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to learn, whilst our committed and talented staff are driven to achieve the highest possible outcomes for all the students they interact with on a daily basis. This is a great time to study at Bedford Academy.Welcome to our school! You can read our most recent Ofsted report here Mr C Deller Head Teacher 2
Our Sponsor As a charity which works to help people in and around Bedford, The Harpur Trust is proud to sponsor HEART Academies Trust. The Harpur Trust has existed in the town since 1566 when Sir William Harpur, and his wife Dame Alice, created an endowment to sustain a school in Bedford.The endowment also made provision for the marriage of poor maids of the town, for deprived children to be nourished and informed and for any residue to be distributed to the poor of the town. Today, the work of The Harpur Trust is still very much based on this legacy.Their aims are clear and simple; they are here to inspire and support people in the Borough of Bedford to improve their lives by: • providing and promoting education • offering help and relief to anyone who is sick, in need, hardship or distress • providing recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose Over 1,100 people in Bedford work for The Harpur Trust, either directly or in one of their schools, making it the town’s third largest local employer. For more information visit www.harpurtrust.org.uk or call 01234 369500. Heart Academies Trust Vision HEART Academies Trust aims to create a family of schools who are at the heart of their community improving life chances for all through challenge and support. These motivators underpin everything we do as a Trust.Through applying them on a daily basis Bedford Academy strives to: • Have a relentless focus on good relationships and high standards for all • Create engaged learners by ensuring all children and young people receive high quality teaching every lesson, every day through the delivery of our knowledge rich curriculum • Value and celebrate the success of ourselves and others, encouraging young people to learn from their mistakes and take ownership of their own decision making • Remain focused on providing the best possible education for the community we serve 3 COMMUNITY MINDED THROUGH DRIVE AND ASPIRATION DRIVEN The passion to get better and better at something that matters. COMMUNITY MINDED The will to do what we do in the service of something bigger than ourselves. ASPIRATIONAL The commitment to improve life chances. Our School Values There are 6 key themes that make up our code of conduct or shared values for the school.We call this ‘The BA Way’.This provides all stakeholders with clarity and purpose about what we expect from everyone whilst they are in our school community. The 6 key themes are: • Attendance • Lessons • Conduct • Uniform • Rights and Responsibilities • Environment For more information about ‘The BA Way’, click here.
4 Organisation Structure The Academy is organised into Learning Villages based upon the following combinations of subjects: • Communications (English and world languages) • Maths and Computing • Humanities • Science and Technology (incorporating Business) • Arts and Sport Students move between the Learning Villages for their lessons to ensure they get the specialist teaching they need. If students require additional support, our Access department provides SEN support, language development, behaviour support, counselling and alternative curriculum provision. Timings of the Academy Day 8.40 Start of School Day for Students 8.40 - 9.10 Preparation Time – based in year group areas. 9.10 - 10.10 Period 1 10.10 - 11.30 Period 2 First Break 10.10 - 10.30 Year 9 & Sixth Form Second Break 10.40 - 11.00 Year 7 & Year 10 Third Break 11.10 - 11.30 Year 8 & Year 11 11.30 - 12.30 Period 3 - PCD 12.30 - 14.10 Period 4 First Lunch 12.30 - 13.00 Year 7 and Year 10 Second Lunch 13.05 - 13.35 Year 9 and Sixth Form Third Lunch 13.40 - 14.10 Year 8 and Year 11 14.10 - 15.10 Period 5 15.10 End of the School Day for all students Term Dates Autumn Term 2025 Staff Training Days - 1st September, 3rd November Term Starts - Tuesday 2nd September Half Term - Monday 27th October - Friday 31st October Term Ends - Friday 19th December Spring Term 2026 Staff Training Day - Monday 5th January Term Starts - Tuesday 6th January Half Term - Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February Term Ends - Friday 27th March Summer Term 2026 Staff Training Day - Monday 13th April Term Starts - Tuesday 14th April Half Term - Monday 25th May - Friday 29th May Term Ends - Friday 17th July The Academy operates a similar term structure to Bedford Borough Council schools. From time to time training days may vary. TERM DATES 2025 - 2026
5 What Makes us Special? Bedford Academy is a state funded independent school for students aged 11-18. We strongly believe that our offer is unique and designed to inspire and engage. At Bedford Academy we believe in: • Spending extra time on Maths, English and Science to ensure the highest standards of Literacy and Numeracy. • Lessons are one hour in duration. We recognise that students retain knowledge and understanding by building on prior learning.This means they need time to revisit/retrieve knowledge and practise using it.We structure lessons carefully to make sure that there are a variety of activities, learning is active and meets students’ needs. • Students are encouraged to attend before and after school enrichment activities, meaning that the Academy is open from 7.30am until 4.10pm. • Excellent food facilities are available, with a range of tasty and nutritious dishes on offer, cooked on site by our own staff. • Our superb IT facilities provide enough computers for every student to use. • The Academy believes in promoting reading and the love of books and has an excellent Independent Learning Centre situated in the atrium right in the hub of the school. • We provide a phone free environment that allows students to focus on their education and social development.We do not tolerate the use of mobile phones anywhere in our school building, at KS3 and KS4. • Our ‘Access’ centre provides a student centred approach to additional support. It acts as an Academy within the Academy for students that require more intensive support at any time. • Our in-house award-winning careers team work hard to ensure students have the right independent information, advice and guidance to progress to their next life stage. • We create a Year 7 pathway for students to follow and aspire to.This gives students opportunities to stay with us from Year 7 to Year 13.
6 The Bedford Academy Journey ‘The BA Way’ is the foundation of our curriculum. At Bedford Academy we strive to ensure every student becomes a young person who is: COMMUNITY MINDED: a responsible, thoughtful and independent member of society that takes ownership of their own actions and decisions The Bedford Academy curriculum is broad, balanced and inclusive.Traditional academic subjects are allocated a significant proportion of curriculum time to reflect the profile of our school community. This enables us to raise aspirations and develop students’ self-belief that everyone can achieve. We offer a diverse range of academic and vocational courses to provide individual pathways that reflect the interests and strengths of our students. The breadth of these pathways supports the building of aspirations and has clear and purposeful links to our post 16 offer. All students are encouraged to complete the demanding EBACC qualifications in order to study their choice of A-Levels and aspire to achieve a University place. For students who wish to follow a different pathway we offer extensive guidance and a range of vocational qualifications at Key Stage 4 and 5.This offer is supported by our strong careers provision and our Sixth Form Sports Academy. We believe in a seven-year curriculum model, spanning from Year 7 to 13. Years 7, 8 and 9 lay the foundations for all students ensuring they are well-prepared for modern life.This includes building skills, knowledge and confidence for KS4. Key Stage 4 is two years where students study a range of optional subjects alongside their core offer (Year 10 and 11). Key Stage 5 is two years with Academic and Vocational qualifications studied (Year 12 and 13). Bedford Academy prepares students to make a positive contribution to society in their next steps outside of school and in their future careers. DRIVEN: a confident individual that achieves their full potential and works towards success, without excuses or compromise ASPIRATIONAL: has high expectations of themselves and others, always aiming to improve, succeed and excel
7 Exciting Challenging Curriculum KEY STAGE 3: YEARS 7, 8 AND 9 Subjects English Mathematics Science Personal and Careers Development (PCD) Physical Education Art and Design Performing Arts Food Technology Spanish Geography History Computer Science Music Religious Studies KEY STAGE 4: YEARS 10 AND 11 Core Subjects Pathway Subjects English Mathematics Science - Combined or Triple PCD Physical Education Art and Design Business Studies Child Development Citizenship Drama Food Technology Geography Health and Social Care History Spanish Computer Science Media Studies Performing Arts Religious Studies Sport Sociology The structure and offer within the curriculum is under constant review to ensure we offer the most appropriate curriculum for our students. KEY STAGE 5: YEARS 12 AND 13 Academic Subjects Vocational Subjets Biology Chemistry Computer Science Dance and Drama English Language and Literature Geography History Maths Physics Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Politics Business Creative Media Criminology Food Health and Social Care ICT Performing Arts Applied Science Sport Additional qualifications: EPQ Sports Leadership Our Sixth Form provision is expanding, with new courses being added to our curriculum offer.We are very excited to be able to offer such a wide range of subjects so that students are able to follow the pathway most appropriate to them. In addition to Level 3 courses, students will also have the opportunity to retake GCSEs in English and Mathematics should they wish to improve their grades. Our Sixth Form Sports & Dance academy allows students with a passion for football, basketball and dance to further develop as athletes/performers alongside their Level 3 qualifications. Students are timetabled training sessions, strength and conditioning sessions, analysis sessions and matches/ performances. SUPPORT AND EXTENSION Students’ individual needs are well supported and benefit from a range of interventions, including additional curriculum time for Literacy and Numeracy lessons. Many students successfully complete qualifications in home languages other than English and are encouraged to do so when they are ready.We also encourage students to complete other qualifications early where appropriate, so that they can continue to challenge themselves with higher levels of study.
8 Teaching and Learning Our ‘community minded, driven, aspirational’ values mean that learning is considered to be a partnership between students, staff and parents. We aim to create an environment based on encouraging students to aspire for excellence as a result of the delivery of high quality teaching and learning across the school. The teaching at Bedford Academy is designed to be engaging, exciting and challenging.We want all our students to be fully prepared for their futures by providing them with a range of academic opportunities and developing their character so that they leave us as well-rounded, employable young people. Our curriculum model puts the core subjects of English, Maths and Science at the heart of what our students study. Getting the foundations right in these areas opens up more effective learning across a wide range of subjects. At Bedford Academy lessons last for 1 hour. Our staff work hard so that all students are challenged and supported to make sustained and substantial progress in all aspects of their studies.This is achieved through: CONSISTENT HIGH EXPECTATIONS The high expectations are underpinned by every BA student deserving ‘disruption-free learning every lesson’.This means that lessons are conducted in a positive working environment that is conducive to high quality teaching and learning through teachers having great circulation around the classroom, delivering silent episodes and frequently giving students feedback.Teachers use the information available to them and pedagogical knowledge from WALKTHRU’s - to planning lessons that meet the individual needs of the students we teach. STRETCH AND CHALLENGE All lessons contain a variety of learning activities and tasks to ensure that students are engaged and challenged.Teachers employ a range of strategies that offer the opportunity to transfer, reinforce and extend the knowledge and skills of the students they teach.This includes high quality questioning and a focus on independent learning. HIGH QUALITY FEEDBACK As we look to foster a love of learning in our students and develop independent and resilient learners, our students will receive high quality feedback, both written and verbal, that provides students with clear next steps on what they need to do to improve and develop the quality of their work. Raising Aspirations UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Bedford Academy nurtures the talents of every student and we recognise that some students have outstanding academic gifts.As part of our personalised learning curriculum, these students take part in the more able programme. The programme incorporates a wide range of activities and close monitoring of each student’s progress, achievement and participation. EXTRA-CURRICULAR LEARNING With leading University places and degree apprenticeships being ever more competitive and an increasing importance placed upon extra-curricular, super-curricular and even supra-curricular activities being prominent in student applications, the role of the Achievement Leader for More Able Students is to source opportunities for students across Bedford Academy to add to their school experience. Primarily these opportunities are targeted at our more able students, as the places they often end up competing for are the most competitive of all. However, we ensure that a wide variety of them are offered to all students to give everyone a wide range of experiences, learning opportunities in younger years and leadership projects in later years. SIXTH FORM For Sixth Form students, we aim to increase student responsibility with a diverse range of opportunities.This has seen the launch of three new programmes which comprise the Bedford Academy Pre-Teaching Programme.
The BA Student Journey Ladder 9 Subject to change every year
10 Access All staff at Bedford Academy are ambitious for all students, including those with needs. The extensive, vibrant Access department works tirelessly to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Our ethos values every student for who they are and what they can bring to the school community. Our vision is to create a positive and supportive environment for all students without exception. All students, regardless of their starting point, need to feel valued and included to achieve and thrive. This will mean that, at times, our decisions will be driven by a deep sense of equity and equality. As an inclusive school, we aim to remove barriers to learning and participation, provide an education that is appropriate to students’ needs, whilst promote high standards and the fulfilment of potential for all students. At Bedford Academy, we will: • Build an ongoing, holistic understanding of our students and their needs • Ensure all students have access to high-quality teaching • Complement high-quality teaching with selected small groups and oneto-one interventions • Work effectively with Parents / Carers and external agencies. We do not believe in extended periods of unnecessary separation or isolation. All students need to learn to work cooperatively and corroboratively. All students will be helped to develop independence in terms of learning habits and social skills.This includes preparation for adulthood and career development, where working closely with the Careers team, ensures that the careers programme is accessible and meets the needs of all students. Homework Bedford Academy is fully committed to the setting, completion, tracking and assessment of homework as part of each student’s educational provision. Additional learning, study, research and revision outside of the classroom is an integral part of students’ learning.As well as improving performance in individual subjects, it develops positive routines which students can utilise effectively in their journey through Key Stage 4, Sixth Form and further education as well as in the world of work. Students who take part in additional study support activities outside of their normal learning get better GCSE results than their peers of equal ability who do not participate.These students score an average of 3.5 grades more on their best GCSE results and they gain one more 9-5 pass (Source: National Youth Agency & University of Strathclyde). Homework will be set regularly across all subject areas and allows students to develop skills, consolidate learning and prepare for future learning opportunities. Bedford Academy use Bromcom and Teams to set and track homework across the school. Bedford Academy offers homework support and guidance and students can access further support with home learning by attending the ILC to maximise their progress. Enrichment We believe that it is important for students to make the most of their time at the Academy and we are proud of the varied activities and opportunities available to students during the academic year. All teaching staff contribute to our enrichment programme, resulting in a variety of clubs and extra-curricular activities.We expect students to attend at least one enrichment, although many choose to attend more! Our Enrichment programme covers Sport,Arts, Science and Technology, Careers, Music and Languages to name just a few.
11 Events and Visits Enriching the lives of our students comes in many forms, not just extra-curricular clubs. On site events, residential, day trips and short visits encourage students to experience different environments, cultures and to meet new people, giving opportunities to increase their curiosity, organisational skills, personal initiative and self-confidence. We offer a wide variety of events and visits to enhance learning, uncover new interests and help prepare students for the next stage of their education or employment. This includes themed weeks such as National Careers week, team building, sports day, productions and concerts.Visiting employers, lecturers and speakers provide course, pastoral and careers related talks. These raise awareness for students beyond that of Academy staff and provide insights into different approaches to learning. Preparation time provides activities focused on students’ skills including: • Literacy • Careers information, advice and guidance • Bullying and pastoral matters Citizenship based activities encourage student participation in events such as Children in Need and Comic Relief, where fundraising develops students’ planning, decision making and organisational skills. Personal and Careers Development (PCD) Personal and Careers Development (PCD) are lessons for life. Every student in the school will follow an individualised programme designed for their year group, taught by their form tutor at the same time every week. Students will be exposed to issues surrounding wellbeing, personal health, social interactions, safety, finance and independent living. The careers element will involve topics such as self development, investigating jobs, the labour market, employability skills, enterprise, post 16 and post 18 choices and career management. Lessons will be delivered by form tutors with input from guest speakers, volunteers from industry and specialist productions.
12 Careers Learning Bedford Academy places significant value on ensuring our students can make informed decisions about their next steps and long-term goals. Our aim is to build employability skills, develop knowledge of careers and the labour market, explore career ideas and offer impartial guidance to students as they progress on their careers journey. Ultimately, we want our students to move on to sustained destinations not only with the skills to survive but to succeed and thrive. Students have access to a comprehensive range of careers education activities and guidance through a combination of tutorial activities, PCD lessons, career learning embedded into the curriculum, assemblies, careers events, external visits and individual guidance interviews to support their decision making whilst at school and to prepare them well for the future. The following list comprises just some of the examples of careers opportunities and experiences that students at Bedford Academy receive: • Personal Guidance appointment in KS3, 4 and 5 • National Careers Week activities • Alumni events • Year 10 and 12 work experience • Careers education programme in PCD • Health Care Academy • The Bedford Academy Careers Hub • Access to the most up-to-date online resources, including Unifrog • Career insight talks • Mock interviews • Live webinar events • Year 11 Next Steps event • University visits • College and Sixth Form taster day • Guest speakers from industry and academia • Meet the Professional events For further information on our careers programme, or if your organisation would be interested in contributing to our careers programme, contact Mrs McMillan, Lead Careers on 01234 301500 ext 182, email [email protected] Sixth Form We believe that Sixth Form is the pinnacle of our students’ education and forms the bridge to adulthood. Bedford Academy Sixth Form provides a range of opportunities and support to enable students to progress successfully in their future careers. Students in the Sixth Form study three Level 3 courses and these may be a mix of Academic and Vocational subjects.All Sixth Form students have a tutor and follow a core Personal and Careers Development programme. Our Sixth Form Sports & Dance academy allows students with a passion for football, basketball and dance to further develop as athletes/performers alongside their Level 3 study package.All students gain extensive careers and industry insights as part of our personalised approach to support and guidance for next steps. Sixth Form students have access to a number of enrichment and leadership opportunities throughout the year which helps them to further develop a range of skills that will help them to be successful in their next steps, whether this be university, an apprenticeship or employment. A Sixth Form prospectus is available on the Bedford Academy website. Please contact Mrs Harrop (Head of Sixth Form) for more information: lharrop@ bedfordacademy.co.uk
13 Academy Standards and Expectations LATENESS The Academy expects all students to arrive punctually aiming for 8.30am as learning commences at 8.40am. Students must arrive to lessons within 3 minutes. Lateness to lessons disrupts the flow of a lesson, the learning of the student and that of other students; punctuality is a life skill and one that is always requested in future employer references. To encourage good attendance, students risk detentions either daily or weekly for single or multiple occurrence of lateness. MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES Mobile phones are part of many students’ lives and at Bedford Academy we recognise that many parents/carers feel their child is safer with the phone on them on the way to and from school. At Bedford Academy, we have implemented an initiative and have banned the use of all mobile phones during school time.To achieve this, every student is provided with a lockable case in which to put the phone at the start of the day.The case with the phone inside is kept in the student’s possession until the end of the day when it is unlocked.This completely eradicates the impact and distraction of social media, allowing the students to fully concentrate during lessons. Bedford Academy will not accept any responsibility for phones or headphones brought into school.This is done at the owner’s risk. SANCTIONS Students collect praise points for going above and beyond in their lessons and around the Academy. Achievement is celebrated in a number of ways throughout the school year. Students who do not follow the rules will receive demerits, next day detentions and may be placed in isolation away from peers. Students can avoid any sanctions by arriving to school and lessons on time, by wearing the correct uniform and by following the school routines and expectations. Parents and carers can support students by ensuring their child has everything they need and by supporting the school and their teachers. For serious breaches of the rules, including persistent breaches of the rules, students may be suspended from school on a fixed term or permanent basis. Bedford Academy uses a simple tiered warning system that encourages positive behaviour and prevents students from making poor choices. ASSESSMENT The key function of assessment at Bedford Academy is to contribute to the educational process which helps our students become better learners.Assessment is the vital tool in the determination of levels and tracking progress of students, as well as promoting learning. We assess our students regularly within the classroom through the use of ‘Journey Questions’ and end of topic tests, as well as through formal exams and pre public exams. We assess students’ learning in order to: • Provide students with constructive feedback • Motivate students • Identify learning strengths and areas for development • Identify progress and intervene to ensure the learning process moves forward • Assist in the evaluation of teaching methods and learning materials • Provide information for other stakeholders (colleagues and parents) • Enable students to form a judgement about the quality of their work • Assist in moderating standards across classes • Promote learning Assessment is carried out for two main reasons: to find out how much a student has achieved and to promote learning and understanding. The recording of such information allows us to monitor the progress of students and inform our planning of future teaching. REPORTS At every assessment point, parents and carers receive a progress report generated from the central database summarising their child’s attainment, target data and attendance.These reports are sent home with students and are also emailed out to all parents and carers who have supplied an email address to the school. The student’s academic tutor is the first point of contact for parents. For all year groups, parents and carers will also have an opportunity to meet directly with their child’s subject teachers once a year to discuss their progress for each subject in detail. ATTENDANCE At Bedford Academy we believe that for our students to gain the greatest benefits from their education, it is vital that they attend regularly. Our students should be on time, every day the Academy opens unless the reason for absence is absolutely unavoidable. It is very important that families recognise their responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and on time. 98% attendance is a realistic and achievable target for all students that allows for the occasional emergency or sickness absence.
14 Anti-Bullying Bedford Academy encourages students to show respect in their relationships with all members of the Academy’s community. The Academy takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying – this includes all forms of bullying relating to race, religion and culture, homophobic bullying, bullying related to special educational needs and disabilities, sexist and sexual bullying, and the use of cyber technology to bully. We encourage students to: • Say NO to BULLYING • Know and understand what bullying means and the consequences of bullying-type behaviour • Be active not passive – speak out and report incidents • Listen to, support and help bullied students • Take personal responsibility • Take collective responsibility • Develop loyalty to the Academy and students within it. We are affiliated members of the Anti-bullying alliance.We have a member of staff who leads a team of trained students who are our anti-bullying ambassadors.This further promotes the opportunities for students to approach someone regarding any conflict issues and be active in maintaining a respectful and safe environment at Bedford Academy. Our simple sanction model with bullying: STEP ONE STEP TWO STEP THREE Parent Partnership PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences on children’s lives. We believe that where parents take on a supportive role in their child’s learning both at home and in partnership with the school their children do better and achieve more.These benefits can be long-lasting and extend to better health, relationships and improved employment. We continue to develop an active partnership with our parents including open days where any members of our community are welcome to look around the school.We hold Parent Voice meetings where a senior leader discusses current issues within the school and listens to parent/carer input to help drive our school forward. PARENT VOICE To emphasise and formalise the effectiveness of this partnership we have created the BA Partnership Agreement. This outlines what all staff, students and parents / carers will do to ensure our students have every chance of success at Bedford Academy.This document will be signed by home, school and students and will be issued to all new students when they start at Bedford Academy. The Academy Parent Voice meets once every half term and provides a forum for our parents/carers to come together, share ideas, and put forward their views to the Senior Leadership Team.We want to develop a partnership with yourselves in order to support and promote students’ learning, to raise student achievement and bring about change.To support and promote students’ learning it is important that parents/carers develop a partnership with the school to raise student achievement and bring about generational change.This is your opportunity to receive information about the quality of your child’s education and play a part in improving this. It is also a chance for parents/carers to share their views about the school and education as a whole. FAMILY SUPPORT MANAGER Our Family Support Manager is available throughout the school day to support families with concerns they may have around issues that occur outside of school but may well affect your child at the Academy.They can provide support and information in regards to matters such as housing benefits, employment and parenting. PARENT GOVERNORS Our Parent Governors sit on the Local Advisory Board for the Trust and are representative parents who hold a unique position of having a parental viewpoint of the Academy.They are available to discuss issues raised by parents and are actively involved in the life of the Academy. The conflict is logged and communication to all parties is carried out, ensuring any relevant warning is delivered to instruct students to remain respectful. Restorative justice conversations led by a staff member as mediator aims to resolve conflict between students. Should a student continue to show disrespect in any form of bullying they are isolated and their details are added to our central log which we share with Bedford Borough. Any student who continues with inappropriate behaviours will risk suspension from Bedford Academy.
Rewards At Bedford Academy our standards are high. We believe that no goal is beyond possibility for our students and we encourage their aspirations and achievements by use of rewards. PROUD TABLE Every Friday, students will be given the opportunity to present their work at the Proud Table and receive stamps for their hard work. Once 6 stamps are collected, they have the opportunity to enter different draws, winning tiers of prizes. Students will choose which draw to enter with their rewards, opting to either add rewards into a weekly draw with small prizes, or add their entries into a less frequent, half-termly or termly larger prize draw. Students also have the opportunity to win tickets through a BA star, attendance, praise points and Head of Year nominations. END OF TERM CELEBRATION OF REWARDS The end of each term is a highlight for all. Our students are recognised for their achievements in front of their peers during celebration assemblies. Heads of Year,Teachers and Form Tutors nominate students for both academic and pastoral based rewards. Our students thoroughly enjoy these events and are inspired to do their best the following term to secure a reward for themselves. END OF YEAR CELEBRATION OF REWARDS During the summer term special end of year activities take place. Students who have achieved the highest standards of attendance, achievement, effort and participation are rewarded and invited to take part in these exciting events. Student Voice Student Voice is the set of systems through which young people contribute their opinions and suggestions on Academy life in an open, honest, secure and constructive way. At Bedford Academy, we believe that student voice is a vital part of building the school community.We use a programme called Smart School Council which allows every child in the school to have their voice heard. It also helps to build oracy, debate and leadership skills through weekly class meetings. Each week, every tutor group holds a class meeting to discuss a question or topic.The information is then collated and this enables us to effect change in the school, directed by the students themselves. There are opportunities for students to get involved in many ways such as joining to Communications Team, leading an action group or taking minutes in the weekly meetings.The programme allows students to be involved in an active democracy and have their voice heard. Student Wellbeing Bedford Academy is committed to promoting the wellbeing of children and young people. We endeavour to provide an environment where students feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are listened to.We ensure that students know that there are adults in school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.We offer a range of internal interventions as well as signposting to relevant agencies, including 0-19 Nursing team, CAMHS, Chums, Link to Change and Bedford Open Door if appropriate. 15
16 Uniform Standards All students are expected to be in FULL Academy uniform whilst inside the Academy building. This includes correctly worn ties, tucked in shirts, blazers, skirts at knee length and school shoes. Students must also have a plain, dark bag / backpack with them each day which is strong enough to carry books; additional bags may be used to carry PE kit or cooking ingredients if required. Inappropriate items of clothing, jewellery and hair accessories will be confiscated. In addition: • Hair styles must be in keeping with the smart appearance of our uniform and be of a conventional length and colour (unnatural hair colours and markings cut into the hair are not appropriate). • Excessive make up and coloured nail varnish are inappropriate for school and not permitted.This includes false eyelashes and acrylic or extended nails. • Students may wear a wrist watch and one pair of plain silver or gold colour studs in their earlobe only (except for during PE); no jewellery is to be worn in any body piercings; additional jewellery or hair ornaments will be confiscated. • Visible tattoos, including henna tattoos, are not permitted. • Students are expected to wear plain black school shoes.Trainers, boots or sandals are not permitted. Shoes must not be open-toe, resemble trainers or have any logos. • Hooded tops, caps and bandanas are not appropriate clothing and must not be brought to the Academy site. • Religious headscarves must be plain black or navy. • All clothing must be clearly marked with the student’s name. The only exceptions to the uniform policy are as follows: • If the Head Teacher declares that summer uniform may be worn, students may remove blazers. • Students unable to wear uniform for medical reasons must provide a note of explanation to their Head of Year a uniform pass for the appropriate period of time will usually be issued in these circumstances. When a student does not arrive to school in Bedford Academy uniform, they will be expected to wear loan uniform and return this at the end of the school day. If the uniform is not returned, parents will be invoiced. Student Uniform GIRLS BOYS Order from the online shop. A current pricelist is available at www.totalclothingshop.co.uk/bacad UNIFORM: Navy Blazer with Academy Badge Navy Blue V Neck Jumper with Academy Logo Academy Skirt (knee length) OR Charcoal Grey or Black Trousers Academy Tie is optional UNIFORM: Navy Blazer with Academy Badge Navy Blue V Neck Jumper with Academy Logo Charcoal Grey or Black Trousers Academy Tie PE KIT: Academy Track Suit Jogging Bottoms Academy Polo Shirt Academy Shorts Academy Skort (optional) Academy Socks Academy Football/Rugby Top (optional) Academy Base layer (optional) Academy Fleece (optional) PE KIT: Academy Track Suit Jogging Bottoms Academy Polo Shirt Academy Shorts Academy Socks Academy Football/Rugby Top (optional) Academy Base layer (optional) Academy Fleece (optional) Available at other stores Plain Black Socks or Tights Plain Black School Shoes Proper Winter Coat – Black or Grey (no denim, leather or large logos) Trainers for PE (Hockey Boots optional) Open Neck White Blouse Black Socks Plain Black School Shoes Proper Winter Coat – Black or Grey (no denim, leather or large logos) Trainers for PE (Football Boots optional) White Long Sleeve Shirt
17 Financial Difficulty Procedures The Academy provides a free education to all students but also provides a number of additional services and activities for which charges will be made. The Academy is committed to the belief that no student should be at a disadvantage if their parents/carers are in receipt of benefits. The Academy is able to offer financial assistance to those students for whom the Academy receive pupil premium or whose parents or carers are in receipt of one of the following benefits: • Income Support • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190). • Working Tax Credit run-on-paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit • Universal credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods) • The guarantee element of pension credit Students are eligible for free school meals in school in Sixth Form but not Sixth Form College or further education. TRANSACTIONAL PROTECTION In addition, the following pupils will be protected against losing their free school meals as follows: Since 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants have continued to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out.This applies even if their earnings rise above the threshold during that time. Any pupil gaining eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will be protected against losing free school meals until March 2025. After March 2025, any existing claimants that no longer meet the eligibility criteria at that point (because they are earning above the threshold or are no longer a recipient of Universal Credit) will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (i.e. primary or secondary). MEAL ALLOWANCE • A free meal allowance per day will be allocated to eligible students against the cost of a main meal. Free School Meals (FSM) can be claimed by those students whose parents or carers are in receipt of one of the benefits outlined above. If you feel you may be eligible for Free School Meals you can contact Bedford Borough Council Education Welfare Service and request an application form to be sent to you or apply online via www. bedford.gov.uk. • The Academy restaurant will provide a main meal option with dessert and drink (water) that does not exceed the daily free meal allowance. However, students will be able to make alternative choices and to use the free meal allowance in part payment for their chosen meal. Extras, such as drinks or extra dessert, above the allowance value will need to be paid for by parents/carers. • The Academy reserves the right to reclaim any Academy benefits that are overpaid as a result of any financial misinformation received. UNIFORM AND SPORTS KIT Assistance with the provision of uniform will be provided for those parents/carers whose children are in receipt of free school meals. TRIPS AND VISITS Deposits should, in all cases, be paid for in full by the parent/carer. To apply for assistance with the remaining amount, a letter should be sent to the Finance Department stating the reasons for the application. Reference should be made to the Academy’s Charging and Remissions policy for further guidance. OTHER ENQUIRIES All financial assistance queries should be made in writing to the Finance Department.They will be considered on the grounds of the pupil premium/benefit criteria outlined above.
Academy Catering Bedford Academy understands the importance of providing students with healthy and nutritious food which enhances levels of concentration and achievement. Our team of chefs constantly refresh the menus and provides food of the highest quality in our restaurant on a daily basis.The Academy offers free breakfast during break time, of cereal, fruit, toast and porridge to every student.We provide nutritious and substantial snacks to buy at break as well as providing appetising and satisfying lunches. Our menus comply with the standards set by the Department for Education to assist our students to make healthy choices in their diet. The food reflects a variety of tastes and cultures. The menu has been designed so that there is a mixture of vegetarian and vegan dishes options. We are proud to confirm our commitment to sustainability by reducing the menu’s content of red meat to one main dish every three weeks. Where applicable all of our chicken, turkey, beef and lamb is Halal. We also cater for allergens and intolerances – we do not use nuts and are proud to offer gluten free alternatives to pasta, pizza and sandwiches. Students who wish to bring a packed lunch from home may do so, eating either in the restaurant or on one of the outside benches but please avoid any products containing nuts where possible. Our newly refurbished bistro style restaurant and coffee shop provides a modern and relaxed environment in the main atrium at the heart of the school where students can enjoy break and lunch and socialise with their friends. Lunch times are staggered to ensure that queues are minimised. Doors open out onto a designated external dining area for al fresco dining during late spring and summer. The Academy operates a biometric cashless system for catering.Your child will be issued a pin number and an account which can be accessed and topped up online via ParentPay or cash can be brought into school to top up their account via the biometric cash machines. For anyone able to, we now have use of chip and pin. If you feel you may be eligible for Free School Meals, please contact Bedford Borough Council Education Welfare Service and request an application form to be sent to you or apply online via www.bedford.gov.uk. 18 Sample Menu
19 Student Admissions Bedford Academy will consider all applications for places. Admissions into the Academy are organised in conjunction with Bedford Borough Council. Each year the Council distributes information packs via local Primary and Middle Schools on the admissions process for Secondary Schools. Places need to be applied for and a completed application form needs to be returned to the Council by 31st October 2024. Places will then be allocated and parents will be informed the following spring.We anticipate reaching our full admission number each year therefore you are advised to put Bedford Academy as your first choice if you wish to secure a place for your child. In recent years BA has been significantly oversubscribed, so please check our Admissions Policy to fully understand our specific criteria. ENTRY IN TO OTHER YEARS Contact Bedford Borough Council Admissions Service for an application form.All applications will be considered and if the year group applied for has a place available the Academy may admit the child. Bedford Borough Council School Admissions Service T: 01234 718120 E: [email protected] Policies If you wish to view any Academy policies please follow the link to the policies section on the Bedford Academy website: http://bedfordacademy.co.uk/policies
Bedford Academy Bedford Academy Mile Road Bedford MK42 9TR T: 01234 301500 E: [email protected] www.bedfordacademy.co.uk Created by www.concept4.com (ref 17434-07/2024) Contacts We welcome enquiries about the Academy, please do not hesitate to contact us: CEO of HEART Mr David Morris Academies Trust Head Teacher Mr Chris Deller KEY STAGE 3 Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator Mr Ian Little Head of Year 7 Miss Abby Jordan Assistant Head of Year 7 Mr Cory McDade Head of Year 8 Miss Carly Tarrant Assistant Head of Year 8 Mrs Nikki Horner KEY STAGE 4 Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator Mrs Lauren Turner Head of Year 9 Miss Caroline Collie Assistant Head of Year 9 Miss Tammy Deane Head of Year 10 Mr Albert Adeyemi Assistant Head of Year 10 Miss Laura Canzano Head of Year 11 Mr Alex Parrott Assistant Head of Year 11 Ms Bev O’Sullivan KEY STAGE 5 Key Stage 5 Co-Ordinator Mrs Lucy Harrop Head of Years 12 and 13 Mr Jack Stammers
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