1 I N S P I R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

O U R V A L U E S

At The Ongar Academy, we put our school motto into practice by providing all students with the support they need to become strong, ambitious and aspirational learners.

In the knowledge that success travels after risk, we foster resilience, embrace challenges and value the opportunity to reflect and learn from our mistakes as well as our successes.

We expect all individuals to respect themselves, others and their environment.

We value integrity and the ability for all to be true to their word, trustworthy and honourable.

We value and contribute to the wider community in which we live and work.

We aim to encapsulate and respect British Values and Inspire Excellence in all that we do.

Our circle of values was created after extensive consultation with parents, students, staff and governors.

2w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g

Welcome to The Ongar Academy, a new 11-18 school specialising in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opened in September 2015.

Built on the principle of offering the opportunity to achieve at the very highest level, The Ongar Academy is an amazing place to learn. Our Latin motto ‘Affectare ad Optimum’ translates as ‘Aspire to Greatness’ and that is precisely what we set out to do each day.

At The Ongar Academy, we create a well-disciplined, supportive environment, where every student is known as an individual and will be inspired to achieve excellent outcomes.

We aim for all students to achieve an English Baccalaureate at the end of Year 11 and so our curriculum is deliberately and unapologetically focussed on obtaining outstanding results in the most academic subjects. Students are challenged and our expectations are high.

Should you choose The Ongar Academy for your child, they will be given every opportunity to gain both academic success and personal fulfilment. They will be stretched to achieve their potential in all subjects whilst given the opportunity to partake in an outstanding array of enrichment subjects. We will aim to stimulate and challenge them whilst building the skills that will enable them to secure their destination of choice in seven years.

I hope that you will find this prospectus useful and further information can be found on our website.

Mr. David Grant Headteacher

W E L C O M E

3 I N S P I R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

The premisesWe are newly housed in state-of-the-art facilities built to incorporate the highest quality teaching and learning spaces. The building features wide corridors, naturally lit community spaces and a student designed garden area.

Existing staff and students have been excited to see the buildings rise from what was once a field. The transformation day-by-day has been extraordinary to watch and now completed, our buildings truly embody our mission statement Inspiring Excellence.

We now fully intend to grow our community links, enabling local groups to benefit from our new sporting facilities. We have a world class multi-use games area focussed on many sports but particularly Netball. We aim to champion sporting excellence.

If you dream it, you can do it.

Walt Disney

4w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g

Joining our educational community On joining us in September, every student will be welcomed into a tutor group which is balanced in terms of gender and academic achievement. They will all become a member of one of four Houses - Agnesi, Brunel, Curie and Darwin - giving them the opportunity, during house events, to meet and work with students of all ages and abilities.

To facilitate a smooth transition, our staff will endeavour to visit all students and their Year 6 teachers at their primary school so that the students feel safe and secure when the time comes to move on.

Parents will be invited to an information evening and students will become familiar with school routines on a taster day.

Once at the school, students will be encouraged to take responsibility and play an active role in the direction of the school. Students are chosen to be Learning Ambassadors, School Council members, Charity representative and Sports Captains amongst many other roles.

No matter what your ability is, effort is what

ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.

Carol DweckPsychology at Stanford University and

expert in ‘Growth Mindsets’

5 I N S P I R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

Teaching and learningOur vision is embraced throughout the school but nowhere more so than in our philosophical approach to elements of teaching and learning. Our students are taught how to become independent, resilient learners from the very start and learn the skills needed to face their future in an internationally competitive world.

We ensure an approach to teaching and learning that is rooted in sound educational practice and research. Lessons feature regular reviews of progress and the desire to see a continuously improving level of learning. At The Ongar Academy we know what ‘Outstanding’ looks like and how to deliver this every day for your child.

We aim to:

• Foster academic excellence and ensure all students attain an English Baccalaureate* at the end of Year 11.

• Continually develop our staff and encourage them to become ‘lead learners’.

• Maintain balance in the curriculum so that our students become well-rounded global citizens in seven years.

• Stretch and challenge, ensuring students reach their potential.

• Embed the school values in every child so as to assist in their development as they mature.

Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but

from what we give.

Ben Carson, American author and retired

neurosurgeon

Academic setting is present throughout the school from the start. Students undergo baseline testing upon arrival and are placed in a set appropriate to their innate abilities. Sets remain fluid and changes are common in KS3 as progress is reviewed.

*An English Baccalaureate consists of a GCSE in Mathematics,

English, Science, History or Geography and a language (French,

Spanish or Latin).

6w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g

Sixth FormIt is planned to open the Academy Sixth Form in 2020. Our Sixth Form offer will include vital facilitating subjects so highly valued by top universities and all students will receive personalised advice so that they select the right combination of subjects.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

Samuel BeckettWriter

CurriculumThe Ongar Academy provides an education which is relevant and stimulating. We aim for every student to fulfil their full potential and reach their destination of choice whether it be studying at university, further training or employment in seven years.

At Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) we will offer a broad and balanced curriculum with a key focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. All Year 7 students study Mathematics every day and the majority will take two modern languages; French and Spanish. Latin is also available as an enrichment subject. At Key Stage 4, it is our intention that in addition to the core subjects, GCSE options may include: Ancient History, Art, Computing, Drama, French, Geography, History, Latin, Music, PE, Product Design, RS, Spanish and Textiles. Full details of the intended curriculum offer can be found at www.theongaracademy.org/curriculum

7 I N S P I R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

Building successThe school has the highest expectations of all our students. Leadership forms a central theme in the school with opportunities for all students to build the critical skills that will increase their employability in later life.

Classrooms are busy, productive places full of energy and excitement with opportunity for practical activity and interaction. We require all our students to be responsible for themselves and encourage them to be self-reliant in all aspects of school life.

We encourage students to think creatively and independently, find new solutions and apply their learning and skills to the real world. We foster resilience and understand that their seven year journey is as important as the destination at the end.

Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

Thomas EdisonInventor

8w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g

SportThe Ongar Academy is fortunate to be based in a community with strong sporting traditions and now benefits from brand new gold standard facilities. Our new premises incorporate an activity studio, a multi-use games area and sports hall, together with our existing pitches. PE lessons take place four times a fortnight and include a variety of different sports such as rugby, football, basketball, rounders, athletics and tennis.

It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.

Bill Gates

9 I N S P I R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

EnrichmentAfter-school enrichment sessions run from 3.30 pm until 4.30 pm, Monday to Thursday each week.

All of our students are strongly encouraged and expected to take part in extra-curricular opportunities throughout the week.

Exciting partnerships with a range of sports clubs and teams enables students at The Ongar Academy to access expert coaching and support during enrichment.

What people say about usIn 2017, the school conducted a Kirkland Rowell Survey of parents and carers. Below are some of the comments:

“A great school! :)”

“As parents we are thrilled at how well our daughter is excelling at The Ongar Academy. She is very happy and has made amazing progress in such a short space of time.”

“Our son is making good progress and is happy at the school.”

“I really enjoy it here.”

“I am impressed by the ethos of The Ongar Academy. Also, the quality and care from the teachers and staff. The availability of enrichment clubs and other opportunities to create a well-rounded individual. Well done.”

Imagination is more important than

knowledge.

Albert Einstein

Applications can be made via the Essex admissions website.

In order to apply for a place at the school for 2018, a supplementary information form (SIF) is a requirement should you wish your child to take the Musical Aptitude test.

Our test of Musical Aptitude will take place on 15 October 2017. The SIF will need to be returned to the school by 9 October 2017.

Note: To be eligible for entry to secondary school in September 2018 your child’s birthday must be between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007

The closing date for Year 7 admissions for September 2018, is 31 October 2017.

10w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g 10w w w . t h e o n g a r a c a d e m y . o r g

Admissions

Admission to the school is made through Essex County Council.

Headteacher: Mr David Grant BSc (Hons) PGCE

01277 500990 admin@theongaracademy.org www.theongaracademy.org

The Ongar AcademyFyfield RoadOngarEssexCM5 0AN

The Ongar Academy Trust is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales no. 9000501.

Photos © The Ongar AcademyDesign: www.deciacco.co.uk