The Springfields Academy - Prospectus

The Springfields AcademyCurzon Street Calne SN11 0DS Tel: 01249 814125www.springfields.wilts.sch.uk

Senior Leadership Team: T H P Williams, J S Lynch, J Hamp, M Piggott, G Keily, S Hobden, M Thomas.

The Springfield Academy is a limited company.Registered in England. The registered numberis: 7736212. The company registered office is:Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DS.

design: ww

w.originideas.co.uk

The Springfields Academy Prospectus

A world class specialist sports

college & vocationaltraining centre

The Springfields Academy Prospectus 2012/13 A World Class Specialist Sports College & Vocational Training Centre

‘A journey beyond expectation’Welcome to the ‘The Springfields Academy’ prospectus and just a glimpseof the life-transforming education and care we can offer statementedstudents with complex social and learning difficulties.

The greatest hurdle so many of our students face is that of self-belief. Yet, in our caring, challenging and stimulating environment, theireducation and interests are nurtured to a point where they truly begin to believe in themselves and the contribution they can make.

The opportunities offered for both academic and vocational study buildtheir outward confidence and abilities so that others, too, can share in that belief.

You will find more detailed information about The Springfields Academy,together with full policy documents at www.springfields.wilts.sch.uk. In the meantime, I hope this prospectus will inform and inspire you andaffirm our status as a world class Specialist Academy.

Trystan WilliamsPrincipal

Our role as a Specialist Sports CollegeThe Springfields Academy is sport in our community. As a Specialist Sports College, we deliver high level specialist coaching for gifted childrenas well as delivering ‘sport for all’. We have built our reputation throughwell-established multi-agency working practices and provide children,families, schools and the wider community with sporting and educationservices at their point of need.

In practice, that enhances the quality of education for our students andincreases life chances for local children within a culture in which talentcan flourish.

02 www.springfields.wilts.sch.uk 01249 814125

Springfields studentsexperienced an extreme

classroom trip as featured onthe BBC TV documentary.

03

My reading is now amazing and my sporting talents have also beenimproved. I now understand what is required of me in school – work hard and believe in yourself.

“ “

04


The Academic CurriculumOur aim is to enable our students to experience a broad and balancedcurriculum, equipping them for success in their life choices.

Across Key Stages 2,3 and 4, the School maintains a strong emphasis onliteracy and numeracy, while developing students’ skills and knowledgewith a full range of National Curriculum subject areas. These subjects are frequently brought together through cross curricular dimensions,reinforcing and enhancing learning in relevant and meaningful ways.

Our pupils are supported in their learning by small class sizes, purpose-built teaching facilities and a range of examination courses, includingGCSE. Pastoral care, emotional literacy and personalised education bringan added and powerful dimension to our curriculum.

Our focus at Springfields is on discovering and developing innovative waysto stay at the very cutting edge of education. We inspire our students tolearn, to build on their interests and develop their self-belief.

Learning SupportIn this critical element in our provision, a dedicated and experienced teamworks to support our most vulnerable pupils, while also providing baselinetesting and progression data. Their commitment to finding new andinnovative ways to develop our students’ confidence in literacy andnumeracy is continuous.

New Technology – at the heart of our learningIt is crucial that our young people have access to the very latest mediatechnology and are made aware of how it will impact their future. TV screens, installed in the school buildings, keep students and visitorsinformed of current events – both in school, and in our local, national andinternational communities. Meanwhile, the knowledge they glean makes a positive impact across every curriculum area, including literacy skills.

We want our learning environments to be ‘extreme classrooms’. We aspireto challenge and support all our students through innovative and creativepedagogy that accelerates progression and builds life long learning habitsand skills.

05www.springfields.wilts.sch.uk 01249 814125

The staff in Springfields are top quality. I can have a laugh with them too. I feel much happier here than in any other school I have been used to.

“ “


The Vocational and Alternative Learning ProvisionSpringfields is a place of discovery, a place where students who have sooften given up on themselves, can discover the niche that can turn theirlives around.

Much of that discovery is realised through our vocational, BTEC andAlternative Learning Provision courses, enabling students to learn andgain valuable qualifications for possible future careers.

We deliver a wide range of courses both for our residential pupils and forup to 600 more students from 22 secondary providers and 38 Primarysettings.

The majority of pupils complete the British Safety Council Entry Level 3 –Health and Safety qualification, and all qualifications gained via ourcourses are on the Qualification and Curriculum Framework.

Our Vocational TrainingMOTOR VEHICLE

Our purpose-built workshop provides a realistic environment for theory and practice, and enhances students’ employment prospects within themotor industry.

Qualifications:• Entry Level 3/Level 1 Award – Introduction to Vehicle Technology• Entry Level 3/Level 1 Certificate – Introduction to Vehicle Technology

CATERING

A commercial kitchen and restaurant provide a challenging and realisticsetting as students develop skills to launch a career in hospitality, orsimply to cook at home

Qualifications:• Entry Level 1 and 2 in Food Studies• NVQ Level 1 in Food Preparation and Cooking


07

08

I trust all the staff at school. They have always supported me and my family. I have a bright future in front of me – thank you.

“ “


CONSTRUCTION

Brickwork, carpentry, painting and decorating, together with plumbingand electrics are covered in this course and delivered in our purpose-builtworkshops.

Qualification:• Eight units required to achieve the Level 1 Certificate

in Basic Construction Skills

HAIR AND BEAUTY

Designed to build on your interest and passion for the hair and beautyindustry, an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector provides you with an ideal, practical introduction to prepare you for further learning or training.

Qualification:• Level 1 Diploma – Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector

BTEC SubjectsThe Springfields Academy is proud of the range of BTEC qualifications itoffers to its students. These qualifications are also, as with vocational,accessible to students at the Academy and other academic settings. These are;

ART & DESIGN

Do this ifYou want to study an Art and Design course that is designed to encouragelinks with local practicing artists, designers or craftspeople, to give you a truer understanding of the vocation.

Qualifications Available• Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award or Certificate or Diploma Art & Design• Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate or Extended Certificate or Diploma

HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREDo this ifYou want to build your knowledge and understanding of skills that willprepare you for a variety of Heath & Care related industries. It builds yourindependence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you develop the skills that count.



TRAVEL & TOURISM

Do this ifYou want to build your knowledge and understanding of this excitingindustry that can offer employment potential around the globe. It buildsyour independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you develop the skills that count.

Vocational Qualifications Available• Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Travel and Tourism• Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Aviation Operations

PERFORMING ARTS

Do this ifYou want an intoxicating course that builds your performance skills,independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you develop the practical skills that count when performing.

Qualifications Available• BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts• BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts


SPORT

Do this ifYou enjoy sport and want an invigorating way of building your knowledgeof sport and fitness, independence in learning, self-esteem and a positiveattitude towards learning as you explore sport for yourself.

Qualifications Available• Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate & Extended Certificate in Sport

11

“

“

I can now read and write withoutconstant staff help. I’m confident in all my subjects which makes me feel proud of my achievements.

12


Alternative Learning ProgrammesTo support inclusion in mainstream and specialist educational settings theAcademy also runs high quality and well-resourced Alternative LearningProgrammes (ALPs). These are;

2ND CHANCE PROJECT

Do this because2nd Chance is a sporting way of building your independence, self-esteemand a positive attitude towards learning as you explore and experience thesport leader within you.

Qualifications Available(Awards depending upon the student)

• Edexcel BTEC Entry Level Award in Sports & Active Leisure (QCF)• Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award in Sports & Active Leisure (QCF)• ASDAN Entry 3 Award or Certificate of Personal & Social Development• ASDAN Level 1 Award or Certificate of Personal & Social Development• OCN Functional Skills in Maths or ICT at Entry Level 1, 2, 3 & Level 1• Level 2 Award though Leadership (Football)

OUTDOOR LEARNING

Do this becauseIt is an invigorating way of building your independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you explore new experiences,outdoor activities and the active outside world around you.

Qualifications Available• ASDAN Bronze• BCU Level 2 Paddle Power award• RYA Level 1 Sailing Award• St John’s One day First Aid Certificate• Survival and Woodlands Level 1 qualification• RYA Powerboat Level 1

WILTSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Do this becauseIt is a wonderful way of building your independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you explore and experience thenatural for yourself.

Qualifications AvailableYou will undertake The John Muir Award as part of this programme. This nationally recognised four step programme can be completed at oneof three levels and provides a focus for the sessions. You will be guidedand advised on further pathways to opportunities in theconservation/countryside sector.



“HORSES FOR COURSES” AT THE GREENFIELDS CAMPUS

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AT THE GREENFIELDS CAMPUS

Do this becauseWorking on The Greenfields Campus will build your independence, self-esteem and a positive attitude towards learning as you explore andexperience caring for a range of animals including horses.

Qualifications Available (KS4 courses)• NOCN Developing confidence through working with animals (3 credits)• Edexcel Care of Farm Animals (6 credits)• NOCN Entry Level Certificate in Skills Towards Enabling Progression

(Step up)• Animal Care, Functional skills English, Numeracy and ICT in addition

to teamwork skills (ASDAN).KS3 courses in Animal Care and emotional literacy including team work skills.

FOREST SCHOOLS

Do this becauseForest Schools will allow you to develop both physically and emotionallythrough having fun! You will learn in a natural environment, using yourinitiative and imagination to solve problems, enabling you to learn foryourself, at your own pace. You will have the opportunity to develop yoursocial wellbeing, emotional intelligence and confidence. Forest Schools isregular and long term, allowing the skills learned to be transferred anddeveloped to become established into your everyday life.

Qualifications Available• ASDAN Youth Achievement Award

(2 Credits towards the Bronze and Silver awards).• Units of Level 1 Certificate in Land Based Studies. • AQA Unit awards


This school is quality. We work really hard though, but my reading and writing are much better. I can talk to the staff too about my problems.

“ “

15

16

This school helps you develop yoursocial skills. They askyour opinions andreally listen to yourviewpoints. Teachersare sympathetic and understand my needs.

““


Residential provision School life for residential students at Springfields offers vital opportunitiesfor self-awareness, and for students to develop their understanding ofthemselves and their behaviour.

Our residential provision is made up of four ‘houses’. Within each house,programmes are designed to modify behaviour and reduce levels ofanxiety. As students progress socially, and attain their individual targets,they earn greater responsibilities and independence – eventually leading,in many cases, to becoming a day pupil, or potentially returning tomainstream education.

All pupils have opportunities to voice their opinions on activities andprocesses, and the ‘School Student Leadership Team’ also provides afurther forum for discussion and decision making. Students are also givenspecific responsibilities to facilitate the safe, happy and purposefulrunning of each ‘house’.

Communication and feedback are vital tools in the relationship betweenthe students and staff. All students have a class and ‘house’ tutor who, as well as setting targets, also talk extensively to students about theirinterests and ambitions, and how to deal with social, emotional andcommunication issues.

Out of school hours, our residential students are encouraged to take part in a huge variety of enrichment activities organised by staff – fromathletics to cooking, cycling to ice-skating, karaoke to windsurfing – and many more. However, routines and regular bedtimes are alwaysmaintained as we strive to provide a secure and stable home for ouryoung people.

Links with families and carers are vital to ensure that a positive andconsistent message is being heard by our students about who they areand what they can achieve. Our open-door policy means families andcarers are welcome to visit at any time.

Extended Services TeamThe Extended Services Team, directly employed by The SpringfieldsAcademy, play a key role in achieving the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomesas it brings together a range of specialist and therapeutic interventions.Highly skilled, experienced and qualified practitioners work in anintegrated, corporate, solution focused way at the point of need to meetthe most extreme and complex needs of students and their families. This team consists of an Occupational Therapist, Educational Psychologist,Speech and Language Therapists, Art Therapist, Counsellors, ParentAdvocate, Specialist Placement Officer, Parent Support Advisor, FamilyLiaison Officer, DORE Co-ordinator, Head of ASC and Well Being Co-ordinator.



DORE – making learning easier Recognising the underlying causes of many complex learning difficulties,Springfields offers our students the opportunity to benefit from DORE – a programme of daily exercises that makes it easier for young people tolearn and develop new skills.

DORE’s unique approach is designed to stimulate the cerebellum – thebrain’s ‘skill development centre’ – training the brain to speed up, and to automate the information flow. This programme dramatically improvesstudents’ ability to learn and retain skills, especially among those whostruggle with learning difficulties including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Aspergers.

Community Cohesion and Political Literacy Springfields is passionately committed to the concept of community onmany levels – in school, in the local area, in the UK, and internationally.We are dedicated to working with each other, and external partners, tobuild a safe and caring environment in which to live and work, while also learning about, appreciating and caring for the needs of others.


19

Documents

The Springfields Academy - Prospectus