Specialisms
The Academy's specialisms are English, Art and Media. These specialisms offer exciting opportunities for the development of links with community and business, including local writers, drama groups, libraries, theatres, newspapers, radio stations, advertising, and public relations companies.
Community, national and international links such as these will give students direct experience in understanding how the skills they learn in school translate into the world of work. Improving student motivation will help to build an awareness of how completing a quality education will enable students to fulfil their chosen career.
By specialising in English the Academy will make literacy a priority.
Competency in literacy is the key to success in all curriculum strands. The community in the local area is becoming more culturally and linguistically diverse. A focus on ensuring high performance literacy skills through an English specialism will advance the educational and career prospects of all students.
Direct links between the English specialist programming and other curriculum subjects will occur through an integrated teaching approach.
Teachers will create learning opportunities which enable students to improve their literacy skills. Students who require additional support will receive direct instruction to develop their skills in various forms, including written, spoken, and information and communication technologies.
One of the key drivers for selecting English is to ensure that we can focus on raising levels of literacy throughout the Academy. Within Media we are hoping to create practical learning opportunities that engage our students and support all areas of learning.
A three year plan is in place which uses the specialist subjects to support and to drive forward improvement for all students.
An important aspect of any specialist plan is the commitment to the community. We will be working with local primary schools as well as our closest neighbour, Garston Manor to share best practice and create opportunities for joint projects. In addition we will be working with and supporting local community groups.
