RELENTLESSLY PURSUING EXCELLENCE
The
Welcome to
WYRLEY WAY
GREAT WYRLEY
Building Character and Sharing Success
We are a school committed to delivering the very best education for all of our students. Our school motto is “Relentlessly Pursuing Excellence”. This applies equally to our twin objectives of every student achieving academic success and fulfilling their personal potential. It is an incredibly exciting time for the school; recently converted to Academy Status and now part of Windsor Academy Trust – nationally recognised for its excellent practice. I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of Great Wyrley Academy and have great hopes and ambitions for the future of both the school and the community that it serves. We are a school built on traditional values. Our ethos and beliefs are evident in “The Wyrley Way”. This is a charter committed to by our whole school community and celebrates the twin tenets of respect and responsibility. Our active House system underlines these traits every day. We are confident in the quality of education that we provide for our young people. Our commitment is to fully develop each individual through our broad and balanced curriculum. We want every student to achieve their potential. As such, we offer many opportunities both within the curriculum and as part of our extra-curricular programme to support and foster achievement, success and encourage participation.
Our pastoral structure is based on vertical House teams led by Heads of Houses. As well as allowing healthy competition between students, regular House assemblies focus on raising aspirations, developing physical and mental well-being and spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. We are all really excited for the future of Great Wyrley Academy. We are proud of our students and their successes. They are the result of close collaborative relationships between staff, students and parents. Our students have taken on the responsibility of developing a set of core characteristics, attributes and behaviours instrumental to their success as learners.
It is known as ‘ASPIRE’ and students aim high and achieve well. Student leadership plays a central part in the growth of our school.
Across all Windsor Academy Trust schools the moral purpose is to unlock students’ academic and personal potential. We strive for our students to have a love of learning, be successful learners and gain the knowledge, skills and attributes to be successful in the world of work. Equally we endeavour for our students to be good human beings, with a sense of purpose and character enabling them to flourish in life. Windsor Academy Trust has a record of success. Crucial to our success is a core set of values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Our students, teachers, support staff and parents understand, support and practice these values. Daily interaction between and amongst members of our community are based on these beliefs and have become a natural part of what we do and how we do it.
We aim:
“to nurture a culture of respect and responsibility for oneself and for others”.
I hope after reading this prospectus, you will be inspired to visit Great Wyrley Academy and see what we have to offer. Mr I R Moreton Headteacher
Responsibility
Here is how we work together at Great Wyrley Academy; we value and practice respect and responsibility. Respect
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For controlling my own language and behaviour
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For resolving conflicts and disagreements in a cooperative and peaceful way
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For completing all work to the best of my ability
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For asking for support and help when I need it and helping others when they need it
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For ensuring my own physical and emotional well-being
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For creating my own success and being resilient in the face of challenge
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For myself, other students and all adults, regardless of background, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, values, lifestyles, opinions or interests
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For the property of the individual, group and school
To approach all I do with a positive attitude
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By using language that is not offensive or abusive to others
To see failure as a form of helpful feedback for future growth
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By being open, honest, friendly, and accepting of others
To follow my dreams no matter what challenges I am faced with
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By sharing ideas and opinions openly and thoughtfully
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By listening actively to the ideas and opinions of others
Student Services
The
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD
WYRLEY WAY CURRICULUM
The school is divided into four houses, each of which has its own Head of House, who works within the large pastoral team overseeing all aspects of your child’s progress at Great Wyrley. The whole pastoral system is managed by the Assistant Headteacher in charge of Student Services. The Head of House leads a team of Form Tutors and they are aided by a nonteaching Pastoral Assistant. At times, students may have difficulties and concerns that require more specialist support. In order to cater for the needs of these students we liaise with a wide number of external agencies. Should a parent have any concerns about their child, contact should be made initially with the Form Tutor or the Head of House.
The Great Wyrley House System Looking after your child At Great Wyrley, everybody cares. In a large community, caring about the needs of the individual is essential to ensure happiness and success. The ethos of our school is that of a selfregulating community where we have a responsibility to look after ourselves and others.
The House system also provides students with the opportunity to participate collectively in a wide range of activities. We are able to offer students a whole range of competitions, which include sports, talent competitions, charity work and many more; for example in Year 7 this includes football, rugby, dodgeball, bench ball, hockey, netball, cross-country, rounders, basketball, badminton, tennis, athletics, dance, chess, a bake-off, art and graphics challenges and various library quizzes. The PE Faculty hold inter-house events themed by the sports they have been practicing each term. This wide selection is designed so that every student in Year 7 represents their House in one way or another and offers them new opportunities that they might pursue in the future. All of the competitions count towards identifying the “House of the Year”. Throughout the school year we take the opportunity to celebrate the many successes and triumphs. We regularly celebrate successes and achievements in House assemblies. The response from our students to the Great Wyrley House System has been outstanding.
The four houses are
The curriculum at Great Wyrley is broad, balanced, stimulating and engaging, offering personalised opportunities for all students. Our curriculum builds on learning experiences at primary school working towards the mastery of skills, knowledge and understanding that prepares students for their examination courses. We aim to foster a love of learning, stimulate curiosity, develop creativity and enthuse and engage so our students become lifelong learners. A range of teaching and engagement strategies are employed throughout the curriculum. Students are grouped to maximise learning. For some subjects, students are grouped by ability; in other subjects students are taught in mixed ability groups.
Naturally, emphasis is placed on students showing initiative and resilience, working together and knowing where and how to prepare and work with others, lead others or work independently. These skills are developed across the curriculum using a range of resources which vary from textbooks and a well-stocked learning resource centre, to the use of technology to compliment the personalised curriculum. Interactive whiteboards and PC access are standard and learning resources such as online blogs, are used to develop and assess student skills. Other tools include the use of Google Drive and Google Classroom where access to classroom resources and learning support are available from school and home.
Our curriculum provision is research-based, constantly reviewed and our aim is to provide a world class learning experience which achieves excellence for all.
SUBJECTS STUDIED
Developing Personal
POTENTIAL
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
The WAT Pledge
All students follow the Great Wyrley Curriculum delivered through lessons in:
All students follow the Great Wyrley Curriculum delivered through lessons in:
At Great Wyrley Academy we endeavour to stretch, challenge and develop students academically, socially and personally. Therefore, we pledge to offer and expose all students to the following opportunities in order for them to become more successful in life.
Art English
Technology (Product Design, Food, Graphics)
French
Geography
History
Computing
Mathematics
Music Religious Education
Physical Education (including Dance)
Science
The personal development programme is delivered in lesson time, across the curriculum and in special sessions and dedicated Alternative Curriculum Days and covers a range of aspects including: •
Careers Education, Information and Guidance
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Health and Staying Safe
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Understanding life in modern Britain
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Sex and Relationships Education
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Citizenship
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Personal and Social Education
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Work related learning and Enterprise Education
Examinations Students are entered for examinations without charge for those examinations relating to courses taught in school. Students are entered for all examinations or other forms of assessment related to each student’s personalised learning pathway.
English Mathematics Science Business Studies Physical Education
Become a first aider Raise money for charity Visit the sea
Take part in a Duke of Edinburgh style expedition Visit an historical establishment
In addition students may also choose from the following examination and vocational courses:
Take part in a residential
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Triple Science
Visit a theatre/museum
Visit a Higher Education establishment
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Food & Nutrition
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Geography
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Graphics
Present to more than 30 people
Take part in a work-based experience
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Media Studies
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Music
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Religious Studies
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Art and Design
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IT
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French
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Child Development
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World History
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Engineering
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Technology (Craft)
Take part/perform in a musical or sporting event/activity Sleep under the stars
Extra-Curricular At Great Wyrley Academy students will have the chance to experience and take part in a plethora of extra-curricular and enrichment activities.
There are many enrichment opportunities each week that occur before school, at lunchtime, after school and at the weekends. Aspiring to be a part of this provision will allow students to develop important life skills such as time management, resilience and commitment. Our evidence shows that this commitment to extra-curricular provision leads to increased self-esteem and supports our students to develop relationships and prepares them for their next steps in life.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
ASPIRE SIXTH Students have the opportunity to continue their Post-16 studies at Aspire Sixth. Students have a dedicated area of the school with dedicated study rooms and a UCAS library. Students also have their own support team and have access to a full complement of subjects due to our collegiate partnership with Cheslyn Hay Academy. Students are offered a range of vocational and academic courses to best suit their needs and ambitions for the future.
‘Developing tomorrow’s leaders today’ Student leadership is important in unlocking students’ academic and personal potential. Leadership is central to everything we do and we encourage our students to be leaders in all ways. Students have a voice and undertake leadership at all levels in school and the community. We start by enabling students to be leaders of themselves and then progress onto leadership at classroom, subject, house, school, community and national levels. Through the substantial leadership opportunities, students develop their sense of self-worth, build their character, develop important life and employability skills, learn to grow relationships and collaborate with others; they develop a sense of purpose that enables them to think beyond themselves and make a difference for others. The ASPIRE programme lies at the heart of student leadership developments. All students are expected to take responsibility for themselves and their learning by ‘living’ the characters associated with each letter of ASPIRE. Students undertake an ASPIRE self-review to build self-awareness and take positive action to be the best learners they can be. House Senators work with their tutor groups to encourage students to ASPIRE. The School Senate also acts as a ‘student voice’ body, listening to the perspectives of all students and working alongside staff to take positive actions to improve all aspects of school life. Students in Year 11 who have demonstrated leadership qualities throughout their time at Great Wyrley Academy have the chance to become Prefects and/or Senior Prefects and Ambassadors. These students play a significant part in the day to day running of the school and are highly respected by staff and students.
Student leadership is a key part of the Great Wyrley experience and a key driver in enabling students to be the best learners and become successful in their chosen path.
A S P I R E ACTIVE
• • • • • •
SURE
POSITIVE
IMAGINATIVE RESILIENT
Specialist subject teachers provide the best teaching and learning experiences, enabling all students to maximise their potential and to experience academic success. Student’s study programmes are made up of their chosen subjects, enrichment activities such as conversational French, a comprehensive PSHE programme and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Pupils will also be given the opportunity to participate in a work experience placement at the end of Year 12. When not attending formal timetabled lessons, students have the freedom to manage their own ‘private study’ time; choosing to study in the work rooms or at home, this freedom to choose develops a greater sense of personal responsibility, a skill vital to long-term and life-long success.
Students have a voice and undertake leadership at all levels in school and the community.
EFFORT
ACTIVE FOCUS, AMBITION SURE HONESTY, INTEGRITY, CONFIDENCE POSITIVE DIGNITY, COMMUNITY SPIRIT, OPTIMISM IMAGINATIVE CURIOSITY, EMPATHY, NEIGHBOURLINESS RESILIENT PERSEVERANCE, GRIT, DRIVE EFFORT TOLERANCE, RESPECT, CONSCIENTIOUS
RELENTLESSLY PURSUING EXCELLENCE UCAS
Sixth Form Pledge
Students are also guided through the UCAS process to ensure that they make the right university choices for themselves, timetabled UCAS lesson ensure that pupils create competitive personal statements.
Sixth form students are supported and encouraged to develop both academically and socially. Part of that journey will involve you taking part in the Sixth form pledge where we promise to ensure you experience certain experiences. We are also developing leaders for the future and students in the Sixth Form will be encouraged to set an example as role models to younger students and to be part of the student leadership team.
For the last three years 98% of all leavers have received a university place of their choice.
WINDSOR ACADEMY TRUST Great Wyrley is proud to be a member of Windsor Academy Trust (WAT), a network of primary and secondary schools that share a uniting philosophy. Windsor Academy Trust was formed to improve the quality of education provision through the sharing of ideas and best practice amongst its schools. The Trust is clear that young people achieve their best in a climate of high expectations where teachers are motivated and empowered by a clear focus upon teaching and learning.
PRIDE IN EXCELLENCE UNLOCKING ACADEMIC & PERSONAL POTENTIAL
7000 CHILDREN IN 9
EXCELLENT SCHOOLS
Windsor Academy Trust is clear that young people achieve their best in a climate of high expectations where teachers are motivated and empowered. At WAT we combine a shared experience of primary and secondary schools and promote student and staff collaboration across all our schools in our search for excellence. Teaching and Learning is at the core of all our work and this is underpinned by an extensive programme of professional learning for our staff.
“WAT is committed to achieving the highest quality of learning experience for all of its students and to achieving the best possible outcomes for them”.
Windsor Academy Trust was formed to improve the quality of educational provision through the sharing of ideas and best practice amongst its schools
RELENTLESSLY
PURSUING EXCELLENCE
RELENTLESSLY PURSUING EXCELLENCE
Great Wyrley Academy, Hall Lane, Great Wyrley, Walsall, WS6 6LQ T: 01922 419311 | E: info@greatwyrley.windsoracademytrust.org.uk
WWW.GREATW YRLEY.WI N D SO RACAD E MYT RU ST.O RG .U K @W YR L E YACAD EMY