Basildon Academies
 | |
| Motto | Aspire-Believe-Achieve |
|---|---|
| Established | 2009 |
| Type | Academy |
| Principal | Bev Bell |
| Head of Lower Academy | Neil Moir |
| Head of Upper Academy | Gary Smith |
| Director of Sixth Form | Mike McCall |
| Location |
Basildon Essex England |
| Local authority | Essex |
| DfE URN | 115316 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Staff | ~300 |
| Students | ~2500 |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Ages | 11–19 |
| Website | www.basildonacademies.org.uk |
The Basildon Academies is an 11-19 comprehensive school located in Basildon, Essex, UK. It is situated across two sites: the Lower Academy (for 11-14 year olds), and the Upper Academy (for 14-19 year olds).
The Academies
The Basildon Academies developed out of a partnership between Chalvedon School and Barstable School. In Sept 2008 the partnership was formalised into a federation. In 2009 the two schools merged and were re-opened as Sponsored Academies, with Martin Finegold as the Sponsor.
The two sites have undergone extensive refurbishment providing outstanding learning environment[1] with a £45m spend[2] with state-of-the-art facilities, including internal and external sports grounds, modern classrooms, a professional photography studio, science, technology and ICT suites, art studios, a swimming pool, conference facilities and a light, spacious, central atrium area on each site. Several community groups currently use these facilities for a range of activities, including swimming lessons,[3] benefiting people of all ages in the local area.
Curriculum and Academic Standards
During 2012, significant changes were made to the curriculum of the academies. This included the introduction of iGCSE courses as well as the introduction of new subjects, such as Latin.[4] The Academies also opened brand new vocational facilities, including courses in child care and carpentry, so that students who do not wish to go to university can progress directly into work.[5]
Strong increases in exam results in the summer of 2012 led to the Academies topping the league tables in the town[6] and an increase in the numbers of students seeking to sign up to the Sixth Form.[7]
GCSE 2013 The Academies GCSE results improved for the four year running, with an impressive 25 percentage point increase since 2009, demonstrating consistent and significant progress. The percentage of pupils gaining 5+ A*-C grades, including English and Maths, rising to 46%. The Academies increased in the core subjects, English and Maths: with English up from 51% to 53% and Maths up from 53% to 57%.
A level 2013 There were significant improvements in: the average point score per student; the percentage of students gaining 3+ A levels (including equivalent BTECs); A level passes at the higher grades and BTEC level 3 pass rates.[8] The school was delighted to announce that 100% of students gaining 3+ A level grades have achieved a place at their desired university to study a wide range of degrees including Mathematics, Law, Biomedical Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Photography and Computer Games Art.
Ofsted In October 2013, the Lower Academy was praised by Ofsted inspectors for pupils’ good progress and the positive transformation that has taken place over the last 12 months, and under the directorship of the new leadership team. The report sees the official removal of the special measures category.In addition, the Academy has exceeded its ambitious targets and has been judged ‘Good’ in two out of the four criteria and continues to improve with ambitious plans for the future.[9] In April 2013, inspectors commented on the ‘good progress’ being made and highlight continued improvements in achievement at the Upper Academy, however it continue to be in Special Measures.[10] Improvements in achievement were identified, with students making ‘good progress in the majority of lessons’. Behaviour in lessons and around the academies was identified as ‘good’, with inspectors witnessing a ‘calm and orderly climate’. Highlights of the report include reference to ‘a culture of aspiration where high achievement is celebrated and valued’ and students are motivated.
Sports and Activities
The Academies are developing a strong sporting tradition which in 2011 saw an academy football team reach the quarter finals of the English Schools' FA under 16 Cup.[11] In 2012 students achieved a range of awards at the Essex Schools Championship.[12] The Academies are also developing a wider range of sports which includes scuba diving.[13]
References
- ↑ Green light for "super school" The Echo 11 July 2007, retrieved 20 Nov 2011
- ↑ Basildon Lower Academy Pupils give their seal of approval to £45m revamp The Echo 4th Jan 2010, retrieved 20th Nov 2011
- ↑ http://lovetoswim.co.uk/locations/swimming-lessons-in-basildon
- ↑ Struggling school’s Latin lessons to lift standards The Echo, 7 August 2012, retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ↑ Head bids to give pupils step up the jobs ladder The Echo 14 August 2012, retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ↑ Basildon Academies tops league table for GCSE results in town The Echo, 26 January 2013, retrieved 2 April 2013
- ↑ Four-hour queue at Basildon Academies for sixth form places The Echo, 31 August 2012, retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ↑ http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10615256.A_Levels___your_complete_round_up_for_south_Essex/
- ↑ http://www.basildonrecorder.co.uk/news/10762489.Head___s_pride_as_academy_moves_off_Ofsted_hitlist/
- ↑ http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/135895
- ↑ Basildon Academies in Bid for National Cup Glory The Echo, 9 Feb 2011, retrieved 20 Nov 2011
- ↑ Southend district dominates at Essex Schools Championships The Echo, 22 June 2012, retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ↑ Wannabe scuba divers make Olympic effort Yellow Advertiser 30 June 2011, retrieved 20 Nov 2011
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