Pledges

In the School

There are many after school enrichments, which are offered by different departments in the Academy. The most important thing is that students enjoy the enrichments which they take part in, but they can also offer wonderful opportunities.

Sports enrichments offer students the opportunity to develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. There are many different sports clubs and teams, many which have achieved national success.

Music enrichments also develop cooperation and communication skills, as well as expanding other areas such as commitment, patience and discipline. Music examinations beyond Grade 6 are worth UCAS points in the same way as academic qualifications.

Subject enrichments allow students to demonstrate their deep interest in a subject and build up skills which will allow them to study subjects at a higher level. Attending subject enrichments which are not related to the area of study or work which a student hopes to follow demonstrate broader interests.

Although students only need to attend an enrichment for one term to gain their pledge we hope that they will find an interest which they can pursue much longer.

Outside of the School

Although enrichments outside of the school do not count for pledges, clubs and teams which students attend outside the school offer the same rewards for developing experiences and skills which will be attractive to universities and employers; preparing students for further education and work.

In the School

Representing the school in sports, music or academically can make a job or university application really stand out. Being one of the best students in the school in a particular area is a real accomplishment and there are several opportunities to excel with us.

Our students have played sports at county and national level and entered regional and national music festivals. Other students have represented the school in a foreign language spelling bee, taken part in the National Maths Challenge or entered science projects into the National Science and Engineering Competition. As well as the transferable skills which students achieve from entering these competitions; the pride of representing the school is immeasurable.

Outside of the School

Although it would not count for a school pledge, competing at a regional or national level in sport, music or drama or representing a local sports team gives students the same opportunities and experiences as when they represent the school.

In the School

During year 9, our students are offered the chance to attend a three-day outward bound residential programme. This trip is physically and mentally demanding as well as being great fun and allows students to practise teamwork, communication and resilience; excellent qualities which stand them in good stead for future study or work.

Outside of the School

Outward bound programmes are not only offered by the Academy. The scouts, guides and cadet units also take part in similar activities, along with a wealth of other opportunities which their members can access.

In the School

We offer many opportunities each year for students to attend national events. These include watching World class sportsmen and women at top venues, attending performances at one of the big theatres. These experiences broaden a student's horizons and interests.

We also visit national exhibitions in a variety of subjects. Students choosing a course to study at university must show that they have researched and selected the right course for them. Attending national exhibitions can help to demonstrate understanding and passion for a particular subject.

Outside of the School

Students do not have to complete this pledge within the school. There are many sporting, academic and cultural events which students could attend with friends of family to gain the same benefits from.

In the School

There is a main school production each year, as well as a number of other concerts and productions throughout. Taking part in a production requires organisation, confidence, cooperation and communication skills.

These transferable skills are invaluable in study and in the workplace so completing this pledge allows students to develop and demonstrate these skills, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

Outside of the School

Although this pledge must take place in the school to be counted, students will gain the same benefits from performing with a community quoir, orchestra or drama group.

In the School

Students are offered many opportunities in and out of lessons to complete this pledge. Standing up in front of an audience requires confidence and communication skills. Many jobs require presentations to be given and it is often a large requirement of the assessment during university study. Students who are able to demonstrate these skills on applications will benefit.

Outside of the School

Students may have the opportunity to present to different audiences through extracurricular clubs, teams or societies which they attend outside of the school.

In the School

The Academy has links with schools throughout the World and there are several chances for students to become involved with students from other countries.

Whether this takes place within the school via internet links or involves visiting another country, students can obtain valuable transferable skills and qualities from their international experiences.

Communication is very important in this pledge but resilience, confidence and cooperation also feature highly. Students who have been involved with international events will be able to write assuredly about their experiences in applications.

Outside of the School

Students can develop their own international partnerships beyond the experiences done in the school. There are several programmes available for students to undertake voluntary work abroad.

In the School

There are some opportunities to be involved with the community through the school but this is really a pledge which involves students getting involved with their own local communities.

Outside of the School

Community experiences are a wonderful opportunity for students to volunteer within their local communities.

This is particularly relevant to those students who wish to enter a caring professions in the future such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy or veterinary science to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the subject.

Spending time volunteering within a nursing home, for example, demonstrates an understanding of the requirements of a caring profession, while volunteering in a kennels or at a farm helps develop a good understanding of healthy animals for potential vets.

In the School

There are a variety of fund-raising events which take place throughout the academic year and students who are passionate about a particular charity can apply for permission to run their own fund-raising event.

In terms of UCAS or job applications the organisation of a fund-raising event has many transferable skills such as organisation, communication, cooperation, creativity and resilience.

A charity which is relevant to future ambitions would be a good idea - a charity such as Sight Savers International for a student who wishes to become and optician for example.

Outside of the School

Again, for this pledge to count students must complete the fund-raising within the school but the benefits of completing fund-raising activites on the development of skills and qualities will also be relevant when completed outside of the school.

In the School

Sustainability is about looking after our environment and there are many ways which students can contribute to the sustainability of the school.

A way in which this can also impact on desirable attributes for university or job applications is for students to become involved in coordintating or promoting sustainable projects.

Outside of the School

Again, promoting or coordinating sustainable projects outside of the school can demonstrate the same teamwork, coordination and communication skills as when the projects are done within the school.