Curriculum
Teaching in the academy has improved rapidly. Much of it is innovative and exciting so contributing to the “outstanding progress of students.” Ofsted
We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to ensure our students success and happiness. Maths English, Science and ICT are core subjects.
We go the extra mile with a daily student enrichment hour and 42 academic tutor groups delivering daily personalised learning sessions. Like a family, students mentor younger students with studies and homework.
All students belong to one of five houses; Enterprise, Excellence, Success, Integrity and Aspire are the proud names of our five houses and watch words for the academy. The five words are everything we do, with every student wearing their house badge proudly. The houses compete for merits in their houses within everyday of their academy life and on the sports field.
Head girls and head boys are members of the student council made up with members from each year group. Together they choose community projects to help others less fortunate than themselves.
We carefully monitor students’ progress and provide extra tuition for GCSE students.
We believe in a holistic approach to education. We value success on the sports fields with our committed, hard playing teams and individuals with some competing at national events.
Health is a top priority with more than 80% of students enjoying a healthy academy meal.
Every student is actively encouraged to contribute to academy life, with a wealth of opportunities available to them:
The main aim of the curriculum provision at Barnfield West Academy is to ensure that we:
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Provide in-class and wider curriculum opportunities which match students needs, aspirations and capabilities and build upon prior attainment and experience.
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Ensure the curriculum and enrichment activities meet external requirements and are responsive to local circumstances and provide enjoyment, breadth, balance and depth for the student .
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Work in partnership with parents and the wider community to provide a curriculum and other learning experiences that provide diversity and a personalised approach.
Key Stage 3
Core subjects include Mathematics, Science, PE, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Geography, History, RE, modern foreign languages and PHSCE. This is delivered through an integrated curriculum provision with independent learning projects focusing on key skills.
Key Stage 4
In key stage 4 all students study Mathematics, Science, English, ICT, Business Studies, PE and PHSCE as part of our core curriculum. Students have the option to choose from Art, modern foreign languages, Humanities, Drama, Music, Design Technology, Catering, Health and Social Care, Digital Imaging, Food Technology. This ensures that we provide opportunities for different kind of learning to suit different skills and interests.
“The extended day provided by the academy staff, means there are learning opportunities before and after academy as well as in the holidays and has enabled the students to exceed their original examination targets” Ofsted
We run a number of programmes throughout the year to support learning, achievement, attainment and enjoyment.
Our academy is open throughout the year with personalised programmes for our students.
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Literacy programmes to improve literacy skills
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Numeracy programmes to sharpen the numeracy skills
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Exam preparations - each subject area runs an extensive programme to support the students through critical periods of time.
Other programmes have included: Carnival club, scrap booking, card making, origami, cooking club, additional needs support, language classes and gardening club to name but a few.
The student voice is regularly surveyed to ensure the clubs and activities provided, meet the varying needs and requirements of our student body. All are very welcome to attend.
Home work
Home work is set regularly. At Key stage 3, students are given independent learning projects on a half termly basis in addition to homework. As students get older, the amount of homework they receive increases. Home work must be recorded in the student’s planners and parents/guardians are expected to check this on a daily basis.
"The innovative curriculum provides a very wide and exciting range of courses matched carefully to students learning needs." - Ofsted, Jan 2010