Welcome to Cathedral Academy: information for parents and students looking to join our academy in 2017

Prospectus 2017

Welcome to Cathedral Academy:

As Acting Principal, I have great pleasure in welcoming you to Cathedral Academy Wakefield.

Our vision is to offer the best possible experience for all of the children and young people in our care. They ‘Believe, Achieve, Succeed’. These three words are our mantra, and run through all aspects of our academy community. We work with our parents to ensure that students have high expectations of themselves and each other. Our most recent Ofsted report (2015) recognised how ‘leaders and governors are passionately committed to the academy and want the best for students.’ This passion and dedication can be seen in everything from lessons, to the pastoral care and support provided.

As an education provider, we naturally work to help our students achieve the best possible academic results, with grades and experiences that ensure success in their higher education and career ambitions. We balance this strong drive for academic results with opportunities to explore individual talents through the Performing Arts, Music and Sport.

We are incredibly proud of our CAPA Juniors offering. This enables those young people with a real desire to pursue a career in the Arts to gain a solid grounding in this field whilst still receiving a formal education. Of course, not all students wish to pursue such a path, but the blend of students this attracts makes for a wonderful, very special atmosphere – all students are given the chance to grow their confidence through the Arts.

If you are a parent looking for a school that values each child as an individual, and provides an experience that enables them to achieve more personally and academically, then we look forward to welcoming you to Cathedral.

Please take the opportunity at our Open Evening to meet the staff, our wonderful students and experience for yourself our warm, welcoming environment where every child believes, achieves and succeeds.

Kind regards,

Mr Rob Marsh | Acting Principal

Outstanding support from the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust

Cathedral Academy is currently working with the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), a family of schools delivering consistently outstanding education for children and young people across the region. The flagship school within the MAT is Trinity Academy Halifax, an Ofsted outstanding provider which is one of the best non-selective schools in the country for GCSE and A-level results. This exciting partnership is helping us grow and to deliver even more for the young people in our care. We expect that as an academy we will formally join the Trinity MAT family in the near future, allowing us to deliver even more for students in new and innovative ways.

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‘Believe, Achieve, Succeed’

I enjoy coming to school. It is very clear what is expected of you, and teachers really encourage you to do your best. When I had some problems out of school, I got so much support. One teacher encouraged me to sign up to Drama, something I never dreamt of doing. Now I go every week, have made new friends and I am so much more confident.

- Current Year 8 student, 2016

The chaplaincy has flourished and makes a consistent impact on the wellbeing and spiritual development of students. (SIAMS inspection, 2015)

I think that the Christian character of the school is very special. Regardless of faith, students benefit from key teachings such as tolerance and respect. As a family, we are not particularly religious but I very much appreciate the difference being part of a school with this distinct ethos has made to my child, both in terms of their achievement and behaviour.

- Parent quote, 2016

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Welcome to an inclusive academy with a purposeful Christian identity Cathedral Academy is Wakefield’s only Church of England secondary school and has a Christian ethos which nurtures and celebrates the individuality of every student, regardless of faith.

Students who attend Cathedral enjoy an education rooted in the Christian faith and its values. We have strong links with Wakefield Cathedral and local parishes and work closely with the Diocese of Leeds, particularly when celebrating key Christian festivals.

As a Christian school, we welcome all and have students and staff of all faiths and none. Our values are our ‘DNA’, running through all aspects of our daily life. Our mission statement illustrates how these work on a daily basis:

Cathedral Academy Mission Our students:

• Learn through the teaching of Jesus and have respect for the beliefs and ways of other people.

• Improve their skills, knowledge and qualifications to the highest level possible.

• Show that they know the difference between right and wrong and are responsible for their own actions.

• Show by the way they behave that they care for all the other people in the academy.

• Live their life in an active and healthy way.

All students are expected to live by these values, and demonstrate their commitment to them both inside and outside of the academy.

As an academy, we also demonstrate these values in our dealings with students. All parents and students are invited to hear about our pledge when they join. This is linked to our Christian ethos and includes the opportunity to experience a retreat at Wakefield Cathedral, be supported by our Chaplaincy team, and understand how they can have a voice. This ensures that students are listened to and are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the life of the academy.

Chaplaincy team

Our Chaplaincy team runs a range of curricular and lunchtime activities. Chaplaincy Club welcomes students of all faiths and none and provides a safe and hospitable place in which to enjoy time away from the busy academy day.

Our Curriculum: high expectations for allWe offer a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring that students have the necessary skills, qualifications and experiences to succeed in this highly-competitive world.

We are extremely ambitious for each and every one of our students, instilling a culture of high-expectations and celebrating success, progress and achievement. We are strongly focused on academic success for all our students. High-quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Years 7 -8

In Years 7 and 8 students are introduced to a wide range of topics and disciplines, with a clear focus on securing the core literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed.

Year 9 – 11

From Year 9 students begin their formal qualifications. We offer a highly personalised curriculum, ensuring that students achieve a strong suite of qualifications needed for the next phase of their education or training.

Our curriculum provision is flexible, working to meet the needs of students. The education sector is an often ever developing one, with new Government requirements. We understand that as a parent you will be keen to understand your child’s experiences, and we keep you up-to-date with regular Student Reports and Parental Consultation Evenings.

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Support for students with additional needs

Our Language and Learning faculty has a range of highly skilled and experienced staff who provide additional support to students who need it. Students with physical and/or learning disabilities and those who are learning English as an additional language are well-supported in classes. The Language and Learning base provides students with a supportive and nurturing environment where they will undertake individual and small-group work.

Maths is one of my favourite subjects. Teachers are great at making sure you understand an important topic before you move on to the next. You always get the support that you need!

- Student quote, 2016

The school is really good at keeping you up-to-date with how your child is progressing. Although my son is a typical teenager at times, the information I receive about how he is doing helps me to have meaningful conversations about his future.

- Parent quote, 2016

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High standards for high achievers

We are proud of our provision, and work to constantly improve the experience on offer. Our GCSE results are rapidly improving, and in 2016 we secured our best ever results in English and Maths, two core subjects vital for the future progression of students. Our Performing Arts and Arts results were significantly above national averages.

Our teaching is engaging, exciting and challenging; it stretches children on an individual level and within their classes. To support this, all of our teachers take part in regular training and development.

Teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do. To ensure students get the very most from our experienced teaching staff, we have a culture of high expectations.

As well as making the most of the opportunities on offer, students are expected to display our Christian ethos in every aspect of their behaviour. Our students are proud to be part of the Cathedral family, and all students meet our high standards including:

• Excellent standards of uniform

All students are required to meet the standards set out in our Uniform Policy. This has a positive impact on behaviour throughout the academy, and reflects how proud students are to be part of our community.

• Rewarding success and consistently excellent behaviour

We have a Behaviour Policy which is followed by all staff. This means students know what is expected of them, and the consequences of not meeting expectations, regardless of subject or teacher. Our focus is very much on rewarding and celebrating success, and demonstrating how simply meeting expectations enables a student to succeed.

• A clear focus on results

All students receive appropriate and challenging targets, and are supported to achieve these. Parents receive regular reports demonstrating progress, and information about the support we offer to help students to achieve, and go beyond, these targets.

CAPA Juniors: a bespoke experience for those planning a career in the Arts CAPA Juniors is an exciting offer for young people who have a real desire to pursue an education and career pathway in the Arts. Each cohort accepted onto the CAPA Juniors programme follows an enhanced secondary curriculum with additional Performing and Creative Arts training.

Whilst the Arts subjects form a significant part of the CAPA Juniors curriculum, students are very much part of the Cathedral Academy family, accessing a full and rigorous academic curriculum and being provided with the care, guidance and support needed to succeed in all areas.

Our professional industry standard facilities include:

• Performance and Conference Centre

• Studio Theatre

• Two Dance Studios

• Two Drama Studios

• Two Rehearsal Rooms

• Singing Studio

• Music Room

• Practice Rooms

• Creative Media Suite

• Production Design Centre

• Costume Workshop

Not looking to apply for CAPA Juniors?

Students on both curriculum pathways benefit from the academy’s Performing Arts Specialism, accessing the excellent facilities, specialist staff and a range of performance opportunities, trips and visits.

Our CAPA Juniors provision makes us unique, but the wonderful facilities we have on offer enhance the experience for all of our students.

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CAPA Juniors is simply amazing! I am so proud of my daughter’s achievements. The programme is nurturing her talents, whilst ensuring that she still receives a formal education - the best of both worlds.

- Parent quote, 2016

My child isn’t part of the CAPA programme, but it is wonderful how all students are given the opportunity to benefit from participating in shows. These are truly West End standard – last year I bought tickets for two nights and saw it twice! My child has made new friends and is much more confident when speaking publicly, something the prospect of they found terrifying before.

- Parent quote, 2016

Offering unique experiences beyond the classroom…As an academy, we understand the huge value that experiences outside of the classroom offer to students. We offer a broad and balanced range of opportunities outside of our formal curriculum, including clubs, trips, sports and special visits.

Performing Arts

Our specialism in the Performing Arts means that there are a number of opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to dance, sing or act in professional-standard shows, both in the academy and the wider community. Extra-curricular clubs run all year round, preparing for the next showcase! All students also have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

Sports

Cathedral Academy offers a range of opportunities to represent the academy in a number of different sporting fixtures throughout the year, including both home and away matches and tournaments against other schools. In recent years we have been particularly successful in rugby, football and netball.

Leadership opportunities

Our Student Leaders represent their fellow students, are democratically voted in, and provide a clear sense of ‘student voice’, helping to shape the future of our school community. Students in Year 11 have the opportunity to apply for the role of Head Boy and Head Girl. These opportunities enable our young people to develop their leadership skills in preparation for their roles as young leaders of the future.

Visits and trips

We believe strongly in the value of educational trips and visits, providing opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons, allowing them to learn in a way that is not always possible within the classroom. Recent trips and visits have included: New York, London’s West End, skiing in Austria, Premier and European League football matches, the British Science Festival and the Houses of Parliament.

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A smooth transition and continued support Transition from primary school

We recognise that the move from primary school to secondary school is a big one - often for parents and carers as much as for the students! Our extensive transition programme allows us to make the process a positive and exciting experience for our students.

Year 6 students join us over several days in the Summer term to experience a carefully tailored and exciting curriculum plan, allowing them to gain a real insight into being a Cathedral Academy student. Our positive links with primary schools in the local area and beyond, allow us to create a seamless transition for your child. Students entering Year 7 settle in quickly and with ease.

Excellent pastoral care in Year 7 and beyond

We are proud of our pastoral care. A happy student is one that can succeed, and we provide a wide range of support for students. Every student has a dedicated Form Tutor and Year Leader, who are there to assist students in times of need, and of course are key to celebrating personal success!

We also have a wide network of Student Support Teams, including Attendance and Admissions and Behaviour and Inclusion. These teams provide targeted support where necessary, and intervention when we identify students that may benefit from particular support inside and outside of the academy.

Students say that they feel safe in school.

(Ofsted, 2015)

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Admissions Policy

Admissions to the school are controlled by Wakefield Local Authority.

Full details of the Authority’s policy on admissions are given in the “Guide for Parents”. This is available from the Education Admissions Team.

At Cathedral Academy, 235 pupils will normally be admitted in the school year beginning in September 2001 but from 2005 the number will be 210. This is the annual admission limit (AAL) set by the LA after consultation with the Governing Body of the school.

If the number of preferences received for a school does not exceed the admission limit, all preferences will be met. All applications received will be considered in the following order:

• All first preferences received by the closing date;

• All second preferences received by the closing date;

• All late preferences received will be considered after the above in the following order; first preferences then second preferences.

However, if there are more applications for admission to a school than there are places available, preference will be given to children in the following order:

• a) (i) Children who live in the school’s catchment area who have brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission (see note 3);

• Other children who live in the school’s catchment area (see note 1;

• Children who live in that part of the school’s catchment area which is designated as an option area (see note 2).

• Children who have brothers or sisters in attendance at the school (see note 3)

• Children whose needs can, for specific reasons (eg medical, social), be met only at the school (see note 4)

• Other children, with priority being given to those living nearest to the school.

In all categories, when decisions have to be made between children satisfying the same criteria, children living nearest to the school, measured as the crow flies, have priority.

Children will be placed in the appropriate category depending upon their circumstances at the proposed date of admission. In the event of any category being over-subscribed, places will be offered in the order of priority detailed above.

Explanatory Notes:

1. Catchment Areas

• The LA thinks it is important that schools should serve their local communities and so each one has its own catchment area. However, parents are required to express a preference, stating their choice of school, even if this is the catchment area school.

• Whilst every effort is made to ensure that there will be a place for every child in their catchment area school, it cannot be guaranteed that this will always be the case.

• If you are in any doubt about the catchment area school for the area in which you live, please contact your local school or the Admissions Team at Wakefield One (see next sheet for address and telephone numbers).

2. Option Areas

• The home address of some parents may fall into an area whichforms part of the catchment area of two schools. Parents will be informed if they

live in such a designated ‘option area’ and will be asked to indicate their preferred school.

3. Brothers and Sisters

• This category includes children with brothers or sisters in attendance at the same school or a school on the same site, on the date of admission.

4. Specific Reasons

• If you feel there are specific reasons for your child to be included in this category, a letter of support from an appropriate medical specialist, social worker or other professional person involved with your child, should be attached in a sealed envelope to your Admission Preference Form.

5. Families Living Outside the District Boundary

• Children from families living outside the district boundary will be considered alongside those who live within the Wakefield Metropolitan District.

APPLYING FOR THE SCHOOL

1. If your child is due to transfer to junior/high school in September 2016

• All applications must be made on an Admissions Preference Form. This is still the case even if the school is your catchment area school.

• You will receive an Admission Preference Form automatically. This must be returned by 2 November 2015. Late preference forms will be dealt with only after those returned by this date and are therefore less likely to be successful in obtaining a place than preferences returned on time.

2. All Other cases

• You should contact the Principal of your child’s existing school who will be able to

offer advice. You must then contact the Education Department’s Admissions Team (see below).

• Transfers between schools will normally only take place at the beginning of a school term and you should not remove your child from their current school until then.

If you child has a statement of special educational needs

Please see pages 31-37 of the “Guide for Parents” (see below).

Further Information

Full details of the admissions arrangements for schools in Wakefield Metropolitan District are given in the “Guide For Parents”. This is produced by Wakefield Local Education Authority and is available in all schools and at the Education Department.

The Admissions Team at the Education Department is happy to advise parents on all aspects of admissions to the Authority’s schools.

Please write to:

School Admissions, Wakefield Council

Wakefield One, PO Box 700

Wakefield, WF1 2EB

The telephone number is Wakefield 0345 8506 506

Signature: Principal

Signature: Chair of Governors

Date: September 2015

This Policy was adopted by the governing body of Cathedral Academy Wakefield’s School of the Arts

Dated: September 2015 | Date of Review: September 2016 Staff Responsible for leading policy development: Matt Schofield, Assistant Vice Principal, Jo Johnson, Attendance & Admissions Manager

Cathedral Academy Thornes RoadWakefield West Yorkshire WF2 8QF

CAPA JuniorsEmail address: info@capajuniors.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @capajuniors

Main telephone: 01924 330 640Fax number: 01924 382674Email address: learning@cathedralacademy.co.uk Website: www.cathedralacademy.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @cathedralacadem