RBA Prospectus 2017

Robert Bloomfield Academy COMMUNITY | OPPOR TUNITY | EXCELLENCE PR OSPECTUS 2017 BEST BEDFORDSHIRE 2014 SCHOOLS TRUST

Welcome Robert Bloomfield is a thriving, happy and successful school. Pupils are proud of their school and this is reflected in the commitment and standards they bring to so many aspects of school life. The excellent standards achieved by our pupils over their four year journey with us are the result of their hard work, the support of our parents and the expertise of a dedicated staff, it is a real team effort. We have a great learning environment, enhanced by specialist facilities, which enable us to offer a full range of opportunities in and beyond the classroom. Our Ofsted Inspection Report in 2014 graded the school as ‘Outstanding’ in all categories. In 2012 our school became a Teaching School, one of the first 200 in the country. We are a caring community that values each child and provides them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and enjoy learning. We believe in building a child’s confidence, adaptability and resilience for the future within an ordered and structured environment, where high expectations are a habit. We welcome you and your child to our community and I am confident it will be a successful partnership over the next four years. Julian Axford | Principal OFSTED REPORT Outstanding in June 2014, for the third consecutive inspection 2014 Overall Quality Behaviour Leadership effectiveness Achievement of and and of the school Teaching Safety Management OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING “A vibrant and “Most pupils make “The quality “The behaviour “Inspired very successful more than of teaching is of pupils is leadership has been Academy” expected progress. consistently good outstanding instrumental in Some make with much that is - it is impeccable” creating a vibrant exceptional outstanding” and extremely well progress” organised school” Admissions Information 2017 Admissions are determined by our traditional catchment area, feeder schools and parental preference. Of course, any parent may express a preference for Robert Bloomfield, regardless of current school. Criteria is in the Central Beds Admissions booklet. Admission figure for September 2016 = 240 Total pupil numbers at September 2016 = 928 The number of pupil places available on the intake year 240 Number of 1st choice requests for places in 2015 264 Places allocated 240 Pupils living within the school’s catchment area 82% Pupils living outside the school’s catchment area 18% ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2017

Academic Standards Year 8 Results 2015 How well do our children achieve? Our Key Stage 3 pupils no longer use National It is important that children have an excellent grounding in Curriculum levels but are assessed using a range the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. Our pupils of nationally benchmarked tests to measure their achieve in so many ways, but our pupils demonstrate high attainment in English and Maths. The graphs below standards in these important core subjects, as shown in give an indication of how our Year 8 pupils performed the table below. in 2015/2016. Key Stage 2 SATs - showing % achieving Age Related The pupils achieved Standardised Age Scores which Expectations against Local Authority and National averages. outperformed the national profile and we are pleased with the progress they make during their four years Key Stage 2 spans the Years 2 to 6 and these tests are at the school. taken at the end of Year 6. Over the last ten years, the school’s results are the best in the County, often topping County ‘league tables’. The KS2 Age Related Curriculum Distribution of scores (all students) and the new SATs are extremely challenging but we have compared with the national sample been pleased with the way the pupils have responded to ENGLISH the many changes. 30% 25% % Achieving 2016 expected standard 20% ENGLISH (Writing) PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS 15% Robert Bloomfield 88% 10% Central Beds 2015 77% National 2015 74% 5% ENGLISH (GPS) 0% <74 74-81 82-88 89-96 97-103 104-111 112-118 119-126 >126 BELOW ABOVE Robert Bloomfield 76% VERY AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE VERY LOW HIGH Central Beds 2015 68% STANDARD AGE SCORE HANDS National 2015 72% MATHEMATICS ENGLISH (Reading) 30% Robert Bloomfield 68% Central Beds 2015 65% 25% National 2015 66% 20% MATHEMATICS PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS 15% Robert Bloomfield 76% Central Beds 2015 64% 10% National 2015 70% 5% SCIENCE 0% <74 74-81 82-88 89-96 97-103 104-111 112-118 119-126 >126 Robert Bloomfield 94% VERY BELOW AVERAGE ABOVE VERY Central Beds 2015 86% LOW AVERAGE AVERAGE HIGH National 2015 81% STANDARD AGE SCORE HANDS The mean standard age score for these groups are significantly higher than the national average GPS = Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling NATIONAL AVERAGE ALL STUDENTS ‘‘ Teaching is consistently good and students to achieve exceptionally well and exceed expected progress. OFSTED 2014 COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE often outstanding, enabling most ‘‘

What goes on at Robert Bloomfield Academy? Class Sizes In In core subjects our average class sizes for English, Maths and Science are 24. We ‘set’ in core subjects across years 6 to 8 and band in several other subjects to create small class sizes in many of the practical subjects and enhanced learning opportunities. Enrichment Activities, Extra-Curricular, Visits and Trips Robert Bloomfield value enrichment activities, and feel they contribute greatly to the ethos of the school and that the children benefit enormously from these opportunities. We run a large amount of clubs and activities, including 3D modelling/ CAD Club, computers, robotics, gardening, gymnastics, dance, science, reading, French Film Club and creative writing. Residential Visits There are six trips and we feel they are a real contributor to our school ethos: Year 5 - Three day outdoor pursuits to Chasewater, Staffs. Year 6 - Four day visit to France. Year 7 - Five days outdoor pursuits in Cornwall, Years 7/8 - Ski Trip. Year 8 - Four days in the Peak District, Years 7/8 - Ski Trip. Sport at RBA We have an impressive reputation for sporting excellence with provision for all kinds of sporting opportunities and we were the National Schools’ Athletics Champions (2009). We have reached regional and national finals in rugby, football, hockey, indoor athletics, athletics and cross- country in the last three years too. We field teams for inter-school fixtures in cricket, rounders, netball, hockey, rugby, football, gymnastics, table tennis, badminton, basketball, cross-country running athletics and swimming. Fixtures and teams are created for all levels of participation. There are also numerous extra-curricular activities before school, at lunch time, after school and occasionally on weekends. The school has excellent facilities for sport, including a large sports hall, a floodlit Astroturf, extensive playing fields and a gymnasium. Performing Arts Performing Arts is an integral part of school life and pupils ‘elect’ to do drama as part of Year 8 options. Recent drama productions have included, ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and there are termly dance or drama productions where pupils can showcase their talent. Our ‘cheerleading’ squad are extremely successful and have won numerous competitions. ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2017

‘‘ The academy offers its students an exciting range of subjects and enrichment choices, giving all students the opportunity to extend their education and experience success. ‘‘ Ofsted 2014 COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE

What goes on at Robert Bloomfield Academy? Music Music has an important place in the school with many children joining in music activities in their own time. Many children (usually around 250 children each year) learn to play string, woodwind and brass instruments with tuition from visiting tutors. The school receives a subsidy towards the cost of providing instrumental lessons and parents are asked to pay a termly fee to cover the full cost. Complete details of the instrumental tuition scheme are available on request. Many children then join our bands, KS2 pop choir, Glee Club and orchestra and take part in our termly concerts or visit local schools or community groups to perform. We have recently introduced Ukulele and Handbell Clubs and both are very popular. ICT Provision The school has an extensive wireless computer network. This provides access to the intranet from all teaching rooms. We have increased access to groups of workstations to develop ICT across the curriculum. There are over 200 computers within the school, in various suites. There are interactive whiteboards in all the classrooms. We have three dedicated computer rooms, as well as a specialist computer graphics suite and iPads for use in the classroom. Sex and Drug Education These are delivered within PSHCE and E4L lessons; parents may remove their child from sex education. Religious Education Religious Education is an important subject at Robert Bloomfield; however, parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship. Catering and School Lunches We run our own kitchens on site and source our food locally. We have large uptake with over 60% of our pupils having a school lunch. The standard of the food is excellent and we provide the pupils with a wide choice, from the traditional school meal to jacket potatoes and pasta king in a modern cafeteria. We serve breakfast from 8am and hot snacks at break-time. Our menus are theme based; with each day having a different theme, Monday is a taste of Italy. Homework For Years 5/6 this is 30 minutes including a reading homework and numeracy practice and for Years 7/8 the task should take one hour. ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2017

‘‘ I have too many memories from my time at RBA to choose from. I just know that being at RBA will be a memory I’ll never forget. ‘‘ Best Memory | Year 8 Pupil COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE

Special Educational Needs It is the policy of the whole school to allow all pupils access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, including the National Curriculum, with each child encouraged and assisted to develop his or her abilities to the full. The school Special Educational Needs department is led by Mrs Day, one of our senior staff. As a school we have fully embraced the new SEND reforms and ensure the pupils are at the centre of our planning. Pastoral Care The Pupil Support Room is the pastoral base for the school. Our aim is develop and maintain emotional wellbeing and to create an environment in which pupils feels happy, confident and valued so they are able to thrive academically. On a day to day basis we are here to help any pupil should they need any additional support, we are also the gateway to accessing support from Central Bedfordshire Council and external agencies via the Early Help process. We regularly liase with these outside agencies and parents to ensure our pupils are getting the extra backing they need to be able to fulfil their potential. We also run a number of clubs aimed at boosting pupils social skills, self-esteem and confidence. Equality Policy Our school population being predominantly white, we pay particular attention to preparing pupils to live in our multi-cultural society. The aim of the policy is to promote mutual respect for the attitudes, religions, values and beliefs of others and to raise pupils’ awareness of racial discrimination, prejudice and intolerance. Year 7 and 8 Options Our pupils complete Key Stage 3 in two years and we believe their results vindicate that decision. At Samuel Whitbread Academy, pupils start their GCSE work in Year 9. Our Year 8 have an opportunity to further personalise a proportion of their curriculum with a series of ‘options’ which increase their independence and enrich their curriculum. These options include German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Sports Leaders, GCSE PE, Forensic Science, CAD/CAM, Film Studies, Forensic Science, Psychology, History, Art, Music Tech, GCSE Dance and Drama and Advanced Computing. We are delighted that many of our pupils study at least two languages, and some three. Year 7 children also have a range of options available to them but for less of their total timetable. Uniform Our pupils take immense pride in their uniform and how they are presented. We insist on the highest standards of presentation as we firmly believe this will benefit them in their chosen careers. ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2017

‘‘ Meeting new people, teachers and enjoying my experience. I really don’t want to leave. ‘‘ Best Memory | Year 8 Pupil COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE

Specialist Status We are a specialist Science, Maths and Technology school under the banner of Engineering. We deliver our Computing, Graphics and Resistant Materials curriculum under the same heading. We have developed a cutting edge curriculum using the latest CAD / CAM equipment which motivates pupils and delivers impressive outcomes. Pupils are assessed against the key skills of Engineering. We are also a Specialist Languages School and we teach five languages in KS3. At a time where many schools are witnessing a decline in languages, we believe that in a global community and with recent changes to GCSE, there has never been such an important time to continue promoting MFL to children. Our Vision We seek to create a sense of COMMUNITY, belonging and pride in our school. We aim to provide the OPPORTUNITY for all pupils and staff to achieve their full potential. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all areas of school life and will achieve this through encouragement and motivation. Our Aims • To create a community spirit, with parents, pupils and staff working in partnership and with respect for each other. • To establish a modern, vibrant and challenging learning environment. • To encourage and praise all achievement, creating a happy, caring school. • To strive for excellence and set the highest expectations. Our modern and vibrant facilities include... Three brand new netball courts (2016) Brand new ‘state of the art’ purpose built Year 5 block (2015) Brand new learning resource centre, reception and conference room (2015) Newly refurbished specialist art and design studios (2015) Newly refurbished specialist graphics and three new ICT suites (2015) Refurbished design technology workshops with numerous 3D printers and laser cutter (2015) A specialist studio theatre for drama and dance, with seating to accommodate 200 people (2012) A dedicated school cafeteria for pupils and staff, with mezzanine floor and a covered outdoor eating area (2011) A floodlit 3rd generation astroturf pitch (2010) A large, sports hall and changing rooms (2008) Key Staff Principal | Julian Axford B Ed, M Ed, NPQH Head of School | Stephen Fox B Ed Head of Learning | SENCO | Louise Day B Ed Head of Year 5 | Rebecca Woolston BA, PGCE Assistant Head of Year 5 | Victoria Collin BA, PGCE ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2017

‘‘ My best time at RBA has been spent in the Engineering department, getting to use the laser cutters, the 3D printers and the CADCAM programme has really inspired me to pursue this as a career. ‘‘ COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE

Robert Bloomfield Academy COMMUNITY | OPPOR TUNITY | EXCELLENCE A wards and Accolades Robert Bloomfield Academy has many awards and accolades but what do they all mean? Here is a brief overview that explains what we have received and why. National Teaching Schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to new and experienced school staff. They are part of the government’s plan to give schools a central role in raising standards by developing a self-improving and sustainable school-led system. In 2012 Robert Bloomfield was designated as one of the first 200 Teaching Schools in the country. The designation by the National College for School Leadership and the Department for Education entitles the school to lead the training and professional development for staff. Also, we have been designated as a National Support School and a National Leader in Education. Robert Bloomfield Academy is the base school for Bedfordshire SCITT, training around 100 Teachers annually. Outstanding Ofsted - This award is the one you are most familiar with and represents the judgement from our last OFSTED Inspection where we were recognised as being ‘Outstanding’. This is the highest accolade given by OFSTED. The school gained Sportsmark Gold (with Distinction) Status – a national award that recognises excellence of provision for all kinds of sports opportunities. We have an astounding reputation for sporting excellence and are the only Middle School to win the National Schools’ Athletics Cup. There are extra-curricular activities before school, at lunchtime, after school and at week-ends. The school has excellent facilities for sport, including a large sports hall, a floodlit Astroturf, extensive playing fields and a gymnasium. We field teams for inter-school games in cricket, rounder’s, netball, hockey, football, gym, rugby, basketball, cross-country running and athletics, and achieve regional success as well as operating B, C and D teams. The National Healthy Schools Programme (NHSP) is a joint Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families project intended to improve health, raise pupil achievement, improve social inclusion and encourage closer working between health and education providers in the United Kingdom. The Programme started in 1999 and formed part of the strategy described in the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Children’s Plan (DCSF 2007) and in the Department of Health’s Healthy Weight, healthy Lives (DH 2008). Robert Bloomfield Academy is delighted to be a Specialist Languages College. We are looking forward to the exciting opportunities this will bring for pupils and staff. Languages Colleges were introduced in 1995 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. The system enables secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, modern foreign languages. Schools that successfully applied to the Specialist Schools Trust and become Language Colleges received extra funding for language teaching from this joint private sector and government scheme. Language Colleges also acted as a local point of reference for other schools and businesses in the area, with an emphasis on promoting languages within the community. They were also encouraged to develop links with schools and other institutions in foreign countries. Engineering Colleges were introduced in 2002 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in England. The system enables schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case engineering. Schools that successfully apply to the Specialist Schools Trust and become Engineering Colleges receive extra funding for teaching from this joint private sector and government scheme. Engineering Colleges also act as a local point of reference for other schools and businesses in the area. Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) is a unique alliance, made up of Gothic Mede Academy, Gravenhurst Academy, Etonbury Academy, Robert Bloomfield Academy and Samuel Whitbread Academy, which is committed to collegiate educational BEST provision across our community. We take collective responsibility for the success of all children through the delivery BEDFORDSHIRE of a commonly designed curriculum from 2+ to 19. SCHOOLS TRUST Robert Bloomfield Academy l Bloomfield Drive l Shefford l Bedfordshire l SG17 5BU t: 01462 628800 l f: 01462 628801 l e: [email protected] Robert Bloomfield School robertbms www.robertbloomfield.beds.sch.uk Affordable Print 01582 450867