RBA Prospectus 2019

Robert Bloomfield AcademyCOMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE PROSPECTUS 2019BEST 2014BEDFORDSHIRE SCHOOLS TRUST

WelcomeRobert Bloomfield is a thriving, happy and successful school. Pupils areproud of their school and this is reflected in the commitment andstandards they bring to so many aspects of school life. The excellentacademic programme achieved by our pupils over their four year journeywith us is the result of excellent teaching and strong parental support.We have a great learning environment, enhanced by specialist facilities, whichenable 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 allcategories. In 2012 our school became a Teaching School, one of the first 200 inthe country.We are a caring community that values each child and provides them with theopportunity to fulfil their potential and enjoy learning. We believe in building achild’s confidence, adaptability and resilience for the future within an ordered and structured environment, wherehigh expectations are a habit.We welcome you and your child to our community and I look forward to it being a successful partnership over thenext four years. Sam Farmer | PrincipalOFSTED REPORT 2014Outstanding in June 2014, for thethird consecutive inspection Overall Achievement Quality Behaviour Leadershipeffectiveness of and andof the school Teaching Safety ManagementOUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING“A vibrant and “Most pupils make “The quality “The behaviour “Inspiredvery successful more than of teaching is of pupils is leadership has been consistently good outstanding Academy” expected progress. with much that is instrumental in Some make outstanding” - it is impeccable” creating a vibrant exceptional and extremely well progress” organised school”Admissions Information 2018Admissions are determined by our traditional catchment area, feederschools and parental preference. Of course, any parent may expressa preference for Robert Bloomfield, regardless of current school.Criteria are in the Central Beds Admissions booklet.Admission figure for September 2018 = 240Total pupil numbers at September 2017 = 960The number of pupil places available on the intake year 240Number of 1st choice requests for places in 2018 246Places allocated 240Pupils living within the school’s catchment area 82%Pupils living outside the school’s catchment area 18% ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2019

Year 8 Progress Progress is also measured by National GL tests in core subjects where pupils make excellent progress in year 5 and 6 (measured against 100,000 pupils nationally). 100 represents the average score nationally.Academic Standards Current Year 8 ENGLISH MATHEMATICS 104 99How well do our children achieve? YEAR 5 105 103We are very proud of our academic achievements and 108 109indeed the effort and dedication of pupils to their studies. Entry 114 112Progress and attainment are rigorously tracked in all areasand our pupils excel in many different ways. Of course, our YEAR 5national benchmark is Key Stage 2 SATs test; our results haveconsistently been among the highest in the county over the Endlast 10 years, often topping the County ‘league tables’. YEAR 6SATs Results 2018 EndPercentage of pupils achieving national expectations.(Pupils deemed higher attaining in brackets). YEAR 7 End % Achieving 2018 These results represent exceptional progress expected standard throughout the pupils’ 4 year journey. On entry, 88% (29%) Year 5 pupils for Mathematics, are slightly belowWRITING 78% national average data (57th in 2016 and 64th in 2017 78% percentiles) and for English, they are above (38th inRobert Bloomfield 2016 and 44th in 2017 percentiles). On exit in Year 8,Central Beds 2018 the figures are for Mathematics (19th percentile) andNational 2018 for English (20th percentile).READING 86% (35%) Over the past two academic years, the assessment 74% model in place for KS3 pupils has been developingRobert Bloomfield into a new ‘5 Year Curriculum.’ The idea behind theCentral Beds 2018 75% concept is that pupils start their 5 year journey to GCSE’s by learning and understanding the skillsNational 2018 needed to achieve their potential. We use the 1-9 criteria, however assess only the GCSE skills, not theGPS 80% (38%) content, through our well rounded age related curriculum. 78%Robert Bloomfield The expectation is that pupils in Year 7 will all achieveNational 2018 a grade 2, and all pupils in Year 8 will achieve a grade 3. Using this as a minimum boundary, bespokeMATHEMATICS 85% (38%) individual targets are set with high aspirations in 73% mind.Robert BloomfieldCentral Beds 2018 76% Leaving us after Year 8, the BEST journey can continue if pupils apply to Samuel Whitbread Academy. We haveNational 2018 a highly effective transition programme with Samuel Whitbread and pupils from Robert Bloomfield AcademyCOMBINED (R/W/M) do exceptionally well compared to national data.Robert Bloomfield 78% (18%) GCSE Results 2018Central Beds 2018 62% 64%National 2018‘‘G/P/S = Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling ‘‘ %9-4 RBA NATIONAL R/W/M = Reading/Writing/Mathematics 80 65 E&M 89 77 Teaching is consistently good and ENGLISH 84 69 often outstanding, enabling most MATHEMATICS 78 64 students to achieve exceptionally well SCIENCE and exceed expected progress.OFSTED 2014 COMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCE

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 future career. All items of the school uniform; Sweaters, ties and PE/Games kit are available from our suppliers Affordable Schoolwear.com www.affordableschoolwear.com. Specialist Curriculum We have developed a cutting edge curriculum using the latest technology which motivates pupils and delivers impressive outcomes. 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 commitment extends further to ensure a robust grounding in the English Baccalaureate is achieved by promotion of Humanities, specialist science lessons including computer Science. We assess pupils in KS3 against GCSE grade criteria and pupils consistently achieve above national age related expectations. 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... • Resurfaced floodlit 3rd generation astroturf pitch • Modern and fresh toilet facilities • Three brand new netball courts • Brand new ‘state of the art’ purpose built Year 5 block • Brand new learning resource centre, reception and conference room • Newly refurbished specialist art and design studios • Newly refurbished specialist graphics and three new ICT suites • Refurbished design technology work-shops with numerous 3D printers and laser cutter • A specialist studio theatre for drama and dance, with seating to accommodate 200 people • A dedicated school cafeteria for pupils and staff, with mezzanine floor and a covered outdoor eating area • A large, sports hall and changing roomsROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2019

‘‘ 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?Performing ArtsWe believe that expression through performing arts is anintegral part of shaping each individuals character and buildingconfidence to support all areas of the curriculum.Here at RBA, we perform yearly productions; most recentlyshowing; Annie and enjoy gymnastics, dance and cheerleadingshows and competitions each term. We have enjoyed successesat National gymnastics competitions for the past 11 years andhave enjoyed dancing alongside GCSE and A Level students.All KS2 children enjoy drama lessons as part of theirtimetable, KS3 children are given the option to select drama orfurther study.Music ICT ProvisionMusic has an important place in the school. Music teaching The school has an extensive wireless computer network, providingis structured within programmes of study centred upon access to the intranet and internet from all teaching rooms.composing, performing, listening, reviewing and evaluating.Specific practical skills and associated knowledge and We have two dedicated IT suites and, in addition, twounderstanding are focused upon in each lesson. rooms dedicated to CAD Cam with sixteen laptops in each. There is also access to four portable trolleysThe music department is fortunate to enjoy the support of ten of laptop PCs and 6 sets of iPads, which enableperipatetic instrumental teachers teaching 29 hours in total development of IT across the curriculum and can be used ineach week to over 100 pupils on a wide range of instruments: teaching rooms across the school site. In total, there are overstrings, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano and voice. Many 200 computers on site and there is an interactive whiteboard inof our instrumentalists (including those pupils that learn an every teaching room.instrument in their own time) attend the many RBA music clubsand groups that rehearse each week and many instrumentalists Catering and School Lunchesalso perform regularly at our solo and ensemble concerts thattake place each term. We run our own kitchens on site and source our food locally. We have a large uptake with over 80% of our pupils having a schoolThe orchestra, string group, brass group, pop choir, Vocal Zone, lunch. The standard of the food is excellent and we provideguitar group, keyboard club and others are open to all, designed the pupils with a wide choice, from the traditional schoolto supplement the music curriculum and provide pupils with meal to jacket potatoes and pasta king in a modern cafeteria.excellent opportunities to further develop their musical skills. We serve breakfast from 8am and hot snacks at breaktime.Some of our musicians also participate in the BEST orchestra Our menus are theme based; with each day having a differentand BEST choir and perform with these ensembles at concerts theme, for example, Monday is a ‘Taste of Italy’. We operatestaged by schools within the trust. a fully cashless payment system (biometric) which enables parents to see exactly what their child has purchased as well asSome of our pupils also rehearse and perform with county topping up online.ensembles and participate in county-wide events and musicfestivals. Each term there are several successes at Associated HomeworkBoard of the Royal Schools of Music instrumental, vocal andtheory examinations ranging from Preliminary and Initial grades For Years 5/6 this is 30 minutes each day including a reading(pre-grade 1) up to grade 5, with the majority of successes homework and numeracy practice, for Years 7/8 the task shouldachieving merit or distinction. take one hour.ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2019

‘‘‘‘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

ReadingReading is the key to success in many areas of the curriculum,and is a key priority to us as a school across all subjects.Our aim is to promote a love of literature in all aspects of schoollife. With access to a purpose-built Learning Resource Centrein both their free and lesson time, our pupils can explore awealth of reading material that can be used to support theirlearning. The LRC also organises and hosts many events andclubs throughout the year that inspire the children to readfor pleasure, encouraging them to step into new and excitingworlds through the magic of literature.To ensure that reading is a partnership between the homeand the school, the children are asked to record their weeklyreading in a SPaG book provided in their English lessons.This useful tool contains key spelling words, the grammaror punctuation focus of the week, and a bank of questionsdesigned to challenge and motivate, that parents can ask theirchild when reading together.It is our belief that reading is the foundation that all otheraspects of learning are built upon, and with this in mind westrive to ensure that the children are exposed to opportunitiesto do so on a daily basis.Special Educational NeedsIt is the policy of the whole school to allow all pupils accessto a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, including theNational Curriculum, with each child encouraged, supportedand assisted to develop their abilities to the full. The schoolSpecial Educational Needs department is led by Mrs Day,one of our Assistant Principals. As a school we fully embracea child centred approach to our planning and provision,alongside working with other professionals to provide the bestopportunities for the child. Pupil Support & Pastoral Care Our newly refurbished pupil support room (room 49) is the pastoral hub that all pupils within school are able to access. On a day to day basis we are here to support pupils to enable them to feel happy, confident and valued; creating an environment for them to thrive not only academically but also socially as well. At the core of our pastoral ethos is the desire to develop, promote and maintain pupils emotional well-being, giving them the skills and tools necessary to build resilience to be able meet all of life’s challenges. We are also here to support pupils mental health, prioritising the early identification of any issues that may arise through a number of differing factors, to enable the correct support to be accessed, allowing us to be preventative rather than reactive in our approach. There is a wide range of support available both in and out of school. We are the gateway to accessing additional support from Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and a wide range of external agencies and support services for pupils and families alike. 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.ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2019

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

What goes on at Robert Bloomfield Academy?Enrichment Activities,Extra-Curricular, Visits and TripsRobert Bloomfield greatly values enrichment activities,and feel they contribute greatly to the ethos of the school.We also believe the children benefit enormously fromthese opportunities. There are a large number of clubs andactivities that run throughout the year including 3Dmodelling/CAD Club, computers, robotics, gardening,gymnastics, dance, science, reading, French Film Club,creative writing, Upcycling and many more.Residential VisitsWe offer five main residential trips across the school.We feel they contribute significantly to our positivewhole school ethos :Year 5 - Three day outdoor pursuits to Chasewater, Staffs.Year 6 - Residential Trip to France.Year 7 - Five days water pursuits in Cornwall, Years 7/8 - Ski Trip.Year 8 - Four days outdoor pursuits in the Peak District, Years 7/8.Year 7/8 - Ski Trip.House System Sport at RBAWe are very proud of our House system and how it engages We are proud of both the standards in lessons and the massall our pupils and helps them to work together in their participation in enrichment activities at RBA. The schoolpursuit of common goals. We have 8 Houses that are all gained Platinum Mark Gold (with Distinction one of only 100named after famous authors, each house comprises of a in the country) Status – a national award that recognisesform from each year group. This vertical system really helps excellence of provision for all kinds of sports opportunitiesthe younger pupils to benefit from the experiences of others for pupils across the spectrum (National competitionswho have already conquered the challenges they may face. through to inclusive sports). We have an astoundingDuring the year, the Houses come together for 3 assemblies reputation for sporting excellence within the region. Therewhich are often led by the Year 8 House captains. Pupils are extra-curricular activities at lunchtime, after school andcompete in a range of different activities from Reading on occasion at weekends; these are offered all year round.challenges to “Bloomfield’s got Talent” and sporting fixturesto the “Great Bloomfield Bake-Off”. 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, rounders, netball, hockey, football, rugby, basketball, cross-country running and athletics. Pupils will experience a broad and balanced PE programme requiring a variety of skills and techniques, presented at a level appropriate to the learner. Throughout all activities pupils will be encouraged to demonstrate and develop the personal qualities of commitment co-operation and fairness. These three qualities are very important to all PE lessons, whether pupils are practising together, playing games or competing.ROBERT BLOOMFIELD ACADEMY | 2019

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

Robert Bloomfield AcademyCOMMUNITY | OPPORTUNITY | EXCELLENCEAwards 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 Langford Village Academy, Pix Brook Academy, St Christopher’s Academy, BEST Nurseries, Gothic Mede Academy, Gravenhurst Academy, Etonbury Academy,BEST Robert Bloomfield Academy and Samuel Whitbread Academy, which is committed to collegiate educational provisionBEDFORDSHIRE across our community. We take collective responsibility for the success of all children through the delivery of a commonly designed curriculum from 2+ to 19. SCHOOLS TRUSTRobert Bloomfield Academy l Bloomfield Drive l Shefford l Bedfordshire l SG17 5BU t: 01462 628800 l f: 01462 628801 l e: RBA-Enquiries@Bestacademies.org.uk Robert Bloomfield School robertbms www.robertbloomfield.beds.sch.uk Affordable Print 01582 450867