Development Plan

Knox Academy: Statement of Intent 2011-12:

This is a rationale for the development of Knox Academy over the next three years. It is based on the existing school aims and underpins the School’s Development Plan for session 2011-12.

Ethos

Our school will be welcoming, inclusive and all working relationships will be based on courtesy and mutual respect. Partnership with, and between, all sections of the school community will be enhanced. The school is committed to providing an outstanding service to all pupils. Staff and pupils will have opportunities to voice opinions and concerns. They will work together to address and resolve issues.
Staff will take steps to improve the learning process and promote partnership; pupils adopting an active and independent role in their learning will complement this.
Unacceptable and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and difficult situations will be resolved by mediation. The school will develop its existing links with the local and global communities and promote pride in its achievements and reputation.

Learning and Teaching

The school will inspire pupils to learn and raise their aspirations through exciting and effective classroom practices, including well-organised and appropriate courses, which relate content to the real world. Staff will, where possible and appropriate, make effective use of Information and Communication Technology. Staff and pupils will share responsibility for ensuring that effective learning and teaching takes place. Pupils will be encouraged to make effective use of home study to develop an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.  They will be encouraged to see themselves as active citizens of the school, the community and the world.

Management and Leadership

Leadership at all levels of the school will be distributed in order to promote development and improvement, involving all members of the school community. All managers will be consistent, lead by example displaying vision, leadership, and by being accessible.  They will promote partnership with colleagues, pupils, parents and the wider community by effective communication and consultation. There will be a commitment to share good practice. Managers will ensure that all tasks, initiatives and developments are completed. Innovation and creativity in classroom practice will be supported. All managers have an obligation to ensure they resolve any problems that impact upon the welfare and education of children within the school.

Inclusion and Equality

The needs of all individuals in the school will be recognised and respected. The school will provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all parents and carers, encouraging parental consultation and involvement. The support systems within the school will make effective use of the integrated pupil support resources, supporting pupils and their families both within and outside school. Support systems will ensure staff and pupils are provided with a framework for learning. Personal and Social Education (along with other subject areas) will challenge pupils’ attitudes and assumptions, enabling them to reflect upon their values and help to provide them with the skills to release and realise their potential.

Curriculum

The structure of the curriculum will be developed to provide all pupils with opportunities to develop skills and talents and experience success. The place of each subject within the curriculum will be judged by its ability to enable pupils to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. The first and second year curriculum will ensure that the transition from primary school to secondary school is a smooth and continuous process. Curricular initiatives will be effectively embedded through careful consultation, planning and the provision of appropriate resources, support and time. We will promote extra-curricular activities as positive staff/pupil and pupil/pupil relationships can be developed thereby.

Achievement and Attainment

Achievement, attainment and success in all its different forms will be promoted, recognised and celebrated. Pupils will be encouraged and supported to realise their full potential and attain the highest standard of qualifications. The quality of the teaching and learning process will be monitored through the analysis of attainment. When reporting pupil progress, staff will provide information, that is sensitive, relevant and well informed. Teachers will challenge pupils to have high expectations.

Environment and Resources

The school environment will enhance the teaching and learning process by providing a stimulating working environment for the school community. There will be expansion in access to a range of ICT resources. Resources will be deployed to support learning, teaching and innovative and creative practice.