Learning and Teaching

The Academies Enterprise Trust believes that all young people deserve to become world-class learners – to learn, enjoy, succeed and thrive in a first rate educational environment, with the best facilities, the best teaching and the most up to date resources available to them.‘Discipline with Dignity’^® is embraced and embedded in each of the Academies and students understand the importance of showing respect for themselves, and for others, and the need for good behaviour to enhance their learning.

Curriculum review and development are on-going to meet the needs of future generations and to ensure that students gain the necessary skills to cope in an ever changing world. The curriculum at each of the Academies has been designed to give each student the opportunity to progress at his or her own pace, supported by individual learning plans and the option of a range of learning pathways, combining academic and vocational courses.

The range of vocational courses is growing to fulfil the needs of the students with Hairdressing, Beauty, Horticulture and Construction already offered at one or more of the Academies. Term times and timings to the school days have also been reviewed and revised to maximise quality learning as well as provide a rightful work-life balance for all concerned.

To further support learning, students have 365x24 access to online learning materials and easy access to computers on a 3:4 ratio. Through the learning technologies, all students have access to high quality lesson plans and programmes of study. The Academies offer an extensive range of extra-curricular activities and learning opportunities to complement the curriculum and to ensure that students develop the necessary skills to equip them as independent learners and rounded individuals who will succeed in their chosen futures.

Each of the individual Academies also boasts a range of enriching activities that broaden horizons further. Examples include the employment of an experienced Animation specialist to deliver workshops to students and members of the community, the development of a ‘Mechanics in the Community’ qualification, an established radio station and television channel, an ‘emlit centre’ which is fully equipped with home appliances and soft furnishings to cater for the emotional welfare of the most vulnerable students, successful and long running peer mentoring schemes and designated Duke of Edinburgh Award Centres.