The Academy aims to develop a reputation for delivering high quality learning, innovative teaching and providing a strong grounding in basic and core skills such as literacy, numeracy and ICT. There will be a broad and challenging curriculum to stimulate students. The joint Specialisms of Entrepreneurship and Sport will be embedded throughout the curriculum providing a vehicle for developing students into confident and caring citizens

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreurship has been chosen because it describes a state of mind which strives to solve problems rather than accept defeat. An entrepreneur is determined to succeed, is not afraid of failing, remains positive throughout and will ultimately win through. As part of an enhanced curriculum, students will be able to experience running businesses and develop the skills that are necessary to achieve success. They will meet successful business people and have the opportunity to gain work experience.

The specialism also includes social entrepreneurship through which an individual will examine what it means to be a part of a community and to work with partners to develop that community.

Sport

The sports specialism will complement entrepreneurship will operate in a very inclusive way. Through a variety of sports students will learn about leadership, determination, team work and competition. The links between sport with business and science will also be made in the curriculum and healthy living will have a strong emphasis in the Academy. The Academy will work closely with local sport organisations and particularly Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Sussex County Cricket Club to engage all students in a variety of sporting activities.

The sports specialism will require all students to take an accredited course in sport and to have achieved a Sports Leadership Award or Progression Award in Sport and Leisure in Year 11.

The Academy will become a national centre of excellence in inclusive Sport, ensuring its facilities and activities are accessible to all members of the Academy and local community.

Learning and Teaching

Teachers will plan lessons to meet the learning, social and cultural needs of students and ensure they make the most of their talents and abilities. Teaching staff will have high expectations of both their own and their students learning and development. Staff will be supported to continue developing their professional skills and provided with opportunities to learn from and share resources and expertise with each other and with local schools and colleges.

At Falmer Academy, each student will have an individual learning plan. Student have a say in their own learning and can feedback to teachers about how best they learn. Student progress will be carefully monitored with regular feed back to parents and carers.

At Falmer Academy there will be a rich and varied enrichment programme which will support studies and give students a wider view of the world. As well as activities related to the specialisms, the Academy will also encourage participation in the Performing Arts, especially music and dance. The Academy will also provide school clubs as well as encouraging weekend and holiday activity programmes.

Strong links will be built and reinforced with local primary schools, other secondary schools, colleges and universities, sporting organisations, and local businesses to offer wider learning opportunities both on the Academy premises and in the community.

An inspired curriculum incorporating the specialisms, enrichment activities, personalised learning plans and support from committed teachers will enable students to develop into confident, caring citizens who will lead fulfilling lives.

The Key Stages

Key Stage 3
The Key Stage 3 curriculum will follow the national curriculum with a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy and ICT. The Academy is planning to move towards more integrated curriculum for Years 7 and 8 including a variety of learning experiences and a focus on “learning to learn”. This will help smooth the transition for students from Primary education and with lay a firm foundation on which to build each student’s future learning.

Key Stage 4
The focus in this phase is on expanding the students’ curriculum and pursuing a variety of courses that meet their needs and move at their pace. The Academy will seek to provide opportunities for students to participate in the community and world of work so that they gain experience and confidence to help inform their future career choices. Professional careers advice and links with City College, Brighton University and Sussex University will help them aspire to further study or a career of their choice.

Key Stage 5
Through the Brighton and Hove post-16 agreement between the Academy, local skills centres and City College, students will be able to access a range of courses that complement the Academy’s specialisms as well as great vocational facilities. The curriculum will also include programmes on personal effectiveness, specialist studies and sports leadership. It is envisaged that all post-16 students will be required to be involved in some form of accredited entrepreneurial activity.

The Swan Centre

The Academy will have dedicated support for students with Special Educational Needs through the Swan Centre, with a particular emphasis on speech and language development to enable them to access the full curriculum. The Centre will continue to be operated by the Council but housed in new purpose-built facilities within the Academy building. All students attending the Swan Centre will automatically transfer there if their parents wish.

The Academy will use the opportunities created by hosting the Swan Centre to work with other professionals and agencies to develop a whole school language programme in order to support all students’ expressive and receptive language skills.