Academy Discussion Groups

Questions from parents and students

Is the Academy a given, and therefore how valuable is the consultation?

The consultation is very valuable and has been taken into account by West Sussex County Council in helping to form their view to proceed.

This should not just be about new buildings!

The sponsors totally agree. Starting an academy gives the opportunity for much more to be redesigned than just the buildings – we’re able to look at the complete academic offering as well as the holistic approach, ethos and added opportunities to be provided.

An Academy needs good teachers – teachers need to be properly funded

The sponsors totally agree!

What will be the measures for improving standards?

There are a number of transparent ways for measuring the improvement of standards – firstly, the academies will be measured against the commitments the sponsors have made to the Department for Children Schools and Families and these commitments have also been presented to the public during consultation. Standards will be measured by academic achievement as well as the behaviour of students, attendance levels and, over time, pupil numbers.

High academics don’t get pushed enough.

The Academy is committed to address the needs of all the pupils – treating each as individuals so that they realise their potential.

Could work start earlier than September 2009?

There will be a considerable amount of preparatory work being undertaken prior to September 2009, but the current Department for Children Schools and Families comprehensive process means that it is impractical to open an Academy prior to September 2009 unless we cut corners……which the sponsors are unwilling to do in the interests of the staff, pupils, parents and the community.

What happens to inclusion, specialist support through W Sussex?

This will still be available.

Where is the money coming from?

The money for the rebuilding comes from The Department for Children, Schools and Families.

What is Woodard getting out of it?

Nothing! Woodard Schools is an educational charity which runs school throughout England and Wales and has been invited by West Sussex County Council to sponsor your academy. As a Charity, Woodard Schools has set objectives which are closely monitored by the Charity Commissioner.

What expertise is Woodard bringing to the new Academy?

Woodard Schools is bringing the expertise of running 40 schools – both independent and maintained (private and state) across the country. Woodard has for more than 150 years run some of the most successful schools in the UK in terms of academic, sporting, musical achievement.
Woodard currently educates 27,000 pupils a year and looks after 2,500 teaching staff.

‘Littlehampton’ to remain in the name of the school.

Many thanks for the suggestion. We have received considerable feedback on the name from both academy discussion groups and questionnaires and the new name will be considered by the new Governors.

If a parent decides the Academy is not for their child, what are the alternatives?

The alternatives will be just the same as they are now if a parent decides not to send their child to Littlehampton Community School.

What is the admission policy?

The admissions policy will be the same as the West Sussex County Council admissions policy.

What will be the uniform for the sixth form?

The 6th Form doesn’t currently have a uniform and, in order to help with the transition between school and university/college it is not envisaged that there will be one.

Will consultation on uniform suppliers be retained within the community?

Woodard Schools is keen to always support local businesses and is especially mindful that it needs to adhere to the best value principles as set out by the DCSF regarding uniform procurement.

Woodard is also mindful of the cost of the uniform and the need for it to be practical and durable and will consult with pupils and parents on this issue.

Length of lessons – what is standard in Woodard Schools?

There is no specific standard length of lesson in a Woodard School. Such decisions are made by the head/Principal and the senior leadership team at each school and are therefore tailored for the needs of the individual school.

Will we be able to have extensive vocational/educational facilities for the sixth form?

Yes. We are currently developing plans for this. As stated in our expression of interest document we are keen to reinforce the links with the local community, local businesses and further education establishments so that a wide range of subjects and facilities can be offered.

What plans are there to strengthen/replace the existing behaviour policy

There are plans to look at the behaviour policy and this will be undertaken by the Principal Designate

What does partnership with the local authority actually mean?

It means just that – it’s a partnership in the true sense. The Academy at Boundstone will be a member of the West Sussex group of schools as well as Woodard School.

The relationship between the school and its sponsors will be one of partnership too. For example, a policy that works well in the north of England may not translate on the south coast, therefore each Woodard School is run independently but with the same values, vision and ethos.

Do Woodard have a standardised drug and alcohol policy or is it structured on an individual school basis?

Policies such as this are structured on an individual school basis as they need to be carefully tailored to reflect each situation and community need.

What is the philosophy / policy on behaviour and behaviour in relation for promoting learning?

Our aim is to exhibit exemplary behaviour. We believe in an inclusive school where everyone finds the chance for improvement, respect and forgiveness for mistakes – we are all human after all. However, within this understanding and mutual respect for each other we expect very high standards and find that students understand this balance and respect not only each other but staff, their environment and their work.