2012

PROSPECTUS

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL McMa is dedicated to offering your son or daughter a high-quality education in an unparalleled, brand-new 38million building in September 2012. Our values will resonate with many parents: Respect, Contribute, Aspire and Care. We believe in giving all our students the opportunity to develop their talent to the full and we expect everyone to work their hardest to achieve this. We want all our students to flourish and to always strive for their personal best. All of this in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. We offer a modern curriculum delivered using state-of-the-art technology and up-to-date teaching methods. We have an obligation to equip our students for the demands of the 21st century and to allow them to take their place in a society where the only certainty is constant change. Through our Creative and Media specialism, we are uniquely placed to do this. We will help our students to develop the skills they will need in an increasingly digital world and open their eyes to the possibilities available for them in Manchester and beyond. We work closely with our lead sponsor, The Manchester College, and co-sponsors Microsoft and Manchester City Council to ensure that all our students are well informed and supported, leaving them ready for further and higher education, as well as highly employable. We are also pleased to be able to offer a pathway into MCMAs Sixth Form Centre for our students and others wishing to follow courses in the Creative and Media sector. In partnership with The Manchester College, we are able to extend the opportunities available for our sixth form to include complementary courses offered by the college. I hope you and your son or daughter will agree that MCMA is the right choice for you. You will receive a very warm welcome.

Helen Phillips Principal

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

THE NEW ACADEMY BUILD The Manchester creative & Media academy has been designed to ensure that students will be able to learn in a safe, secure and beautifully designed space. The 113,000sq m building is set in nine acres of urban woodland. The new academy features large, clear spaces, both inside and out. The internal courtyard is a venue that can host in excess of 900 people for performances and events during the summer and will enable students to have the space to imagine, work, play and create. The learning spaces incorporate stateof-the-art ICT and media facilities. These are combined with full wi-fi coverage to ensure that ICT enhances the learning experience. Focusing on our specialism there are three multimedia suites, a recording studio and a cinema. The academy boasts a two-storey performance space that can be used as a community theatre and will become a part of north Manchesters social calendar, providing a multitude of opportunities for students, their families and extended networks. Both the internal and external areas are designed to give pupils the chance to learn in an environment they can respect, value and feel involved in. There is a series of outdoor areas that will provide students with the opportunity to learn in new and exciting ways, including a rooftop garden focusing on environmental sustainability. This is also supported by a sedum blanket roof. It is a space that students can be proud to call their school. Join the next generation at the Manchester Creative & Media Academy.

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

OUR RESPECT FOR YOUR CHILD at McMa we invest heavily in the pastoral care and guidance of each individual young person. To ensure outstanding pastoral care and guidance for our young people, we have adopted a school-withinschools model. School becomes more meaningful when relationships between teachers and students are strong and positive; this is best brought about in small communities where students learn with a limited number of teachers who know them well. The academy is divided into four separate schools each with approximately 400 students (one boys school, two girls schools and one post-16 school). Each school will have its own part in the academy building, will be led by a school director, and will have the support of two pastoral leaders, one assistant pastoral lead and one attendance officer. As far as possible, each school will have its own team of teachers. Along with this individual school pastoral support, each school will also have the support of the academy behaviour intervention team, an academy counsellor, a child protection officer, a looked after child co-ordinator and a parent support adviser. We want to provide the highest level of care for each student so they can achieve the highest possible academic standards. Therefore, within each school, pupils will be divided into year tutor groups of approximately 25 students. Each tutor group will have the support of two tutor leaders. As far as possible, each young person will remain in this tutor group for his/her school life. Each school will also have an enterprise and charity focus, and as such, will offer excellent opportunities for pupils to participate in a range of activities to develop their leadership and team-building skills.

I always think that to be respected, you must first respect yourself; respect yourself then you will respect each other, and join together to respect our environment.
Juliette Biddle-Mogg English Teacher and Literacy Lead

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE an innovative curriculum that focuses on the future.

. OUR CONT RIB S US D UT EE N IO N ILD H

HARD: THAT WE AR ING RK EE O VO W O L T

In KS3, students study the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, French or Spanish, ICT, PE, Art, Music and Performing Arts (Drama and Dance). Through all subjects, there is an emphasis on enabling students to develop key skills in reading, writing, mathematics and communication. In KS3 there is also an Opening Minds programme, which helps students to develop competencies that are necessary to achieve success in all subjects and life in general, eg. learning, managing information, managing situations, relating to people, and citizenship. Year 9 is a bridge year, designed to prepare students for KS4. During Year 9, students will begin to follow more personalised routes and will be guided through the options process, choosing from a wide range of subjects and courses to study in KS4. In KS4, each student follows one of four distinct pathways designed to meet individual needs and interests. Some students follow a more academic route, studying GCSE courses including those that lead

to the English Baccalaureate qualifications increasingly expected of university applicants, eg. English, Maths, a Humanities subject and a Modern Foreign Language. These students will also usually study separate sciences (Biology, Physics and Chemistry). Other students will study more vocational courses alongside their GCSEs. Through all subjects in all year groups, we develop an understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues so that, alongside qualifications, students gain the positive attitudes and values they require to be successful learners and citizens in life beyond school. We also use our specialism in Creative and Media to enrich all curriculum areas, making learning stimulating and relevant. In the sixth form we offer Level 3 courses related to our specialism, including Digital Technology, Music Technology, and Art & Design. Alongside their main course, students can also gain qualifications in cutting-edge areas such as gaming and coding.

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

16 AND BEYOND The Manchester creative & Media sixth form will offer you a unique experience! With high-quality teaching and an innovative curriculum, we believe in giving you a learning experience that will prepare you for the world of work today and for the challenges of an ever-changing future. We will prepare you to become a truly independent learner, ready to excel in education and start a successful career. As a sixth form in a large state-ofthe-art academy, and as part of The Manchester College, we can provide you with a personalised and focused learning experience. You can also access a wealth of enrichment opportunities, so you can mix hard work and achievement with fun! Like you, we believe in high standards and have high expectations for everyone. Using our experience and guidance we will support you to achieve the success you know you are capable of. Become an exceptional citizen and contribute to your local community and the great city of Manchester. Come and join us!

Our students are incredible individuals and innovators of the future. We are committed to ensuring that they are the next generation of successful Mancunians.
RUKHSaNa aHMED Vice-Principal

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED Our achievement MCMA students have produced two fantastic feature-length films that were premiered at the Odeon Printworks in Manchester. The Boggart Hole Clough explored the legend of the local area in the first film. The students and staff took to the screen to show off their acting skills in this dramatic mystery. Izzi, a romantic drama that featured real-life historical incidents, included the infamous gathering at Boggart Hole Clough led by the historical influential independent Labour Party leader Keir Hardie. The stunning locations evoked the dramatic events surrounding the lives of Izzi and her friends. Students are working with McCann advertising agency and professional web designers to create an online magazine for MCMA that will be run by students. All students have the opportunity to create content on the website and get involved with photography and video blogging. MCMA enhances students learning through working with industry professionals on creative projects. The academy has collaborated with 3 Sheep, an App development company, to create a phone app that keeps students and staff informed of the latest MCMA news. Students have also worked with a BBC producer to create a three-minute film documenting the Manchester riots, and have designed an animation that is shown in Manchester schools to promote a greener future. The Sharp Project ran a competition to design a storyboard for an animation in which a character called Sharpie has a vision for a greener Manchester. The MCMA team consisted of Ashan Chaudray, Mutale Chasi, Lewis Frater, Jordan Nolan, Eric Openshaw and Bolo Osho, supported by teaching staff Lisa Kelly and Carol Shelton. MCMA students designed the best storyboard and their ideas have been made into a fantastic animation that will be shown in Manchester schools to promote a greener future. MCMA sixth-form Music Technology students produced the music that accompanies the animation.

S. WE INSPIR EO TIVE A UR RE C ST R U IO R

NDEPENDENT L BE I EA RN TO ER TS S, EN D

RS TO VA NO IN
OF THE FUTURE , LE AD ER S

REVOLUTION ITAL ,A ND DIG HE S UP FT E O

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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THE STEPS TO SUCCESS Progress We have high aspirations for all our students and want to ensure that they all achieve personal success by developing their knowledge, skills and attributes. Our expectations are that students enjoy learning experiences at our academy and make excellent progress from their starting point in Year 7. All students will be given a target in Year 7 in all their subjects and the targets will be based on the information received from their primary schools. It is important to recognise that our targets are set for the end of the academic year and that they are designed to be both aspirational and challenging. At the Year 7 Settling-in Evening there is an opportunity for parents to discuss their childs progress. In Years 8 and 9 a similar opportunity is available at the Progress Information Evening. At the end of KS3, students progress in relation to their targets is analysed, and new targets are set for their KS4 courses. Information regarding their progress will be sent home each halfterm and Year 11 students will also take part in the academys Mentoring Programme. This is designed to give our students the best support and challenge to achieve their target grades. Parental support Year 10, Year 11 and the sixth form will have a Parents Evening so that parents can meet their childs teacher to discuss their progress. In Year 9, students choose their KS4 option subjects. This is a critical time for students and these subjects will affect their future studies and career pathways. During the course of the year there are many Information Advice and Guidance events for KS4 students. They provide an opportunity for students to think about their future and start planning for life after Year 11. This is an exciting and stressful time for students as they have to face lots of changes. Our role is to support our students by giving them the best guidance to ensure that they leave us feeling confident about their future.

The only thing that limits us is our imagination. With hard work and determination, we can achieve anything. Truly anything is possible.
GERaLDINE aSTON Pastoral Leader

Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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A kind word, a smile or a listening ear has the potential to change someones life. Treat everyone you meet as if they were the most important person youll meet that day. If we could all show our care for others, the world would be a happier place.
Jo Siddle (Vice-Principal)

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Manchester Creative & Media Academy Prospectus 2012

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CONTACT US
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