Head of Post-16 Welcome

We are delighted that you are considering The Farnley Academy as your choice of Post-16 centre. The Farnley Academy is a remarkable school where much has been achieved over the past two years. In September 2011 our new Post-16 Centre opened offering a wide range of academic and vocational course options to students. Those who have continued their education with us report that they are enjoying the wide range of opportunities on offer and are making excellent progress towards their goals.

Our recent Ofsted inspection in June 2011 supports the transformation that has taken place in our school over the past two years. Inspectors judged 80% of lessons to be good or outstanding with no teaching graded as anything less than ‘strong’ satisfactory. The leadership of teaching and learning was judged outstanding. Students who received their examination results in summer 2011 performed brilliantly and many have now gone on to higher education at a range of leading universities.

Students entering our Post-16 centre in September 2012 will take advantage of breathtaking new facilities. Situated at the heart of the school and benefitting from a £1.5 million investment in ICT infrastructure, Post-16 students will enjoy unrivalled access to open plan study and social facilities. Light and airy, the space boasts floor to ceiling glass windows and has been designed to include comfortable seating and flexible work spaces. There is no doubt that this significant investment in Post 16 will have far reaching benefits, giving students access to first class facilities that will become the talk of the city.

As a Post-16 Centre attached to a school we take your personal well-being very seriously and will allocate you to a personal tutor who will meet with you every week. We know that the transition to Post-16 study can be difficult at times and will do all we can to support your learning and development at every stage. Our new Information, Advice and Guidance team will be on hand to work with you throughout your studies and particularly as you prepare your applications for employment, training and higher education.

Farnley Park offers a wide range of course options drawn from four Post-16 curriculum pathways:

• Pathway 1 – Academic providing a wide choice of A-level course options;
• Pathway 2 – Academic / vocational giving access to A-level and BTEC course options;
• Pathway 3 – Vocational providing a range of BTEC course options;
• Pathway 4 – Level 1 and 2 course options including GCSE re-sits in English and Mathematics.

Our curriculum is inclusive for all learners providing a range of courses tailored to varied capabilities and aspirations. Our partnership with The Morley Academy provides access to the best vocational facilities in the area with a purpose built Hair and Beauty Salon and Construction area. All learners undertake The Progression Module, a unit of study designed by Leeds Metropolitan University to guide and skill students in successfully applying for higher education or employment after Post16 to begin the pathways to their chosen careers.

The Farnley Academy fully supports students, parents and carers throughout the Post 16 journey. This includes student induction days and parents and carers induction evenings. Through our excellent relationships with local universities there are visits to a range of establishments offering higher education courses after Post 16. We also encourage Post 16 students to participate in a range of extra curricular activities such as providing support for younger students in the school and being a member of The Post 16 Council.

If you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact me. We look foward to welcoming our new students in September.

Yours faithfully

Miss N. Howell
Head of Post16
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