As I reflect on a successful half term it is clear to everyone that The Farnley Academy is a successful, vibrant and exciting place to attend.
Excellence in Attainment and Progress
Each year all educational providers are ranked in exercise conducted by the Department for Education; this process focuses on the attainment and primarily on the Progress that young people make during their time in education. This year was once again a very successful one for students who attended our academy.
Our Progress 8 figure for Year 11 in 2018-19 was calculated to be +0.61, subject to change with remarks and re-calculations in January, this means that our students achieved +0.61 better progress in each subject than other students. Clearly this was superb achievement placing TFA in the top 3 secondary providers in Leeds but also in the top 5% in the country, including Grammer Schools. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students and the high quality of teaching they received by our teachers.
One student stood out amongst this exceptional performance as Helena achieved Grade 9s in all her subject placing her in the top 500 students in the country and recognition from the examining board for the highest performance in History in the country.
House System
The House System has been reinvigorated by House Leaders Mr Williams and Miss Mcloughlin. We now have a brilliant visual token collector that students add to in every lesson but also a huge numbers of House competitions ranging from Limbo, designing new clothes, contributing to local charities and many, many more. Tomlinson currently lead the way but the others are in hot pursuit!
Extra-Curricular
The end of the academy day at most secondary provisions see students leaving to go home, at times this half term we have had over 300 students still onsite to take part in the range of clubs and activities that enrich their time with us. My favourites include the GORSE Rowing Club, Karate, Science club, Podcasting and many, many more.
We have also seen great success on sporting fronts with Year 7-9 football teams showing excellent promise and ability. Year 11 boys put on a super show at a local Rugby tournament showcasing their ability but also demonstrating maturing and true sportsmanship. MR warden informed me it was amongst his proudest moments as a teacher. We have made the decision to purchase new football and rugby kits to ensure that their kit matches the quality of their performances!
Attendance
The best way to measure enjoyment and success in school is surely the attendance of students. I am delighted to inform you that this half term has finished on a record breaking 97.3% attendance. This is higher than any previous figures and clearly reflects our students are taking their education seriously, we except over 900 students will join the 100% attendance club from November. The club continues to offer exciting initiatives such as visits to The Yorkshire Wildlife park, Flamingo Land, pizza and donuts at break and lunch and I believe we are planning something extra special fr Christmas.
We are all extremely proud of the efforts, commitment and dedication that all our students show each day and know that if they continue like half term one we will have another successful year.
