Community Board for Richmond Park Academy

RPA is lauded by Ofsted and gets a 'GOOD '

2012-11-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

Richmond Park Academy is the first of the Borough's secondary schools to be examined under the new, rigorous, Ofsted framework. Just before half term the inspectors spent two exacting days putting staff, students and governors through their educational paces. They covered every aspect of the academy's teaching and learning. They looked at achievement, at teaching, at behaviour and safety, at leadership and management and at governance. And their verdict? RICHMOND PARK ACADEMY IS A 'GOOD' SCHOOL. http://www.richmondparkacademy.org/sites/rpa.aetweb.org/files/attachments/ofsted%202012%20report_1.pdf
What does 'good' mean? A good school is one that effectively delivers outcomes that provide well for all its students' needs - and one that ensures its students are well prepared for the next stage of education, training or employment. The Ofsted inspectors tell us we meet those criteria.
In an analytical and wide-ranging report they said:

'Ambitious and rigorously checked targets, both for teachers and students, are pushing up standards'
'Results in maths are particularly strong'
'Students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is well promoted'
'Students in Years 10 and 11 speak of inspirational and committed teachers as the academy's key strengths'
'Teachers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and plan lessons carefully'
'Behaviour in and out of lessons is good'
'Choice of subjects is broad and balanced, with the flexibility to support individual needs and interests'

They also found that 'leadership and management shared a commitment to drive up standards'. 'Gaps in the standards reached and progress made by different groups are small and are steadily narrowing as a result of well targeted support'. Students 'are encouraged to take on leadership roles within and beyond the academy and to practice team-building and collaboration'. Of behaviour management, they report that 'firm and consistent action is taken when students step over clearly defined boundaries'.
The inspectors also examined the effectiveness of the academy's governance. They reported that the board was strong and well informed and 'that governors analyse in detail the progress and standards of students'.
We now confidently share the official message - that Richmond Park Academy is a good school - with neighbours, with parents, with local primaries and with students, both current and future.
We are a tried, tested and inspirational learning community on a journey towards excellence.
Mona Adams
Community Governor

Richmond Park Academy: research amongst Lowther school parents

2012-10-16T02:57:00.001-07:00

Lowther Primary School community is invited to fill in a short survey http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=134857171559

Richmond Park Academy is keen to listen to the opinions of parents in our community. Please take a few minutes to answer these questions about the issues which are important to you when evaluating a secondary school for your child. This will help us to address your needs and ensure that these are met. The findings of this research will be reported back to the Academy in an aggregated format - individual responses will not be available and any comments you make will be treated confidentially.

We are keen to extend this survey to all other local primary schools and please contact Gaurav Mathur on gmsin@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested in conducting this for your school.

Richmond Park Academy to open sixth form in 2014

2012-10-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

Sixth Form bid successful!

Richmond Park Academy's bid for opening a sixth form has been successful! The Secretary of State wrote to us on October 4 2012 to confirm that we will be an 11-18 school from September 2014

Comparative 2012 provisional GCSE results

2012-09-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

Richmond Borough 2012 provisional GCSE results

5 GCSEs A*-C inc English & Maths% 2012(2011/2010/2009/2008)

Waldegrave 80% ( 87 88 80 76 )
Christ's 73% (70 64 63 54)
Grey Court 68% (67 54 46 51)
Orleans Park 64% (70 71 68 60)
Teddington 63% (72 69 63 68)
Richmond Park Academy 61% ( 43 )
Twickenham Academy * ( 49 )
Hampton Academy * ( 47 )

* not yet disclosed

Any 5 GCSEs A*-C 2012 (2011)

Waldegrave 95% (96%)
Christ's 93% (91%)
Grey Court 92% (85%)
Richmond Park Academy 91% (79%)
Teddington 87% (90%)
Twickenham Academy 82% (85%)
Hampton Academy 76% (69%)
Orleans Park 74% (74%)

Source:
2012 provisional results: schools' individual websites,
previous years' final results: DfE (NB for the three academies, predecessor school data not available)

Richmond borough average is 84% 5 A*-C grades (62% 5 A*-C inc. Eng and Maths)
that compares with:
Hounslow borough average 88% 5 A*-C (63% 5 A*-C inc. Eng and Maths)
Wandsworth borough average 88% 5 A*-C (61% 5 A*-C inc. Eng and Maths)
Kingston borough average 90% 5 A*-C (72% 5 A*-C inc. Eng and Maths)
Hammersmith & Fulham isn't being specific
Some surrounding schools, e.g. 5 GCSEs inc. Eng&Maths
Elliott (now Ark Putney) 62%
Heathland 62%
Feltham 62%
Chiswick 61%
Brentford 58%

AN INVITATION ….. Richmond Park Academy students and staff warmly invite you to our special open events during September and October, 2012

2012-09-15T06:56:00.001-07:00

AN INVITATION …..

Richmond Park Academy students and staff warmly invite you to our special open events during September and October, 2012

OPEN EVENING

Wednesday 3rd October 2012

6 – 8.30pm

Year 7 Entrance, Hertford Avenue, East Sheen

Tours of the school will include a chance to see the plans for the new campus building and refurbishment and sample lessons to give a flavour of what your child will experience in their transition year

The Headteacher will speak in Park Hall at 6.15pm and 7.30pm

OPEN MORNINGS

11 September – 25th October

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Arrive 9.15am; tours begin at 9.35am

If you would like to reserve a place on these tours, please contact the Academy Office on 020 8876 8891 or email us at contactus@richmondparkacademy.org

Why do we think you should visit us?

Local parents tell us that they want the very best secondary education for their children and that, ideally, they want that excellence to be available close to home. We agree. This year, RPA students achieving 5 A* to C with English and maths rose by 16% and, overall, 91% got those top grade passes.

In addition to inspirational teaching, we offer:

* ability setting from the outset

* a dedicated year 7 learning area (The Acorn) with the year leader sited there

* a broad based and balanced curriculum for Key Stage 3 students, with most of our Key Stager 4 students following an academic pathway, enabling them to get between 9 and 12 GCSEs

* a governing board with strong, local representation

* a wide range of extra-curricular subjects

* an arts department which has recently won Artsmark recognition

- a 6th Form to open in September 2014

The Year of 2012 - Comments

2012-08-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

Advice for next year's Year 11:

Revise and don't give up. That's the way to improve yourself (SK)
Work hard in Year 10 (RH, JS and many, many others)
Start revising a lot earlier; Revise from Day One! (KM, MO, ZS, CS and many, many others)
Work very hard through the whole year and don't give up, e.g. with my maths I didn't have hope and failed at first, but on my last try I passed! Attend all revision lessons and you will do well (UD)
Work, work, work (YF)
Don't take any lesson for granted and work hard (WDO)
To revise every second and not to waste time (EAK)

How has RPA supported you in achieving your targets and goals?

Great – helped me out a lot
Given me good teachers and helped me a lot (RH)
Good teachers – approachable if you are stuck (JH)
Helped me get into college (LF)
Great, the teachers really supported me throughout these five years (CJF)
The teachers have been great; revision sessions (LV)
Quality teaching and revision (EA)
All my teachers supported me and believed in me so gave me the confidence I needed (KM)
They constantly help by having teachers on hand (ZS)
Lots of revision lessons!!! (UD)
Pushed me (CR)
They have been very supportive and encouraging (WDO)
The extra classes and support (BF)
The teachers always supported you and gave help when needed (CS)
They supported me well and helped me pass (MO)
All the teachers are supportive and always there to help (RA)
By supporting me in English Language to improve my English by helping me – thank you so much (EAK)
Very well, especially with extra revision (JB)

What would you say to a family considering RPA for their child?:

It is a fantastic school that will help your child achieve their goal (SA, GG)
It is a school where an intelligent child will be appreciated and made to shine (SK)
The teachers are great and the support is amazing – thank you to all the staff
It's a great school! (OA)
The teachers will believe in you to do well and will help you to the best of their ability (CJF)
Bring them! (LV)
It's a much improved school – thanks to all my teachers (BL)
It is such a friendly environment and the teachers never stop supporting you (KM)
You can achieve more than you can expect from this school which once had a bad reputation (ZS)
It is a good place to be and everyone is very friendly and helpful (WDO)
It is a very good school with an amazing teaching staff that will help you achieve what you want (CS)
It's really good (RA)
I would recommend RPA because of great teachers (JB)

Richmond Park Academy students produce phenomenal GCSE results

2012-08-23T11:46:00.001-07:00

RICHMOND PARK ACADEMY

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Richmond Park Academy students produce phenomenal GCSE results

Despite the current widespread debate about how GCSE results were to be managed and evaluated this year – and national unease that, as a consequence, results overall would be down - RICHMOND PARK ACADEMY students have produced achievements which significantly outstrip our totals for last year.

Over all subjects, 91% of our students have gained 5 A* - C, representing an increase of 11% over last year's figures

For English and Maths, 61% gained 5 A* - C, an increase of l7%.

Our Maths results also show a massive increase. 73% got A* - C, up 21% on last year, with an impressive 16% gaining A or A*.

In English, the subject which was, for the nation's schools, the biggest concern, 66% of RPA students achieved A* - C, representing an increase of 6%

And the story doesn't end there.

In 7 key subjects (including physics, chemistry and biology) 93% got A* - C. In key national curriculum subjects, our A*/A results were significant. For example, in Biology, 32% got those top grades, in Chemistry 27%, in Physics, 27% and in ICT Additional, 29%.

Headteacher Lesley Kirby says: 'Both students and staff have worked together as a team, combining focus, determination and aspiration to produce these great results. I am delighted that we have, today, come of age, showing to all our friends, neighbours and the local community just what we are capable of'.

Simon Danciger, Chair of Governors, reiterates those sentiments. He says 'This huge improvement in GCSE performance is just what our local community has been demanding and I am delighted for the many families who have put their faith in our outstanding teachers and are now reaping the reward'.

David Fuller, AET's National Director of Education, Secondary and Post-16, says: These results are excellent and are a real credit to all at Richmond Park Academy. I congratulate all the students and staff who, together, have worked so hard to secure these successes and achievements. Richmond Park Academy has made significant improvement over the last two years - well done to Lesley Kirby, the Principal, and her leadership team. I am confident that Richmond Park Academy will continue on its journey towards becoming the outstanding school the community deserves and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Governors and the Leadership Team.

(note: AET is the sponsor of Richmond Park Academy)

We are already fielding calls from parents enquiring about places at Richmond Park Academy and, as a result, we are arranging for our school office to be open next week. If you would like to talk to us, please e-mail l.kirby@ richmondparkacademy.org or ring reception on 020 8876 8891

RPA Annual Awards Evening Invitation

2012-06-21T11:56:00.001-07:00

Invitation

Ms. L Kirby would like to invite the Community Board to our

Annual Awards Evening on Thursday 12^th July 2012 from 5.30pm

At Richmond Park Academy-in the staff room-for refreshments and then over to

All Saints Church,86 East Sheen Avenue, London, for 7.30pm

Guest Speaker: Mr. David Fuller-

AET's National Director of Education for

Secondary Schools

RSVP by 9^th July 2012

Ms H Tabley – PA to Senior Leadership Team

htabley@richmondparkacademy.org or 020 8876 8891 ext 116

RPA Social Media Group launches facebook page

2012-03-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

Please check http://www.facebook.com/RichmondParkAcademy

RPA Public Consultation on Building Project

2012-03-25T14:01:00.001-07:00

As you may be aware, in January 2011 Richmond Park Academy was awarded significant capital funding towards the refurbishment and remodelling of its site and buildings.
A Public Consultation will be held on Tuesday 27th March between 6.00-8.00 p.m. in the Academy's Park Hall, when representatives will be on hand from the Academy, the Sponsor, AET, and the Contractor, Carillion, to listen to your feedback and answer any questions you may have about the proposals.

RPA's latest magazine

2012-03-11T04:25:00.001-07:00

Hello All - I thoroughly enjoyed reading RPA's latest magazine, that I received from my local primary school. There is an impressive focus on pupils' successes and you can read all about it in the magazine that can be accessed here http://www.richmondparkacademy.org/sites/rpa.aetweb.org/files/attachments/Magazine%20-%20Spring%202012%20v11.pdf.

PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A SIXTH FORM AT RICHMOND PARK ACADEMY

2012-03-09T04:41:00.001-08:00

On 9 March, Richmond Park Academy published a statutory proposal to establish a sixth form in September 2014. Please review the PDF in this link http://www.richmondparkacademy.org/sites/rpa.aetweb.org/files/attachments/PROPOSAL%20TO%20ESTABLISH%20A%20SIXTH%20FORM%20AT%20RICHMOND%20PARK%20ACADEMY_0.pdf.

Please review and submit any feedback by Fri 04 April 2012 by emailing Debra Barlow at dbarlow@richmondparkacademy.org or writing to Debra Barlow, Richmond Park Academy, Park Aveneue, East Sheen, SW14 8RG

Could you teach Latin?

2012-03-09T00:33:00.001-08:00

RPA are looking for a Latin teacher from September 2012 for 2 or 4 hours per week to teach Years 7 and/or 8. They began this initiative in September 2011 with Year 7 and the intention is to offer this language to GCSE as students progress through the academy. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please contact Ms Barlow, PA to the Headteacher, at dbarlow@richmondparkacademy.org or 0208 487 1930.

PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A SIXTH FORM AT RICHMOND PARK ACADEMY

2012-03-09T00:31:00.001-08:00

Invitation to RPA on 9th February

2012-01-25T07:03:00.002-08:00

Invitation to meet RPA parents

2012-01-25T07:03:00.001-08:00

You are invited to drop in and talk to parents of existing RPA students. Hear first hand how their children are progressing, what RPA is doing and how we are doing it.

Date: Thurs 9th Feb 2012
Time: 7 - 9pm
Place: Year 7 Base, Richmond Park Academy Entrance on Hertford Ave

Please reply to lcolton@richmondparkacademy.org

Ofsted inspection report concludes that RPA has made good progress towards raising standards

2012-01-13T17:49:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year. Ofsted completed an inspection at RPA on the 8 and 9 December 2011 to judge their progress in the first year as an academy. The report has now been been published http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/136208 and has concluded that RPA has made good progress towards raising standards. Congratulations to everyone at RPA for their hard work and efforts.

RPA Library Volunteers needed

2011-11-10T14:21:00.001-08:00

The RPA library is becoming busier and busier - partly driven by its state of the art online literacy quiz scheme that now spans all students in Years 7,8 and 9. It would be fantastic to have a small number of adult volunteers from the local community to help support this growing initiative, so if you are able to commit 1, 2 or 3 hours per week at a regular time, RPA would be delighted to hear from you. Full training given, and of course you'd also have the chance to see the academy from the inside and meet many of the students.

RPA HALF TERM NEWS

2011-10-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

RPA HALF TERM NEWS

1. The newly refurbished and equipped dedicated Year 7 Base opened on schedule for the start of term, and is proving to be a fantastic resource for our 100 new Year 7 children. It has certainly helped smooth the transition from primary to secondary school, and was also the venue for RPA's 1st Birthday Party last week - held in glorious autumn sunshine

2. Our Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts are now significantly more local than those higher up the academy - 60% of the children arriving in September 2010 and 2011 attended primary schools less than 2 miles away from RPA. Those from further afield include former pupils of Belleville Primary School in Wandsworth, a school of such outstanding quality it was recently named as one of the government's first 100 teaching schools in the country

3. The project team, including architects, are now actively engaged in planning the £10m spend. Any CB members wishing to become involved in the consultation, which will run into Q1 2012, are invited to contact the headteacher

4. There has been a significant increase (more than double) in the number of families visiting the academy for tours since the start of term compared with the same period last year, and our open evening also saw an encouraging growth in attendees

5. 71% of all families attending tours and / or the open evening came from primary schools within Richmond Borough and / or located less then 2 miles from RPA - additional evidence that the progression towards being a local academy for local children looks set to continue.

6. Attached ( inlcuded in this mail) article in Richmond Twikenham Times on progress at RPA .

7. Next week we shall also be sharing with you the half term report. Please do revert back to us if you need more details or clarifications or have any questions or concerns about the progress at RPA. We will be happy to share more information with parents and invite all to have a discussion on the blog.

HAPPY HALF TERM!

First Birthday Party

2011-10-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Don't forget RPA's First Birthday Party this Friday from 3.30 to 5 in the year 7 base.

CB Meeting - POSTPONED

2011-10-10T23:32:00.001-07:00

Dear all,

Due to the work commitments of several of the core CB members, we are postponing the meeting that should have been tonight.

As soon as we have a new date we'll let you know,

Sorry to disappoint,

best wishes,

Harriet

Plans for New Secondary - Have your say....

2011-08-05T12:47:00.001-07:00

As part of Richmond Councils investment in new local secondary schools it has chosen to give priority to offering a site and funding for a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, which will effectively be closed to a majority of the borough's children. A petition has been launched to ask the council to re-consider this decision. On reaching 1000 signatures a full council debate will be held. Should you wish to sign this petition the link below will take you to it.

http://tinyurl.com/riscpetition1

JWT Advertising Workshop for Yr 9 & 10

2011-07-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

CB Member Bob Boxer organised an amazing opportunity for RPA year 9 & 10 pupils to take part in a workshop organised by the world renowned advertising agency JWT. Below are his comments on the day.

I took a number of my JWT colleagues into RPA last week to run a workshop with 35 year 10 and year 9 pupils. The session looked at how advertising works, the type of careers available within the industry, and ways to break into the business. But, the bulk of the session involved giving the kids a brief – we asked them to develop a product, pack design, TV ad and social media campaign for a chewing gum called ‘Mystery’. We were with the group for nearly 6 hours, and I have to say I was blown away by the response we were given. The kids were well behaved, attentive, smart, sharp and highly creative. They listened intently to the presentations we gave, asked smart and probing questions and brought huge energy to the project work. Each team made a short presentation in-front of their class mates and my team. They all did very well and a couple of them included performances that were worthy of an Oscar!! The winning team presented a very smart product idea that linked seamlessly with their packaging and advertising idea, which, for someone who tries to do that for a living, is never easy to achieve. Two of the students made a particular impact on us during the day and we have invited them to come into JWT next term for a period of work experience which they were both very excited by.

All in all a tremendous day, and for me a huge endorsement of the progress that Lesley and her team are making at the school. I am now encouraging everyone I know locally to get into the school and see it in action, in whatever capacity they can.

Bob Boxer

Amendment to notes - GCSE's

2011-07-22T05:57:00.001-07:00

Anne Hahlo, RPA Governor has asked us to send out the following amendment to our notes:

"What Lesley said was that 92% take a minimum of 9 GCSE's. In fact, around half of these will take a minimum of 10 and this can be up to 14."

Best wishes,

Harriet

Notes from CB Meeting.

2011-07-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting last week. A huge thanks to both Lesley Kirby and Paul Hodgins for all of their time in preparing and answering the questions set by the community.

The meeting was attended by over 30 people who took away some new information and welcomed the opportunity to hear Lesley and Paul. David Fuller of AET also asked us to reiterate the CB structure issued at the last meeting.

Attached are the notes from the meeting, Lesley Kirby's key points and the CB Structure.

The Community Board's mission is to help enable communication between the school and the community and support the school on it's journey to being outstanding.

We are looking for more CB members to help our Primary School Reps with the two way communication between the primary schools and RPA and also looking for people who can mentor and take part in the careers day (sharing your career with Year 10). Please do email us if you'd like to help in either area.

I attended the RPA first Annual Achievements Awards on Tuesday. It was great evening and wonderful to see so many students' efforts being acknowledged, - the school should be proud of them.

Please make a note of the dates for your diary at the end of the notes.

Best wishes,

Harriet

http://www.communityboard4rpa.blogspot.com/