Nottingham University Samworth Academy
Beacon School Year: 2021-2022
At NUSA we endeavour to teach pupils the value of investing in their own future by working hard in every lesson, every day. Pupils are set personalised and challenging academic targets in every subject. These targets allow staff to recognise and celebrate the progress made by hard-working pupils, regardless of their comparative attainment. Targets are set using ‘Fischer Family Trust Aspire’ estimates that consider a pupil’s prior attainment, gender and month of birth. These targets support our aspiration that all NUSA pupils will do at least as well as their peers nationally. Teachers are expected to help pupils work towards these targets by planning and teaching lessons that cater for all pupils, and by marking pupils’ work regularly and providing feedback that helps them to improve.
Pupils receive a report every term with grades and scores for attainment, effort and homework. Attainment grades are coded either red, amber or green, depending on whether teachers judge a pupil to be “on track” to meet their target. Personalised targets allow all pupils to strive for a “green” report, regardless of their innate abilities and talents.
Working hard enables pupils to fulfill their potential, and hence fosters self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. It connects pupils with their own personal and academic development, and teaches them that everyone can achieve, if they are prepared to invest their time and effort. It also helps pupils to understand the need to respect the rights of every pupil to learn in a calm, focused and supportive atmosphere.