Ormiston Forge Academy

General information

Ormiston Forge Academy provides continuity of education from 11 years of age until 19. We go the extra mile for our young people. The academy is committed to ensuring all stakeholders, whether they be students, staff, parents or the community ‘Learn today for a better tomorrow’.

As an academy we have far more freedom than many schools to provide a varied, innovative and stimulating curriculum that offers all students the chance to develop according to their talents, interests and ambitions.

In Years 7 and 8 students are assigned to a pathway according to their ability, allowing our teachers to personalise the learning according to the needs of the individual and the group. As well as focussing on the traditional subject we also develop the whole student through our celebrated, ‘Philosophy for Children’ programme.

In Years 9, 10 and 11 all students continue to study the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, PSHE and PE as well as choosing options subjects specific to their learning needs be they academic, vocational or a mixture of both.

We encourage our more able students to follow an English Baccalaureate pathway. For some, students we offer the opportunity to take GCSE and vocational qualifications early and begin their Post 16 Pathway within the Sixth Form. We ensure that all students have access to the widest possible range of option and career choice, via our impartial Information, Advice and Guidance Programme.

We provide support and encouragement for our most vulnerable students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs through our Success Centre. Gifted and Talented Students have access to an array of academic, creative and sporting opportunities and in some case are accelerated through the academy and Sixth Form.

At Ormiston Forge Academy our education does not end at 16, our very successful, oversubscribed Sixth Form offers a wide range of courses for students of all abilities. We offer over 30 different courses in academic and vocational qualifications, meaning we will have the course combination to suit most young people. An extensive range of enrichment activities such as first aid, British Sign Language and learning to drive courses help develop well rounded young adults.

“The wide range of academic courses and increasing vocational programmes meet the needs of students well. Good systems of support and guidance are in place for onward movement into employment, university and further education. Students make good progress in academic subjects” Ofsted 2011

As well as outstanding facilities at the academy all students also have the opportunity to access our Mountain Centre in Dynas Mawddwy, in the Dovey Valley in Wales. This provides a unique provision enabling different groups of our students to experience a variety of outdoor activities not possible in an urban environment. Student voice and active involvement play an important part in the upkeep and future developments at the Mountain Centre.

Ormiston Forge Academy’s mountain centre is used by students staff and governors throughout the academic year for a range of activities including:

•The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
•Work experience
•Outdoor pursuits courses (mountaineering, walking, rock climbing, pot- holing)
•Curriculum related activities (recent visits have included subject groups to study Technology, Science, P.E, Geography and Music)
•Cultural visits
•Staff visits