MHA Prospectus

Welcome to the Aspire Academy Trust.

Aspire is a vibrant, highly successful and widely recognised Trust determined to raise standards of educational achievement to the very highest levels. We don’t just aim for our children to achieve what is average or expected, but for them to excel both academically and in character.

We live in a global economy that requires our children to be prepared to think both critically and creatively, solve complex problems, and to communicate well. Mastery of the basics: reading, writing, maths and technology is our core purpose, and this sits firmly alongside ensuring our children have well-developed social and emotional skills. Aspire academies have a strong emphasis on the sport, arts and social, moral spiritual and cultural education.

All our 28 schools and academies are an integral part of their local communities and have a real sense of identity. We value the contribution each of our communities makes and the distinctive opportunities and diversity it offers to the Trust. By working in true partnership, we offer exceptional learning experiences to all our children, so they benefit from the strength that being part of the extended Aspire family brings. If you want to learn more about us, then please visit our website at www.aspireacademytrust.org

I look forward to hopefully welcoming you to the Aspire family!

Vanessa Bragg
Aspire CEO

Vision & Values

At our school, your children are valued as individuals whilst being encouraged to learn and grow together, building your child’s confidence in a safe and happy environment. Our aim is to promote a positive attitude towards learning and working, whilst respecting each other. This enables your child to achieve their full potential.

Our children's successes come through encouraging and developing high academic standards in a well-balanced and broad curriculum. We are all very proud of the children who attend our school and of all our staff who work here and the amazing job they do every day.

We work closely with parents and your support is always greatly appreciated in this important aspect of your child’s life. It all makes our school a wonderful asset to the local community.

School Uniform

Our academy colour is royal blue and features our unique logo, designed by
our children to symbolise our motto of 'We Grow Together'.
Our uniform consists of:
White or royal blue polo shirt
Royal blue sweatshirt or royal blue cardigan with Mount Hawke Academy logo
Grey / black school skirt / pinafore dress / school trousers or school shorts
Plain tights or socks
Flat school shoes in black
Summer Options: Blue and white gingham or striped summer dress or playsuit
PE Kit
White or royal blue t-shirt with or without logo
Black shorts or black or blue tracksuit bottoms / leggings
Blue MHA hoodie (optional)
Suitable footwear – trainers / plimsolls

Uniform with the academy logo - sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts & PE kit - is available from Keywear: http://www.keywearuniforms.co.uk/ or from My Clothing: https://myclothing.com/mount-hawke-academy

School Dinners

A sample menu...

All children in our Early Years (EYFS), Year One and Year Two classes are entitled to a free school meal every day. In Key Stage Two (Years Three to Six) there is a charge for school dinners. Our delicious meals are cooked on site by our catering team from Aspens, and make the most of local suppliers and fresh produce. Children are also welcome to bring a healthy packed lunch from home instead.

Wraparound & Extra-Curricular Activities

PLAYZONE is part of our extended service, offering families additional child care facilities before and after school hours, from 7.45 am until 8.30 am and 3.15 pm until 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, for a small charge.

As children move up through the school, we offer a range of clubs, such as football, cycling, guitars, drumming, keyboards, French and chess.

Safeguarding

"We have a commitment to safeguard our children.

"We all have a responsibility to act if we are worried about a child.
All children have a right to be safe no matter who they are or what their circumstance.

"Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility."

Every academy within the Aspire Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.

Trauma-Informed Schools

Trauma Informed Schools UK is a registered community interest company working in association with the Centre for Child Mental Health. It provides training to ensure that every adult in a school or community has the skills and understanding to respond appropriately to the relational and emotional needs children may display.

TiS supports schools to create a mentally healthy environment and culture in which all within the school community, adults and children alike, can flourish and achieve. It advocates a whole school response and evidenced based relational approaches to provide an enriched environment to buffer the impact of stress that may result from adversity and painful life events.

In addition, specially trained Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practitioners offer targeted intervention to children who may be experiencing challenges within their life that without support may act as a barrier to their ability to fully engage with life and learning.