The UCL Academy
About this Organisation
The UCL Academy is sponsored by UCL, a world-class, multifaculty, research-led university. UCL's vision is an innovative Academy for pupils aged 11 to 18. We are a comprehensive, co-educational, non-denominational, fully inclusive and an active member of the Camden family of schools.
The Academy is an exciting place for young people to learn and develop as individuals. It offers a high quality, broad and balanced curriculum which is appropriate for pupils of all abilities, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, social background or faith. Most importantly, it provides an environment in which all pupils are supported to achieve their full potential, and to contribute positively to the community in which they live. The Academy strives for excellence in teaching and learning across the curriculum; develop strong specialisms in mathematics, science and, with a focus on modern foreign languages, provide an education which prepares pupils for "global citizenship". Strong links with community, scientific and cultural organisations, as well as with UCL, are particular features of the Academy.
The Academy is co-located with the proposed enlarged Swiss Cottage Specialist SEN school on a site in Adelaide Road in Swiss Cottage, London.
ETHOS AND VALUES
We want the UCL Academy to fire the imaginations of its students and to support them to develop in ways which stand them in good stead for their future lives and responsibilities as individuals, employees and citizens.
The UCL Academy has four key priorities:
- High academic and personal standards for students and a commitment to developing individual potential;
- Specialisms in mathematics and science;
- Languages at the heart of the curriculum;
- A mission to provide 'education for global citizenship'.
The UCL Academy is an exciting, stimulating place to learn, with a curriculum which focuses on problem-solving, skills development and 'real world' issues and ideas. Students have the opportunity to undertake extensive project work, and to participate in community activities as well as internships and international exchanges.
The sponsor is keen that the Academy should support all students to develop responsibility for their learning, ensuring that they continue to be challenged and stimulated by their learning throughout their time at the Academy. The UCL Academy therefore operates on 'stage-not-age' principles, with students moving through the curriculum levels as they are ready, and not necessarily when they reach a particular age.
The UCL Academy has a strong focus on community and belonging. Students are members of both a household (the Academy has five) and a mentor group: a small group of students, eventually ranging in age from 11-18, who meet together regularly and who are 'mentored' by a member of staff. Households provide a focus for intra-school activities; mentor groups ensure that students build strong support networks, including with their staff mentor to enable them to tackle the challenges young people encounter during their Academy lives.
UCL, as sponsor, provides a comprehensive programme of activities and support to enhance teaching at the UCL Academy. This includes lectures and masterclasses from UCL academics in subjects across the curriculum; visits to UCL; and access to the university's extensive resources, including laboratories and libraries. There is also advice for Key Stage 4 students and Sixth Formers on routes into further and higher education, including support with the higher education entry process from UCL admissions tutors, and contact with UCL students acting as tutors and mentors.
