We visit the Brownhills school where students learn by being 'ready', showing 'respect' and feeling 'safe'

To the north of Brownhills town centre, on Deakin Avenue, in the Walsall region, lies Brownhills Ormiston Academy, a school where students go to school, being ready to learn, ready to show respect, and ready to make safe choices.

This is an academy that prides itself on its sense of community, its love of learning and its profound sense of respect.

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'Ready, Respect, Safe'

The academy's values centre around three simple words, 'Ready', 'Respect' and 'Safe'; with the school saying that each value not only holds a significant role in the academy community, but also throughout their students' lives.

Ross Doodson, Principal at Brownhills Ormiston Academy, said: "Brownhills Academy is a great school that is close to home. 

"We are exceptionally proud of our school and our community, and our mission is clear: Every student has only one chance at education, and we all have a duty to make it count. 

"Our three values - Ready, Respect, Safe - drive everything we do here. They are embedded into our culture of learning and lived out daily by our students and staff members alike."

'Experiences, curiosity and ambition'

The school offers an ambitious curriculum that not only offers a challenge for students but also gives them a chance to have rich and rewarding experiences and chase their ambitions. 

Mr Doodson said: "Our wide-ranging and ambitious curriculum enables students to acquire and retain the knowledge and understanding they need to achieve their full academic potential, and be fully prepared for the post-16 pathways. 

"We offer a diverse range of subjects that provide rich experiences, spark curiosity, and stretch ambition.

"This ensures that every student leaves us with the confidence, attributes and qualifications to enjoy a life of choice and opportunity."

'Productions, concerts and sports'

Beyond academics, students can utilise the school's swimming pool, performing arts centre, a multi-use gaming area, and a bespoke 350-seat theatre.

The principal added: "What makes us unique is the breadth of experiences we offer. 

"From academics and sport, to performing arts, our students benefit from excellent facilities that include a swimming pool, two sports halls, a new multi-use gaming area, and a 350-seat theatre. 

"Annual productions, concerts, sports fixtures and enrichment activities give our students the chance to discover and celebrate their talents."

'Care deeply, aim high, and deliver results'

Students at the school benefit from a caring community, where students are not only known by name and challenged, but also taught by dedicated teachers and given opportunities to develop their aspirations. 

Mr Doodson said: "Our students love coming to school. That's because they feel part of a caring community where they are known, challenged, supported and rewarded.

"They are taught by dedicated teachers, and offered a wide range of clubs and trips. They are given opportunities that broaden horizons and raise aspirations. 

"Brownhills Ormiston Academy is a school that cares deeply, aims high, and delivers results." 

The school is also part of the Ormiston Academy Trust, which connects students to a broad range of schools and prioritises an ethos of 'opportunity for all'.

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