RSA Academy, Tipton, West Midlands, U.K.

The approach to teaching and learning at the RSA Academy is based on the Opening Minds Framework—now in use in over 100 schools in the UK—a set of competencies and skills that challenge students in their ability to think, learn, and manage people, information, and situations.

The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of all students, build on their strengths, and improve their areas of development.

The Academy is an independent school sponsored by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), a charitable organization with a long-standing involvement in education.

The Academy offers a unique combination of experiences, including:

• Different ways of teaching and learning through the Opening Minds Curriculum
• A longer school day, longer learning sessions, and extra opportunities for every student
• Support, care, and guidance with a personal tutor for every student
• Assessment when students are ready and not when their age group dictates
• A modified academic year—five terms with two-week holidays at the end of each trem and a four-week summer holiday
• Five reports a year for parents
• A residential experience for every student
• Community events every evening and weekend

The Academy is designed to meet the needs of all learners, providing access to the latest hi-tech environments to deliver the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary to be successful in our ever-changing world.

Expectations, teaching standards, and student support levels are high. The environment is designed to ensure that students are motivated and enthused in their learning. To prepare students for the 21st century, the Academy focuses on:

• Providing a safe, supportive and caring environment
• Nurturing tolerance, understanding and respect
• Developing self-belief, responsibility and confidence
• Raising aspirations, attainment and motivation through a positive work ethic and a stimulating environment
• Promoting high expectations of behavior and attitudes to learning

For more information, please visit www.rsaacademy.org/prospectus.html.