Kirk Balk Academy
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2014) |
| Kirk Balk Academy | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
West Street Hoyland , , S74 9HX | |
| Information | |
| Type | Academy |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Mixed |
| Local authority | Barnsley |
| Department for Education URN | 140979 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair Of Governors | Michael Sanderson |
| Executive Principal | Ms Jo Nolan |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 16 |
| Enrollment | 1,100+ |
| Colour(s) | Light Blue, Dark Blue, Light Grey |
| Website | http://www.kirkbalkacademy.org |
Kirk Balk Academy is a secondary school located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. The school is mainly intended for students living in its immediate area: Birdwell, Hoyland, Jump, Tankersley, Elsecar and Pilley.
The school is an 11-16 Academy teaching a wide curriculum in Lower School (Y7 and 8) with a variety of qualifications in the Upper School (Y9-11), such as: GCSE and BTEC
A new building for the school was finished in late 2011, allowing the demolition of the old school. This made space for a school field, which is used for Physical Education. Along with the new building, the school changed its name from Kirk Balk School to Kirk Balk Community College, created a new logo, and added a new uniform. In September 2014, the school was renamed Kirk Balk Academy. In March 2015, it was formally converted to academy status, sponsored by the Northern Education Trust. In September 2016 Ms Jo Nolan became the Executive Principal of Kirk Balk Academy and another NET school, Thomas Hepburn Academy. Mr Dean Buckley became the Head of Academy.
Uniform
Students wear full Academy uniforms at all times on the Academy premises or on an Academy visit, unless otherwise stated.[1] The uniform consists of a blue blazer with the current academy logo embroidered on the front pocket, a white shirt or blouse, a house coloured tie and a pair of black tailored trouser's or a black skirt. The kit worn for Physical Education consists of a navy blue T-shirt with the Academy logo and a pair of navy blue shorts.
House System
Kirk Balk Academy has 4 houses.
- Rosalind Franklin House (Red)
- Pablo Picasso House (Yellow)
- Leonardo da Vinci House (Green)
- William Shakespeare House (Blue)
Each house has its own ethos, guiding standards and routines which help develop a family culture.[2]
Events
The school hosts a whole school inter house sports day in the last week of term each year. Students represent their house in athletic track and field events. Students also can compete through taking part in other team sports, such as: Football, Rounders and Tennis.
Timetable
The school timetable has two separate weeks of lesson timetables. This provide a variety of lessons so that the pupils receive the correct amount of hours in a lesson each fortnight. The weeks are named Week A and Week B. The school year starts with Week A and alternates each week. The school day starts at 8:40am and ends at 2:55pm.
Ofsted Inspection
According to the school league tables published in 2009, Kirk Balk Community College came in third out of fourteen schools in the local area.[3] In the latest OFSTED inspection (October 2013), this is how the school performed:
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Overall effectiveness of the school | (3) Requires Improvement |
| Achievement of pupils | (3) Requires Improvement |
| Quality of teaching | (3) Requires Improvement |
| Behaviour and safety of pupils | (2) Good |
| Leadership and management | (3) Requires Improvement |
References
- ^ "Uniform and Equipment". Kirk Balk Academy. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
- ^ "House System". Kirk Balk Academy. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
- ^ "Secondary schools in Barnsley". BBC News. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2016.