PROSPECTUS 2012-2013 - Westminster Academy

Global
citizenship
Westminster Academy is an international school that
celebrates diversity and is proud to be multi-faith and
multi-lingual. We offer, French, German, Spanish, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Bengali, as well as short
optional courses in other languages and support for those
who wish to study their home language to examination
level.
Global citizenship is a strong theme across the Academy
but especially in Year 8, where the curriculum includes
world studies and media studies. Our Year 8 students
work on projects with students in other countries, to
earn a qualification as world e-citizens. For example
students have completed a year-long project using new
technologies to make links and share best practice with a
school in New York.
During our early years, Westminster Academy is building
its reputation as an international school. Students will
have the opportunity to become involved in international
visits and exchanges. Our business links include global
companies, such as VISA Europe, offering students the
experience of networking across the world.
We promote internationalism through state-of-the-art
equipment and learning experiences, such as on-line
forums and video conferencing.
Enterprise
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2012-2013
14
Westminster Academy is a business and enterprise
specialist college. This means our curriculum is designed
to prepare students for their future lives as citizens, parents,
employees and business people.
Our definition of enterprise is a broad one, encompassing
creativity, problem-solving and self-confidence. All
students record the evidence of their achievement in key
competences. Year 9 students, in particular, follow a
curriculum which is enterprise-focused, as they take part in
activities and projects such as mini-enterprise, virtual market
and e-business challenges.
The Academy supports the work of development
agencies, such as the Paddington Development Trust, and
promotes employment in Westbourne through partners
and contractors. Our neighbourhood will see considerable
development in the coming years including the Crossrail
works, the on-going development of commercial and
residential properties within Paddington Waterside and
improvements to the area through an innovative Business
Improvement District.
Strong local partnerships such as the Paddington
Waterside partnerships and those established through
the new Life for Paddington regeneration programme
will continue to deliver benefits, supporting local people
into jobs, learning opportunities and business start-ups.
Westminster Academy has a key role to play in building a
better future for our students and our community.
Our new building is designed to enhance the learning
opportunities of students in business and enterprise.
The central atrium is a huge space for exhibitions and
markets. The classrooms are designed as technology-rich,
flexible spaces which encourage activity-based learning.
Specialist rooms for practical work in science, art and
technology are large multi-functional studio spaces, to
encourage creativity and enterprise activities.