Samuel Ryder Academy

Samuel Ryder Academy | Prospectus | 2012-2013
Background information
Our priorities
High standards in achievement can only come about through
a relentless focus on improving standards of teaching and
learning and this is the main focus for the Academy. We are
concentrating on developing and recruiting the highest quality
staff in all areas of the organisation to ensure that students
of all ages are stretched, challenged and supported in the
classroom through personalised and innovative teaching
approaches. Through the new Academy’s partnership with Sir
John Lawes, there are opportunities for leaders at both schools
to work together and also wider opportunities for individuals
to take on responsibility across both schools, which improves
recruitment and retention of strong teachers.
Our specialisms of English and New Technologies underpin
all our work. The English strand ensures that standards of
literacy are a focus and that, right from entry into the Academy
at reception age, students’ vital reading, writing, speaking and
listening skills are developed in order to enhance learners’
ability to access the curriculum. Through the use of new
technologies students are given extra support with numeracy
and ICT skills, not just in subject-specific lessons but also
across the whole curriculum. In addition, confidence and ability
in dealing with technological advances helps students develop
skills which will make them far more employable when they
enter the world of work. Both our specialisms are especially
helpful for students who join the Academy later, enabling them
to catch up with other learners if necessary.
About our namesake
Samuel Ryder
Samuel Ryder (1858-1936) was one of St Albans’ most
prominent citizens as a notable businessman, churchman
and local politician. His initial success came from his seed
trade but he was also interested in local politics and was a
local councillor from 1903-1916. He was elected as Mayor in
1905 and also served as a magistrate. Taking up golf for his
health, he sponsored many professional tournaments before
establishing, in 1927, the tournament that bears his name to
this day. He had trained as a teacher and was very involved in
Sunday Schools and the religious education of children.
As someone who combined an interest in education with great
entrepreneurial skills, a healthy lifestyle and a commitment to
his community, Samuel Ryder embodied many of the qualities
that we are looking to develop in students at the Academy and
we are proud to be associated with such an important
local figure.
About our sponsor
Sir John Lawes School
Sir John Lawes School is a high-performing secondary school
which has demonstrated a consistent record of improved
standards at all levels over recent years and was judged to
be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Key to this improvement has
been a flexible and innovative curriculum which has enabled
learners to follow individualised pathways to suit their abilities
and aspirations and has raised results whilst lessening
disaffection and underachievement. In addition, as a Teaching
School, Sir John Lawes has a reputation for excellence in
staff development that is being used to support Samuel
Ryder Academy in developing a programme of professional
development, thereby ensuring that learners receive a
consistently high-quality teaching and learning experience
during their time at the Academy.
Since 2009, Sir John Lawes has been a designated National
Support School, recognised by the DfE for its ability to work
with schools in more challenging circumstances to bring about
improvement. Most recently, Sir John Lawes School was the
Educational Sponsor for the new Bushey Academy in
South Hertfordshire.
You can find out more about Sir John Lawes School by visiting
their website: www.sjl.herts.sch.uk
“I’m really excited about using the ipad
and itouch in lessons and how
it will change our learning.”
Frankie Craig – Year 11 student
04