Latest News
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New Unity Academy building sets the standard for sustainability
Tue 22 Aug 2023In a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future, a state-of-the-art school building is set to officially open on 5th September 2023, setting the benchmark for energy efficiency and contributing to our efforts to be carbon net zero by 2030.
Unity Academy, a new alternative provision located in Kidderminster not only meets the stringent sustainability requirements set forth by the Department for Education (DfE) but also boasts a remarkable solar panel installation that matches its energy consumption needs and has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating A.
Once opened, Unity Academy will become the 16th school in The Rivers CofE Academy Trust family of schools.
Unity Academy, manufactured by Portakabin, was designed with environmental consciousness at its core, aligning perfectly with the DfE's guidelines and the Rivers’ sustainability focus.
The building is made with top-grade insulation, thermal properties in the windows and air circulation to help maintain a suitable classroom temperature offers plenty of bright natural light and all the modern comfort and space required to enhance pupil's learning experience.
Meeting DfE sustainability requirements
One of the most noteworthy achievements of Unity Academy is its adherence to the DfE's sustainability requirements. The Department for Education has been actively encouraging sustainable design and construction practices in educational buildings to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.
The school's design incorporates a multitude of eco-friendly features:
- Energy-efficient design: The school building was designed with the latest energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, advanced insulation, and high-performance windows, ensuring minimal energy waste.
- Green landscaping: The surrounding grounds of the school features a forest school area, fallow plots and native plants to encourage wildlife and sustainable landscaping practices, enhancing the local ecosystem.
- Waste reduction: Production processes and construction materials were carefully selected to minimize waste.
- Low-carbon transportation: To encourage sustainable transportation options like walking, cycling or public transport, the school has electronic vehicle charging points to help reduce the carbon footprint associated with commuting.
Solar panels to match energy usage
What truly sets Unity Academy apart is its commitment to harnessing renewable energy. The school boasts a cutting-edge solar panel installation that has the capacity to meet its entire energy consumption needs. This remarkable feat not only significantly reduces the school's carbon footprint but also sets a compelling example for other schools.
Russell Dalton, Operations Director at The Rivers CofE Academy Trust explains how the Rivers is looking to replicate the Unity approach to renewable energy at all schools within the trust. “Many of our schools already have solar panels, but not enough to cover energy consumption. We are currently working to reduce our electricity usage and become as energy efficient as can be, by installing LED lighting, new boilers and insulating roofs . Once we know the annual consumption for each school, we can then look to install enough solar panels to match the energy usage.”
As with other schools in the trust Unity Academy plans to integrate sustainability into the curriculum, educating pupils about renewable energy and environmental responsibility. This purposeful learning experience will prepare pupils to be future citizens and leaders in a world that increasingly demands sustainable practices.
Unity Academy will be officially opened on Tuesday 5th September by International Education Consultant Barry Carpenter, who will be joined in attendance by members of Worcestershire Children’s First, Headteachers from local Wyre Forest schools along with the Old Sladonians, ex-pupils of Sladen Middle School which previously occupied the site.
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Catchment area explained
Tue 01 Aug 2023Applications for a Reception school place can be made via your local authority website from 1st September, but how do you find out;
- which schools are in my local area?
- what catchment area am I in?
- can I apply for schools if I am outside the catchment area?
Some schools do not have a catchment area, so how do they prioritise applications?
How do I find out which schools are in my local area?
You can search ‘Primary schools near me’ online and will be presented with a map of schools in your local area.
What is a school catchment area?
A catchment area is an area around a single school. The catchment area may determine whether your child will be offered a place at the school. Children who live in the catchment area are most likely to be offered a place.
School catchment areas can sometimes change, so it's important to verify the information with the relevant local education authority or school before making any final decisions or admissions plans.
What school catchment area am I in?
To find out if your home address falls within the catchment area of a school, you can check your postcode on a local authority school finder website.
Dudley: Dudley primary/junior schools do not have a catchment area.
Sandwell: Sandwell primary/junior schools do not have a catchment area.
Worcestershire: Find a school | Worcestershire County Council
Please be aware that some schools do not operate a catchment area and therefore may not show in the search results.
What if my preferred school does not have a catchment area?
Schools without a catchment area do not prioritise applications to the school based on distance to the school. Admission to a school can depend on a number of factors:
- Special medical or social needs such as ‘looked after children’ or children with an Education Healthcare Plan
- Siblings already attending the school
- Attendance at a ‘feeder school’ that has an affiliation with the school
- Religion
- Ability to pass an academic entrance exam
The school’s admissions policy is available on the school's website and will outline which factors are given the highest priority.
Can I apply for a school If I am out of catchment?
Yes, if places at the school are available and have not been filled by children from within the catchment area and from priority groups.
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When and how to apply for a Reception place at school
Tue 01 Aug 2023Is your child due to start school in September 2024?
Children start primary school the September after their 4th birthday.
If your child turns 4 between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024, then they will start school in September 2024.
When to apply for a school place for your child?
Applications to apply for a Reception place at a primary or first school opens on Friday 1st September 2023.
The closing date for applying for a Reception place at a primary or first school is 15th January 2024.
How to apply for a Reception school place for your child?
Visit your local authority website to apply online or request a paper application form.
Worcestershire School Admissions
What happens if I apply late?
It is important that you apply by the closing date as applications received after the deadline will be classed as late and you are unlikely to be offered your first-choice school, even if you have a child there already or live very close to the school.
When are school place offers made?
Online offers will be emailed on the 17th April 2024
We encourage and welcome you to visit our schools prior to applying to experience first-hand what makes learning at our schools so exciting.
Helpful guides to applying for a school place