Departmental Review

As part of our departmental reviews students in KS3, KS4, and Post16 complete a survey about each subject in rotation. They are asked a variety of questions about their specific teachers on areas such as teaching and learning, what activities help them learn, whether homework helps them learn and how easy they find the subject.

In addition, small groups of KS3, KS4 and P16 students are interviewed and talked to about the subject involved. All of this information is collated and passed back to teachers via the Heads of Department as part of the review feedback.

For further information on Student Voice activities please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Student Council

The Student Council is made up of representatives from Year 7 – Year 12.  The council meets regularly ever Friday afternoon and up to an additional five times during each term.  The weekly meetings alternate between students working in their sub groups (see below) and having a formal meeting where actions are discussed along with new business.

The council have established a number of sub groups to deal with suggestions and concerns arising from the student voice.  The sub groups are:

Communications Team

The main responsibility of the Communications Team is to ensure that the work of the Student Council is effectively communicated to all students, staff and parents. The team have established a Student Council notice board and a Blog to internally communicate progress. They regularly attend year group assemblies to talk all students about their work and reinforce the methods available for students to get in touch with them.  They have established a regular feature in the Academy Newsletter to contact parents to advise them on their work.

Academy Action Team

The main aim of the Academy Action Team is to work towards improving student’s way of life within the Academy through responding to ideas and suggestions that are raised on the Blog.

Eco Green Team

Following on from the success of the Eco Council the Eco Green Team are continuing the work that has already been started, looking at new ways to improve sustainability within the Academy.
The team are working closely with students and staff internally to identify opportunities to reduce our Carbon Footprint.  They are also working with third parties and external companies to look for ways to become a more sustainable school.

Teaching and Learning Action Team

Teaching and Learning is what makes a school. The experience of the students in this area is paramount to the Council.  The Teaching and Learning Team have been working closely with the Senior Management Team to review the policies of the Academy – especially any that regard the teaching methods and how students learn.

The Community Action Team

The Community Action Team are providing help for local charities and local schools in Bradford. They are encouraging students to get involved through volunteering time to work on local projects and for local charities.  The team are also involved with assisting raising funds to support charities both locally and nationally.

Investors in Pupils

What is Investors in Pupils?

Investors in Pupils is an award designed to develop pupils responsibility and participation in their own education.  It is aimed at empowering all students, increase motivation and contribute to raising standards.  It builds on best practice that already exists in our school.  Following our recent Ofsted judgement it is clear that students already take responsibility for their own personal development, which is one of the key elements of this initiative.

Investors in Pupils is a simple extension of the work we already do with our students at Dixons. It is derived from the basis of the Investors in People Award.

Click here see the students testimonials video.

The award is based on four key principle

These are evidenced through five key areas:

The award recognises the importance of relationships, teamwork and the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in our students education.

As part of this process they have created form induction booklets which detail who is who in their form and the key people any new starter may come across.

The award is granted after a lengthy assessment process which will look at:

• How the school cares with pupils and also the knowledge the students have about the school
• How the teachers help the pupils in learning and individual needs (help setting targets, progress grades, monitoring, individual needs identified and supported)
• How the students work as a team (team days, interform, PDS, help each other to achieve your targets)

All students need knowledge of the following:

• How the adults at school help our development
• How you can help your form reach their targets
• How adults can help you learn - all adults, from Teachers to IN to leaning staff
• How adults can support individual needs
• How much it costs to run the school and where the money is spent
• How much resources cost
• Examples of achievements & improvements that students have contributed towards

We look forward to reviewing this process again in forth coming academic year 2010 - 2011.