Hammersmith Academy

[tamegazelle]

Just wondered whether anyone had applied this year and what impressions you have from attending the open evening?

Nice to hear someone else's view educatedrita. I think you had the same guide as us - she said she spent every break in the library! It was late and dark when we arrived but I did wonder where the playground was...

In the head's speech he seemed keen to mention that children had got in from outside the priority area, so you never know.

I went this morning and thought the building was impressive - who would have though such a large sports hall was in there? The outside space was ok with the limited number of children there at the moment, but will be a little cramped when it's full unless they are very clever with the timing of breaks. I'm finding it difficult to imagine what strapping 15 year-old boys do at breaktime, though, as I'm only used to a 10 year-old who likes nothing better than
playing football. The 2 boys showing us around mentioned detentions a number of times - I guess the discipline policy must be making an impact! The headmaster's speech was full of slides and waffle, but no information about sports (I gather they go to Ravenscourt Park sometimes, which isn't great) or setting. I was completely confused about lesson length - if they are 90 mins then that's too long for an academic subject. The teachers seemed nice.

I liked the talk at the WLFS but I really wish there was a building to see - who knows what the facilities are going to be?

All the lessons are 90 minutes. I quite liked that aspect - less rushing from one thing to another, time to finish an activity not cut short by the bell...

I wasn't able to find out if they stream classes or particular subjects, and if so when and how. The system at some of the other schools I've visited has shocked me, so am curious about how they plan to do it at the Hammersmith Academy.

Burlington Danes for example, lists every student in the entire year, ranked individually in points, and puts the list up in the corridoor for everyone to see - complete with bright red highlighting for those at the bottom of the list. They gain and lose points constantly, every single lesson I think!

I am thinking of Hammersmith Academy for my severely dyslexic son. He doesn't have any other difficulties other than dyslexia - a very happy outgoing child in general. If you have a dyslexic child attending Hammersmith Academy, can you please share your experiences with me?

I sent my daughter to Hammersmith Academy as I was very impressed with the open day. But I am very disappointed with the academy mainly because of the high turn over of staff which is now leading to very poor behaviour. My daughter has now had seven maths teachers since September meaning on average they stay for just over a month before departing. My daughter complains that maths lessons are very noisy and full of disruption. Similarly, she has had a number of science and French/Spanish teachers. I am now looking to pull my daughter out of the academy because I fear that the situation will only get worse. When I meet with other parents, they share similar views. Also my daughter says the academy seems to spend a lot of effort in ensuring that the students are dressed smartly but there's a number children who seem to disrupt lessons without being dealt with properly. Overall, very disappointing.

Well it just got Good with Outstanding features with Ofsted, and I know Ofsted has got much tougher.

Can you actually find another school which has space and isn't worse?

DD went to an amazing induction day this week at Richmond Park academy in Sheen. They also did a day for Y4 kids who were all raving -DD very excited about joining. They had a good ofsted suggest you take a look. The head seems very good

Went to the Open Evening last week & really impressed - the kids were amazing, and it was all about them. The building is fabulous, really enthusiastic staff & the headteacher spoke well - seems to have a complete focus on the priorities, but it was just the kids that blew me away - if DD can be like that in 12 months time, then definitely considering HA as a really valid alternative to Godolphin. Does anyone know whether I can do anything to help DD to practice for the entrance tests, or what sort of things they ask ?

Does anyone have any more views on this school one year on? I'm in K & C but looking at all schools within a couple of miles. Holland Park, Kensington Academy and Burlington danes are our closest though.

anyone thinking of taking their children to this school should think hard, with no exam records, I would think hard as to their claim for being a good school, I see it as a brand new building with money flooding in from sponsors and not invested into employing good teachers. I don't believe the claimed "good status" reflects on the ability of these children! if you want to send your child to a school which has a brand new building and up-to-date computers, reasonably well dressed young teachers, by all means do...I will not send my child there! I have set my diary to see 2016 GCSE, I pray they prove me wrong!