Our Specialisms are Science and Health. We have a wide range of expertise among our teaching and support staff in so many areas which link to our Specialisms such as Rocket Science, Environmental and Outdoor Education, Health and Beauty, Food Technology, Sport, Design Technology and Performing Arts, to name but a few.
What does having a Specialism mean to us?
We will be able to use Science and Health to support and develop participation and achievement within the Academy and across the local community.
We see the Specialism as a fantastic opportunity to drive Ormiston Victory Academy onto even greater academic and sporting success in the future and to put us at the heart of our local community.
What should schools with Specialisms do?
- Be a centre of excellence for its Specialism subjects
- Offer a wide variety of courses in its Specialism subjects
- Provide enhanced enrichment opportunities for pupils
- Form partnerships with local schools, and the wider community to help & support both them and all students
What have we done in terms of Specialism so far. Click here to view our Specialisms gallery.
Appointed a Director of Specialism to ensure that our Specialisms are infused throughout the Academy and can impact on student achievement, both academic and through enrichment opportunities, across all departments.
Held our first Year 6 Transition open evening – with fantastic Beauty & Science demonstrations.
Organised Visits to Norfolk & Norwich Hospital – 6th form Biology students attending suturing workshops, Beauty Therapy students giving manicures and hand & arm massages to patients in wards, work experience/job shadowing opportunities with Cosmetic Surgeons and Dental Surgeons.
Created a high quality on-site Beauty Salon run by our newly appointed Vocational
Leader.
Further developed Science Team teaching at two local Primary Schools – Primary teachers report improved thinking and practical science skills in their students. Primary staff appreciate Science opportunities.
Introduced a variety of new and exciting courses – new Astronomy GSCE this year, also BTEC Agriculture & BTEC Sport and top quality vocational courses in Beauty Therapy.
Developed exciting & unique opportunities – Links with NASA & Rocket Car. Exceptional experiences in partnership with Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
Gained corporate membership of the Norwich Engineering Society which provides excellent opportunities for our students to listen to expert speakers in a wide variety of Science and Engineering areas and take part in specialist visits.
Employed Specialist staff – including Rocket Specialist, staff experienced at writing Scientific and Assessment for Learning textbooks, Chartered Science Teachers, staff with prior industrial experience.
Begun to develop links with NASA by sending good luck messages to the astronauts undertaking the last ever mission on the space shuttle Discovery.
Extensive programme of Sports events with local primary schools organised by OVA Sports Community Officer, many of which run by OVA Sports Leaders, such as Football, Netball and Cross Country tournaments.
What developments are planned for the near future?
Working with Norwich City Community Sports Foundation in developing a new nationally recognised OCN course which includes modules in Sports Science, Nutrition, Healthy Eating & Fitness.
Working with the NNUH in designing and creating a new garden area in their grounds.
6th form Physics trip to NNUH Radiotherapy Department to learn about MRI scanner, CAT scanner and Nuclear Medicine.
Triple Science trip to Anglian Water Treatment plant in conjunction with Norwich Engineering Society.
Joint DT/Science STEM club (in conjunction with scientist from John Innes Centre and NNUH Dental Technician) to design and build orthodontic braces from SMART materials.
STEM Ambassador from John Innes Centre working with 6th Form Biology students on GM crops.
Academy students helping with NNUH Summer Fete and Annual General Meeting.
Dermatologist from NNUH working with Beauty Therapy students.
Media students creating short “Day in the life of films” at NNUH – first planned is “Day in the life of a hospital cleaner” focusing on infection control, bacteriology etc.
Investigating the possibility of a live link up with NASA astronauts in orbit.
Developing OVA Science Christmas Lectures in conjunction with other local schools.
More Science staff gaining Chartered Science Teacher Status.
Development of a “linked up” Scientific curriculum across Academy departments to provide a richer, more in depth learning experience for OVA students.
Extension & further development of Science links with local Primary schools.
But my son or daughter doesn’t really like Science or PE, what good would it do them going to a Specialist Science and Health Academy?
Have a good look at the competences above and think about how sharpening their skills in these areas could improve your child’s life chances. Such skills will prove valuable in many of the subjects that your child studies at the Academy and also be transferred into their future careers and improve their job prospects.
