Welcome to Nova Hreod.

Nova is Latin for “new” and also describes the way in which a white dwarf star comes to a fresh brightness and energy as hydrogen builds up on its surface.

Hreod is an ancient Saxon word meaning “reed”. The name comes from the “hreod burna” that is found in the Domesday Book describing the reed stream that is a tributary of the River Ray and that still runs through the valley in which Nova Hreod lies.

We are a Specialist College in Science and Mathematics & Computing which means we acknowledge the key place that these specialisms play in enhancing learning across the curriculum.

Equally we believe in a broad education in which students are able to learn study skills and celebrate literature, languages, the arts, sport and as well as gaining an understanding of their place in the modern world. Our students are at the heart of all we do.

The focus of the College is on quality Learning and Teaching, teaching key skills and on creating a positive and encouraging learning environment in which all can achieve. The precepts that underpin and are at the heart of the College are:

• Care for each Other: we are a community based on Respect for ourselves and one another.

• Success in Learning – Joy in Life: we believe in the value of education and seek to promote the learning ethos and skills that prepare students for a happy and successful life.

• Reach for the Stars: we seek to raise aspirations on the principles that each one of us can achieve better than our personal best so far.

In April 2007 we moved into a brand new state of the art building that affords every opportunity for high quality learning and teaching and the use of modern technology in delivering good learning experiences. The building is open and light throughout and provides ideal conditions for effective learning

The College is organised in 8 Schools of Learning:

• Arts and Media

• English

• Languages and International Understanding

• Mathematics and ICT

• Physical Education and Sports

• Sciences

• Technologies and Vocational Education

• World Learning

Each School of Learning has its own bespoke wing or wings that surround the large central Atrium above which sits the Da Vinci Dome – an extensive bio-dome which is a feature on the Swindon sky-line. Specialist facilities exist in all Schools of Learning and include:

• Computer Suites

• Wired and Wireless Technology to all classrooms

• Interactive White-boards and Data Projectors

• A Theatre and an External Amphitheatre

• A Television and Video Conferencing Studio

• A Recording Studio

• Drama and Dance Studios

• A Sports England Sports Hall and Gymnasium

• The @Hreod Interactive Technology Room.

• A Lake, Chapel of Trees and Wild Meadow Area

• A Contemplation Room/Chapel.

Nova Hreod enters students for GCSE’s, Applied GCSE’s, Princes Trust Xcel Programme and ASDAN qualifications and has achieved established status in Quality in Study Support Award in recognition of our extensive Enrichment Programme. We are developing work in AS levels and Diploma courses for high achievers.

There is a large Learning Support Team that provides support for students with learning difficulties and special educational needs, and Gifted and Talented students are registered and provided with fast track opportunities and additional challenge experiences. Through our Aim Higher programme for students we have close links and work with a number of Universities.

The College is committed to working with the local community and in partnership with other schools and colleges. We play a key role in the development of extended services for students and the community and work closely with other children’s services, community workers, the primary health trust, police and welfare officers as well as the Science Museum in Swindon, local businesses and our primary schools. There is an active Parent Teacher Association and Parent Council that work closely with Nova Hreod staff in developing our policies and improving our facilities.

Discipline is important in learning and we expect high standards of behaviour built on respect. We are a part of the national programme for Behaviour Improvement in Schools and work to a clear programme of rewards and consequences to ensure students do not damage their known chances and those of others through inappropriate behaviour.

We seek to work in close partnership with Parents and have a commitment to using their feedback and that of students and the School Council in the evaluation of our work. Experience has shown that where the College staff, parent and the student are working in the closest cooperation this is when the student is most successful. A team of Progress and Quality Leaders and Tutors monitor each student’s progress and development across the range of courses that they study. In the next year developments will take place to allow much greater on-line access for parents and students to programmes of work, progress reports and achievement data.

I hope this web-site will give you a flavour of our work and community and the success of our enterprise.

Andrew Fleet

Head Teacher

April 2007