Venturers’ Academy – where everything’s possible
MEET THE TA
VENTURERS’ Academy is an all-age Special School located in Bristol, with students currently ranging from Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 9.
Part of Venturers Trust, the academy is jointly sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol.
It has grown from strength to strength since opening in 2016 as the first state-funded school in Bristol for students with a primary diagnosis of autistic spectrum condition. With an established academy in Withywood, a second site is due to open this September in St Anne’s to meet the growing demand for specialised education.
Venturers’ Academy has become a focal point for raising standards across the region for special education needs and disability (SEND) students. The National Autistic Society recognised the academy as a centre of expertise and excellence by presenting the official Autism Accreditation in 2018.
Other awards have included the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Bronze Award, ECO Schools Award and Healthy Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, with individual staff members also being recognised for their exceptional work regionally and nationally.
The inspiring curriculum includes a focus on art and music to support the emotional and spiritual development of pupils. Mindfulness and relaxation therapies encourage and develop self-care alongside academic studies.
Venturers’ Academy also offers a wide range of cultural and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that students develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. For example, last year the academy welcomed the Zulu Choir from South Africa and enjoyed exploring their culture through music and dance. Students also enjoy regular visits in and around Bristol as well as extra-curricular activities including martial arts, horse riding, forest school, swimming, gymnastics and bmx-riding.
Whilst Venturers’ Academy provides a safe and nurturing educational environment, pupils are prepared for life beyond school. This is supported through lessons and activities outside the Academy, often working alongside children from mainstream schools, such as the Wettest Classroom project in May, where pupils are preparing to depart from Bristol Harbour to sail around the UK as part of a national initiative pioneered by Venturers’ Academy.
The academy’s motto: “Where everything’s possible” is embedded throughout the school, with pupils and their families aiming high and celebrating the many successes and achievements together. The family ethos is strong at Venturers’ Academy, with over 70 per cent of families joining the Friday Praise Assembly every week.
One parent described the academy as: “Amazing! The teachers are so caring and nurturing, encouraging my child and supporting his education. They provided a future for my son and have changed the lives of our family.”
I moved into teaching from a career in the financial services sector when my second son was diagnosed with autism and I wanted to be more closely involved in his education. Securing a position as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at Venturers’ Academy when it first opened in 2016 presented a fantastic opportunity to be involved from the very beginning.
My role as a TA at Venturers’ Academy is very diverse and involves supporting teachers in many ways, from group learning to 1:1 intervention, behaviour management and supporting the health and wellbeing of individual students. I work in a class made up of one teacher and four TAs, supporting seven students with complex needs.
With the high ratio of staff to students, TAs are able to build strong relationships with students and develop an in-depth understanding of their particular challenges or barriers to learning. Each TA is linked to a specialism led by one of our in-house professionals, with mine being speech and language, so I support students to achieve their therapy goals and monitor their progress.
Witnessing a child grow in confidence and self-belief is so inspiring and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a young person’s educational journey, helping them to enjoy school and succeed in their learning.
Venturers’ Academy has an amazing team of people who all work creatively together to come up with solutions that enable students to thrive at school and achieve their full potential. No two days are ever the same and each day brings fresh challenges.
I enjoy the training opportunities too and it’s a privilege to be able to help families like my own, offering suggestions that may improve life at home or support a child’s development. There is no better reason to look forward to work each day!
Venturers Trust is currently recruiting qualified teachers, teaching assistants and individuals with the right qualities and enthusiasm to work in a Special School.
To find out more visit www.venturerstrust.org | @VenturersTrust