Abbey College Manchester

We offer students a stimulating environment in which teachers and students work together to achieve academic success. We treat our students as mature young adults and create a hard-working yet informal atmosphere.We believe that small classes and high quality teaching are the key to success. This approach is very personal and means that students are focused on their studies and are given lots of attention from teachers to maximise attainment and fulfil potential. Alongside small class sizes we foster a friendly environment by having a no uniform policy and creating relationships where everyone is on first name terms.

Our dedicated teachers have an excellent knowledge of their subjects and the specifications and as examiners for the major examination boards they are well positioned to offer guidance and support in developing examination technique. Teachers break down subjects into manageable sections so that students can work more easily towards the grades they need. Students are prepared thoroughly for public examinations and gain important study skills.

Small class sizes mean teachers can spend more time assessing each student’s work and giving verbal and written feedback on a one to one basis. Teachers assess student effort and attainment frequently. Reports are sent home each half term and include written comments and data covering attendance, academic attainment and student effort both in the classroom and in their own time. Students and teachers reflect on current work and raise standards by agreeing targets in areas such as subject knowledge, time management, revision techniques and progress on coursework. This in turn builds confidence and raises standards.

The students’ personal development is excellent. They are confident, articulate and sensitive to the needs of others.The college is successful in its aim to guide students to respect and value one another. This is a community with young people from many countries as well as from a variety of backgrounds, faiths and cultures within the city and surrounding area. They are valued and nurtured within an environment where the principal emphasis is that of respect – for people, place and property. Parental responses to the pre-inspection questionnaire comment favourably on their child’s behaviour and confidence and are appreciative of the changes effected by the college.

The contribution of the curriculum and extra-curricular provision is excellent. The varied and well-constructed curriculum fully supports the aim of the college to help and guide students to achieve academic success. Class sizes are small and flexibility both in the subjects offered and in the courses available enables programmes of study to be matched to a large degree to the individual ability and needs of students.

All our classrooms benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, access to modern technologies including interactive white boards, laptops and touch screens. All departments are equipped with specialist rooms and textbooks are provided for all courses. Students have their own personal computer login and access to the student shared drive where teaching resources are stored.

Practical work and investigation is central to the teaching of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and so each subject is taught in a modern, subject specific laboratory. Each room has been fitted to the highest standards and is well equipped to allow the delivery of a wide range of experiments and demonstrations to stimulate student learning.

Creativity flourishes within the college with Art & Design and Photography taught in dedicated, well-equipped rooms. Students are encouraged to express themselves using techniques ranging from 3D modelling, textiles, sculpture and photography as well as conventional painting and drawing. There is also a dark room where images can be enhanced and developed by the students. A large study centre is available as a silent and supervised study area. Here, students can use their own or college laptops for personal work. There is wireless connection available here and around the college.

Our diverse Enrichment Programme supports our academic curriculum and forms an integral part of the wider education and college experience offered to our students. Our vision is to create all-rounded students, who excel academically and develop their emotional, interpersonal and social skills.

Students involve themselves in a range of sports including football, basketball, table tennis and badminton, as well as having access to exercise and fitness facilities. Other activities include yoga; art; film; creative writing; photography; crafting and debating.The Abbey College Manchester band is highly talented and regularly performs at events and assemblies.

The college is involved in national awards initiatives including the Engineering Education Scheme and the Bank of England Project and arranges a number of fundraising activities and events for local charities.

All departments offer educational visits to enhance the curriculum. These include residential fieldwork in the Lake District for Geography students, theatre trips, visits to museums and galleries and to our local universities for teaching input.

We believe that the team approach is highly successful in ensuring that students achieve their potential. Communications between Heads of Year, tutors and parents are integral to supporting the student’s progress through the course and onto the next stage of their education.

Our lessons are lively and encourage students to discuss ideas, ask questions and to be involved in active learning. Additional support is provided where required; those with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia are accommodated in our general approach to learning in the classroom.