Who is it for?
Ignite is mainly for young people with a statement of special educational needs (SEN).
Admission
Your caseworker will contact Ignite to set up a meeting with one of our staff. We will then invite you to an information meeting and offer you a taster session before you are finally enrolled if interested. Your caseworker and Ignite will then finalise the paperwork so you can get started. You will also be informed about our Code of Conduct at the information meeting.
The Ignite programme is open to all learners from the above group regardless of their gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or physical and mental capability.
Offices
WorldShapers Academy
The Community Centre
Datchet Close
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7JX
Herts
For further information, please contact
Director Arno Steen Andreasen at the office or email, arno@worldshapers.org.uk
WorldShapers Board of Trustees are:
Chairman Phil Abrey
Kerry-Anne Cooper
Owen Cooper
What others say
"Ignite was the "shot in the arm" NN needed to stop hanging around and start to use the gym. NN started to realise his own self worth and moved back to being more focused and believing that he could achieve. NN has always had a problem with English but he says Ignite improved it for him" - Mum of an Ignite learner
"I have sent very difficult students to Ignite and the way that they have dealt with them has been exceptional. One particular student is very different whilst in their care and her confidence and self esteem have blossomed. This has had a positive effect on her behaviour when she has returned to school in as much that she has set her own targets and is keeping to them" - Inclusion Manager
Welcome to Ignite
Ignite is a different kind of school offering you the opportunity to learn in small learner teams. We will focus on helping you to be more aware of your talents, strengths and interests.
The programme is quite flexible and the time table will change during the year depending on the interests and needs of each learner teams.
There is a lot to get through, so let’s get started!
What are we all about?
At WorldShapers Academy our mission is to initiate personal and community transformation by making learning fun, relevant and meaningful.
Igniting young people’s passion for learning
The Ignite training programme is set up to cultivate your love for learning in a relaxed learning environment.
It is our aim to personalise the education as much as possible to give you the opportunity to work towards different accredited awards. The awards will be offered at different levels.
Time table
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Spiritual; Motivation, meaning, choices & preparation for working life. Income generation Graphics Design/ICT |
Psychological; Psychological First Aid & Strengths Coaching |
Income generation; Money matters & Setting up your own Business |
Communication; Reading Club & Public Speaking |
Physical; Alternative Fitness & Health |
Relational; Parenting & Working with Others Income generation Food handling & cooking |
Emotional; Music & Arts Flexible curriculum
|
Mental; Citizenship & Problem Solving Learner-Led Learning |
What’s on offer?
The Ignite programme covers a number of different areas:
- Physical; Fitness and Health, First Aid, Health and Safety
- Psychological; Psychological First Aid, Get to know yourself, Strengths Coaching
- Spiritual; What gives you Meaning in Life, Developing Choices and Making responsible Decisions, Values
- Mental; Citizenship, Problem Solving, Project Development, Leadership Training.
- Emotional; Music, Arts and Crafts
- Relational; Parenting Skills, Relationships, Romance, Dealing with Conflicts, Sex
- Communication; Reading Club, Public Speaking
- Money matters; Financial literacy, Setting up your own Business, Budgets
- Income generation; Food Handling, Cooking, Graphics Design, Create your own Web Site
- Flexible learning; See the course list below
- Learner-Led Learning
Flexible learning subjects available include:
French-German-Spanish-English Communication-Life Coaching/Personal Development-History-Maths-African Dance-ICT-Drama-General Science-Digital DJing-Spiritual Literacy/RE-Geography-African Drumming-Chemistry-Arts and Craft-Practical Skills (cooking).
These subjects are offered in ten hour units at different times during the year. We need a minimum of six learners to offer a subject.
We are introducing Learner-Led Learning; where you will get the chance to teach others something that you have a passion for. We want to recognise the diversity of skills and experiences of the learners. This will create a fun and creative way to learn.
What will you get out of it?
Most classes will be offered at three different levels; Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. Each course will be accredited by AQA Unit Award Scheme, OCR or ncfe. This gives us the opportunity to personalise the teaching, so that you can work towards personal targets. This flexibility will empower you to work towards relevant qualifications at the level that is suitable for you now!
You will be able to work towards the following Key Skills qualifications from OCR:
- Communication
- Application of Numbers
- ICT
- Working with Others
- Problem Solving
- Improving your own Learning and Performance.
You will also be working towards AQA Awards like Public Speaking, Punctuation, Creating a Comic Strip, Healthy Eating, Developing a Life History, Safety in the kitchen, etc.
What to expect?
During the first few days on the course, you will take part in an induction programme which includes form filling (either by you or a Youth Coach), and other various information sheets.
During the induction you will fill out the Clifton Strengthsfinder questionnaire and receive coaching in understanding your key talents. You will complete the Accelerated Learning’s Learning Styles test and discuss it with one of our Youth Coaches.
At the end of the first week you will also fill in your first Individual Learner Plan. This plan supports three kinds of target setting:
- Teaching targets
- Personal development targets; physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional, mental and relational targets
- Other targets
The plan will be shared with all staff, which will enable the staff team to work towards the same targets. The plan will be reviewed monthly and new targets will be agreed and shared.
What’s the culture?
Ignite has developed its own culture together with our learners. Some of the important bits include:
Smoking is not allowed at any site. Eligible smokers are encouraged to observe the stipulated legal distance away from the building
- Learners are allowed to come in casual, relaxed clothing but:
- Boys are encouraged to come in long jeans or tracksuits. They can opt for Bermuda shorts
- Caps, hoodies and sun glasses are not allowed during teaching
- Learners are encouraged to wear T-Shirts with sleeves
- Girls are encouraged to wear sensible skirts and tops
- Learners are also encouraged to put on suitable shoes
- Learners are advised strongly to use appropriate clothing and shoes for sports activities
- Learners are expected to arrive on time and to take an active part in all activities set out
Learners are not permitted to:
- Drink alcohol
- Drink energy drinks
- Take drugs
- Carry out any illegal activity
- Swear or use any offensive remarks
- Carry out any discriminatory or racist action
during teaching hours. We will not accept learners being under the influence of drink or drugs during teaching hours.
WorldShapers operates a strict zero tolerance policy on the breach of these rules.
Sanctions and exclusions:
Ignite staff will work hard to avoid sanctions being imposed. We will therefore focus on positive reinforcements, time out procedures, coaching, etc. When sanctions are deemed necessary, they could include working in isolation for a time, implementation of an action plan, verbal and written warnings, etc.
In the event that a learner’s behaviour is deemed too difficult to manage on site, on any occasion, the learner will be sent home and parents/carers/guardians informed of a return date and time, allowing enough time for the learner to reflect and behave more appropriately on return.
Only in extreme circumstances will a learner be permanently excluded.
At Ignite we will promote:
- Good behaviour
- Productivity/staying on a task/focus
- Achievements - completing a course/unit
- Effort
- Punctuality
- Taking initiative/being proactive
- Taking responsibility
- Caring for others
- And we will reward progress, achievement and outstanding effort
What makes us US?
Ignite is led with a vision and delivered with passion. Our style is relaxed but professional, so much so that the Adult and Community Learning Inspectorate (equivalent of Ofsted) awarded us a grade 2 on a recent inspection which means that our provision is "Good."
The guiding values of WorldShapers as a whole are:
Diversity – Empowering – Resilience – Responsibility – Health – Meaning – Thinking environment – Faith – Playfulness – Simplicity – Imagination.
WorldShapers Academy is a Christian charity and we acknowledging the freedom of people of all faiths or none, both to hold and to express their beliefs and convictions respectfully and freely, within the limits of the UK law. We will never impose our Christian faith on others.
Special educational needs
We will ensure that extra support is given to statemented learners with special educational needs. We will comply with local authority requirements, e.g. annual reviews, etc.
Additional support will be given to learners who are in the process of learning to speak English.
What else goes on?
WorldShapers offers a number of other projects. These include:
- WorldShapers Children’s Centre in Woodhall Farm and Grovehill
- Aspire - Teaching at the Mount Prison
- Adult and Community Learning for adults especially with learning difficulties and disabilities
- Garden Drama Project – We are supporting a project working with young people with learning difficulties.
- DreamKeepers – A pilot project for children 6-11 years old whose parents struggle with drink and/or drugs.
- Accelerate – A leadership training pilot project for 13-19 year olds.
- An alternative teaching qualification focusing on Theology, ICT, English and Citizenship
Who is involved?
WorldShapers has a dynamic and diverse staff group The Ignite project will have some full-time staff involved, but the whole staff group of WorldShapers Academy will be involved in different ways and at different times.
Staff:
- Director Arno Steen Andreasen, D.Min. in Pastoral Counselling, Diplomate in Logotherapy, Diploma in Stress Management Training and Certified Strength Coach
- Children Centre Manager, Lillian Andreasen, Certified physiotherapist, studying towards The National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership
- Strategic Centre Manager Zander Kerr, experienced Project Manager and developer in the charity and public sector
- ICT Manager Lars Stampe Stegemann, BTh and CompTIA A+ and studying towards CompTIA N+ and Cicso CCNA
- DreamKeepers Project Manager Ann Kerr, trained as a mental nurse, experience in working with Adults with Learning Disabilities, experience as a teaching assistant for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- DreamKeepers Project Manager Barbara Porter, BA in English linguistics, 20 years experience in training and supervising volunteer counsellors and setting up crisis pregnancy counselling centres mainly for teenagers in Africa.
- Curriculum Manager Barbara Newton, MA in French and qualifications in other modern languages. Years of experience in teaching at a secondary school
- Accelerate Project Manager Shane Potter, BA in Music and years of experience in teaching in secondary schools in Africa
- Performing Arts Tutor Butshilo Nleya, A.Th and experienced artist and performing arts tutor in Zimbabwe and the UK
- Play and Outreach Manager Sam Pamplin. She has worked as a Children’s Pastor and has varied qualifications related to children and young people.
- Youth Coach Elisabet Stegemann B.Ed
Policies
These are policies which govern operations at Ignite and are available in full on request. Please contact the office for more information on 01442 269 804.
- Accessibility policy
- Accreditation policy
- Admissions policy
- Assessment and reporting policy
- Bad weather and closures policy
- Behaviour management policy
- Bullying – An anti bullying policy
- Careers education and guidance policy
- Child protection policy
- Code of conduct policy
- Complaints policy and procedures
- Curriculum policy
- Data protection and data sharing policy
- Dress code policy
- Drugs policy
- Equality and diversity policy
- Every Child Matters policy
- Extra curricular activities policy
- Fair assessment and appeals policy
- First aid policy
- Food on site policy
- Health and safety and welfare of learners policy
- Homework policy
- Key skills policy
- Off site provision and educational visits policy
- Personal, moral, social, health education policy
- Personalised learning policy
- Property damage policy
- Quality assurance policy
- Racism – an anti racism policy
- Special needs and inclusion policy
- Staff disciplinary procedures policy
- Staff personal leave policy
- Staff recruitment and development policy
- Sustainability policy
- "Time out" comfort breaks policy
- Use of computers policy
- Volunteer policy
- Work experience policy
- Zero tolerance policy
Making a complaint
WorldShapers has a complaints procedure that is laid out in the Complaints policy.
In brief, parents can make a complaint by:
- Letter, e-mail, by telephone or in person (by appointment please)
- If you are writing, faxing or e-mailing your complaint, please provide your telephone number if a response by telephone would be convenient. If you are e-mailing, please state if a reply by e-mail is required and, if not, please provide a full postal address
- If you know the name or title of the appropriate member of staff, please make your complaint direct to them. If you do not know the name or title, please contact the Director on
01442 269804
We attempt to respond to complaints in 24 hours and all complaints will be dealt with the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality unless required otherwise.
No complaints were filed during 2006-2007.
