In support of the Academy’s mission, the Academy is committed to the development of confident, independent and responsible students who are emotionally and spiritually strong, welcoming and tolerant of all cultures and communities and committed to the stewardship of the environment.
Our Academy Values
The Academy of St Nicholas is a welcoming, calm and purposeful Academy where everyone feels valued, supported and challenged. Our Academy is a place where students’ desire for learning and achievement is met by the passionate commitment of all the staff to the The Academy of St Nicholas.
Respect
AMBITION
Resilience
Compassion
Through the provision of engaging, creative and imaginative curriculum we see our students grow in self esteem and learn to become articulate, mature and independent learners who appreciate the needs of others and understand the value of teamwork and partnership. They also develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
CHAPLAIN
Read a five minute interview with Sarah Marshall,
The Academy of Saint Nicholas’s full-time Chaplain:
What is a Chaplain?
A School Chaplain provides social, emotional and spiritual support to all members of the school community and promotes the Christian ethos of the school in everything they do.
Why did you want to be the Chaplain at the Academy of St Nicholas?
I barely knew what a Chaplain was until quite recently (!), but when I got to know Chaplain Phil from the Academy of St Francis of Assisi, I realise that it was a unique role which somehow combined all of the things I am passionate about and all of the varied experience and skills I have. I prayed about the role a lot, as I wasn’t actively looking for a different job, and even though it was a scary change, I felt God reassure me that I could trust Him and that this was in His plan.
Where else have you worked?
Before I started working at the Academy of St Nicholas, I worked part-time for a Christian charity managing a Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) project. This involved going into lots of primary and secondary schools across Liverpool teaching RSE lessons, running self-esteem courses and writing quality resources. RSE is a huge passion of mine! I even geared my whole degree (Education BSc) towards it. Alongside the charity work I was self-employed as an artist/illustrator working on private commissions, schools workshops and running courses. (I also taught piano on the side!).
How does your role with The Academy of Saint Nicholas compare with roles you’ve held before?
Although I was working with hundreds of students from various schools in my previous role, I usually only spent an hour or two with each class so weren’t many opportunities to build deep relationships with students. I love that as Chaplain I get the chance to draw alongside the pupils and the staff at the Academy and support them in a much more person-centred way. Strangely, however, being a Chaplain involves a lot of the same creative and organisational skills I used in both my RSE role and my art business.
What might a typical day look like at school?
Very different day to day! I oversee collective worship for the Academy and I often have assemblies first thing, or I might go out to deliver a primary school assembly. Then I might spend some of the day planning or running small projects with students for various causes, or planning for big annual events such as Christmas and Easter. Much of my day is spent one-to-one with students who need some extra support and guidance pastorally, and supporting other members of staff too. I have also gotten involved with the RSE programme at the Academy. As I settle more into the role and get to know local community groups I hope to work closely with them too.
How does your faith impact your life?
In every way! My faith in God gives me a purpose, a secure identity, an incomparable hope and a joy which is not affected by circumstance. When everything around me seems unstable and difficult, I know that I have a constant, unchangeable God who strengthens me and loves me unconditionally. When I see people and situations that are broken and full of hurt, I know that there is hope of restoration in God, even if that seems impossible in a human way. And when I am lonely or struggling, I have an incredible church family who will support and encourage me.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I love to sing, a lot (Tori Kelly is my singing inspiration). I also play piano and I often lead the worship band at my church. I like to do anything creative and arty – I love making gifts for people and drawing cartoons. I also love being outside in nature, walking, cycling or climbing trees. In general I like to be busy and productive in my free time but when I really need to chill I watch TV (The Good Place is my current series) or play Mario Kart with my partner (I’ve only won once).
Mission Statement
The Sponsors’ mission is that the The Academy of St Nicholas equips all members of its learning community with the values, skills and attributes they will need for personal success and well-being in a multi-cultural society and global economy.
Also to significantly contribute to community cohesion and regeneration as a centre of learning to provide support, training and business opportunities for the benefit of all local people.
The Enjoyment of Learning, the opportunities provided through the Enterprise and Business and Languages for Business specialisms and a culture that reflects Christian Values and Principles are the core characteristics of the Academy. These complementary core elements, along with efficient and effective stewardship of the Academy by Governors and staff, are evident in everything the Academy does and represents.
Our Vision
The Sponsors’ overriding vision is for the Academy to be an outstanding learning community and resource for South Liverpool, bringing together communities from diverse backgrounds in an innovative and exciting environment; providing high quality education and facilities for students, families and the wider community. It will be a place where there are high aspirations of and by everyone and where students of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities will be welcomed, respected, supported and encouraged to fulfil their individual potential
The Academy dedicates itself to innovation and excellence, and to ensuring:
- The Academy’s community is one that promotes Christian values, mutual civility among different groups and respect for diversity, welcoming students and families of all faiths and none and serving the whole community.
- The provision of the right curriculum so everyone has access to the best possible curriculum that suits their needs and aspirations, allowing them to achieve the highest possible standards.
- Everyone receives the highest quality teaching and a variety of learning experiences that are enjoyable, relevant, motivating and challenging.
- Everyone receives the best learning support and guidance to ensure both educational progress and personal and social development in preparation for the life after school.
- Everyone experiences learning in a transformational learning environment which is secure, supportive and stimulating.
- Members of the local community are actively involved as partners in the Academy which will aim to raise community aspirations and provide new opportunities for work, leisure and local regeneration.
- Governors, individual members of staff and other interested parties exercise stewardship of the Academy’s resources in an efficient and effective way ensuring regularity and propriety at all times.