Alvaston Moor Academy came into being this September. With a new Principal, a new uniform and a new approach to behaviour and a renewed ambition to see every young person at AMA succeed the term has got off to a flying start.
Alvaston Moor (formerly Merrill Academy) lies in the heart of Derby City. It serves a community where success at school or college has not always been easy and where, for some, low expectations and disadvantage have stood in the way of some children flourishing at school.
The new Principal, Michelle Strong, knows only too well how much difference a good quality education can make. “I want the whole community to embrace the idea that it simply doesn’t matter where you are born and I am living proof of that….I am determined to break down any barriers to learning, in order to ensure all our young people are successful, regardless of their background.”
Michelle is focusing her first few weeks on getting the basis right. “I believe very firmly in the basic principles of being smart, punctual, courteous and well equipped to learn and I will expect high standards of behaviour and attendance at all times – because these are essential ingredients to success not just in school, but in life….It’s very early days but the children have all had expectation assemblies and we have introduced silent corridors, with pupils walking on the left.”
It is incredibly exciting as we watch this highly experienced and talented Principal build a team which is delivering day on day improvements. This term has seen the choir restarted, a new approach to teaching and learning, a new behaviour code implemented and an in-depth training programme rolled out to all staff.
Congratulations to the new Principal, Michelle and all the staff and children that are working hard to make this term such a success. I have no doubt it is the start of a very special journey that will see students flourish and staff hard work rewarded with amazing results.
