KS2 Subject Leader and Teacher of Mathematics

Alban is a purpose built Middle School, set in the beautiful rural location of Great Barford. With its specialist accommodation and excellent resources, it is well placed to cater fully for the needs of children aged from 9-13 years.

It is our policy and practice to review regularly, improve and develop the Academy buildings and facilities to provide the very best learning environment and educational opportunities for the children. Recent developments include a purpose built music suite that was opened by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford in December 2006. It comprises a large specialist music room, complemented by four practice rooms and a large instrument storeroom. Designed by Ian Davies of The Inskip Partnership, and funded by the St Alban’s diocese, the facility provides outstanding accommodation for the children to develop their love of music.

The conversion of the original music room into a ‘state of the art’ computer suite means that Alban now has two excellent specialist ICT suites with the latest, up to date technology.

One of the two science laboratories has been refurbished and now presents a modern, bright and stimulating environment for both children and staff.

To further promote a love of reading within the Academy, the Library has been completely modernised to create an inviting and stimulating facility to encourage children to develop their interest in a variety of literature.

The Refurbishment of the PE changing rooms and gymnasium now provide excellent accomodation for our extremely successful PE department. A fabulous new outdoor gym completes these improvements.

Alban History
The first pupils were admitted in September 1976 and later that academic year on 13th June 1977 the school was officially opened by the then Bishop of St. Albans, the Right Reverend Robert Runcie. Although originally called Great Barford Middle School the Governors had the privilege of naming the school and decided upon the most apt and suitable choice of "Alban Church of England Middle School". The school has a special significance in the Diocese of St. Albans because it was the Church's first purpose built Voluntary Aided Middle School in Bedfordshire.

The school badge was carefully chosen by the Governors to show the close association with the Diocese of St. Albans and the Martyrdom of Alban, the first British Christian Martyr. The blue is the diocesan colour and represents the River Ouse which flows through Great Barford. The red represents the blood shed by Alban and the cross, sword and crown are all symbols of Alban's martyrdom. Finally, the gold is symbolic of the rural setting of the Academy, often surrounded by golden fields.

Our Aims at Alban
Alban Church of England Academy will provide opportunities for all children to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens within a Christian environment.

We seek to nurture a love for learning that will help and equip them with the knowledge, skills, ideas and emotions necessary to achieve a healthy and happy life in our rapidly changing society.

Children are encouraged and supported to achieve their best; to know how to stay safe; to be confident to attempt new work and activities; to be part of and contribute to the school and wider community where there is mutual respect and care for others.

In today’s global and multi-cultural society, we recognise the need to provide children with the Christian values and skills which will enable them to achieve an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

Therefore we endeavour to;

Encourage pupils within the Christian environment of the Church of England School to develop spiritual awareness and understanding of the significance of religion and moral values for both personal growth and for life in a multi-cultural society;

Create a positive, caring, disciplined and stimulating Christian environment, so that all members of the school community can be encouraged to develop their full potential;

Provide pupils with a variety of educational experiences appropriate to their needs and that will encourage the development of lively and enquiring minds;

Encourage all members of the school community to develop into self- disciplined, caring people demonstrating respect and consideration for others and themselves;

Promote a sense of collective responsibility and commitment to the school amongst all members of the school community.