26th February 2025
Sixth Form Case Study: Astrea Academy Sheffield
About the school
Astrea Academy Sheffield is a new and ambitious school, part of the Astrea Trust. Now in its second year, the school’s sixth form is steadily growing, with this September marking a significant milestone: their first-ever set of results. As a small sixth form with big aspirations, the school’s leadership has focused on creating a compelling and effective academic offer to attract prospective students. For the past two years, they have incorporated Up Learn into their toolkit and are seeing the benefits, particularly with the significant improvements to the product in September 2024.
About the teacher
Gemma Driver is the Head of Sixth Form at Astrea Academy Sheffield and Up Learn Lead, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She is passionate about ensuring that her students – (whom Astrea calls scholars) and teachers have access to the best tools and resources for success.
Using Up Learn was a ‘no brainer’
For Gemma, adopting Up Learn was a straightforward decision. “When I looked at the platform, it was a no-brainer,” she says. With clear learning goals, the ability to track progress, and materials designed by examiners, Up Learn provides a structured and effective approach to learning that aligns perfectly with Astrea’s academic ambitions. The platform’s capacity to sequentially guide scholars through material has been useful for their cohort taking STEM subjects, where gaps in knowledge can often feel overwhelming to address.
Supporting Teachers with CPD
Up Learn isn’t just helping Astrea’s scholars; it has also become an invaluable tool for teachers. Astrea Academy Sheffield has introduced the platform as part of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), helping teachers prepare for lessons and familiarise themselves with the curriculum. “It’s particularly useful for relatively new teachers,” she explains, as it ensures they use the right language and fully understand the specifications of the subjects they teach. This dual-purpose approach benefits both teaching staff and scholars, creating a supportive and informed learning environment.
Top Tips for Success
- Set Concrete Goals
Gemma’s top tip for success with Up Learn? Set clear and measurable goals. At Astrea Academy Sheffield, they aim for a minimum completion per term, motivating scholars to stay on track and gradually build their knowledge base. This incremental approach ensures steady progress and helps prevent scholars from falling behind.
- Maximise engagement with recognition and competition
Create a Leaderboard: Adding an element of fun competition among scholars has proven to be a powerful motivator. Up Learn’s Customer Success team have a set of materials to support you in recognising and celebrating progress – get in touch with them to find out more.
Benefits for Schools
For Gemma and her team, Up Learn has proven to be particularly valuable in a small cohort setting. With some scholars entering the sixth form with grades 5-6, the platform has helped drive significant improvements in attainment. One student, for example, initially struggled in biology but has since seen huge grade jumps thanks to the structured support offered by Up Learn.
Benefits for Students
Scholars at the academy have embraced the platform, with many finding it not only helpful, but enjoyable. Even high-achieving scholars who might assume they don’t need additional resources have discovered the value of Up Learn in refining their knowledge and preparing for exams. One student described it as an essential tool in their academic toolkit.
Impacts and Outcomes
Although Astrea Academy Sheffield is still awaiting its first set of A Level results, the impact of Up Learn is already evident. Scholars have reported increased confidence and better preparation for exams, while teachers feel more supported in their roles. The platform has helped foster a culture of accountability and achievement, laying the groundwork for long-term success at the sixth form.
Astrea Academy Sheffield’s journey with Up Learn highlights how the right tools and strategies can transform both teaching and learning. For schools looking to innovate and support their scholars effectively, the Up Learn platform is proving to be an essential asset.