Prospectus 2016 - 2017
Welcome to
Trinity Prospectus 2016/17
I would like to welcome you to Trinity School, a school which was described by Anglican Schools inspectors as ‘an outstanding Church of England secondary school’. Trinity School is the only Church of England secondary school in the London Borough of Bexley. It has a reputation for commitment to students of all abilities and a renowned level of pastoral care. These achievements are the outcome of a stable, dedicated and highly effective team of staff ensuring that pupils have every opportunity to succeed in a huge variety of activities in and out of the classroom. Trinity is part of the Trinitas Academy Trust which includes Christ Church Erith and St Augustine Primary Schools. The Trust is a successful partnership of schools where the emphasis is providing high quality education for all our children. Trinity is a school with a strong Christian ethos and this brings a central spiritual and moral dimension to all that we do. The Act of Worship, Eucharist and prayer meetings serve to confirm and support work in the classroom and our expectations of students including those belonging to other faith communities. Anglican Schools inspectors said: “Students confidently and sensitively discuss matters of faith and belief, and their understanding of religious issues supports community cohesion” We aim to find the route to excellence for every pupil in their time with us and to develop a life long love of learning. We expect every boy and girl who joins us to do his or her very best, to be happy and feel safe at school, and to respect the Trinity School Code. Ofsted inspectors said: “Students enjoy their schooling, and this contributes to their good achievement”. Choosing a school for your son or daughter can be amongst the most difficult decisions a parent has to make. At Trinity they will have the benefit of a safe and successful school with strong moral and spiritual guidance; to enable them to make a full and worthwhile contribution to the community they live in - now and for the future. We look forward to working with parents as close partners in providing a challenging and exciting education for young people.
Ian Collins Principal
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
About Us
At Trinity, we believe in order and self-discipline. We work hard to provide an inspiring working environment and ensure the well-being and safety of our pupils at all times. High standards of conduct and behaviour are expected and achieved. The school has clear rules for pupils, which are given to all parents on admission. Parents are required to accept and support the school’s disciplinary code and Home-School Agreement. The school has a clear policy on rewards and sanctions included in the school’s behaviour policy which is available on request. Trinity School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all staff and volunteers are expected to share that commitment. Trinity aims to provide a curriculum that is both broad and balanced. It is constructed to meet the needs of all pupils in its care irrespective of ability, additional needs or gender. As you would expect, the curriculum changes as pupils move through the school. They have an increasing amount of flexibility as they get older with option choices becoming available. More distinct setting arrangements for core subjects are also in place enabling teaching to closely match the ability of the children. The curriculum at the school changes year on year, ensuring that it is meeting the demands and needs of all who study here. The school is pro-active with curriculum change, but we take time to carefully reflect on any decisions before change is implemented, allowing us to consider the impact on individuals and the effect across the school.
Prospectus 2016/17
“I have become who I am today through teachers and friends supporting me from the beginning.” Year 11 Pupil
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
Aims of the School Our Trinity School Christian Values are Hope, Compassion and Forgiveness.
Trinity School strives to offer an all-round excellent education for pupils of all abilities and backgrounds by providing a positive working environment in which all children and staff can develop to their full potential. We will always aim to ensure that we provide: • the highest standards of achievement for all, • and maintain a Christian environment, • the highest standards of personal care and support and individual development, • the best preparation for adult life and develop supportive links between school, home, parish and the wider community; and • the highest standard of communication with parents, parish and the wider community, involving them in all aspects of school life.
Our Values Whilst pursuing the aims set out above, we take every opportunity to promote British Values. These are defined as: • democracy • the rule of law • individual liberty • mutual respect • tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs The Christian community which we seek to develop is an ideal environment in which these values may be promoted, both in formal Citizenship and RE lessons and in our daily interactions with each other. The children of Trinity School have produced the following code by which we try to live each school day. It is displayed in every classroom and referred to constantly as a measure of our values and expectations. It has arisen from discussions they have had through their Tutor Groups, and the School Council. This code indicates the spirit of the school and the way we expect children to behave.
Trinity School pupils say: Respect others, be truthful and trustworthy, Individual achievement is highly valued, No bullying, racism, physical or emotional violence, Independence should be encouraged, Treat others as you wish to be treated, You are a member of a caring community.
Prospectus 2016/17
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
Christian Values As a Church of England School the spiritual life of all those involved with and within Trinity is essential be they pupils, parents, staff, governors or visitors. Although Trinity School is a Church of England school, we welcome pupils of other faiths or of no faith at all, an essential element of our Admission code. Christ is the centre of our school community where we live, love and learn together. We provide a safe environment in which a young person is valued as an individual made in the image of God, and in which they can find security, acceptance, confidence and an opportunity to develop their potential. We aim to create a caring and happy community in which our Christian ethos, underpinned by our values, is upheld. Central to our ethos are the teachings of Jesus Christ. Central to our life are the daily practices of our faith. Central to the growth of each young person is the instilling within them a sense of self worth and love in light of our faith. Our Trinity School Christian Values are Hope, Compassion and Forgiveness. Corporate Acts of Worship and Religious Education are carried out in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England. Religious Education will include references to the teachings and practice of other faiths, particularly those represented in the school. The Chaplain plays a significant role in the everyday life of the school, is available for counselling and works with groups of students including the Sixth Form. As well as the daily Act of Worship, there are weekly Eucharists in the School Chapel. Special services and those for major festivals are held in local churches. We have strong links with the local worshipping community and welcome links with all faiths. To enhance a good learning environment there is a deliberate attempt to link the gospel of Christ with daily life of the school. • Daily collective worship focuses on a Bible passage, prayer and music. We begin every day with a true sense of our spiritual dimension. • Seasonal observations of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter plus days such as All Souls and Pentecost are observed. Every service or observance is rooted in creativity to encourage engagement, awe, wonder, mystery and relevance. • Visible signs and symbols of our Christian foundation are around the school. • Trinity encourages pupils to explore their faith and opportunities are given for discussions in lunchtime groups, Confirmation classes, Trinity Alpha, Sixth Form RE forums, Sixth Form conferences and interactive, engaging RE education.
Prospectus 2016/17
‘Every act of kindness and compassion done for humankind is done by Christ working within us.’ www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
“My goals are possible at Trinity with the help and support of the staff.” Year 9 Pupil
Prospectus 2016/17
Moving to Trinity To help with the progression from one stage of education to the next, we liaise closely with our partner Primary Schools to ensure a smooth transition. We aim to visit all pupils in their Primary School prior to their start in Year 7. We organise a two-day induction programme during the Summer Term in order that Primary pupils can experience life at Trinity School prior to their arrival in the Autumn Term. The school’s pastoral structure is a strong and well established system of caring for pupils. We aim to foster personal growth and development; to help pupils cope confidently with the pressures of daily life and to learn as well as they can in a caring environment which challenges and supports them. We have a Learning Support Centre which provides a positive learning experience for pupils outside mainstream classes. The school provides a pleasant, inspiring and constantly improving working environment on a most attractive site. Trinity is equipped with a full range of specialist accommodation for all curriculum areas, including workshops for Design and Food Technology and Art Studios, together with a Sports Hall, Music Recording Studio and two multipurpose Expressive Arts Studios. Trinity’s facilities also include six ICT rooms which cater for a range of specialist subjects with their own dedicated software. A floodlit all-weather pitch is available for use by the school and the community.
Extra Curricular Activities At Trinity, we believe very strongly in the value of extra-curricular activities. We are fortunate in having committed and dedicated staff who give freely of their time to arrange a variety of activities including: drama productions, dance club, choir, chapel clubs, carol service, charity events, holidays and educational visits abroad, theatre workshops, individual music tuition, Carnegie shadowing project, revision classes, technology and homework clubs. We run a successful Brilliant Club – an enrichment scheme aimed at widening participation in higher education.
Sporting Opportunities At Trinity we are able to provide pupils with a wide range of sporting opportunities to enhance their personal development. Trinity pupils are actively encouraged to participate in competitive team and individual activities. Current sports offered at Trinity include: basketball, netball, trampolining, football, rugby, orienteering, gymnastics, swimming, bowling, rowing, athletics, rounders and tennis. Trinity School has been awarded the Sportsmark Award in recognition of its excellence in sport.
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
Working Together Trinitas Academy Trust Trinity is part of the Trinitas Academy Trust together with Christ Church (Erith) and St Augustine of Canterbury Primary Schools. This exciting new venture has created a family of schools where strong Christian values are at the centre of everything we do. The resources of all schools are used to provide a stimulating learning environment which inspires children to do their best. The trust is distinctive in its values but inclusive in its nature. The three schools in the Trust work together on all aspects of teaching and learning but still retain their individual character. The Academy Trust is led by a Board of Directors which includes members of the previous Governing Bodies, representatives of the Bishop of Rochester and the Diocesan Board of Education. A Chief Executive has overall responsibility for the Trust and the Executive Head Teacher has a leading role at all three schools.
Anglican Schools’ Partnership We are part of a collaborative project with ten local Church of England Primary schools - Christ Church (Erith), Bishop Ridley, Hillsgrove, Holy Trinity Lamorbey, Old Bexley, Slade Green Infants, St Augustine of Canterbury, St Michael’s and St Paulinus, working together in partnership with the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education. The partnership was formed on the basis of a common Anglican Christian ethos and a shared desire for closer working in order to raise standards across the partnership.
Bexley Education Improvement Partnership In addition to the Anglican Schools’ Partnership, Trinity works extensively with local primary schools, some of which are part of the Bexley Education Improvement Partnership (BEIP) to which we belong. Staff and pupils visit primary classes and groups of primary children visit Trinity to take part in art projects, master classes, RE, musical and sporting events.
Partnership 6th Trinity Sixth Form is a member of Partnership 6th. This is a collaboration between Erith, Trinity and Welling Sixth Forms, which enables students to widen their possible choices at Level 2 and Level 3. Also, it allows those who need to access Level 1 courses a range of opportunities to do so.
Prospectus 2016/17
“Trinity is a great place to come and learn.” Year 11 Pupil
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
Apply to Trinity The governors intend to offer 180 places for the Year 7 intake in September 2016. The school works in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley in matters of admissions. You will complete an application form, known as the Common Application Form, provided by the Local Authority in whose area you live (your home LA). This will normally be the authority to which you pay Council Tax. Trinity School also requires you to complete a supplementary form. You must obtain this form from the school and return it to the school by 3pm on 31st October 2015 at the latest.
Waiting Lists After offers of places have been made to successful secondary transfer applicants, a waiting list is drawn up according to our oversubscription criteria. This will take place in September according to the Admissions Code of Practice.
School Day Visits Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th October 2015 Parents and children are invited to arrive at 8.35 am to join a morning Act of Worship which will begin promptly at 8.45 am. This is followed by a tour of the school until approximately 10.00 am. For those unable to attend the Open Day, there will then be a repeat of the Head Teacher’s presentation.
Prospectus 2016/17
“An environment which enables students to harness and develop their talents and interests.”
Year 12 Pupil
www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk
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Erith Road Belvedere Kent DA17 6HT
ABBEY ROAD
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Tel: 01322 441371 Web: www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk Email: reception@trinity.bexley.sch.uk
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