Riddlesdown Prospectus

Riddlesdown Collegiate

Learners of today. Leaders of tomorrow.

Welcome from the Principal Knowledge, thinking skills and deep understanding are at the heart of successful learning; developing these allows students to go on to further study, a great career and to enjoy a full and rewarding adult life.

I am delighted to welcome you to Riddlesdown Collegiate, an Academy with a great past and an exciting future. I am incredibly proud to be the Principal of Riddlesdown Collegiate as this is a very special place in which young people learn and grow. Within our “small schools” approach, each student works in a strong, vibrant and nurturing College which delivers a successful, modern, broadly based curriculum. Strong relationships and a clear identity therefore foster outstanding learning. Examination results are consistently high. Just as importantly students enjoy their time here, whilst parents appreciate the care and support we deliver.

Our attractive site high on the North Downs, surrounded by woodlands and fields, is a lively and invigorating place to learn. We place a strong emphasis on academic achievement and personal and social development. Students have the opportunity to learn in class, around the site, across the country and internationally.

“ Students develop into confident and articulate young people as a result of the varied opportunities provided within the curriculum.”

OFSTED

Science has long been a specialism of the Collegiate and students excel in this area. Alongside this we develop creative and artistic talents through our Creative and Performing Arts College, and have a deserved reputation for the quality of our Drama, Music and Sport.

Our approach allows everyone to develop new skills and means we can make sure goals are realised and ambitions achieved year after year.

We are able to do this through blending traditional standards with modern teaching methods and learning facilities. We stress hard work in the Collegiate and at home and build strong partnerships with parents. We have a smart uniform and a disciplinary code that values responsibility for oneself and consideration for others. At all times students are encouraged to live up to our motto, “Learners of today. Leaders of tomorrow.”

I hope that this prospectus will inspire you to visit the Collegiate on one of our open days so that you can see for yourself that Riddlesdown is a vibrant, caring, high achieving school.

Gordon H Smith

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The Riddlesdown Commitment Our Vision To be an outstanding academy where we: • uphold our values • provide inspirational and innovative experiences within and beyond the classroom • value, support and develop staff • d eliver successful outcomes and positive futures for all of our students

Our Standards We shall: • be a positive influence in lessons by working to the best of our ability and by showing respect to our teachers and fellow learners • behave sensibly and show consideration to others around the Collegiate • maintain a calm and pleasant environment in which everyone feels safe and secure • show courtesy to members of the public and our local community when travelling to and from school, and be proud representatives of Riddlesdown Collegiate through our appearance and conduct • complete homework, coursework and revision tasks to the best of our ability at home and ensure that we are ready to learn before leaving for school

02

Our Values Value each other

Use our talents

Aim high

Excel in our efforts

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Stick at it

“ There is a real sense of community at Riddlesdown. I don’t think I would have felt as much of a part of a community if I had gone to another school.”

College VI student

27 acres The Collegiate sits on 27 acres of open land

135

There are over 135 school trips in the UK and abroad each year

“ Relationships between the different groups of students are harmonious. The vast majority of students feel safe and are happy at the Collegiate.� ofsted

VALUE EACH OTHER Our work to guarantee successful transition from primary to secondary school begins as soon as you have been made an offer of a place.

We know that the transfer from primary to secondary school is momentous for every family; the strong relationships which have been built through the intimacy of the small school can sometimes feel overwhelmed by potential anonymity of the large school; the move to secondary school can therefore be exhilarating and daunting in equal measures for all concerned. Riddlesdown Collegiate brings together the strengths of primary school and the opportunities of secondary school and makes sure that transition is smooth and effective. To begin building the new relationships every student is either visited in primary school or, should the student be the only one transferring from a particular primary school, is invited with parents to the Collegiate in June to meet others in a similar situation.

Each College • builds stronger links with families as siblings join older brothers and sisters in the College • creates dynamic teaching links as colleagues across all subjects work more closely on the learning of individual students • improves support for all students as teachers get to know them even better • delivers the highest of standards with traditional expectations of behaviour, uniform and hard work

Students entering Riddlesdown Collegiate join one of Aquila, Orion, Pegasus or Phoenix Colleges, each a small school of just 400 learners aged 11-16. Each College provides education on a human scale and has its own Headteacher, Deputy Head, team of specialist teaching and support staff and teaching facilities for every subject. The strong sense of belonging this brings allows our students to feel confident, secure and reassured, and able to maximise all the rich and amazingly varied talents they bring to us. Our post 16 centre, College VI, caters for the older students. The Creative and Performing Arts College (CPA) provides specialist teaching for all students in Art, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, Media Studies, Music and PE. These subjects are housed in the Collegiate’s new multi-million pound performing arts centre The @RC which boasts a Dance and Drama Studio, a Theatre and Performance Space which seats 200, a stunning Art Gallery, Art Studios and a state of the art Media Suite.

Pastoral care is of an exceptional standard across the Collegiate. Belonging to a Year Group of about 80 in a College, students receive a high level of personal care and academic support. The vast majority of our students settle in quickly to life in the Collegiate and thrive from day one; those who require additional support can rely on the staff in their College and the MacKay, our College for supportive learning. Students remain in this close knit community for the whole of the first five years.

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AIM HIGH Our students are encouraged and enabled to be ambitious in everything they do. At the heart of successful learning is knowledge, thinking skills and understanding; developing these allows students to go on to further study, a great career and to enjoy a full and rewarding adult life.

Our curriculum delivers this learning through an extensive range of traditional and modern courses alongside fantastic opportunities beyond the classroom.

To ensure that all students make the best and most rapid progress in their learning, we set students by ability in most subject areas.

Teachers then tailor their work to the individual needs of students, allowing the most able to be stretched, the middle ability to make good progress and those in need of additional support to receive the help they need to ensure that learning is rapid.

Students study French or Spanish from the beginning of Year 7 with talented linguists able to study a second modern language later on; most students learn a modern language up to GCSE. The most able also study Latin from the beginning of Year 7, providing real stretch and enhancement.

“ I learnt far more than I could ever have hoped for. I now know what I want to do when I leave Riddlesdown.”

Year 11 Work Experience Student

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Most of our students progress to College VI and then to University; to be successful at these higher levels they must understand the world of work. Enterprise Days and Work Experience are a key feature of the Key Stage 4 curriculum for all students. Social Enterprise, such as raising money for charity or working in the local community, develops the skills to support this understanding.

Personal, Social Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) allows students to learn about their own development and growth. Here students learn about relationships, complementing the sex education delivered through the science curriculum; parents who wish to withdraw their child from this work should inform the College Headteacher in writing.

£10,000 The collegiate raises over £10,000 for charity each year

Science Our science focus channels enthusiasm and innovation into our curriculum, helps students to apply science to everyday life and raises standards across the Collegiate.

Science develops a range of skills such as problem solving, creative thinking and teamwork. In all Year Groups students are encouraged to develop investigative skills and practical ability using our wellresourced and newly refurbished science laboratories. Our broad curriculum offer allows students to study separate sciences all the way through to A Level.

Students from our thriving Science and Engineering Clubs compete at regional, national and international levels, recently making it to the final of the International Space Settlement Design Competition at NASA in the USA. Our students develop their leadership skills through the award winning StudentTeacher Initiative, planning and delivering science lessons in local primary schools.

We aim to develop students’ knowledge and understanding, providing them with all the skills they need to enter the scientific world and become the doctors, engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

“ We have been very impressed with the wonderful way our daughter has been supported when taking her first steps into secondary education. Our daughter’s Tutor has done the utmost to ensure she settled in well.”

Year 7 Parent

“ The teaching was first class.

It enabled me to go out into the world with a great work ethic.

I now run my own production company and work as an Actor.

The range of extracurricular activities and the facilities at Riddlesdown are brilliant, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had whilst studying there.” ex student

“ Teachers care about your progress.”

College VI student

“ Teachers always listen to you.”

Year 8 student

“ Teachers at Riddlesdown give up lots of their own time to give students the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities, which enrich their lives and improve their self-esteem.”

Year 10 parent

“ The teachers have always been unfailingly enthusiastic and encouraging, which is the most important thing when the level of work is so difficult. This not only allowed me to excel academically, but it increased my confidence, helping me to develop as a person.”

College VI student

09

250 Over 250 students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award each year 10

“ Good account is taken of the views of students, parents and carers when making decisions about changes and improvements to the Collegiate.”

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

ofsted

All of our students develop leadership skills. At its heart, leadership is about taking responsibility for oneself and those around you and being a great team member.

Many of our students go beyond this and take up positions as a Subject Leader, Mentor, Prefect or Head Boy or Girl. Should you visit us on Open Evening or other event, we know you will be impressed by the leadership skills of our students. The Collegiate Council of the Head Boys and Girls together with the Principal meet regularly to review issues across the Collegiate.

We believe there is much work to be done beyond the classroom, bringing learning to life, developing leadership skills and inspiring our students to be active in all they do. Students take part in conservation work on Riddlesdown Common alongside the local Wardens who care for the green belt area surrounding the Collegiate.

Teamwork is essential for the hundreds of our students each year who take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Testing their endurance while working in groups, their expeditions – whether map reading in blazing sunshine or camping in the pouring rain – require and build independence from adults and determination to succeed.

“ Being Head Boy was an opportunity to achieve targets, delegate roles and develop new strategies for a better College. I have enjoyed serving as the Collegiate Head Boy and I hope I leave a legacy for others to continue with.”

Head Boy

Every year our students have the opportunity to travel to develop their independence and leadership skills away from their families. This includes the annual ski trips; the opportunity to explore the Classical world in Greece, Italy or Turkey; trekking through jungles or canoeing down rivers on a World Challenge Expedition in Africa and Asia; visiting sites of historical interest and testing out sporting skills against teams in European cities.

There is much learning to be done closer to home too.

During Key Stage 3 all students visit the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the London Zoo; there are also a range of activity events which build team spirit and confidence.

Use YOur Talents Our students are encouraged to apply all of their knowledge and skills to new ways of working, to develop their creativity. This is most clearly shown through the work of the CPA where the overarching aim is to deliver high quality learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, allowing them to develop creatively, physically and socially.

Over 50 sports teams represent the Collegiate in local, regional and national competitions annually. The Christmas and Summer Concerts present the talents of our Chamber Choir, Junior and Senior Orchestras, Jazz Band and range of vocal and instrumental groups. The annual production showcases the skills developed through the Drama curriculum. Our Art Exhibition illustrates the talents of our students.

The learning opportunities offered by the CPA continue outside of normal curriculum time through an extensive and diverse range of clubs and activities, designed to cater for the interests of all students. Our aim is to foster an appreciation of the Arts amongst our students, as well as nurturing the many gifted musicians, artists, actors and sports men and women within our care.

In addition, we appreciate the vital partnership between the Collegiate, parents and the local community in supporting the creative and performing arts. That support will allow us to continue to develop the opportunities afforded to our students and to achieve our aim of delivering outstanding provision for all.

“The @RC is an exciting hub of creativity within the Collegiate. Students are inspired to innovate, lead and excel within our impressive facility.�

150

students take part in music concerts throughout the year

“ I have met lifelong friends and teachers who have gone that extra mile for me. There is an obvious emphasis on working hard to meet your full potential but the College is also somewhere I can relax and have fun too.”

COLLEGE VI STUDENT

“ They enjoy learning and respond enthusiastically to the good range of extra-curricular activities on offer.” ofsted

excel in your efforts Students are set very ambitious targets throughout their time in the Collegiate, and provided with the best possible support in order to achieve them.

These targets have a clear purpose; to allow students to surpass expectations and to realise ambitions. The Tutor provides specific support for each student, with regular monitoring in the College identifying those students who need extra help, or those such as our Gifted and Talented who can reach even higher standards.

After the first five years at Riddlesdown, students transfer into College VI. Here they utilise all of the skills and attributes gained over Years 7 to 11 and focus on higher levels of study. Within College VI there is a full programme of A Level courses. The development of leadership skills continues through the Student Committees which make decisions about aspects of College VI work; mentoring and teaching of younger students enables our senior students to be strong role models across the Collegiate.

Preparation for University is important; not only achieving the necessary grades but also developing the life skills to survive when leaving home for the first time. A full guidance programme means students are well placed to make informed career choices.

Full details on College VI are available in the separate Prospectus and Handbook.

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stick at it Our students understand the importance of perseverance. The Collegiate is a place to learn by trying to do things beyond your experience; success is met by pride and the determination to continue pushing oneself, failure with an equal level of determination.

We have exceptional facilities including; a new Drama and Art block with a fully equipped dance studio; Apple Mac computers; interactive whiteboards and a recording studio. These facilities combined with the invested interest teachers have with students creates a positive learning environment, motivating students to constantly learn and progress.

At Riddlesdown we recognise the importance of praising hard work and positive attitudes. We operate a merit system, hold celebration assemblies and send postcards home to recognise the achievements and efforts of students in both the Collegiate and the wider community.

1000 We have 1000 computers and 30 apple mac computers

“ The IT facilities and software available to students are really good. I’ve gained so many new skills through using Word and Mac applications, and lots of Adobe software like Flash, Photoshop and Dreamweaver.�

College VI Student 14

The Collegiate Uniform Years 7–10:

Year 11:

Physical Education:

In Addition, please note:

· Black blazer with College trim and Collegiate badge

· Plain black school trousers (boys and optional for girls)

· Green long-sleeved games shirt with black collar

· Plain black trousers (boys and girls)

· Black pleated knee-length school skirt (girls)

· White polo short-sleeved shirt with College coloured collar (for Year 7 and others as kit is replaced) (not a T-shirt)

· Non-uniform items, such as hoodies or caps, should not be worn or brought to the Collegiate.

· Black pleated knee length skirt (girls) · The approved Riddlesdown skirt is available only from Hewitts of Croydon · Plain white school shirt

· The approved Riddlesdown skirts and girls’ trousers are available only from Hewitts of Croydon · Plain white school shirt

· White football or hockey socks (Winter) · Short ankle socks (Summer)

· College tie in College colour (Aquila=Blue, Orion=Green, Pegasus=Purple, Phoenix=Maroon)

· College plain-knit V-neck sweater for Year 11 in College colour (Aquila=Blue, Orion=Green, Pegasus=Purple, Phoenix=Maroon)

· Black plain-knit V-neck sweater with no motif (optional)

· Plain black knee-length socks or plain black tights

· Plain black knee-length socks or plain black tights

· Plain black low-heeled sensible shoes · Plain black outdoor coat

· Black skort (girls only) (girls can choose to wear either the black skort or black shorts)

· Plain black low-heeled sensible shoes (not canvas or trainers)

· Black hairbands

· School tracksuit (optional)

· Plain black bag (to be carried on back)

· All items must be clearly marked with owner’s name; embroidery and labels available from Hewitts

· Plain black outdoor coat · Black hairbands · Plain black bag, (to be carried on back)

· Studded footwear (outdoors) · Trainers · Black shorts (for both boys and girls)

School Uniform Supplier Hewitts of Croydon 45 Church Street, Croydon CR9 1QQ 020 8688 1830 / 020 8680 4555

· Students are allowed one single pair of studs worn in the lower ear – no other jewellery is allowed, including any visible body piercings/ tongue studs. Nail varnish and nail extensions are not allowed; discrete, subtle make-up is permitted for students in year 10–11. · Hair should not be dyed an unnatural colour or be bizarre/ attention seeking in any other way; hair must not be shaved shorter than a number 2 and hairbands, if worn, should be black. · Shoes should be plain. No platforms, boots, sling-backs, open-toe shoes, trainers or canvas shoes are allowed. · For girls, either tights or socks should be worn, not both. · Belts and hijabs, if worn, should be plain black. · Bags should also be plain black, worn over the shoulder and large enough to hold A4 books; handbags are not suitable for school.

Admission Criteria Entry to Year 7 There are 328 places available in Year 7 each year. In the event of applications exceeding the number of available places, the following criteria will be applied.

1. Looked After Children Priority will be given to students in the care of a local authority at the time of application and also students who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order, immediately after being looked after. An application made under this category must be supported by a letter from the relevant Local Authority’s Children’s Department and/or relevant documents including a copy of adoption, residence or special guardianship order where applicable.

2. Primary School Attended Priority will be given to students transferring from Atwood, Greenvale, Gresham, Harris Primary Academy Kenley and Selsdon primary schools.

3. Medical Reasons Places may be offered to any children whose parents are able to provide medical evidence, at the time of application, from a registered health professional that entry to The Collegiate rather than any other is essential.

4. Ability Up to 15% of pupils admitted each year will be selected on the basis of their performance in an Entrance Examination made up of tests in English, Mathematics and Science, set and administered by the Collegiate.

In the event of tied scores in the examination, priority will be given to the child with the higher score in the Science section of the examination. Students must score above 67% on the test in order to be considered for an ability place. Please note however that if such a score places a student outside the top 15% or 48 performers, they cannot be offered a place under this criterion in the first round of offers made by the Local Authority. However these students will be placed on an ability waiting list and could subsequently be offered a place if others above them do not accept their offer.

5. Sibling Criteria The word sibling refers to all blood, half, foster, step and adoptive brothers and sisters (not cousins) who are on roll at the date of admission of the younger sibling and who live at the same home, in the same family unit as the child on a permanent basis and where the home address is within a 2 mile radius of Riddlesdown Collegiate. The measurement is taken as a direct line from the front gate of the Collegiate to the front door of the home. A sibling connection does not apply for children whose older siblings will/may be attending College VI in years 12 & 13 unless the sibling previously attended the Collegiate in years 7 to 11 for at least one year.

6. Geography All remaining places will then be allocated to children on the basis of distance from the Collegiate. This distance will be measured as a direct line from the front gate of the Collegiate to the front door of the home at which the student normally resides. In the case of multioccupancy residence e.g. a block of flats, stairways, corridors and walkways will be measured to the front door of the specific flat or apartment in which the child is permanently resident.

In the case of separated parents, if a child spends time with both parents, the home address is deemed to be that of the parent who receives the Child Benefit payment. In the event of a tie, priority will be given to the child whose journey to school via public transport is the shortest distance. A map is available online showing the area from which places have been offered to children in previous years.

An address within this area does not guarantee a place at the Collegiate.

For those who wish to enter for the Entrance Examination (this is unavailable if the child meets criteria 1, 2, or 3.) the test will be held on the morning of the first Saturday in October.

Please check the Croydon Education website for details of all deadline dates for each year. Applications received after the closing date will not normally be considered until after the offer date.

To apply for a place at Riddlesdown Collegiate, please make sure you do two things: 1. Complete the Riddlesdown Collegiate Supplementary Form and submit it to the Collegiate. It is easier to do this online via our website. If you need a hard copy you can print it out from the website, or collect it from the Collegiate.

2. Complete the Local Authority form according to the requirements and return it by the due date.

If you only complete one of these forms, your application will not be considered.

Full details on the criteria and information on how to apply to the Collegiate are available on our website.

GCSE PERFORMANCE BY SUBJECTS 2015

Provisional Term Dates for 2016/17 Autumn Term

5+ A*-C INC. ENG & MA

EBACC

2015

72%

34%

2014

74%

32%

2013

68%

30%

2012

59%

23%

2011

69%

17%

2010

66%

-

2009

66%

-

2008

59%

-

First Day of Term: 4th January 2017

2007

63%

-

Half Term holiday: 13th – 17th February 2017

2006

54%

-

Last Day of Term: 7th April 2017

2005

50%

-

First Day of Term: 5th September 2016 Half Term holiday: 24th October – 4th November 2016 Last Day of Term: 20th December 2016

Spring Term

Summer Term A*

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

ADDITIONAL MATHS

3

12

19

45

0

0

0

0

ART

1

6

2

9

17

11

0

0

BIOLOGY

15

36

25

11

0

0

0

0

BUSINESS STUDIES

5

14

32

30

33

9

9

3

CHEMISTRY

17

37

26

7

0

0

0

0

CLASSICS

0

0

6

5

1

2

3

0

CORE & ADDITIONAL SCIENCE

5

29

115

137

71

29

10

1

DANCE

0

1

1

3

3

4

1

0

DRAMA

1

10

12

16

4

0

0

0

ECONOMICS

2

6

12

7

1

1

2

0

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

11

49

92

114

30

11

0

1

ENGLISH LITERATURE

18

56

102

90

32

10

1

0

FOOD TECH

0

2

5

18

4

1

0

5

FRENCH

1

12

9

32

33

9

2

0

GEOGRAPHY

10

32

43

33

33

13

12

5

GERMAN

0

3

3

0

0

0

0

0

GRAPHIC DESIGN

2

7

7

9

5

4

0

0

HISTORY

5

16

32

24

16

6

5

6

ICT

2

57

78

103

49

0

0

0

LATIN

3

7

14

11

2

1

0

0

MATHEMATICS

29

47

86

78

51

13

0

0

MEDIA (BTEC)

0

0

0

6

0

0

0

0

MEDIA STUDIES

1

9

20

38

30

5

0

0

MUSIC

3

5

8

4

5

3

0

0

PE

1

14

23

30

9

4

0

0

PHYSICS

15

36

25

10

1

0

0

0

RE

24

61

86

61

33

26

7

5

RESISTANT MATERIALS

0

10

4

14

5

2

4

0

SPANISH

1

12

14

44

26

8

5

0

First Day of Term: 24th April 2017 Half Term holiday: 29th May – 2nd June 2017 Last Day of Term : 21st July 2017

Daily Routine Start of Day: 8.45 am End of Day: 3.25 pm

Parents should take careful note of the above dates before arranging family holidays.

If it is not possible to arrange an annual holiday during school vacations, students may be allowed to miss a maximum of ten school days in any year to accompany parents on holiday. An official Holiday Form must be obtained from the Collegiate and must be completed in advance. Please note that permission for absence for holiday is unlikely to be given to any student in Years 10–13.

Safeguarding of Young People Riddlesdown Collegiate in common with all schools has a statutory duty to assist social services departments acting on behalf of children in need or enquiring into allegations of child abuse. We also have a pastoral responsibility towards our students and we recognise that they have a right to be protected from harm. Students cannot learn effectively unless they feel safe and secure. We therefore have a Child Protection Policy which reflects both our statutory duty and our pastoral responsibilities. A copy of this policy can be requested by contacting the Collegiate.

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Riddlesdown Collegiate Honister Heights Purley Surrey CR8 1EX Phone: 020 8668 5136 Fax: 020 8660 9025 Email: admin@riddlesdown.org

www.riddlesdown.org