EXCELLENCE AS A habit
Headteacher’s
welcome Welcome to our prospectus, in which we aim to capture what Northolt High School has to offer the young people in our care, their families and our local community. We are a happy, inclusive 11-19 school where students are well cared for, challenged and supported to make outstanding academic progress during their time with us. We are rightly proud of our school, which was praised in its most recent Ofsted report for its “culture and climate of high expectations”. We work closely in partnership with students and their families to ensure that our young people achieve excellent academic outcomes. We foster excellent relationships with the students in our care. Our students have pride in themselves, their work and their community. Whilst with us at Northolt High School, we teach our young people how to become active citizens who contribute to society positively at home, at work and at leisure. I hope that you will come along to visit our school to find out more about us. I look forward to meeting you. Marion Budd MA (Hons), MA (Ed), MBA
Northolt High School | 1
OUR VISION
EXCELLENCE AS A habit At Northolt High School, we encourage our students to develop strength of character, so that they become articulate and confident young people who secure the best academic outcomes possible. Our school motto, ‘Excellence as a Habit’, comes from a quotation by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. Our expectations of our students and staff are high in all areas including academic outcomes, students’ attitude towards their own learning, their learning behaviours and the quality of support offered to them as they learn.
“ Leaders’ relentless focus on improving the quality of teaching across the school has ensured that it is now consistently good.” Ofsted
2 | Northolt High School
Northolt High School | 3
Our Learning Learning matters at Northolt High School. We believe in the importance of teaching students how to become reflective and effective learners. As they develop their ‘learning muscles’, our students become more motivated and creative, and have the confidence to take risks and value challenge. We systematically monitor the quality of our learning and teaching and also evaluate each student’s progress throughout the academic year. Teachers intervene and modify the learning experience to ensure that students are stretched and supported to secure the highest outcomes possible.
“ Students try hard, work well together and are genuinely interested in their learning.” Ofsted
4 | Northolt High School
Community
Northolt High School | 5
OUR nurturing
environment We encourage Northolt High School students to become confident, articulate and socially skilled, with a strong sense of their place in society. Our curriculum provides many opportunities for students to explore their beliefs and values, so they become active and articulate members of our school and wider community. Older students are given opportunities to act as role models to younger students by, for example, becoming mentors and leaders on our Supported Reading Programme.
Our rules and codes of conduct are clear and our expectations of behaviour are high. This expectation is matched by a commitment to support our young people, with members of staff taking a nurturing approach and keeping in close contact with families. We place great emphasis on the transition from primary to secondary school to ensure that our youngest students quickly feel part of our community.
“ Very positive relationships between staff and students create a harmonious learning community.� Ofsted
6 | Northolt High School
Northolt High School | 7
8 | Northolt High School
OUR
curriculum All students in Key Stage 3 follow a rigorous academic curriculum which is balanced with practical subjects such as Ar t, Food and Design Technology, Drama, Music and PE. We place an emphasis on ensuring that students understand how they learn, so that their ‘learning power’ develops along with their subject skills and knowledge. Our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum is an important feature of Northolt High School. Key Stage 4 begins in Year 9 and students are able to personalise their curriculum. They follow a core academic pathway and, in addition, select subjects which match their interest and expertise. In our Sixth Form we offer a wide range of academic and vocational courses. Sixth formers have a dedicated Sixth Form centre and study rooms. We provide a rigorous cross-curricular programme to support students as they progress to university, apprenticeships or employment.
“ The governing body and senior leaders work cohesively and effectively together. They are highly reflective, analyse students’ progress very closely and are ambitious for the school.” Ofsted Northolt High School | 9
OUR enrichment
activities Learning is enhanced through the range of enrichment activities on offer to students at Northolt High School. We encourage students to involve themselves in the wider life of the school by providing many extra-curricular opportunities. Inter-form competitions, charity fundraising events, educational trips and visitors to the school all contribute to students’ learning experiences.
“ Across this large and diverse learning community, students show respect and courtesy towards each other, staff and the school environment.” Ofsted
10 | Northolt High School
Annual events such as Science Week and our school production are celebrated as opportunities for students to work together across year groups and develop a common interest. These activities also foster strong relationships between students and staff.
Northolt High School | 11
12 | Northolt High School
OUR new
School We are hugely excited to be in the process of building a brand new school. Our purpose-built school will provide world class facilities for all subject areas and will also be open for community use outside of school hours. We have the luxury of a spacious site which means that students’ learning will not be interrupted as building takes place. Please see our website for further details of this exciting project.
“ Students are proud of their school and their achievements.” Ofsted Northolt High School | 13
How to
Find Us Nor tholt High School is easily accessible by public transpor t. If you travel by bus, routes 90, 120, 140, 282, 395, E10 all bring you close to the school. If you travel by London Overground, Northolt Park Station is a mile away from the school. From the station, you can either walk or use bus routes 140, 395 or 282 to reach the school.
Eastcote Lane, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 4HP Tel: 020 8864 8544
Fax: 020 8426 9207
Email: admin@northolthigh.org.uk www.northolthigh.org.uk
If you travel by London Underground: •
Northolt Station on the central line is a 10 minute walk away from the school.
•
South Harrow Station on the Piccadilly Line is 1.3 miles away from the school. From the station, bus routes 140, 395, 398 and 487 get you to the school.