Longdean School Rejoice in thy youth
OUR SCHOOL
“ As parents we could not have asked for a better experience and that is fully down to you and your dedicated team.” Year 11 Parent
Your child only gets one chance to have an excellent education and at Longdean School we are well placed to deliver this. Our focus is on empowering all students to become confident, responsible, lifelong learners and citizens. High quality teaching combined with personalised support and challenge allows our students to obtain the skills and qualifications which will give them control and choice over their futures. An innovative curriculum means that they are prepared for the world beyond school and for the jobs and careers of the future.
“ The Headteacher’s determination to create a high quality of education is a powerful factor in the academy’s success.” Ofsted
Longdean students have a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom and are members of a community, learning to care for and lead others, making a real contribution in school, locally or further afield. It is important to us that their time at school is enriching and joyful and that they leave school as well-rounded, emotionally-intelligent young people. Bright, modern facilities make them feel safe, valued and motivated. They are nurtured and cared for as individuals in order that they can thrive. We have a number of open events at which you and your child can talk to students and teachers and get a real feel for what it is to be a student of Longdean School by experiencing the school during a regular school day. We look forward to welcoming you. Mr Graham Cunningham, Headteacher
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STUDENT SUCCE At Longdean School student success is driven by the personable, professional relationships between staff and students. Students are happy to approach their teachers for support and teachers’ default position is to go the extra mile for their students. The literacy, numeracy and computing skills which underpin all subjects are actively developed through our daily slot in which every student and staff member “drops everything and reads” and our Mathematics and Computing specialism. Alongside their regular subjects, our Year 7s follow a special curriculum which includes the FPQ project qualification; guidance on how to learn; skills for the future; and the emotional intelligence and grit needed for resilience. Our unique Key Stage 4 curriculum gives students three years to focus on core subjects, the completion of a GCSE option subject in each of the years, a strong work ethic, raised achievement and reduced stress. Able students can also develop their independent research, report writing and presentation skills by taking an HPQ project qualification. Our wide-ranging Sixth Form courses and personalised, supportive approach give students an excellent platform for success beyond school, details of which can be found later in this prospectus. This curriculum offer, excellent careers guidance, work experience and mock interview opportunities mean that Longdean School students are well placed to leave school with the skills and results needed for the next steps in their education, training or employment and real control and choice over their futures.
“ Pupils behave well and are proud of their academy. They enjoy coming to school and value their teachers’ commitment and enthusiasm.” Ofsted 02
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“ I am overwhelmed at the outstanding personal touches that children and their parents receive from Longdean. Longdean was the right choice for my daughter.” Year 7 Parent 03
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM “ Fabulous opportunities! My boys have enjoyed every minute of Longdean and learned important life skills along the way too.” Parent
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Our strapline “Rejoice in thy Youth” reflects our view that childhood should be celebrated and that whilst exam results and qualifications are important, growing up is about so much more than this. Longdean’s pastoral care is second-to-none in ensuring that all students receive the nurturing they need. Small, mixed-age form groups enable older students to support younger ones with secondary school transition and the selection of GCSE courses. Divided into four Houses: Da Vinci, Franklin, Gates and Pascal – students’ care is overseen by an experienced team of Directors of House, Pastoral Managers and Form Tutors. We regularly enrich students’ learning and experiences by running trips to locations as nearby as St. Albans and as far afield as Iceland; holding special events such as British STEAM Week; and by promoting healthy competition in areas such as public speaking, chess, cookery and sports. A diverse range of groups, clubs and activities spark and foster new talents and passions. Current students and alumni include sportsmen and sportswomen competing at national and international level.
Student voice opportunities allow students to shape school life; engage in debates at School Parliament; and give back to their community by selecting charities for us to support. DofE Award and World Challenge participants explore new places with new friends and make meaningful and lasting contributions. As a result of everything we do beyond the classroom, our students feel safe and happy at school and are able to leave Longdean as well-rounded young people who willingly take on new things to challenge themselves.
“ The academy’s commitment to the pupils’ welfare is outstanding.” Ofsted
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COMMUNITY AND COLLABOR Whilst we have a state-of-the-art building, it is people rather than facilities which make Longdean School what it is. Our International Schools work has seen students undertake multiple international projects with real significance including the creation of an ICT suite and brand new high school for Bedomase in Ghana. Our students and staff value making these sorts of hands-on contributions to society and so a highlight of the school calendar is our annual whole-school Charity Walk Day on which all students, teachers and support staff walk across the countryside wearing fancy dress to raise over £6000 for the four local charities selected by each of the school’s Houses. This prevalent ethos of caring and respect has additional benefits, resulting in a vibrant, inclusive school community. Parents play an important role in our school community. Our regular canvassing of parental views; ample opportunities for parents to scrutinise and discuss a child’s progress; and efficient access to staff members via email, phone or meetings, make for a genuine partnership between school and home. Being part of the East Dacorum Cooperative Learning Trust gives our students unique access to other schools, businesses, charities, HE institutions and employers. This not only gives them special educational and work opportunities, but also the chance to work with others who share our ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
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“ Your students are a credit to their school; if the future of this country rests on their like, we have a good future.” Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer
“ Well-planned lessons, visits and visiting speakers enhance pupils’ awareness of the diversity and culture in modern Britain. These gain pupils’ interest and help them to develop tolerance.” Ofsted
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SIXTH FORM Our Sixth Form gives students the experiences, grades and skills that they need to enjoy and succeed at school and to flourish in the world beyond school. Students have a curriculum personalised to their abilities, needs and interests. They select from a wide range of Longdean and consortium courses and can pursue an area of personal interest by taking an Extended Project Qualification. High quality teaching; high expectations; a fantastic double-floor Sixth Form centre; and close monitoring by the Sixth Form team and departments further present every student with the opportunity to realise their potential. Personalised support and advice on apprenticeship, work and university pathways from a team of Connexions advisors and experienced Sixth Form tutors mean that students are not pigeonholed and can progress confidently into a wide range of training programmes, careers, Russell Group institutions, Oxbridge, drama schools and medical schools.
“ Our son achieved beyond our greatest expectations, not only in terms of academic success but also growing as a person and developing a real sense of belonging.� Year 13 Parent
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Enrichments, trips and extracurricular opportunities are just a small part of how Longdean fosters the development of students as well-rounded young people. Some students will play a role in the Sixth Form Leadership Team or mentor younger students. Every Longdean sixth former has a Prefect role and undertakes community service, giving them an edge in their leadership skills, confidence and sense of responsibility. The pastoral strengths of the school extend into the Sixth Form, where a well-planned PSHE programme and the support of a dedicated Learning Mentor help ensure that students can manage their learning and cope with the challenges and choices of life beyond school.
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Longdean School Rumballs Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8JB Tel: 01442 217 277 Email: admin@longdean.herts.sch.uk www.longdean.herts.sch.uk
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