Ad Caelestia Sequere
Reach for the Stars Our school motto is what we encourage our students to do and at Highworth we promote a community where all members are: • • • • •
Reflective, creative and innovative Eager for life-long learning Aiming to achieve their full potential Considerate, confident, independent individuals Happy in a caring, respectful community
Achievement of pupils: Outstanding Quality of teaching: Outstanding Behaviour and safety of pupils: Outstanding Leadership and management: Outstanding Overall effectiveness: Outstanding
School
2013 2014
Ofsted Outstanding
Page 1
Welcome I feel honoured to have the privilege of leading such a fantastic school which has an excellent standing in the local community. The students at Highworth are highly motivated and thrive on the high standards we expect. We try very hard to make the students feel valued and secure to enjoy their learning. We care about our students and they care about each other which creates a happy and supportive environment.
Paul Danielsen Headteacher
It is important to us that students can enjoy challenges and remain positive if they encounter any setbacks. We want them to be creative in finding different ways to solve problems and not give up at the first hurdle. Furthermore, we want them to be confident to ask their teachers interesting questions to deepen their understanding and engage fully in the learning process. All of these things make our students better prepared to become life-long learners. Highworth offers exciting challenges and we are eager to work in partnership with you to provide the best possible education for your daughter. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Highworth.
Page 2
Representing the Students The Senior Prefect Team are the leaders and representatives of the students at Highworth. The selection process includes a presentation to the whole school, a student vote and formal interviews. Our first priority is to act as a means of communication between students and staff. The team runs Student Voice meetings as a vital form of communication within the school.
We hope to be both student leaders and role models. We are keen to show our appreciation in our final year by giving something back to the school. We would encourage every student to make the most of all of the extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities on offer. Most of all, we hope that every student feels welcome and valued as a member of the Highworth community.
Page 3
The Community Captains support the Directors of Learning and Student Support Managers to develop vibrant and successful Learning Communities. Our priority is to ensure that every student feels able to approach us for help and support. All students are involved in Community events like Sports and Rounders Day to develop team spirit and a collective identity. Our daily Mentor Period allows students of different ages to discuss current affairs and study skills solutions. Community Captains often devise games, quizzes and activities for these sessions.
Another part of our role is to take the lead in raising money for different charities that are proposed by students from each Community. We hope that all new students to the school will enjoy participating fully in their Learning Community.
Page 4
Joining the School Highworth admits girls into Year 7 from about forty different primary schools in the area. The county selection procedure is used to assess students as suitable for a grammar school education. As a designated physical disability school, we offer selective places to girls with a range of physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. There are opportunities for prospective parents and their daughters to visit Highworth before they make their choice of secondary school during the Open Evening on Thursday 18 October from 6.00 – 8.00pm and the Open Morning which takes place on Friday 19 October from 9.00 – 10.30am. Girls can be admitted to other years, following tests and the recommendation of their current school. Students (girls and boys) also join at 16+ to follow Sixth Form courses. Please see our Sixth Form Prospectus for entrance requirements and details.
Numbers on Roll 11th September 2018 Year 7
220
Year 8
194
Year 9
201
Year 10
231
Year 11
194
Year 12
217
Year 13
237
TOTAL:
1494
There are six forms of entry per year in Years 8, 9 and 11 and seven forms of entry in Years 7 and 10. The school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 184. We received 200 first choice applications after sitting the 11+ selection tests for entry into Year 7, 2018.
Page 5
Rates of Authorised and Unauthorised Absence September 2017 to April 2018
Total number of registered students of 1001 compulsory school age on roll Percentage of half days missed through Authorised Absence
2.9
Percentage of half days missed through Unauthorised Absence
0.4
Percentage of all absences
3.3
Number of students with Unexplained 84 or Unauthorised Absence
Page 6
Exploring the Curriculum Our curriculum supports our REACH values and aims to provide continuity between the key stages, whilst also offering new challenges and opportunities for students moving into the next stage of their education. It is delivered via fifty periods over a two week cycle.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
• A very broad range of subjects is studied including Music, Dance and Drama.
• All students begin their GCSE courses in Year 9.
• Computing is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 and 8 and the skills learned are reinforced and developed in other subjects. • All students study two Modern Foreign Languages in Year 7 before choosing to specialise in one of these languages in Year 8. • There is an extensive and comprehensive Design and Technology programme throughout the key stage, making use of excellent facilities.
• The core subjects of English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics and Religious Studies are followed by all students. • Provision is made for a broad choice of option subjects. • All students are required to follow courses which allow them to obtain the EBacc. • Year 9 students study a REACH programme which includes Dance, an introduction to Mindfulness and elements of Citizenship and study skills.
Full GCSE courses are offered in the following subjects: Art Business Studies Computer Science Dance Design & Technology Drama Economics French Geography German
History Italian Media Studies Music Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish
Page 7
Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Other Aspects of the Curriculum
• Students typically study three A Level courses in Year 12. New specifications mean that most are two year courses.
• All students follow a programme of: Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE); Religious Education; Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development (SMSC); Physical Education; Careers Education; and Citizenship. Focus days and Mentor Periods allow us to deliver additional enrichment experiences.
• Around 30 A Level subjects are offered: Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Dance Economics Film Studies English Language and Literature English Literature
French Geography German Government and Politics History Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Music
Photography Physical Education Physics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Theatre Studies
• There is an option for students to undertake an Extended Project to pursue their independent studies.
• Careers advice includes Focus Day events as well as bespoke guidance from an independent careers service. Alumni talks enhance the advice and guidance on careers given to all year groups. • Compulsory Supplementary Study in Year 12 and Year 13 encourages students to develop good study habits, and a new programme of Co-curricular activities provides students with the opportunity to acquire broader life skills.
Page 8
Religious Education and Collective Worship
Provision for More Able Students
Assemblies take place regularly along with personal Mentor meetings. Assemblies may be taken by the Headteacher, staff or students, are non-denominational and are intended to give an opportunity for collective worship, consideration of moral issues, personal reflection and the celebration of success and achievement.
The nature of the school’s intake, based on the 11+ selection procedure, results in us having many students with high prior attainment and we do much to develop their potential both within the curriculum and as extensions to it. There are numerous opportunities in all of our creative subjects (Art, Dance, PE, Music, Drama) as well as a wide range of school trips and visits in most curriculum areas. Furthermore, we offer extensive support to a growing number of students accessing places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
All Year 7-11 students attend Religious Education lessons. Religious Studies is studied by all students to GCSE and can also be taken to A Level. It plays a key role in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students enabling them to be young people who appreciate the complexities of living in modern British society. The subject has been awarded the gold RE Quality Mark and has a county and national reputation for its innovative work.
Additional Educational Needs Highworth is committed to meeting the needs of all our students irrespective of disability, gender or race. Students with special needs are identified and provision is made for their inclusion into all areas of the curriculum, wherever possible, whilst recognising the need to liaise with outside agencies to offer relevant and positive support.
Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 seeking early leadership opportunities can apply to become a Community or Subject Ambassador. They must meet at least one of the set criteria which include high academic achievement, commitment and enthusiasm. The strategy allows students to develop their expertise and build the skills necessary for Sixth Form Prefect roles. Our Reward System encourages all students to develop approaches and attitudes which: contribute to the school community; develop independence; and lead to successful life-long learning. We congratulate students on their successes and celebrate their achievements by awarding them with a Bronze, Silver and Gold Superstar Certificate which can lead to extension activities (within and outside school), conferences and workshops.
Page 9
Times of the School Day 08.45am
Period 1
09.45am
Period 2
10.50am
Morning Break
11.10am
Period 3
12.10pm
Mentor Period
12.35pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Period 4
2.30pm
Period 5
3.35pm
End of School Day
Enjoying the School Day The school is open from 7.45am until 5.00pm from Monday to Thursday and until 4.30pm on Friday so that students can complete homework and coursework, use the Library or attend clubs. Parents will be notified in advance if students are staying later than 5.00pm for supervised after school activities.
Page 10
Uniform Uniform is worn by students in Years 7 to 11 and we have a clear and strict uniform policy encouraging students to wear their uniform with pride, as well as demonstrating a sense of belonging to the Highworth community.
General Requirements Fitted Jacket: Navy Blue with school logo Skirt: Bedford Check , Navy pencil skirt with school logo (Year 11 only) Trousers (Optional): Navy Blue with school logo No denim or High Street fashion style Blouse: Pale blue, long or short sleeved school blouse, with revered collar (button-down pockets or collars are not uniform) Casual polo shirts are not uniform Jumper with Logo: Highworth mid-grey jumper with Learning Community school logo Outdoor Coat: Navy or Black, not denim or leather. No Hoodies Shoes: Black shoes with closed-in toes and heels. Heels should not be higher than 5cm. No boots, canvas shoes, sandals or trainers Ankle Socks or Tights: Black. No patterned or footless tights. No leggings Headscarves: A black, grey or navy headscarf may be worn to respect religious observance
Page 11
Year 7 Physical Education Kit (From September 2018)
P.E. Shirt with logo: Navy/Petrol blue with school logo
Year 8-11 Physical Education Kit P.E. Shirt: Sky blue, short-sleeved polo shirt with collar
Skort with logo: Navy with school logo
Socks: Sky blue knee length hockey socks and white ankle sports socks
Shorts with logo (optional): Navy – with school logo, plain, with no stripes or other decoration
Skort: Navy (skirt with inner short), plain, with no stripes or other decoration
Hoodie Top with logo: Navy/Petrol blue with school logo
Shorts (optional): Navy football-style, plain, with no stripes or other decoration
Socks: Navy knee length hockey socks and white ankle sports socks
Hoodie Top with logo: Navy with school logo
Trainers: Any proper sports style, not fashion trainers, plimsolls, ‘converse’ or boot style
Trainers: Any proper sports style, not fashion trainers, plimsolls, ‘converse’ or boot style
Shin Pads: are compulsory for hockey and football
Shin Pads: are compulsory for hockey and football
Mouth Guards: are recommended for hockey
Mouth Guards: are recommended for hockey
Base layer top and leggings (optional): Navy, with white ‘Highworth’ printing, to be worn under polo shirt and skort/ shorts
Base layer top and leggings (optional): Navy, with white ‘Highworth’ printing, to be worn under polo shirt and skort/shorts
All Students purchasing new items of P.E. kit should do so from the September 2018 new P.E. list above
Other requirements for P.E. : Hair must be tied back if long enough to do so All jewellery including earrings and watches must be removed
Dance Kit
Additional Expectations
KS3: Plain black T-shirt with small sleeves (not a strappy top). Black tracksuit bottoms or black leggings (no short trousers or zips)
Hair: One natural colour No extreme hair styles are tolerated (this includes partially or totally shaved hair with or without patterns)
KS4 & KS5: Black leotards and plain black T-shirts or dance T-shirt and Black Jazz Trousers
Hair Accessories: Should be unobtrusive, blue, black, white or grey
Please note that the school has its own uniform supplier.
Jewellery: One pair of discreet stud earrings – removable for P.E. /Dance One wrist watch Nose and body piercing is not allowed for Health and Safety reasons Make-up: It is not appropriate to wear make-up for school
Page 12
Becoming Subject Leaders Music Ambassadors “The opportunities we have been given as Music Ambassadors (from Years 7-11) have positively impacted not only our skills as collaborating musicians but also qualities that are useful in everyday challenges. We have developed our confidence especially in working with other year groups to continue
making Highworth’s Music department even better. We are always enthusiastic about getting involved in fun school activities, such as helping to set up the Highworth June Alternative Concert (HiJAC).” Siena Barr Music Ambassador, Year 10
Page 13
Maths Prefects “Being a Maths Prefect gives us the opportunity to interact and encourage students from all years to strive to reach their potential. With our experience of moving up through the year groups, we are in the best position to support younger students using the knowledge that has already been passed on to us during our time at Highworth.
This Prefect role is not only enjoyable but also gives us the opportunity as individuals to grow in confidence and expand our skills in communication.� Meg Watt Maths Prefect, Year 13
Page 14
GCSE Full Courses Summer 2018 (Provisional Results) Subject
Results as at 7th September
Entries
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
9 to 7 grades
9 to 5 grades
APS
Art
No %
59
11 18.6
12 20.3
13 22
12 20.3
11 18.6
0 0
0 0
0 0
36 61
59 100
7.00
Biology
No %
144
36 25
42 29.2
32 22.2
25 17.4
5 3.5
4 2.8
0 0
110 76.4
140 97.2
7.47
0
Chemistry
No %
144
34 23.6
48 33.3
25 17.4
26 18.1
6 4.2
4 2.8
1 0.7
0 0
107 74.3
139 96.5
7.43
Computer Science
No %
19
0 0
3 15.8
4 21.1
7 36.8
2 10.5
2 10.5
1 5.3
0 0
7 36.8
16 84.2
6.05
Dance
No %
27
5 18.5
13 48.1
3 11.1
6 22.2
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
21 77.8
27 100
7.63
Drama
No %
37
1 2.7
6 16.2
13 35.1
10 27
5 13.5
2 5.4
0 0
0 0
20 54.1
35 94.6
6.51
English Language
No %
182
14 7.7
26 14.3
59 32.4
44 24.2
29 15.9
8 4.4
2 1.1
0 0
99 54.4
172 94.5
6.56
English Literature
No %
182
28 15.4
38 20.9
48 26.4
47 25.8
19 10.4
1 0.5
1 0.5
0 0
114 62.6
180 98.9
7.01
French
No %
51
2 3.9
11 21.6
13 25.5
12 23.5
8 15.7
4 7.8
1 2
0 0
26 51
46 90.2
6.43
Geography
No %
99
26 26.3
23 23.2
24 24.2
14 14.1
8 8.1
1 1
3 3
0 0
73 73.7
95 96
7.30
German
No %
67
4 6
10 14.9
18 26.9
11 16.4
14 20.9
10 14.9
0 0
0 0
32 47.8
57 85.1
6.24
History
No %
122
25 20.5
38 31.1
30 24.6
12 9.8
12 9.8
3 2.5
2 1.6
0 0
93 76.2
117 95.9
7.29
Maths
No %
182
19 10.4
27 14.8
47 25.8
46 25.3
35 19.2
8 4.4
0 0
0 0
93 51.1
174 95.6
6.58
Music
No
36
6.64
% P.E.
No
21
% Physics
No
144
%
4
5
8
14
4
0
1
0
17
35
11.1
13.9
22.2
38.9
11.1
0
2.8
0
47.2
97.2
5
3
6
7
0
0
0
0
14
21
23.8
14.3
28.6
33.3
0
0
0
0
66.7
100
23
29
37
33
11
10
1
0
89
133
16
20.1
25.7
22.9
7.6
6.9
0.7
0
61.8
92.4
7.29 6.90
RE
No %
179
18 10.1
52 29.1
49 27.4
37 20.7
18 10.1
5 2.8
0 0
0 0
119 66.5
174 97.2
7.00
Spanish
No %
52
12 23.1
11 21.2
10 19.2
11 21.2
6 11.5
1 1.9
1 1.9
0 0
33 63.5
50 96.2
7.10
Total
No %
1747
267 15.3
397 22.7
439 25.1
374 21.4
193 11.0
63 3.6
14 0.8
0 0
1103 63.1
1670 95.6
6.96
Page 15
Unreformed GCSE subject
Entries
A^
A*
A
B
C
D
E
F/G/U
A*-A
A*-B
APS
Additional Maths
No %
46
6 13
19 41.3
10 21.7
9 19.6
2 4.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
35 76.1
44 95.7
6.60
Chinese
No %
1
0 0
1 1.9
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
1 100
1 100
5.45
Business Studies
No
53
0
3
13
23
11
3
0
0
16
39
5.45
0
5.7
24.5
43.4
20.8
5.7
0
0
30.2
73.6
0
3
4
8
5
1
0
0
7
15
0
14.3
19.0
38.1
23.8
4.8
0
0
33.3
71.4
% No
Italian
21
% No
Product Design
58
0
21
22
11
4
0
0
0
43
54
0
36.2
37.9
19.0
6.9
0
0
0
74.1
93.1
6
47
49
51
22
4
0
0
101
152
3.4
26.3
27.4
28.5
12.3
2.2
0
0
56.4
84.9
Entries
9-9
9-8
8-8
8-7
7-7
7-6
6-6
6-5
5-5
5-4
APS
38
0 0
0 0
0 0
2 5.3
2 5.3
9 23.7
3 7.9
11 28.9
9 23.7
2 5.3
5.79
A^/A*9/8
A/7
B/6
C/5/4
D/3
E/2/1
9 to 7 grades
9 to 5 grades
717 36.5
492 25.1
437 22.3
300 15.3
18 0.9
0 0
1209 61.6
1881 95.8
% Total (unreformed)
No
179
%
Trilogy Science Science Double Award
No %
Entries Overall totals
No %
1964
Attainment 8 score: 71.4
5.97 7.21
6.27
English Baccalaureate APS: 6.98
Summary of GCSE results 2018 for students at the end of KS4 Year
3+9/8/7/A*/A (%)
5+9/8/7/A*/A (%)
2+ 9-4 Science (%)
English Baccalaureate: Strong Pass (%)
English Baccalaureate: Standard Pass (%)
2018
81
67.6
99.4
80.7
96.2
2017
80
62.8
97.2
83.9
88.9
2016
77.4
61.8
94.6
87
2015
74.7
58.2
97.3
87
2014
75.9
64.7
95.1
86
Page 16
A Level Summer 2018 (Provisional Results) Subject
Results as at 7th September
Entries
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
A* to B
A* to E
Av points/ entry
Art
No %
12
5 41.7
2 16.7
4 33.3
1 8.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
11 91.7
12 100
49.2
Biology
No %
75
7 9.3
13 17.3
20 26.7
15 20
12 16
7 9.3
1 1.3
40 53.3
74 98.7
35.1
Business Studies
No %
22
1 4.5
3 13.6
3 13.6
9 40.9
6 27.3
0 0
0 0
7 31.8
22 100
32.7
Chemistry
No %
66
4 6.1
16 24.2
18 27.3
12 18.2
13 19.7
3 4.5
0 0
38 57.6
66 100
36.5
Computing
No %
4
0 0
0 0
2 50
1 25
0 0
1 25
0 0
2 50
4 100
30
Dance
No %
10
0 0
3 30
2 20
3 30
2 20
0 0
0 0
5 50
10 100
36
Economics
No %
22
1 4.5
4 18.2
7 31.8
8 36.4
1 4.5
1 4.5
0 0
12 54.5
22 100
36.8
English Lit / Lang
No %
19
0 0
4 21.1
9 47.4
4 21.1
2 10.5
0 0
0 0
13 68.4
19 100
37.9
English Literature
No %
33
3 9.1
13 39.4
13 39.4
3 9.1
1 3.0
0 0
0 0
29 87.9
33 100
44.2
Film Studies
No %
8
0 0
3 37.5
5 62.5
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
8 100
8 100
43.8
French
No %
7
1 14.3
2 28.6
2 28.6
2 28.6
0 0
0 0
0 0
5 71.4
7 100
42.9
Geography
No %
33
3 9.1
8 24.2
11 33.3
9 27.3
2 6.1
0 0
0 0
22 66.7
33 100
40.3
German
No %
6
2 33.3
0 0
1 16.7
3 50
0 0
0 0
0 0
3 50
6 100
41.7
Gov&Politics
No %
16
2 12.5
4 25
6 37.5
4 25
0 0
0 0
0 0
12 75
16 100
42.5
History
No %
49
4 8.2
17 34.7
18 36.7
8 16.3
2 4.1
0 0
0 0
39 79.6
49 100
42.7
Maths
No %
64
8 12.5
17 26.6
21 32.8
7 10.9
8 12.5
3 4.7
0 0
46 71.9
64 100
40.2
Further Maths
No %
9
4 44.4
1 11.1
2 22.2
2 22.2
0 0
0 0
0 0
7 77.8
9 100
47.8
Music
No %
5
1 20
1 20
1 20
2 40
0 0
0 0
3 60
5 100
42
0
No %
8
2 25
1 12.5
4 50
1 12.5
0 0
0 0
0 0
7 87.5
8 100
45
P.E. / Sport Studies
Page 17
Subject
Entries
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
A* to B
A* to E
Av points/ entry
Photography
No %
10
2 20
3 30
5 50
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
10 100
10 100
47
Physics
No %
16
3 18.8
2 12.5
4 25.0
5 31.3
1 6.3
1 6.3
0 0
9 56.3
16 100
38.8
Product Design
No %
13
4 30.8
1 7.7
7 53.8
1 7.7
0 0
0 0
0 0
12 92.3
13 100
46.2
Psychology
No %
41
3 7.3
4 9.8
13 31.7
11 26.8
8 19.5
2 4.9
0 0
20 48.8
41 100
34.4
Religious Studies
No %
27
1 3.7
4 14.8
8 29.6
9 33.3
4 14.8
1 3.7
0 0
13 48.1
27 100
34.8
Sociology
No %
39
1 2.6
9 23.1
13 33.3
15 38.5
0 0
1 2.6
0 0
23 59
39 100
38.2
Spanish
No %
11
0 0
1 9.1
5 45.5
1 9.1
4 36.4
0 0
0 0
6 54.5
11 100
32.7
Theatre Studies
No %
9
1 11.1
2 22.2
3 33.3
2 22.2
1 11.1
0 0
0 0
6 66.7
9 100
40
634
63 9.9
138 21.8
207 32.6
138 21.8
67 10.6
20 3.2
1 0.2
408 64.4
633 99.8
38.9
Total A2 Extended Project (standalone 0.3 A Level)
No %
19
7 36.8
7 36.8
4 21.1
1 5.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
18 94.7
19 100
15.2
Total A Level and EP
No %
639.7
65.1 10.2
140.1 21.9
208.2 32.5
138.3 21.6
67 10.5
20 3.1
1 0.2
413.4 64.6
639 99.8
39
Number of Y13 Students: 210
Average points score per student: 117
Yearly Comparison of A Level Results
Destinations of Students 2018
Number of students entered for two or more A Levels or equivalent: 210 Year
A*/A (%)
B (%)
C (%)
D (%)
E (%)
U (%)
A*–B A*–E (%) (%)
Yr 11
Yr 12
Yr 13
Total number of students on roll September 2017
183
245
218
% who went on to a course at school
90
96
2018
31.9
32.5
21.8
10.6
3.2
0.2
64.4
99.8
% who went on to higher education
2017
36.3
26
24.3
10.8
2.2
0.3
62.3
99.7
% who went on to further education
8
3
4
2016
45.6
28.4
19.8
4.3
1.6
0.3
74
99.7
% entering employment or apprenticeships
0
0
7
2
1
2015
35.3
29
24.9
7.8
2.5
0.5
64.3
99.5
% other (Year 11 & 12)
2014
41.1
26.6
21.3
7.4
2.8
0.8
67.8
99.2
% other (Year 13, including Gap Year)
77
12
Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UD T: 01233 624910 office@highworth.kent.sch.uk www.highworth.kent.sch.uk
This general information leaflet relates to the plans for the school year 2018 – 2019 and was correct at September 2018, but it should not be assumed that there will be no change in any of the arrangements before or during the year in question or in subsequent years. Published October 2018