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. Our first priority is to act as a means of communication between students and staff. As a result, we run regular Student Voice meetings and are always looking for ways to make the school even more effective and enjoyable.
We are keen to demonstrate key skills that we have learnt throughout our school experience: we help to co-ordinate key events in the school calendar, drawing on teamwork and effective communication. We would encourage every student to make the most of the opportunities on offer to enrich their experience at Highworth. As student leaders, we aim to ensure 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. As Community Captains, it is our role to make every student feel comfortable and secure in their learning environment. From leading discussions and games during Mentor Periods to rallying team spirit on Sports Day, our aim is to involve everyone. We work closely with the Student Support Managers and Directors of Learning to ensure all members of the Community know that there is someone they can approach for any support that they might need.
Being in a Learning Community provides students with a sense of identity, new bonds and friendship. We hope that every new student to the school enjoys their experience with us and is very happy at Highworth.
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 17 October from 6.00 – 8.00pm and the Open Morning which takes place on Friday 18 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 12th September 2019 Year 7
219
Year 8
224
Year 9
197
Year 10
197
Year 11
229
Year 12
241
Year 13
215
TOTAL:
1522
There are six forms of entry per year in Years 9 and 10 and seven forms of entry in Years 7, 8 and 11. The school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 184. We received 232 first choice applications after sitting the 11+ selection tests for entry into Year 7, 2019.
Page 5
Rates of Authorised and Unauthorised Absence September 2018 to April 2019
Total number of registered students of 1039 compulsory school age on roll Percentage of half days missed through Authorised Absence
3.2
Percentage of half days missed through Unauthorised Absence
0.3
Percentage of all absences
3.5
Number of students with Unexplained 99 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, Art 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 Language Studies.
In addition to the core subjects, full GCSE courses are offered in the following subjects: Art Business Studies Computer Science Dance Design & Technology Drama Economics French
Geography German History Media Studies Music Physical Education 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 all 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 Computer Science Dance Drama and Theatre Economics English Language and Literature English Literature
Film Studies French Geography German History Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Music Photography
Physical Education Physics Politics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish
• 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. In addition, a 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 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, D&T and 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
Years 7 and 8 Physical Education Kit
Years 9-11 Physical Education Kit
P.E. Shirt with logo: Navy/Petrol blue with school logo
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 Hoodie Top with logo: Navy/Petrol blue with school logo Socks: Navy knee length hockey socks and white ankle sports socks Trainers: Any proper sports style, not fashion trainers, plimsolls, ‘converse’ or boot style Shin Pads: are compulsory for hockey and football 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
Skort: Navy (skirt with inner short), plain, with no stripes or other decoration Shorts (optional): Navy football-style, plain, with no stripes or other decoration Hoodie Top with logo: Navy with school logo Trainers: Any proper sports style, not fashion trainers, plimsolls, ‘converse’ or boot style Shin Pads: are compulsory for hockey and football 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 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
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
No extreme hair styles are tolerated (this includes partially or totally shaved hair with or without patterns)
Jewellery: One pair of discreet stud earrings – removable for P.E. /Dance One wrist watch Please note that the school has its own uniform supplier.
Nose and body piercing is not allowed for Health and Safety reasons Make-up: It is not appropriate to wear make-up or false beauty products (e.g. false nails or eyelashes) 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 11
Page 13
P.E. Prefects “ As P.E. Prefects, we have the responsibility of encouraging younger students to take part in activities and supporting older students with revision and practice for examinations. We have also helped to organise events such as Sports Day and Rounders Day which has developed our skills and confidence.
We have been lucky enough to be appointed in the year that our new Sports Centre, The Vink Centre, was built. This outstanding facility has given everyone even more opportunities to improve their fitness and health.” Savannah Harris Physical Education Prefect, Year 13
Page 14
GCSE Full Courses Summer 2019 (Provisional Results) Reformed GCSE Subject
Results as at 22nd August
Entries
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2/1/U
9 to 7 grades
9 to 5 grades
APS
Art
No %
73
11 15.1
12 16.4
27 37
14 19.2
9 12.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
50 68.5
73 100
7.03
Biology
No %
147
47 32
38 25.9
30 20.4
28 19
4 2.7
0 0
0 0
0 0
115 78.2
147 100
7.65
Business Studies
No %
52
3 5.8
13 25
14 26.9
13 25
8 15.4
1 1.9
0 0
0 0
30 57.7
51 98.1
6.75
Chemistry
No %
147
40 27.2
36 24.5
36 24.5
25 17
10 6.8
0 0
0 0
0 0
112 76.2
147 100
7.48
Computer Science
No %
16
2 12.5
4 25
3 18.8
3 18.8
2 12.5
1 6.3
1 6.3
0 0
9 56.3
14 87.5
6.63
Dance
No %
29
3 10.3
12 41.4
6 20.7
6 20.7
1 3.4
1 3.4
0 0
0 0
21 72.4
28 96.6
7.24
DT Product Design
No %
52
17 32.7
17 32.7
15 28.8
3 5.8
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
49 94.2
52 100
7.92
Drama
No %
18
0 0
4 22.2
1 5.6
8 44.4
4 22.2
1 5.6
0 0
0 0
5 27.8
17 94.4
6.17
Economics
No %
26
4 15.4
6 23.1
5 19.2
11 42.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
15 57.7
26 100
7.12
English Language
No %
193
24 12.4
47 24.4
48 24.9
52 26.9
15 7.8
7 3.6
0 0
0 0
119 61.7
186 96.4
6.96
English Literature
No %
193
34 17.6
45 23.3
59 30.6
40 20.7
12 6.2
3 1.6
0 0
0 0
138 71.5
190 98.4
7.21
Food Nutrition and Prep
No %
19
10 52.6
7 36.8
0 0
2 10.5
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
17 89.5
19 100
8.32
French
No %
59
2 3.4
5 8.5
16 27.1
10 16.9
12 20.3
10 16.9
3 5.1
1 1.7
23 39
45 76.3
5.78
Geography
No %
113
14
32
30
28
7
2
0
0
76
111
7.11
12.4
28.3
26.5
24.8
6.2
1.8
0
0
67.3
98.2
German
No %
72
3
6
19
20
18
5
1
0
28
66
4.2
8.3
26.4
27.8
25
6.9
1.4
0
38.9
91.7
No %
107
Italian
No %
Maths
No %
History
6.13
23
27
28
17
9
2
1
0
78
104
21.5
25.2
26.2
15.9
8.4
1.9
0.9
0
72.9
97.2
15
0 0
2 13.3
3 20
4 26.7
3 20
3 20
0 0
0 0
5 33.3
12 80
5.87
193
26 13.5
34 17.6
53 27.5
42 21.8
32 16.6
6 3.1
0 0
0 0
113 58.5
187 96.9
6.80
7.26
Page 15 Reformed GCSE Subject
Entries
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2/1/U
9 to 7 grades
9 to 5 grades
APS
Music
No %
40
7 17.5
7 17.5
9 22.5
12 30
4 10
1 2.5
0 0
0 0
23 57.5
39 97.5
6.95
PE
No %
25
5 20
5 20
5 20
8 32
2 8
0 0
0 0
0 0
15 60
25 100
7.12
Physics
No
147
7.09
% No
RE
193
% No
Spanish
52
% GCSE (9-1)
No
1981
Science Double Award
Additional Maths
0
0
0
91
147
0
0
0
61.9
100
48
59
44
32
7
2
0
1
151
190
24.9
30.6
22.8
16.6
3.6
1
0
0.5
78.2
98.4
3
7
12
11
7
9
3
0
22
40
5.8
13.5
23.1
21.2
13.5
17.3
5.8
0
42.3
76.9
7.51 6.02
495
426
185
54
9
2
1305
1916
25
21.5
9.3
2.7
0.5
0.1
65.9
96.7
Entries
9-9
9-8
8-8
8-7
7-7
7-6
6-6
6-5
5-5
5-4
APS
46
0 0
0 0
0 0
4 8.7
4 8.7
16 34.8
13 28.3
7 15.2
1 2.2
1 2.2
6.26
7.08
9/8/99/98/88
7/87/77
6/76/66
5/4/65/55
3/2
1/U
9 to 7 grades
9 to 5 grades
810 40
503 24.8
455 22.4
248 12.2
9 0.4
2 0.1
1313 64.8
1961 96.7
Entries
A^
A*
A
B
C
D
E
F/G/U
A*-A
A*-B
APS
52
3 5.8
12 23.1
18 34.6
12 23.1
7 13.5
0 0
0 0
0 0
33 63.5
45 86.5
6.68
No %
Attainment 8 score: 73.2
19 12.9
23
2027
Unreformed GCSE subject
37 25.2
455
No %
No %
32 21.8
355
All grades Overall totals
30 20.4
17.9
% Trilogy Science
29 19.7
English Baccalaureate APS: 7.02
Summary of GCSE results 2019 for students at the end of KS4 Year
3+ 9/8/7 %
5+ 9/8/7 %
2+ 9-4 Science (%)
English Baccalaureate: Strong Pass (%)
English Baccalaureate: Standard Pass (%)
2019
86.5
70.5
100
78.8
95.6
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
2013
77.3
60.2
96.1
88
Page 16
A Level Summer 2019 (Provisional Results) Main Subjects
Results as at 19th August
Entries
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
A*-B
A*-E
Av points per entry
Art
No %
19
4 21.1
6 31.6
8 42.1
1 5.3
0 0
0 0
0 0
18 94.7
19 100
46.8
Biology
No %
93
13 14
20 21.5
23 24.7
23 24.7
11 11.8
2 2.2
1 1.1
56 60.2
92 98.9
39
Business Studies
No %
13
0 0
1 7.7
8 61.5
2 15.4
2 15.4
0 0
0 0
9 69.2
13 100
36.2
Chemistry
No %
65
7 10.8
21 32.3
15 23.1
12 18.5
9 13.8
1 1.5
0 0
43 66.2
65 100
40.3
Computer Science
No %
10
0 0
0 0
3 30
3 30
2 20
1 10
1 10
3 30
9 90
26
Dance
No %
4
0 0
3 75
0 0
1 25
0 0
0 0
0 0
3 75
4 100
45
Economics
No %
17
5 29.4
1 5.9
8 47.1
2 11.8
1 5.9
0 0
0 0
14 82.4
17 100
44.1
English Lit / Lang
No %
14
0 0
1 7.1
6 42.9
7 50
0 0
0 0
0 0
7 50
14 100
35.7
English Literature
No %
31
7 22.6
4 12.9
10 32.3
9 29
0 0
1 3.2
0 0
21 67.7
31 100
41.9
Film Studies
No %
6
0 0
1 16.7
1 16.7
4 66.7
0 0
0 0
0 0
2 33.3
6 100
35
French
No %
12
1 8.3
2 16.7
5 41.7
2 16.7
1 8.3
1 8.3
0 0
8 66.7
12 100
37.5
Geography
No %
39
2 5.1
10 25.6
15 38.5
9 23.1
3 7.7
0 0
0 0
27 69.2
39 100
39.7
German
No %
12
0 0
3 25
4 33.3
3 25
0 0
2 16.7
0 0
7 58.3
12 100
35
Gov&Politics
No %
13
0 0
2 15.4
7 53.8
4 30.8
0 0
0 0
0 0
9 69.2
13 100
38.5
History
No %
54
5 9.3
10 18.5
28 51.9
9 16.7
2 3.7
0 0
0 0
43 79.6
54 100
41.3
Maths
No %
70
18 25.7
19 27.1
17 24.3
6 8.6
7 10
2 2.9
1 1.4
54 77.1
69 98.6
43.6
Further Maths
No %
12
1 8.3
8 66.7
3 25
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
12 100
12 100
48.3
Music
No %
16
1 6.3
2 12.5
10 62.5
3 18.8
0 0
0 0
0 0
13 81.3
16 100
40.6
PE / Sport Studies
No %
12
2 16.7
6 50
2 16.7
2 16.7
0 0
0 0
0 0
10 83.3
12 100
46.7
Page 17
Subject
Entries
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
A* to B
A* to E
Av points/ entry
Photography
No %
10
4 40
1 10
5 50
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
10 100
10 100
49
Physics
No %
20
2 10
6 30
6 30
3 15
3 15
0 0
0 0
14 70
20 100
40.5
DT Product Design
No %
19
4 21.1
1 5.3
5 26.3
6 31.6
3 15.8
0 0
0 0
10 52.6
19 100
38.4
Psychology
No %
62
4 6.5
9 14.5
28 45.2
16 25.8
4 6.5
1 1.6
0 0
41 66.1
62 100
38.4
Religious Studies
No %
25
2 8
4 16
13 52
4 16
2 8
0 0
0 0
19 76
25 100
40
Sociology
No %
33
2 6.1
3 9.1
18 54.5
9 27.3
1 3
0 0
0 0
23 69.7
33 100
38.8
Spanish
No %
5
0 0
0 0
3 60
1 20
1 20
0 0
0 0
3 60
5 100
34
Theatre Studies
No %
8
1 12.5
1 12.5
2 25
3 37.5
1 12.5
0 0
0 0
4 50
8 100
37.5
Total A2
694
85 12.2
145 20.9
253 36.5
144 20.7
53 7.6
11 1.6
3 0.4
483 69.6
691 99.6
40.3
Extended Project No (stand alone 0.3 A Level) %
19
9 47.4
8 42.1
2 10.5
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
19 100
19 100
16.1
699.7
87.7 12.5
147.4 21.1
253.6 36.2
144 20.6
53 7.6
11 1.6
3 0.4
488.7 69.8
697 99.6
40.4
Total A Level and EP
No %
Number of Y13 Students: 227
Average points score per student: 124.4
Yearly Comparison of A Level Results Year Students
Destinations of Students 2019
Grade percentages A*/A
B
Yr 12
Yr 13 236
D
E
U
A*-B A*-E
Total number of students on roll September 2018
193
219
2019
227
33.1 36.5 20.7
7.6
1.6
0.4
69.6 99.6
% who went on to a course at school
93
99
2018
210
31.9 32.5 21.8 10.6
3.2
0.2
64.4 99.8
% who went on to higher education
2017
194
37.1 25.5 24.4 10.5
2.2
0.3
62.6 99.7
2016
190
45.6 28.4 19.8
4.3
1.5
0.3
2015
178
35.3
7.8
2.5
0.5
29
C
Yr 11
24.9
74
99.7
64.3 99.5
75
% who went on to further education
6
0
1
% entering employment or apprenticeships
0
0
4
% other (Year 11 & 12)
1
1
% other (Year 13, including Gap Year)
20
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 2019 – 2020 and was correct at September 2019, 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 2019