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
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Welcome It is a pleasure to introduce you to our vibrant school which combines a tradition of academic excellence with extensive pastoral support. Students at Highworth love learning and are highly motivated. We care about our students and they care about each other which creates a happy and supportive learning environment.
Duncan Beer Interim Headteacher
We aim to provide a broad academic curriculum that allows students to realise their own passions and interests. We want students to become confident learners who are reflective, perceptive and independent thinkers. We are an innovative school and encourage students to find creative ways to overcome challenges, better preparing them to become life-long learners as they reach for the stars. Highworth’s strength is built upon our community and we are eager to work in partnership with you to provide a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Highworth.
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Representing the Students The Senior Prefect Team are the leaders and representatives of the students at Highworth. As student representatives, we strive to ensure that every voice is heard, valued and encouraged. We form a bridge between staff and students to find ways of making our school even more outstanding. From motivating Highworth students to get involved with pitching their ideas in the Student Council, to running regular assemblies and radio sessions aimed at boosting morale, we maintain the strong studentfocused aspect of our school.
Consistent communication with members of staff on behalf of the students is vital to our roles and vital to making Highworth the best it can be for everyone. Making every student feel happy, confident and comfortable in our school environment is at the heart of all that we do. We believe strongly that the best way to achieve this is to encourage active participation and engagement in as many opportunities as possible to make the most out of the Highworth experience.
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The Community Captains support the Directors of Learning and Student Support Managers to develop vibrant and successful Learning Communities. We, as Community Captains, make it our mission to ensure the comfort and security of every student within our Learning Community (either AB, CS, EG, JP, KK, NS or VM). Our role involves cheering for our respective Communities on Rounders Day and Sports Day, creating an artistic performance for Community Drama and much more! We are there to give any advice and support, and work closely with Directors of Learning and Student Support Managers to ensure we provide a close-knit community environment.
Being in a Learning Community offers a great sense of identity in the school and provides students with a second family who are always there to support them. We hope that future Highworth students get involved in everything there is to offer and, finally, thrive in Highworth’s happy environment.
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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 students and their parents/carers to visit Highworth before they make their choice of secondary school during the Open Evening on Thursday 21 October from 6.00 – 8.00pm and the Open Morning which takes place on Friday 22 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 9th September 2021 Year 7
215
Year 8
224
Year 9
218
Year 10
226
Year 11
194
Year 12
237
Year 13
225
TOTAL:
1539
There are seven forms of entry per year in Years 7 to 10 and six forms of entry in Year 11. The school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 210. We received 359 first choice applications after sitting the 11+ selection tests for entry into Year 7, 2021.
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Vertical Tutoring Every student is assigned to a Mentor Group in a Learning Community. The Mentor Group has students from every Year Group which allows students to learn from each other and share their experiences. A Mentor will lead the sessions every day and offer guidance and support to the students.
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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 10.
• Computing is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 to 9 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.
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 Food French
Geography German History Media Studies Music Physical Education Spanish
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Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Other Aspects of the Curriculum
• Students typically study three A Level courses which are all 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.
• Nearly 30 A Level subjects are offered: Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science Dance Drama and Theatre Economics 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.
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Religious Education and Collective Worship
Personal Development
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 school provides numerous opportunities for students to achieve their full potential. Clubs and societies are advertised in school and on the website each term. They are an opportunity for students to develop areas of personal interest and even take part in local and national competitions.
All students in Years 7 to 11 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 At Highworth, special educational provision means any intervention for students which is additional to, or different from the educational provision made generally for students of their age. Our SEND policy details how the school will identify students with additional educational needs and how 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.
Our SIRIUS Careers and Employability Programme supports students in thinking about their skills, interests and aspirations for the future. Students are also encouraged to apply for leadership roles in the school which include Student Governors, Ambassadors, Digital Leaders and Prefects. The Rewards 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 as a Bronze, Silver or Gold Superstar. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) is provided for all students to help them feel ready for the world beyond school. Focus Days are provided for different Year Groups when they are off timetable and able to focus on the core themes of health and wellbeing, relationships, economic wellbeing, careers and the world of work. All staff contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students in the academic curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and pastoral support system.
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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.
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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) or Trousers: Navy blue with school logo Blouse: Pale blue, long or short sleeved school blouse, with revered collar Jumper (Optional): Highworth navy jumper with pale blue V-neck stripe 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
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Years 7-10 Physical Education Kit
Year 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 or
Socks: Sky blue knee length hockey socks and white ankle sports socks
Shorts with Logo: Navy with school logo 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: Compulsory for hockey and football Mouth Guards: 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
Skort: Navy, plain, with no stripes or other decoration or Shorts: 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: Compulsory for hockey and football Mouth Guards: 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: Plain black T-shirt or Dance T-shirt Black leggings or tracksuit bottoms. Year 11 students will need a black leotard for the practical examination
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
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Becoming Student Leaders Digital Leaders As Digital Leaders, we focus on issues to help people at Highworth feel safe and secure online. We support in many areas of online activity and can offer advice on anything from cyberbullying to misinformation.
Being Digital Leaders has increased our communication skills. In particular, we have learned to collaborate with each other effectively to create materials that will increase the online wellbeing of others. This is a team role which has allowed us to develop our knowledge and confidence.
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TEFL Team As part of International Learning Programmes, we have had the opportunity to complete a professional two-day TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification and apply our skills to tutor younger students who speak more than one language.
Our TEFL team has helped celebrate languages and explore a variety of different cultures through the Languages Pilot Project. As tutors, we have developed our leadership and communication skills as well as our confidence and have thoroughly enjoyed the invaluable experience.
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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 2021-2022 and was correct at September 2021, 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 2021