Ad Caelestia Sequere
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
Welcome The last two Outstanding Ofsted reports praised all aspects of the school and made particular reference to the very high achievement of students and the strong sense of family and community. We care about our students and they care about each other and in such a supportive and happy environment, students enjoy the challenges of learning and strive to do their best. Moreover, as education is a life-long activity, students are encouraged to work co-operatively, independently and creatively while developing a confident approach to risk taking and problem solving. I am very proud to lead this creative and successful school with its strong reputation within the county and the local community. 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.
We are outstanding Achievement of pupils: Outstanding Quality of teaching: Outstanding Behaviour and safety of pupils: Outstanding Leadership and management: Outstanding Overall effectiveness: Outstanding
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The latest Ofsted summary gives me great pleasure and great pride because it confirms that Highworth’s continued aim is to deliver the best education to all of our students. Our REACH values summarise what education at Highworth embodies and reflect our positive learning environment where all students feel valued.
Paul Danielsen, Headteacher
Highworth Grammar School • Page 1
Students are supported & encouraged to
explore “The curriculum is exemplary.” OFSTED
Our broad and balanced curriculum allows students to pursue personal interests in a stimulating environment full of creativity and innovation. They are encouraged to develop their skills and talents and the majority of our students go on to higher education after achieving excellent GCSE and A Level qualifications. Through Student Voice and Student Governors, students make a valued contribution to their learning experiences and the management of the school.
“Critical Thinking lessons have helped me analyse in greater detail and reflect on my understanding.” Year 9 Student
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their own unique ideas & interests
Exploring New Horizons Millie loves science experiments because they are interesting and exciting. They have made her want to investigate the world in a different way and aim for a career in science.
“ You never know what will happen.” Millie, Year 9
Highworth Grammar School • Page 3
Fostering
life-long “I have got involved in lots of activities since joining Highworth – choir, netball, Art Club and Community Drama. They are great fun.” Year 7 Student Our varied curriculum goes beyond the classroom with students enjoying an extensive range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Trips and visits also add to their wider learning and offer exciting opportunities to students. Our Focus Days make students aware of real life issues and situations and help them prepare for adult life in the world beyond. The development of entrepreneurial skills, fostering an appreciation of healthy living and receiving career guidance are examples of the many activities students will experience. Use of the latest technology is encouraged to aid research and communication and to make learning more personalised and enjoyable.
Aiming for Gold Amy is proud to play for one of the top 20 clubs in England – Telstars (London).
“ I am thrilled to have been selected to play for the SouthEast Regional Netball Team.” Amy, Year 11 Highworth Grammar School • Page 4
“Students praise the many Focus Days’ activities that provide detailed information.” OFSTED
learning
Imogen has her sights on Wimbledon, playing tennis for Bethersden and Wye clubs.
“ It was brilliant to win the plate at Bromley Centre and reach the final of the Aegon tennis.” Imogen, Year 8
Highworth Grammar School • Page 5
Dancing Star Through Highworth, Caití has had opportunities to work with professional dancers and perform in different places and venues.
“ I successfully auditioned for the CAT scheme at Laban and I am looking forward to how it will shape my future.” Caití, Year 10
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“Outstanding teaching enables students to achieve exemplary results.” OFSTED
Innovative &
creative
in all we do
Creativity and innovation are key elements in our teaching and regular monitoring of individual progress results in students making sustained progress. Our Music Specialism provides exciting opportunities to learn to play an instrument, take part in local, national and international events and forge rewarding links with primary schools and businesses. Our six Learning Communities are named after famous female musicians and enjoyable cross-year musical activities enhance the harmony within Highworth. The popular Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme also allows students to set themselves personal goals and targets.
“We are given lots of opportunities to develop our creative talents – clubs, competitions, performances, displays. The teachers are very supportive.” Year 11 Student
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Fulfilling
potential Our standards and expectations are high and we pride ourselves in giving every student the opportunity to fulfil her potential. Hence, we cater for individual needs, aptitudes and learning styles and build on individual strengths and interests. With their subject teachers and further support from their mentors, students set clear, challenging but realistic targets which are reviewed regularly. At Highworth we praise achievement and excellence through our Positive Event system linked to the school’s REACH aims. Students can become superstars and the academic year culminates in the celebration of student success in our REACH Awards.
“Lessons are fun and teachers are approachable. They care about us and want us to do well.” Year 10 Student
Highworth Grammar School • Page 8
Maths Maestro Phoebe loves Maths because of the infinite possibilities and finding the correct answer.
“The challenges are intriguing and you always come up with new possibilities that will work ages after you have solved the problem.” Phoebe, Year 10
“Teachers ask probing questions that allow students to think independently and reflect intensely upon demanding concepts.” OFSTED
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A caring
“Students’ behaviour is exemplary. They receive high levels of care from staff.”
comm OFSTED
Penny Races for Charity Penny set herself the challenge of raising enough pennies to win her Community’s annual Penny Race.
“ It is important to get involved and do something for charity. I am very pleased to have raised £55.52.” Penny, Year 10
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munity “We feel valued because we know we are being listened to. There is always someone to help and the mentor group is really close.” Year 8 Student
Highworth is renowned for its excellent behaviour and the friendly, welcoming, caring nature of our students who actively support one another and the wider community. Each Learning Community adopts an annual charity and regularly presents a cheque for over £1000 at their individual REACH Awards Ceremony. Our vertical mixed-age mentor groups help students to form close bonds and treat others with consideration. Trust, tolerance, care and fun are the hallmarks of these groups. Mentors, Student Support Managers and Directors of Learning are there for every student. Younger students are inspired by older students who develop valuable leadership skills.
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“Students who continue into the sixth form enter with very high grades and they make excellent progress in a range of academic courses because of exemplary teaching and challenging concepts that sustain their interest.” OFSTED
Happy
confident individuals “I am pleased I have chosen Highworth for my sixth form because I know I will be given the best opportunities possible and I know how much the teachers care.” Year 12 Student
Through Highworth’s broad range of opportunities, students gain confidence to become independent, self-motivated learners ready to make a valuable contribution to society. Our successful sixth form, offering around 30 A Level courses, enables students to gain the necessary skills, qualifications and experiences to equip them for entry into higher and further education and employment. The sixth form also provides students with the opportunity to become members of the Student Management Team. Working closely with younger students and staff, they play an important role in the management of the school.
Art Lover Hannah finds Art enjoyable and exciting because of the numerous opportunities given to develop her creativity in different mediums, scales and formats.
“ The teachers give their full support and encourage entry into competitions so that we achieve our full potential.� Hannah, Year 10
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Quantock Drive, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UD T: 01233 624910 F: 01233 612028 office@highworth.kent.sch.uk
School
2013 2014
www.highworth.kent.sch.uk