Oakmeeds Community College
Additional Information 2015/16
Admissions
Transition to Oakmeeds
Most students join Oakmeeds at age 11 after primary education at one of the five primary schools in Burgess Hill. In September 2015 we have 240 places available for Year 7 students.
Year 6 students entering the College benefit from involvement in an induction programme with highly experienced and dedicated staff, who work closely with the feeder schools to ensure a smooth transition to Oakmeeds.
Students in their final year at primary school will be issued with transfer documents via their Headteacher. The deadline for admissions applications for 2015 entry is 31st October 2014. All documents should be completed and returned to the Headteacher of the primary school, or completed online via the internet. Students who have not received a form should contact the Pupil Admissions Office on: 0845 0751007 or email: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk. Online applications can be made at: www.westsussex.gov.uk. Applications may be made from outside the Burgess Hill catchment area and admissions forms may also be obtained from the Pupil Admissions Office on: 0845 0751007 or email: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk. A separate document is available from the Area Education Office that describes the authority’s policy and arrangements for admission to its schools. It is also available at libraries within the county.
Visiting the College We warmly invite you to visit Oakmeeds to experience life at the College for yourself. Oakmeeds holds an annual Open Evening in the Autumn Term. All parents of children in Years 5 and 6 within the Oakmeeds catchment area receive an invitation via their school. Those outside the catchment area are also very welcome to attend and the relevant information can be sent on request. Attending the Open Evening will allow you to meet staff and pupils and to see the campus. We would also be delighted to arrange an individual appointment for you to meet with the Headteacher. To arrange a visit please contact the Head’s PA on: 01444 251689.
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Our transition programme includes: • Liaison meetings • Visits to feeder primary schools • Year 6 Parents Evening in June • Year 6 Induction Day in July Students joining other year groups will receive a booklet with detailed information for New Entrants, will have a tour of the campus and benefit from being given a student ‘buddy’ to help them settle in.
The College Day 8.25am
Warning Bell
8.30am
Registration
8.35 – 8.50am
Assembly
8.50 – 9.50am
Lesson 1
9.50 – 10.50am
Lesson 2
10.50 – 11.10am
Break
11.10am – 12.10pm
Lesson 3
12.10 – 1.10pm
Lesson 4
1.10 – 1.50pm
Lunch
1.50pm
Warning Bell
1.55 – 3pm
Registration and Lesson 5
The teaching time during the week represents 25 hours, with additional time used for Registration, Tutorials, Breaks and Assemblies. The day is divided into five sixty minute teaching periods, which may be joined as ‘doubles’ in some subjects. We work on a 10 day timetable.
Curriculum
Modern Foreign Languages
Oakmeeds provides all students with a broad and balanced curriculum. All our students are given opportunities to complete qualifications in as many subjects as possible at Key Stage 4 (KS4). Students will generally achieve between eight and twelve GCSEs or equivalents on leaving the College.
In Years 7 and 8 all students will study one foreign language and the vast majority will also study a second language. Some students may be selected for targeted support and will therefore not study a second language but instead follow our Learning to Learn curriculum. In Year 9 most students will continue with one of the modern foreign languages they have studied with a minority following a cultural awareness programme which looks more generally at languages and cultures around the world.
Key Stage 3: Years 7 – 9 All students in Years 7 to 9 devote most of their curriculum time to study subjects that form the core and foundation sections of the National Curriculum. These include: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Computing, Music and Art.
Current Key Stage 3 (KS3) lessons per fortnight Subject
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
When students enter the College they are taught in ability groups. English and Maths classes are set by English and Maths ability (based on Key Stage 2 results). In other subjects (Art, Computing, Music, Opening Minds, PE, Science and Technology) students are set by a combination of KS2 English, Maths and Science assessments. The Modern Foreign Languages department set by ability after an initial language assessment.
The curriculum for each year group in National Curriculum Key Stage 3 (KS3), and the number of 60 minute teaching periods devoted to each subject in a two-week timetable cycle, is shown in the table.
English
8
7
7
Mathematics
8
7
7
Science
6
6
6
In Year 7 all students follow an innovative Opening Minds course which includes aspects of History, Geography, Drama, RE and PSE. In Year 8, History, Geography and RE are taught as separate subjects and in Year 9 Drama is added to this list.
1st Modern Foreign Language*
3
4
5
2nd Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish)
3
4
Technology
4
4
5
Opening Minds promotes innovative and integrated ways of thinking about learning and the curriculum, and enables students not just to acquire subject knowledge but to understand, use and apply it within the context of their wider learning and life. It also offers students a more holistic and coherent way of learning which allows them to make connections and apply knowledge across different areas.
History
3
3
Geography
3
3
Opening Minds
Art
2
2
2
Music
2
2
2
Physical Education (PE)
4
4
4
2
2
Religious Education (RE) Drama
2
Computing/Business Education
2
Opening Minds
8
2
2
*In Year 7, students either study French or German according to year of entry
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Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11
A guidance Options Booklet, along with key dates, is distributed to help the information gathering process. In addition to the traditional route to a range of academic GCSEs, there have been many recent developments in the KS4 curriculum. Courses are reviewed annually and full details of the courses offered, syllabuses, qualifications and information about the split of examinations and coursework or controlled assessments, are given on the College website: www.oakmeeds.co.uk.
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Subject
Art & Design
Y
Biology
Y
Business Studies
Y
Chemistry
Y
D&T Food Technology
Y
D&T Resistant Materials
Y
D&T Textiles Technology
Y
French
Y
Geography
Y
German
Y
Health & Social Care
Cambridge Nationals
The remainder of their curriculum is subject to their option choices and we are keen to be flexible to allow as good a match of subjects to a student’s aptitudes and interests as possible. We are proud of the KS4 curriculum on offer. There are many subjects and pathways through the options and students and parents are offered a great deal of guidance, such as an Options Day for students and Options Evening for parents, to ensure they can make the best choices.
Subjects currently offered include:
GCSE
The curriculum in KS3 provides a sound foundation for the courses students will follow in Key Stage 4 (KS4). All students are required to follow the core curriculum of English (Language and Literature), Maths, Double Award GCSE Science, PE, RE and Personal and Social Education (PSE).
Y
History
Y
ICT
Y
Law
Y
Media, Film and TV Studies
Y
Music
Y
Photography
Y
Physical Education
Y
Physics
Y
Psychology
Y
Religious Studies
Y
Science
Y
Spanish
Y
Statistics
Y
Exam Achievements 2014 The 2014 GCSE results were something to celebrate for Oakmeeds students, who were rewarded for their hard work and high achievements. One subject achieving notable success was English, with 72% of our students gaining A* – C grades in the subject. This was especially pleasing when compared against the national figure, which showed a 2% drop to 62% gaining a C or above. Oakmeeds offers a wide choice of GCSE subjects and the College enjoyed some outstanding results across the curriculum:
GCSE Results Summary • 190 candidates in Year 11 • 55% of students gained 5 A* – C grades, including English and Maths • 10 subjects were above the national average for the percentage of students receiving A* – C grades Students with outstanding results included: • Ellen Shaw achieved 5A*s and 6As.
• Biology GCSE – 92% of students achieved A* – C grades
• Anjum Nahar with 5A*s and 5As.
• Chemistry GCSE – 92% of students gained A* – C grades
• Mikaila Gurney achieved 6A*s, 4As and 1B.
• Physics GCSE – 92% of students achieved A* – C grades
BTEC Results
• Business Studies GCSE – 78% of students achieved A* – C grades • Photography GCSE – 78% of students gained A* – C grades • Statistics GCSE – 92% of students achieved A* – C grades
• Christina Stempt got 4A*s and 6As.
The College recorded another good year for its BTEC students, with particular success in the Performing Arts. 73% of students gained the equivalent of A* – A grades in Performing Arts.
Cambridge Nationals Results A number of our students also took Cambridge Nationals and 83% achieved the equivalent of a GCSE A* – C grade in Health & Social Care.
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Business Links
Post 16
Enterprise Education is embedded across all areas of the College curriculum. Students are given an opportunity to follow courses in ICT and Business as these subjects particularly help to promote relevant skills and learning in financial capability and understanding of the commercial world.
We have an excellent support system in place at Oakmeeds to help students progress into further education or training. Firstly, we have a member of our support team who is dedicated to ensuring that post-16 developments and planning are integral to our careers and tutorial programmes.
The focus of these courses is to help our students become independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self-managers and effective participators, skills which are required for progress into employment, self-employment, further and higher education.
Throughout Year 10, students will have PSE lessons focused specifically on developing ideas and using resources to plan for their future. In Year 11 this is continued through our ‘Application to College/ for Work’ programme. We have strong links with further education colleges in East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove and each college gives a presentation on their provision to Year 11 during our assembly programme. Advice and presentations are also given regarding finding and applying for apprenticeships.
The KS4 programme offers students a wide range of nationally recognised and valued vocational qualifications and work-related pathways. Enterprise Education offers students scope and opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills through extracurricular activities. Oakmeeds is at the heart of Burgess Hill and, as such, has developed many community links with local businesses, other schools, colleges and universities. We are nurturing our community contacts nationally and internationally, which will help our students develop greater awareness of issues outside Burgess Hill. We also use Enterprise Education to benefit our local stakeholders and to guide our students to make a positive contribution to the life of the area.
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This is followed up with monitored support and guidance, via tutors and our support team, on completing application forms and ensuring that choices are appropriately matched to outcomes. For further support, we have retained the services of an independent Careers Advisor who has interviews with every Year 11 student providing advice and guidance about courses which will suit them. Our Post 16 Evening provides an opportunity for students and parents to talk to over ten further education providers plus a selection of vocational training providers.
Café Oakmeeds The College operates its own excellent ‘in-house’ catering service, Café Oakmeeds. The café provides a wide variety of good quality, homemade, nutritious food for staff and students and is also excellent valuefor-money. We pride ourselves on the large variety of food served and try to offer something for all tastes. Our aim is to provide healthy, well balanced, attractive food, of the highest possible quality, using fresh produce bought locally wherever possible, reducing the use of food additives and preservatives, and providing access to free drinking water. At morning break, hot snacks and a selection of filled rolls, wraps and sandwiches are served. At lunchtimes, the Café serves homemade, hot main meals and vegetarian choices, offering a pasta, pizza, panini or jacket potato option on different days of the week. On a daily basis boxed salads, fresh sandwiches, rolls and wraps, fresh fruit yogurts, hot desserts and a selection of homemade biscuits are provided. Menus and a price list are available under the Parents section of our website. The Café Manager is happy to answer any questions regarding special dietary requirements or online payments. All students remain on the College site. Lunch is served in the Barnden Hall where students may eat food from the Café or their packed lunch. Café Oakmeeds operates a cashless system which is linked to online payments. A free school meal is available to those who qualify. Details of who is eligible and how to apply are available from the College Reception and on the Parents section of the Oakmeeds website.
Inclusion and Learning Development Department Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities At Oakmeeds we work together to meet the needs of all students. Teachers are well trained in offering lessons that are differentiated to meet individual requirements. In some cases, however, part of that personalised approach to learning involves some students being offered increased levels of support, either on a short-term or on-going basis. The arrangements for the admission of students with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) are the same as those for any child. The College is committed to equal opportunities and inclusion and our policies reflect this. In order to ensure a smooth transition to Oakmeeds, we liaise closely with feeder primary schools, so we are aware of any students who require additional support. A member of the Oakmeeds Learning Development Department meets with the SEND staff from each of our feeder schools to discuss any children with specific needs. We may then organise additional visits to Oakmeeds prior to them joining and make appropriate arrangements for their first few days. Whilst many students benefit from the in-class support provided by the Learning Support Assistants, some students may need a more intensive support programme. At Oakmeeds we offer a range of Targeted Action Groups including: literacy, numeracy, social skills and communication skills to students who have been identified as needing support and who do not take a second Modern Foreign Language. We also offer a range of 1:1 interventions during tutorial time, including paired reading, Toe by Toe, spelling, handwriting and organisational skills. Our two Student Support Mentors are also available to work with students who are experiencing social or emotional difficulties and they offer a range of group and individual programmes as well as drop in slots during break and lunchtime. The team also runs a break and lunchtime ‘haven’ and lunchtime homework club for nominated students, who are in need of this support. We recognise that supporting the needs of students with SEND goes beyond the College walls. We work as closely as possible with parents to understand the needs of students and implement strategies which can be supported at home. Where necessary, we make use of our close links with outside agencies, such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and sensory support services, to support specific needs. If you would like to discuss your child’s needs with us, please contact us to make a personal appointment. Directors of Inclusion: Sarah Quaglieri: squaglieri@oakmeeds.co.uk Steph Williamson: swilliamson@oakmeeds.co.uk Tel: 01444 241691 x160
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Homework
Gifted and Talented
Homework forms an important part of a child’s education. Homework not only reinforces classroom learning, it also helps children and young people to develop skills and attitudes they need for successful lifelong learning.
Many children are gifted in particular ways and the College aims to develop such talents to the full by providing a challenging programme for our outstanding students. We are delighted by the results that they are showing and it is exciting to see them being stretched and challenged, both in the traditional classroom setting and beyond.
Homework can take a variety of different forms and various tasks may be set. These might include the following: • Practising skills learned in the classroom • Drafting and writing essays • Learning/revising for tests or examinations • Answering questions to develop and test understanding • Completing/extending classwork • Projects/coursework • Investigative/research work • Reading • Planning and evaluating work • Oral and/or aural practice The College has moved towards more project-based homework in many subjects in Key Stage 3 (KS3). Subjects set a series of project-based activities to complete within a broad timescale which is, on average, every half term. At Key Stage 4 (KS4) regular and relevant homework will be set throughout all courses. An extensive part of homework in Years 10 and 11 focuses on the preparation for controlled assessments, completion of assignments and/or coursework. Students and parents are supported through an online package, ‘Show my homework’, an extremely userfriendly, web-based homework system. Being webbased, it can be accessed through computers and smart phones at any time. Details of the homework set are easily accessible, preventing the errors that can arise when students record homework manually and, by being able to access it in College and/or at home, reduces the risk for all students of ‘lost’ work. Each student has their own personalised calendar which prioritises their homework and informs them of their deadlines and requirements of the homework set. The class teacher is able to attach resources to support your child in the completion and understanding of the work. In addition, it enables parents/carers to monitor the homework set and whether it has been completed.
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Students are identified early on as to whether they are outstanding in a particular subject. The key to a successful Gifted and Talented programme is that different work is set for students with abilities, rather than just additional work. A range of strategies is used to develop talents, including classroom activities where able students are grouped to allow advanced study of particular subjects. Students may also follow accelerated courses to enable early entry for GCSE examinations. All students on our Gifted and Talented core register will have a meeting with the Gifted and Talented Lead Teacher every term to discuss their Individual Education Plan (IEP). The Plan considers their future hopes, aims and ambitions, as well as their feelings about their lessons and the challenge provided within them. Each of their teachers then receives a copy of their IEP, so that everyone is working towards a common goal. A great success this year, has been our mentoring programme in Maths and English where students who have a high ability have been coaching younger students to engage and progress in areas that they find difficult. Beyond the classroom, the programme is highly engaging. Our Gifted and Talented Co-ordinators organise a calendar of enrichment events across the curriculum to cater for students. The College also aims to offer extension activities to the normal curriculum. These may include master classes at the University of Sussex, instrumental tuition at the Royal College of Music, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities organised at the College.
RE & Worship
Sport
All students at Oakmeeds are taught Religious Education as part of their timetable. Collective worship may be part of a Year Group or College Assembly. Students normally attend two assemblies per week and these are part of the planned programme of themes “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character.” The themes may reflect important spiritual, moral and ethical issues of the day, and may sometimes be delivered by visiting speakers. Special assemblies are held to mark seasonal events, including Remembrance Day, Christmas and Easter. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and/or worship. In such cases, parents should notify the Headteacher in writing. Alternative provision will be made on an individual basis.
The College has a strong tradition of participation and excellence in a wide range of sporting activities. Students follow a broad curriculum and a diverse range of extra curricular activities are available for all students to take part in, either at a competitive level, for College teams or at a recreational level. Students at Oakmeeds achieve success both in team games and also as individuals representing the College and Sussex in county tournaments and competitions. Our major sports are: athletics, basketball, cricket, football, netball and rugby. We also offer: badminton, dance, gymnastics, handball, hockey, rounders, table tennis and tennis.
Personal & Social Education In Years 7 to 9, Personal & Social Education (PSE) is covered through Opening Minds, other subject areas or Enrichment Day content. In Years 10 and 11, one period per fortnight is devoted to PSE. This is a modular course concerned with important aspects of personal development, relationships, health education, society and the Law, politics, money management, interview techniques etc.
The College’s commitment to sport has been acknowledged through the Sportsmark Award. Students are encouraged to participate in sport out of College and strong links are enjoyed with local clubs. Through the local Sports Partnership a range of additional activities are provided after the College day during term time and also during holiday periods. Many of the students choose to become sports leaders and assist with sports-based events within the College, such as those provided for children from local primary schools and at Woodlands Meed.
Careers education is an important element in the course, in which KS4 students have an opportunity to meet people representing a wide range of occupations and professional services. A work experience week is organised annually for students in Year 10 by the College’s Work Experience and Careers Co-ordinator. Sex education is part of the College’s curriculum and taught in structured manner. Teachers are trained to deliver sex education in a way that is appropriate to the level of knowledge and maturity of their students. This policy has been developed in consultation with parents, governors and teachers, following advice from the Local Authority.
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Extra-Curricular
Care & Guidance
Oakmeeds offers a broad and diverse range of activities to students that complement and extend the taught curriculum. During lunchtimes and after school there is a wide range of activities and clubs to choose from. All extra-curricular activities at Oakmeeds are carefully planned and run by fully qualified staff with a wealth of experience.
The educational and personal development of students are closely interwoven and form a strong part of the College ethos, where there are high expectations of behaviour, conduct, respect and positive relationships between students and adults.
Oakmeeds has gained an excellent reputation for its concerts, drama productions and musicals, which helped us gain the prestigious Artsmark Award in 2006 and Artsmark Gold in 2012. The Arts subjects provide an extensive range of opportunities for all students. We are aware of how trips and visits enhance and enrich student learning and we believe that there are great benefits in taking part in activities away from the College premises. During Activities Week in July, students have traditionally taken part in a variety of activities with the rest of their year group. Year 7 take part in a residential camp at Blacklands Farm near East Grinstead. Students in Years 8 and 9 are given the choice of several multi-activity residential trips or a variety of activities based at College or in the local community. Year 10 students undertake work experience placements. Throughout the year, subject areas organise a variety of day trips to museums, plays, exhibitions and to various locations for the purpose of fieldwork. In addition, residential trips are offered giving students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of academic studies over a concentrated period of time. Trips include: The Somme (History), Swanage (Geography), Stratford upon Avon (English) and France (Modern Foreign Languages). An annual ski trip is also organised and is very popular.
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Particular attention to the welfare of students is co-ordinated under the following arrangements:
Form Tutors Students are placed in mixed-ability tutor groups. Form Tutors have daily contact with students during morning registration. A programme of assemblies and tutorials is organised in the morning and allows the Form Tutor and Head of Year to keep regular checks on the welfare and academic progress of all students.
Head of Year Each Head of Year has the responsibility to lead, manage and oversee the work of Form Tutors and their students. In addition to giving personal help and inspiration to students, Heads of Year also promote social and competitive activities designed to create positive attitudes, which strengthen the identity of the year group, and extend valuable concepts and involvement beyond the confines of the academic curriculum.
Deputy and Assistant Headteachers Members of the Senior Leadership Team share overall responsibility for the care and guidance of individual students. They also play a prominent part in the assembly programme. The Assistant Headteacher (Students) is the lead person for the College on matters related to the support of students.
Contact with Parents
The Medical Room
The College maintains regular contact with parents about the academic progress and welfare of their children. There is a system of reporting to parents, which includes an assessment of effort as well as attainment, as well as one full annual report.
The College has a Medical Room situated next to Reception. Students who feel unwell or who have suffered minor injuries will be given permission to visit the Medical Room, where they will be seen by trained staff. The College has a Managing Medicines Policy which is approved by the governors and is available on request.
Each year parents are invited to a Consultation Evening to meet subject teachers. In addition, they also receive a yearly report for their child. Parents are also invited to attend other meetings relating to particular important occasions over the five years their children are at Oakmeeds. These include the Options Evening, Careers and Further Education Evening, Parent Information Evenings, Parent Forums, as well as workshops held by subject staff to inform parents about recent curriculum developments. Oakmeeds Association is the College’s PTA and supports the College in a variety of ways. These include social gatherings, fund-raising activities and meetings that can have an educational focus. The Association organises a regular uniform shop for the sale of new and second-hand items of College uniform. All parents are automatically members of Oakmeeds Association and new members are invited to join the organising committee that meets regularly.
Parental Support Oakmeeds is fortunate to have the services of a Parent Support Advisor, who is able to support families in a non-judgmental and positive way and can provide one to one support and workshop groups targeting specific issues. The Parent Support Advisor will also provide referral to other services, if required.
College Uniform
Policy on Charging The College governors have adopted the policy established by West Sussex County Council. Charges may be levied in cases where activities are organised largely outside College hours, where student misbehaviour or carelessness has resulted in damage to equipment or the premises, or where parents wish to claim products completed in Technology lessons, etc. Charges may also be made for residential courses and musical tuition with additional costs relating to books and hire of instruments. Parents will be invited to make voluntary contributions to cover the costs of visits considered to enhance, but not to be an essential part of, the curriculum. In such circumstances, the visit will only take place as long as there are sufficient voluntary contributions to make the event financially viable.
Accessibility Plan The College has an Accessibility Improvement Plan which is reviewed regularly. The plan identifies actions needed to improve access to the College for any students or members of staff that may be considered to have a disability. The plan is reviewed regularly. If required, full details are available from the College.
College uniform is worn by all students. Although distinctive, it is straightforward and consists of garments and footwear easily available from local suppliers. Detailed uniform lists are supplied to all students before they join the College and can also be found on our website.
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Oakmeeds Community College West Sussex County Council Headteacher: Mr C J Taylor MA Oakmeeds Community College, Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, Rh15 9Ea T: 01444 241691 E: office@oakmeeds.co.uk www.oakmeeds.co.uk
Information contained in this prospectus is correct at the time of printing and does not form any part of a legal contract.