Danum School Technology College
Respect • Progress • Succeed
“Teaching and learning are good.”
Ofsted 2009
ther e g o t g n i k r o W to succeed We are extremely proud to be an inclusive school and of being graded “good to outstanding” by a Local Authority Inspector and Ofsted. We have strategies in place to become an outstanding school. We look forward to sharing our vision for the future and passion for learning and development with you. Our key strength is in the ability, experience, commitment and dedication of our staff. At all times, the staff will seek to ensure that your child will be challenged academically and extended socially and emotionally. This will ensure your child is prepared for further education, training or the world of work, enabling them to take their place as a responsible young adult in the community. We will achieve these goals for your child together, by adopting a supportive and caring partnership with you. We will always involve you if there are any concerns or when praise is deserved. We recognise that there is more to attending school than academic achievement. We offer an extensive range of extracurricular activities and your child will have access to all the opportunities of our well-resourced school. Danum School Technology College always welcomes parents, and we seek to work closely with you for the benefit of your child. We look forward to a long and productive partnership. Dr. K. Simmonds Headteacher
“I found the STEM live event a very exciting and enjoyable experience” Year 8 Student
Specialist status We are recognised by the Government as “one of the most improved Specialist schools with respect to GCSE and equivalent exam results”. Our specialism spreads across Technology, Science and Maths and we provide a broad curriculum to maximise students’ experience in all subjects. The excellent facilities provided by Specialist status have benefitted all subjects with Interactive Whiteboards and access to ICT across all teaching rooms. We seek to enrich the curriculum of all students with opportunities to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities that aim to increase our students’ choice and prospects.
Transition Settling in with our support We ensure that the transition from primary to secondary school is as seamless and exciting as possible. Throughout the year, we offer Year 6 students and their parents a wide range of visits, sample curriculum days, and formal and informal discussion sessions, so that they know the school and its staff before they start in September. The majority of our students come from the main feeder schools. Other pupils, from out of catchment who choose Danum because of our excellent reputation, are supported and guided by their future classmates and staff.
“There are lots of activities to choose from – it’s just fab!” Year 7 Student
Where every child matters We are proud that our school provides individual support for those with Special Needs, Learning Difficulties and Disabilities. The school was awarded the Inclusion Chartermark for its excellent practice in this field. Our expert team of Mentors, Learning Support Assistants and Pastoral Support Staff are skilled in supporting pupils whatever their long or short term needs.
Enjoy and Achieve Ethos Every pupil has the right to feel safe, happy and that he or she is achieving at Danum. Our aim is to motivate, challenge and support all students in their learning and raise their attainment levels, irrespective of ability, gender, cultural or social background. Respect is a key word at Danum School; it is an expectation that all our students should respect themselves, the environment, their families, friends, school staff and members of the community. By being respectful, students will open up all the opportunities of progression available to them which in turn will result in their collective and individual success. Our expectation is illustrated in the school ethos known as ‘The Danum Way: Respect – Progress – Succeed’.
“Students are constantly challenged and expected to achieve high standards.” Ofsted 2009
High Expectations We expect all students to learn, interact and conduct themselves with maturity. We want our pupils to be proud to represent Danum School Technology College and to represent themselves in school and the wider community as role models to others. We demand high standards from our pupils, who in return can expect high standards within our school; there is an emphasis on exciting, interactive and inspirational teaching. We have excellent facilities and an extensive wider curriculum.
Learning for all: Special Educational Needs All pupils are fully integrated into forms and have lessons with their peers. Pupils may receive support with the lesson, or in a small withdrawal group receiving specialist teaching in our well equipped Learning Support Centres. At Key Stage 4 we offer a full complement of GCSEs, but we also provide a number of vocational opportunities and a range of awards such as ASDAN, GVNQs, and Foundation Learning Tier. At every age, individual timetables personalise the learning for all pupils, and expert help ensures that pupils choose to study those courses that suit their needs, abilities and aspirations.
An Extensive Education We want pupils at Danum to develop expertise, interests and skills outside the classroom. Danum offers a truly extensive range of enrichment activities which complement our formal learning opportunities; these include activities as wide ranging as technology, music, art, drama & sport. Throughout the year, there is a rich programme of educational and residential opportunities, both at home and abroad, culminating in an Activities Week in July.
“The curriculum has been specifically designed to match the diverse needs of all students.� Ofsted 2009
Preparing for the future
Sixth Form Success Danum Sixth Form is highly respected with close to 600 students on roll. It is unique in that almost two thirds of our students have chosen to come to us from other schools in the area.
The World of Work At Danum we pride ourselves in preparing our pupils for life after compulsory education. Over half of our pupils stay on to the Sixth Form and engage in a variety of courses, others may go on to further education with Doncaster College, further training or employment. Whatever the choice, our careers advice is tailored to the needs of the individual and what is right for their future.
We offer over 30 subjects at either A Level or Btec Level 3, and have built a reputation for academic success with over 80% of our Year 13 students going on to Higher Education. Our pastoral support is a key part of the Sixth Form. The tutors are experienced in offering guidance and support throughout the two years, including taking students through the UCAS application process.
We aim to provide a challenging and fulfilling experience not only academically but also through a variety of enrichment activities such as Drama, Music, Sport, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, Law Society and Debating Society competitions, student mentoring, Higher Education visits and summer schools. Our belief is that a quality Sixth Form experience extends beyond the academic achievement. Overall we believe our Sixth Form offers students a stimulating two years during which they are able to specialise in the academic subjects of their choice and in turn grow and mature in a dynamic and inspiring environment.
“Relationships between teachers and students are very good and students report how much they value the good teaching and support they receive.� Ofsted 2009
Respect
Next Steps
Progress
Succeed
Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus. We hope that it will help you decide whether Danum School Technology College is right for your child.
If you would like additional information, you are most welcome to come and visit us at our open evening. Alternatively, you can arrange a meeting with the Headteacher/member of the leadership team at a convenient time. Contact details are on the back page.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this prospectus and any accompanying inserts. Changes may be introduced at short notice. This information does not form any contract between parents and Danum School Technology College.
www.danum.org
Danum School Technology College
Respect • Progress • Succeed
Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus. We hope that it will help you decide whether Danum School Technology College is right for your child.
If you would like additional information, you are most welcome to come and visit us at our open evening. Alternatively, you can arrange a meeting with the Headteacher/member of the leadership team at a convenient time. Contact details are on the back page.
“The school has always extended a friendly welcome to my children, guiding and supporting them through each school year, helping them to reach their potential. I am also impressed with the school’s programme of activities outside the classroom, my children have blossomed and gained self confidence.” Parent
Danum School Technology College Armthorpe Road • Doncaster • South Yorkshire • DN2 5QD
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this prospectus and any accompanying inserts. Changes may be introduced at short notice. This information does not form any contract between parents and Danum School Technology College.
01302 831 385
01302 300 109
danum@danum.doncaster.sch.uk
www.danum.org
“Teaching and learning are good.”
Ofsted 2009