prospectus final draft

Sale Grammar School A Specialist School in the Visual Arts, Science & Maths

EVERY YOUNG PERSON MATTERS AT SALE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, THEY ASPIRE, ACT AND ACHIEVE IN AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL. Enjoying. Learning. Achieving

SALE GRAMMAR SCHOOL PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES WHICH WOULD BE THE ENVY OF MANY. D. A. Wilson Headteacher

This is an outstanding school Ofsted

You will have an impossible task to describe Sale Grammar School and avoid words like achievement and success.

With its long established tradition for high academic standards and emphasis on personal and social development, Sale Grammar School provides opportunities and learning experiences which would be the envy of many.

Everyone is part of a team at Sale, working in a genuine community which values and respects the importance of each individual.

But we value our local community too, which is why we support many charities, undertake voluntary work with the young and elderly, share our resources with sports clubs, let the community use our buildings.

Visitors will tell you about friendly and positive staff pupil relationships, the good discipline and the high standards. To be successful requires energy, enthusiasm and talent, along with a commitment to seek continual improvement.

Come to our school and you will find these qualities and characteristics in abundance, from the highly qualified young people, most of whom enter university, to the outstanding artists, musicians, dancers and sporting champions.

Pupils who attend our school are fortunate.

They benefit from a varied curriculum, excellent teaching and a range of activities outside the classroom, which enable them to excel in so many different ways.

They are given first rate pastoral support and guidance from dedicated staff and they have access to modern equipment and facilities.

Our aim is to make sure that each pupil succeeds because we care.

D.A. Wilson Headteacher

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TO PROMOTE EXCELLENCE AND THE LOVE OF LEARNING

Every Young Person Matters in Sale Grammar School The work in our school seeks to ensure that pupils lead healthy and fulfilling lives within the confines of a safe and secure environment. We want pupils to succeed by enjoying and valuing their learning and achievements. We wish them to make a worthwhile contribution to the school and to their community. We seek to develop well rounded young people who will be equipped to become responsible citizens and have the capacity to pursue successful careers.

Sale Grammar School is a High Performing Specialist School with specialisms in the Visual Arts (including Design and Technology), Science and Maths. In addition to offering an extensive range of learning opportunities through the specialsms, the school is able to provide a wide variety of excellent enrichment activities, including our highly successful Easter and Summer Schools and gifted and talented programme.

The school’s specialist status facilitates extensive links with community groups including primary and high schools, local businesses, North West Universities, galleries, museums, South Manchester University Hospital trust, the charity Lime and Sure Start. At Sale Grammar School we believe constructive engagement in community initiatives encourages our students to become more thoughtful and responsible citizens, by promoting awareness of spiritual, social and cultural diversity.

Creativity and innovation are central to the school ethos. We believe the arts are intrinsically valuable. They help young people to build purposeful and fulfilling lives and can be used as a means to motivate, inspire and improve self esteem.

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A Structure of Care, Security and Respect

We have a caring, stable and safe environment. which allows us to get to know your child very well and help each pupil develop positive relationships with staff and peers. On admission pupils are placed into mixed ability forms and, during Key Stage 3, the form becomes the centre of life in the school with most lessons talking place in form groups.

Towards the end of Year 9 pupils choose their options for GCSE which means that in Key Stage 4 they are taught in subject groups.

Each form has Form Tutor who is part of a year team led by the Head of Progress and Learning. These members of staff will be the people to contact with issues and queries. Year groups are clustered together into Key Stages. Well qualified and experienced senior staff monitor closely the work of the Key Stage personnel. These staffing structures mean that the personal, social and academic development of each young person is given paramount importance throughout their time in our school.

“Pupils have very good attitudes to their work and are keen to learn.” Ofsted Our Code of Behaviour We place great value on good manners, good behaviour and respect for others, which is why we have a behaviour code that everyone is expected to follow. The rules are simple but important: • Arrive at lessons on time bringing the correct equipment and homework • Work to achieve targets demonstrating expected quality, presentation and effort • Listen to others and expect to be listened to in silence

• Act respectfully towards others, following instructions straight away • Behave safely and respect the physical environment Catering For All Needs The welfare of all our pupils is a key focus; our main aim is to encourage and support each individual to reach his/her full potential in a caring and supportive environment. Therefore our Special Needs Policy offers support to any pupil identified as having a such a need. We have excellent links with external agencies and services including those provided by the Local Authority. The arrangements for setting pupils with Special Educational Needs into the school are the same as for other pupils unless there is a physical disability which would require a centrally based form room on the ground floor.

All areas of the school can be accessed by wheelchair and there are three disabled toilets. Quite simply, we are an inclusive school which recognises that every pupil should have equal opportunities.

“I really appreciate all the help, encouragement and patience you have given my son during his time at Sale Grammar School.” Parent

PUPILS HAVE VERY GOOD ATTITUDES TO THEIR WORK AND ARE KEEN TO LEARN Ofsted

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Enjoyment and Achievement All pupils follow a course in a modern foreign language. In addition, pupils can select from a range of GCSE subjects including business studies, performing arts, PE., history, RE., geography, music, art, design and technology. This Key Stage has a detailed prospectus available through the school website www.salegrammar.co.uk

Achieving Results We take great pride in the academic standards achieved by our pupils and they achieve well above national standards each year in all public examinations.

Every year, approximately 95% of our sixth form students will proceed to degree courses at university.

Key Stage 3 In Key Stage 3 pupils follow the National Curriculum courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Modern Languages, History, Geography, Music, Art and Physical Education. Design and Technology offers pupils a unique range of practical experiences within Food Studies, Design Realisation and ICT. This Key Stage has a detailed prospectus available through the school website www.salegrammar.co.uk In addition, all pupils have lessons in Personal Social and Health Education, Religious Education, Citizenship, Work Related and Enterprise Education and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Key Stage 4 In Key Stage 4 pupils take courses leading to GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. All pupils continue English, Mathematics and Science; pupils can take Dual Award Science but a growing number follow courses in three separate Sciences.

Sixth Form Details for the Sixth Form can be obtained from the Sixth Form Prospectus available at www.salegrammar.co.uk

Getting Support We do our best to give pupils the support they deserve and teachers will provide study support, homework clubs and one to one tuition to assist progress. The early morning breakfast club can get them off to a good start too. Each pupil is set an academic target or grade in their subjects, so that they have clear aspirations and they can monitor and track their progress with teaching staff. In this way, appropriate intervention can be employed to ensure that potential is achieved.

Religious Education Religious Education is taught according to the Trafford scheme and is non-sectarian.

If you have conscientious objections, your child may be withdrawn from Religious Education or the Act of Worship. Parents wishing to exert this right must make a written request to the Head Teacher.

The Value of Independence We believe that homework is a valuable and integral part of learning and that good practice will help pupils and students attain high levels of achievement.

It also strengthens the partnership between teachers and parents by providing opportunities to see both the quality and standard of pupil work and to monitor pupil progress. Most importantly, it allows pupils to show initiative, undertake investigation, explore their own ideas and work independently.

Sale Grammar School believes that a strong partnership between home and school is vital, so that any problems can be resolved quickly and successfully. “The school is always seeking to improve on its previous best. It is an ambitious, self-evaluating organisation that is never complacent� Ofsted

PUPILS DEVELOP INTELLECTUALLY, PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY AND CREATIVELY Ofsted

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Making a Positive Contribution

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PATIENCE YOU HAVE GIVEN MY SON Parent

New Experiences, Real Opportunities

Reaching Out Sale Grammar School has strong links with the Community. Our pastoral links smooth the transition from primary school to secondary school. Our pupils are involved in projects with the elderly and with primary, secondary and special schools.

There are established links too, with business, commerce and industry. Many pupils engage in work with local hospitals through the visual arts, to support the sick and improve their hospital environments.

Each year pupils raise money for a range of charities. Many of the local sports clubs benefit from the contribution made by our talented pupils and you will find them also in orchestras and choirs. We are proud of our links with schools in Uganda and South Africa.

“Teachers know their subjects well, are enthusiastic about them and present them to pupils in a lively and motivating manner. They establish excellent relationships that lead to effective learning. Teachers have created outstanding learning environments in which pupils develop intellectually, physically, socially and creatively.” Ofsted Extra curricular activities range from lunch time and after school clubs, to residential trips in Britain and abroad. The residential to Boreatton Park is popular with year 7, as is School Camp with year 9.

Such activities are designed to enhance the curriculum or to provide new experiences. They may take place partly during the school day and extend to include nights away from home. School holiday periods may also be used.

Charity fund raising often creates opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

Extra-curricular music is also very well supported and performing arts productions usually involve hundreds of pupils.

The school is always buzzing with activity.

Having a Say We want all pupils to feel that they have a part to play in the development of our school. That is why we have School Council to represent their views and provide a forum for discussion. We want to hear their ideas and opinions.

“Sale Grammar School is a very good school with an outstanding sixth form.

This is owing to pupils’ very positive attitudes to learning and good teaching in Years 7 to 11.” Ofsted

Many pupils are involved in sporting activities and some are selected for regional and national teams.

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Keeping Fit and Healthy Health Sex Education is an integral part of the PSHE programme and it also forms part of the Science course in Key Stages 3 and 4, as laid down by the National Curriculum requirements. In order that students will develop respect for self and others: become sensitive towards the needs and views of others and develop a sense of responsibility.

menu which conforms to healthy dietary standards, but which provides a good choice of food. All pupils remain in school for lunch and the majority eat a school lunch.

Our PSHE programme also provides a framework for our young people to lead a healthy life, by focusing on the negative effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Fitness All pupils participate in a varied PE programme, with the emphasis on personal fitness and exercise. Many of our pupils participate in competitive sports and represent the school either as an individual or as part of a team. Timetabled PE groups

We are fortunate to have meals cooked on the premises and care is taken to provide a

A school nurse and part time counsellors are on hand to give confidential support when pupils need help and our own pupil peer counsellors play an important part too.

use the facilities of Brookland’s Sports Club including cricket square, tennis courts, hockey and lacrosse facilities.

Extra Curricular Sport The school has achieved Sportsmark which reflects the quality of PE and sport on offer to pupils. There is an extensive programme of breakfast clubs and lunchtime activities which include basketball, dodge ball, table tennis, netball, trampolining, and tennis.

MANY OF OUR PUPILS PARTAKE IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS AND REPRESENT THE SCHOOL EITHER AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR AS PART OF A TEAM

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A KEY REASON FOR THE EXAMINATION RESULTS BEING HIGH IS THE CONSISTENTLY GOOD AND OFTEN EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING Ofsted

Achieving Economic Well-being Looking to the Future We want our pupils to be prepared for the world of work, but crucially we want them to make the right decisions when considering their future education and employment.

Careers Education and Guidance is delivered through the PSHE programme, together with careers events at key decision making times for pupils.

Connexions staff are based in school during the week to advise and guide pupils. In addition to Work Experience in Key Stage 4 and Year 12 Work Shadowing, many subjects throughout the age groups are enhanced or made more relevant, by projects involving pupils working closely with the business world and the local community. Our sixth form students are regular winners of Young Enterprise competitions. Pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 engage in Enterprise Days and work related activities.

Over 300 students attend the sixth form with 70 students having joined year 12 from other schools. The variety of courses is impressive, with some subjects being taught at our sixth form building on Claremont Road near Sale Town centre.

We are known as a caring and high achieving. We have a high achieving sixth form and our key aim is to ensure that all students realise their potential. “A huge thank you for allowing our member this opportunity. She is loving her work and blossoming as a result of it�

United Response Community Group

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Our Admissions Policy Sale Grammar School is an 11-18 selective foundation school with admission normally taking place at ages 11 and 16.

Sale Grammar School is a successful, high performing and academic school with specialist status in the Visual Arts, Science and Maths. As a state school, no fees are paid. All those pupils who attain the prescribed standards in the Sale Grammar school Entrance Examinations will be deemed eligible for consideration to become a pupil of the school.

Sale Grammar School is geographically accessible to prospective pupils from a wide area served by scheduled buses (GMPTE), special service buses (please refer to the

school website for details), major road networks and Metrolink tram. Currently, applicants who sit the selection tests come from Trafford, Manchester, Salford, Cheshire, Stockport and Warrington.

Information evenings and an Open Evening are held in the Summer term, we look for ward to seeing you at an event.

Details of the entrance examination, important dates and registrations forms are available from the school website, www.salegrammar.co.uk or from the Admissions Officer on 0161 972 3255.

If the number of qualifying applicants is greater than the number of places available, then places are awarded strictly according to the published oversubscription criteria available in the Admissions Policy.

STUDENTS RESPOND KEENLY TO CHALLENGE. THEIR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IS OUTSTANDING Ofsted

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The Perfect Blend of Tradition & Innovation

Young people have received high quality secondary education in Sale for over 100 years. Until 1991 two single sex grammar schools had gained a reputation for excellent academic and sporting achievements and enviable standards in the arts.

The merger of these two schools brought together the traditions of excellence and creativity which provided the impetus for Sale Grammar School to establish itself as an outstanding school. The extensive range of curriculum and personal opportunities illustrated in our website has its roots in the past and it is no coincidence that the talents and abilities of our students are recognised locally, regionally and nationally, as they were in times gone by.

Yet, whilst we value our heritage, we also look forward to the future.

So we place great store on innovation and the importance of educating our young people to be adaptable and flexible in a fast changing technological society.

But, we never forget those virtues of respect, good manners and courtesy.

Sale Grammar School provides the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Follow all aspects of school life through our interactive website.

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The Perfect Blend of Tradition & Innovation

Sale Grammar School A Specialist School in the Visual Arts, Science & Maths Marsland Road, Sale Cheshire M33 3NH Telephone: 0161 973 3217 Facsimile: 0161 976 4904 Email: office@salegrammar.co.uk Website: www.salegrammar.co.uk