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WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L E N H A N C E D B Y S P E C I A L I S T T E C H N O L O G Y, M A T H S A N D C O M P U T I N G S T A T U S

2 0 11 P R O S P E C T U S

“The thing I really like about being at Woodlands?

It can be quite daunting to start a new school but every single teacher is here with your best interests at heart.�

Kurt Lakin - Year 11

CONTENTS Welcome Our values and aims Our Performance Key Stage 3 results GCSE results A level results Destination of leavers Location and facilities Specialist Technology Status Admissions Policy From Primary to Woodlands School Teaching and Learning Key Stage 3: years 7 - 9 Key Stage 4: Years 10 - 11 The Sixth Form Further Education Supporting and developingment Special educational needs Life at Woodlands Our Expectations Behaviour Attendance and punctuality Code of Conduct Rewards and sanctions Keeping you informed Progress Files Homework and Student Planner Extra curricula activities Care and Guidance Child Protection Medical Support School Uniform and PE Kit The School Day Case Study School Term & Holiday dates Contacts

WELCOME Success at Woodlands is built on a strong partnership between students, parents, staff and governors; a partnership which flourishes in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

At Woodlands we provide a first rate education and take pride in all the achievements of our students. Our most recent Ofsted report stated that ‘our particular strength is in the care, guidance and support we provide for all our students which results in students’ good personal development and well being.’ We were delighted that Ofsted also stated that their inspection ‘confirms that Woodlands School really is a place where people matter.’

Our school motto is ‘Proud to achieve’. We thrive on the success of our students and this is our core business.

We are strong on discipline, including courtesy, consideration and appearance; strong on achievements in the academic field, extra curricula activities and service to the community; and strong on providing the best for all our students.

However, don’t just take my word for it, have a good look at this brochure, look at the website, speak to those who know us best – our students and parents - and visit us to find out for yourself.

I am sure you will not be disappointed!

Mr Alan Brady Headteacher

OUR VALUES AND AIMS

‘Proud to achieve’

Woodlands School is a place where people matter Values

Aims

We at Woodlands School believe in:

As a result of these values Woodlands School will:

1 the best education for all

1 offer a curriculum and an assessment system that meets the needs of all the students

1 nurturing mutual respect and high self esteem 1 striving for academic excellence 1 celebrating achievement and success 1 realising students’ full potential

1 offer a wide range of opportunities to all students and staff 1 expect all members of the school community to make a positive contribution

1 continuing the school’s success through full involvement of all

1 aim to equip all students with the skills and qualifications needed to move forward with their chosen career

1 nurturing respect for diversity and the environment

1 work in partnership with all parents and carers to ensure the success of their youngsters

1 promoting healthy living

1 sustain a school community where all its activities speak of care, consideration, pride and hard work

1 enjoying ourselves.

1 educate all students to face the challenges of the future in terms of lifelong learning, diversity, enterprise and technological change.

All members of the school community have been involved in drawing up these values and aims.

Adopted by the Governing Body in 2007.

OUR PERFORMANCE

Students enjoy learning and have a good attitude to school.

Ofsted.

Here at Woodlands School we are focused on helping our students achieve their full potential. To track how well we are doing this, all our students are assessed at regular intervals and the results are used to encourage motivation. In most subjects in Years 10 and 11 these continuous assessments contribute in part towards their final GCSE mark. Students following examination courses will also have practise examinations in order to prepare them for the final examination in the summer term of Year 11.

It is also vitally important that we encourage our students to accept greater responsibility for their own learning. To support this we operate a Progress File system which builds a profile of a student’s educational and extra-curricula experiences and achievements.

Examination success is only one of the indicators of a good school.

We recognise, however, that it is of major importance and that a student’s success depends not only on his or her own efforts but on the quality of teaching received. Much of our energy is, therefore, directed towards ensuring that your child receives the best possible teaching and learning in the classroom in every lesson of every day at school. We are proud of our examination success but we seek to do even better.

We are never complacent.

I am sure you will find the following information useful. It details the examination success of students who took public exams at GCSE (Year 11), AS (Year 12) and A level (Year 13) in 2010.

OUR PERFORMANCE Our results this year at GCSE have broken all school records. They represent the best results the school has ever had!

GCSE Results Summary 2010 Derby Schools Comparison 2010

National Comparison 2009

72

54%

50%

154

81

79%

70%

No. of students achieving 5+ A*- G (inc English & Maths}

190

100

No. of students achieving 5+ A*- G

190

100

Number

%

190

100

190

100

136

No. of students achieving 5+ A*- C

No. of Year 11 Students

No. of students entered for 5+ GCSEs

No. of students achieving 5+ A*- C (inc English & Maths)

Year 11 GCSE Subject Results 2010 Cumulative % of students achieving each grade

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

U

A*-C A*-G

100

0

0

81.6

No. of Entries

A*

English Language

190

10

26.3 55.2 81.6 94.1 96.2

English Literature

190

5.8

25.3 56.4 75.3 88.5 94.3 95.8 95.8

Mathematics

190

6.8

18.9 42.1 75.8

Statistics

152

2.6

13.1

Biology

62

Chemistry

62

Physics

89

31.5 80.8 95.9

93.7 99.5 97.9

100

98.6 99.3

100

100

75.3 95.8

0

75.8 99.5

100

80.8 99.3

20.9 62.9 95.2

100

0

0

0

0

0

100

100

27.4

64.5 96.8

100

0

0

0

0

0

100

100

62

33.9

67.7

95.1

100

0

0

0

0

0

100

100

Science

128

2.3

7

35.9 72.7

86

96.8

100

0

0

72.7

100

Additional Science

88

2.2

8

43.2 80.7 95.5

100

0

0

0

80.7

100

Applied Science

39

0

0

2.6

100

0

0

20.5

100

Art and Design

50

8

24

38

98

100

0

58

100

Business

68

0

5.9

33.8

57.3

100

57.3

94.1

D&T Catering

37

0

16.2

51.4 89.1 94.5

0

54.1

100

D&T Food Technology

52

3.8

D&T Graphic Products

33

0

D&T Resistant Materials

58

6.9

13.8

D&T Textiles Technology

12

16.7

41.7 66.7 83.3 83.3 91.7

100

Drama

39

2.8

22.2 52.8 69.5 88.9 94.5

French

68

10.2

16.1

German

67

7.3

15

0

0

77.7

100

Geography

71

14.1 33.8 53.5 66.2 85.9 90.1 95.7

97.1

100

66.2

97.2

History

56

17.8

44.7 69.7 80.4 92.9 96.5 98.3

100

0

80.4

100

Health & Social Care

58

0

0

27.6

0

0

41.4

100

ICT

110

0

9

45.5 85.5 85.5 86.4 93.6 93.6

100

85.5

100

Music

15

6.7

Religious Studies

30

30

Physical Education

71

2.8

8.1

20.5 51.3 89.8 58

88

94

73.5 83.8 92.6 94.1 97.2

100

19.2 40.4 71.2 92.4 96.2 98.1 98.1 36.4 63.7 31

63.3

100

100

50

94.8

0

0

83.3

100

100

0

0

69.5

100

0

0

0

79.3

100

50

72.4 82.7 91.3 94.8

77.7

41.4

94.1 98.6

31

13.4 33.4 60.1 93.4 50

97

0

100

80

100

90

29.6 43.7 69.1 88.8

0

71.2 98.1

0

0

97

51.4 79.3 95.5 38.9

0

100

100

0

100

0

0

0

60.1

100

93.3

100

0

0

80

100

100

0

0

0

69.1

100

OUR PERFORMANCE

GCSE Targets and Results 2007 - 2010

Next Steps

% of students achieving % of students achieving 5+ A*- C (inc English & Maths) 5+ A*- G (inc English & Maths)

Target

Result

Target

Result

2007

2008

2009

60

53

99

98

69

70

99

61

59

2010

70

72

Destinations for Year 11 Students in 2010

%

Full time Education Sixth form and College

89

Training or Modern Apprenticeships

9

97.4

Employment

1

98

99.5

Voluntary or Part-time activities

0.5

98

100

Not known

0.5

A Level Results Summary 2010

Next Steps

A*

A

B

C

D

E

U

Total

Destinations for Year 13 Students in 2010

%

18

36

54

60

47

13

5

233

Higher Education - University or College

84.3

Training, Modern Apprenticeship or Employment

15.7

7.7% 15.5% 23.2% 25.8% 20.2% 5.6% 2.2% 100% A*- B

108

46.4%

A*- E

228

97.9%

Year 13 A2 Subject Results 2010

Cumulative % of students achieving each grade No. of Entries

A*

A

B

C

D

E

U

Art and Design

8

12.5

12.5

50

62.5

87.5

87.5

100

Biology

14

7.1

78.4 92.7

100

Business Studies

16

0

12.5

Chemistry

12

0

16.7 33.4 66.7 66.7 91.7

D&T Product Design

2

0

0

0

50

100

0

0

Drama and Theatre Studies

10

0

0

10

40

90

100

0

English Language

33

0

100

0

0 0

14.2 35.6 37.5

57 87.5

15.2 42.5 72.8

100

0

0 100

English Literature

25

0

28

52

80

100

0

French

2

0

0

0

0

50

100

0

Further Maths

9

100

0

0

0

0

General Studies

3

0

33.3 66.6 66.6

100

0

Geography

16

0

12.5 43.8 68.8 93.8

100

0

German

2

0

Government and Politics

3

66.7 66.7 66.7

History

18

5.6

33.3 66.6 0 0

100

0

0

0

100

0

0

0

100

0

0

0

100

0

16.7 44.5 88.9

Information Technology

1

Mathematics

23

Music

1

0

Physics

12

8.3

Psychology

8

0

Sociology

7

0

0

Sport/Physical Education Studies

8

12.5

25

0

0

0

0

87

91.3

0

100

0

25

58.3 66.6 83.3 91.6

0

34.8 69.6

91.3 95.6 0

0

100 0 100

87.5

100

0

14.3 28.6

100

0

0

62.5

100

0

0

12.5 12.5 50

50

LOCATION AND FACILITIES

Our school is named Woodlands for a reason - we are surrounded by trees and green spaces. A high quality learning environment is very important to us, and we strive to maintain our grounds, buildings, and facilities to high standards.

We have extensive sports fields, a swimming pool and sports hall - all of which we also use to support our partner primary schools and the surrounding community. One of our top priorities is to continue to improve our learning environment and we are supported by our governors with local and central government.

Currently, our existing classroom facilities are good across all our curriculum areas and we are constantly upgrading our ICT provision. We further enhance our teaching and learning with a well stocked library manned by fully qualified and dedicated library staff.

SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE STATUS

The impact of our specialist status cannot be underestimated.

Woodlands School has been enhanced by Specialist Technology Status since 2004 and in 2009 we were granted a second specialism in Maths and Computing. This aspect of school life has always had the full support and involvement of parents, staff and governors and our original application was supported financially by parents and industry partners such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Lubrizol. Over the last two years we have forged even stronger partnership links with our local schools and wider community.

We believe that our role as a specialist school in technology, maths and computing will help us to: 1 raise standards of achievement in Design and Technology, Science, Mathematics and through the enhanced use of ICT for all students, ensure further whole school improvements in performance.

1 strengthen and develop the quality of teaching and learning styles within all subjects in order to raise standards throughout the school as a whole.

1 extend enrichment opportunities for extended learning through the specialist subjects, including our links with the private sector sponsors, business, further and higher educational institutions and organisations.

1

Increase the Post-16 participation rate in the specialist subjects, with young people being provided with the skills needed to progress into employment, further training or higher education appropriate to their individual needs, abilities, aptitudes and ambitions.

1

collaborate with our partner schools to provide facilities and high quality learning opportunities in the specialist subjects and higher standards by sharing our facilities and resources to further enhance the quality of teaching and disseminate good practice.

1 provide and facilitate high quality learning opportunities through the specialist subjects for members of, and groups within, the schools wider local community, including local business.

ADMISSIONS POLICY Woodlands School is a mixed, 11-18 Foundation School with enhanced resource facilities for Hearing Impaired students. It does not select on the basis of ability.

Standard admissions number: 210 Where applications exceed the number of places available, the following criteria will be applied, in the order set out below, to decide which children to admit;1. Children who are looked after (in the care of or accommodated by Derby City Council or another Local Authority).

2. Children who are both living in the normal area served by the school and have brothers or sisters still attending the school at the time of their admission. Brothers and sisters are classed as having one or both natural parents in common, are related by a parentís marriage or are adopted or fostered.

Brothers and sisters must be living at the same address.

3. Other children living in the normal area at the time of admission.

4. Children who do not live in the normal area served by the school but who have brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of their admission.

5. Other children whose parents have stated Woodlands School as a preference on the ‘Common Application Form’.

In Categories 2 to 5, when choices have to be made between children satisfying the same criteria, children living nearest to the school, measured by a straight line, have priority.

Note: The Governing Body Admissions Committee reserves the right to verify information and, if misrepresentation is confirmed, refuse or cancel the place.

Woodlands School is also part of the Local Authorities “In Year Fair Access” protocol.

Admissions Process and timetable for admission to Year 7 in September 2011 October 2010: Closing date for the return for the ‘Common Application Form’

to Derby City Council March 2011:

Derby City Council will inform Parents of the provisional offer that has been made for a place.

SHOULD YOU NOT BE OFFERED A PLACE, YOU WILL BE ADVISED OF YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL TO AN INDEPENDENT APPEALS PANEL. APPEALS WILL BE HEARD DURING APRIL - JUNE 2011

Admission to the Sixth Form Although the school welcomes applications from students who will achieve 5 GCSE’s at Grade A*-C, students are expected to achieve a Grade A or B in those GCSE subjects which they wish to take on to Advanced Level, as well as in their core GCSE subjects.

In exceptional circumstances, the application of the above criteria is at the Headteacher’s discretion.

FROM PRIMARY TO WOODLANDS SCHOOL

We all remember how daunting it was to move from primary to secondary school! At such an important time we pay careful attention to the needs of our new children and we build on the good education they have received at their primary school. Every effort is made to make the change as smooth as possible.

Our Open Evening is in September 2010 The whole school will be open to prospective parents and students on Tuesday 28th September 2010 between 6pm and 8.30pm. During the evening you will have a chance to see the school and talk informally with our staff and students.

You are also very welcome to visit the school during a normal school day and appointments for such visits should be made through the school office.

In order to make the transfer to secondary education as easy as possible for your child, consultation takes place between the staff of the primary schools and us. In addition your child will be involved in the following transfer programme:

Primary School Visits A number of our staff go to each of the primary schools to meet with prospective new students and with primary staff.

New Intake Day Towards the end of the Summer term, before transfer to Woodlands School, all new students spend a full day at the school so that they can meet their future Head of House and Form Tutor, find their bearings and generally get to know what will be their new ‘home’ the following September.

The aim of this day is to give new students a taste of a typical secondary school day.

New Intake Evening An information evening is set aside for those children transferring to us and their parents.

This takes place in July.

Our Year 7 students are also given an information booklet about their first year at Woodlands School to help them make a smooth transfer from their primary school.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

We will pursue the school’s commitment to equal opportunities policies in the belief that all young people are entitled to equality of access to the curriculum throughout their time at Woodlands School.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) The first three years at Woodlands School are the years for establishing a strong and broad foundation for further study. Students are taught in a variety of different ways, dependant on their needs and abilities.

The curriculum at KS3 includes the CORE subjects of Mathematics, English and Science; and the FOUNDATION subjects of: 1 Art 1 Design and Technology 1 Drama 1 Geography 1 History 1 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 1 Modern Foreign Languages (French or German) 1 Music 1 Physical Education (PE) 1 Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) 1 Religious Education Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) Year 10 and 11 students follow a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, PSHCE, and PE. In addition to these subjects students will choose from further GCSE courses including Art, Business Studies, Catering, Drama, French, Geography, German, Health & Social Care, History, ICT, PE, RE, Travel & Tourism and Work Related Learning?

Students will be placed in the most appropriate teaching group for each subject, although opportunity exists for moving from one group to another, depending on the progress made. We are very focussed on ensuring that our curriculum is flexible, broad and balanced to the current and future lives of our students.

The Sixth Form (Years 12-13) A full and exciting range of Advanced Level and AS Level courses are available in our Sixth Form and we have a separate prospectus available on request.

Planning for life after Woodlands School – Further education and Careers We understand how important it is that our students are well informed about the options open to them after school. Using a wide variety of resources including outside speakers, industry links, and careers services such as Connexions, we support our students to become informed about their future choices.

Careers education formally starts in Year 9, when students also have the opportunity to meet the school’s Connexions Service Advisor. We also host a Curriculum and Careers Evening for parents and students, where each curriculum area provides an exhibition of its work and syllabuses for Year 10 and 11. This also provides an opportunity for parents, friends of the school, representatives from industry and commerce to present occupations e.g. ‘Work in Engineering’, ‘Work in Finance’, ‘Working with People’, ‘Working in the Arts’. We think this helps our students get a truly broad taste of the diverse and exciting careers options available to them! It also helps them to see the potential implications behind their Year 10 option choices.

Throughout the year groups students have a full and extensive programme of Careers Action Planning interviews, organised by the careers service Connexions. Our school Careers Development Advisors also play an active role at Parents’ and Information Evenings, and every student has access to our internet linked Careers Library.

One of the most interesting and exciting opportunity happens in Year 10, when all of our students enter into the world of work with the school’s ‘Work Experience’ module in the summer term. Then our Year 11 students are challenged by our industry partners on a ‘World of Work Day’ with real interview experience and job application information.

Supporting and Developing our Students We strive to ensure our students are healthy, well-rounded, tolerant and confident citizens. Throughout their time at Woodlands all students take part in activities and learning to support these aims. Some of this will take place in curriculum areas such as Physical Education (PE), Religious Education (RE) and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE); but we also hold regular assemblies where at least once a week students gather together for a formal school assembly often taken by senior staff and outside speakers. These assemblies engender a community spirit, encourage achievement and offer an opportunity to put across shared values and promote social cohesion.

In the often sensitive areas of Relationship and Sex Education, our staff and governors believe that all children are entitled to responsible and relevant information. The teaching in this school seeks to be complementary to, and supportive of, the role of parents and also seeks to reflect the range of cultural, religious and moral ideals held by families. Importantly, it should be shared enterprise between home and school.

Students with special educational needs At Woodlands we have a skilled Learning Support Faculty who support our students with all manner of special educational and emotional needs. Most of this support takes place in the classroom, primarily

by Teaching Assistants ably led by a team of fully qualified Special Needs Teachers. Where appropriate, students leave mainstream lessons for specific programmes mostly in Literacy, Numeracy and study support in Key Stage 4.

For students with hearing impairment we have an enhanced resourced facility where highly qualified Teachers of the Deaf and Communication Support Assistants work closely with these students.

If you would like more information, our Special Needs Policy based on the Code of Practice is available on request.

LIFE AT WOODLANDS

OUR EXPECTATIONS

Behaviour We cannot learn effectively if we are working in a disruptive environment - nothing worthwhile socially or educationally can possibly be achieved. We each have a responsibility to share in creating and maintaining an environment at Woodlands School where people matter. To achieve this, we expect behaviour of the highest standard in and out of the classroom; to and from school.

We will not tolerate bullying, racism, vandalism, hooliganism, illegal items, illegal substances, illegal practises, or bad language. We have included a guide for parents and students in the Student Planner, explaining our expectations and our response to unacceptable behaviour.

Attendance and Punctuality If students are late or absent - they cannot learn! We want everyone to benefit from the opportunities at Woodlands School. Our attendance rate is excellent, if your child is absent for any reason then please telephone the school on each day of absence. When your child returns to school, please send a written note to confirm the reasons for absence. We would very much appreciate appointments with the dentists or opticians to be made outside of school hours. Family trips and holidays should be taken in school holidays - that is what they are for! Every lesson counts and all time missed can affect a student’s progress and we are sure you want to support your child’s learning in every way possible.

Code of Conduct At Woodlands School we have a large community of over 1350 staff and students. We should all show courtesy, consideration for others and use our common sense. Students are expected to follow a simple Code of Conduct which helps to produce a sense of order and calm and to make sure that worthwhile and effective learning and teaching can take place: 1 1 1 1 1 1

Show consideration to all people working in the school and to all visitors Move around the school site in a calm and quiet way Look after the school - litter and vandalism make life unpleasant and are unacceptable.

Attend and be punctual to school and every lesson Work hard and complete class work and homework to the very best of your ability Take great pride in your appearance, work and achievements

We have few written rules in school. Those we have are usually with the health and safety of your children in mind. Students must not, therefore, bring chewing gum, matches, lighters, cigarettes, knives, glass bottles etc into school. Students are allowed to use mobile phones and personal music players at break and lunchtime. However they will be confiscated if used at any other time during the school day. It is our strong advice NOT to bring these items into school. If they are brought in it is entirely at the student’s own risk.

Books required for school use are provided free in the first instance but students are responsible for their own books and are expected to keep them clean and in good condition. Students are also expected to provide a suitable bag for books, PE kit and other personal belongings. All students should bring pens, pencils, a ruler and calculator to every lesson. All items of clothing and equipment should be clearly marked with the student’s name.

The school does not accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of personal items.

Rewards and Sanctions We celebrate and reward achievement and good behaviour, placing great emphasis on self reliance and self discipline. Positive attitudes promote positive behaviour and we look at a variety of ways of rewarding our students, including House Points, Merits, Certificates, badges, cups, trophies and prizes. You may even receive surprise praise postcards through your letterbox!

Unfortunately we do sometimes have to use detentions to deal with unacceptable behaviour. You will be given 24 hours notice, usually via the Student Planner, if your child is due to be kept in after school for longer than 10 minutes.

If your child persistently or deliberately disrupts a lesson and prevents others from working, they may be withdrawn from a lesson or even a whole day and supervised by a senior member of staff.

Very occasionally a student is placed ‘on report’. This means that after every lesson each teacher signs the student’s report, commenting on behaviour, punctuality, effort as appropriate and the student then shows it to his/her parent every evening.

Although the need is likely to be rare, in the event of a serious incident or persistent disruption, a child may be excluded. In these cases the child will be sent home for a specified length of time. Work will be provided by the school but it is parents’ responsibility to ensure that the excluded student is not in a public place during school hours. This is a legal requirement and the details of this will be provided at the time of the exclusion.

It is the Governors’ policy that any student using an illegal item or substance or bringing it onto school premises will face permanent exclusion.

We do hope and expect that parents and students accept our Code of Conduct and will join us in rewarding positive attitudes and behaviour.

Thank you for your support.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Woodlands School is committed to the achievement of consistently high standards and, to that end, we regularly evaluate and monitor both the curriculum and the student’s work.

As well as examinations and written reports we have additional systems for monitoring students’ progress.

Students are assessed on the effort made in every subject. This assessment allows the Form Tutor and Head of House to see at a glance whether or not a student is working satisfactorily. If there is cause for concern, parents are informed and discussions take place as to how the situation can be rectified.

We are always looking to building upon success and to that end we often contact parents in order to recognise positive effort of students. We also run a House Point and Merit award system.

If during the term any member of staff feels worried about the performance or behaviour of any student the Form Tutor and/or the Head of House will ask his/her subject teachers to give a written report. In the light of the final full report, appropriate action is taken and this will involve consultation with parents.

Parents’ Evenings are held to provide an opportunity for parents to consult with individual members of staff about the progress made by their children in all subjects studied. These are run on an appointment system.

This does not mean that you cannot see a member of staff at any other time. You are positively encouraged to contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of House if you have any queries of any kind.

Newsletter and ‘Education Extra’ We publish regular newsletters on the school website keeping you in touch with all the events at school. At the end of each term we publish ‘Education Extra’ – a magazine that celebrates the rich variety of activities and achievements that take place at the school.

Progress files Each teacher monitors the progress of students in their subjects through continuous assessment.

This will form the basis of profiling which will eventually form a Progress File for each student.

All students will receive their completed Progress File at the end of Year 11. The Progress File will be a record of a student’s achievements both within and outside school. Students will be actively involved in the compilation of their Progress File throughout their five years at Woodlands.

Homework and the Student Planner 1

We regard homework as being vital. It gives students the experience of working without supervision and provides practise of the skills and processes learned in class.

1

All students from Year 7 to 11 receive a Student Planner in which they enter their homework timetable and the actual homework set for each subject.

1

Parents are asked to sign the Planner at the end of each week and to provide encouragement and the necessary conditions for the homework to be completed.

1

Any queries about homework set should be made in the Parental Comments section of the Planner. You will then be contacted by the most apprpriate person to deal with your query.

1 The Student Planner is also used to record rewards and achievements.

1 Staff will also write notes home in the Planner and if necessary, it is used to give 24 hours notice of an after school detention.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Woodlands has a wide extra curricular programme in sport, music, dance, drama, technology, and science to name but a few.

Other clubs and groups include:

We hold school and inter-house activities including: netball, hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball, athletics, cricket, tennis, swimming and triathlon. Other clubs include swimming and gymnastics where students go along to improve their skill level.

1 British Sign Language Club

Students are also encouraged to join outside clubs and many achieve area and county standard. Where possible we arrange trips to demonstrate how working hard can lead to excellence e.g. Wimbledon, Lords, Wembley and Pride Park.

1 Fantasy Club

We have exclusive local sports club links including:

1 Young Investigators Science Club

1 Cooper Netball, Derbyshire Netball Association.

1 Woodlands Hockey Club.

1 Quarndon Cricket Club, Allestree Cricket Club 1 Woodlands Tennis Club.

1 Derby Rugby Club.

1 Allestree Juniors Football 1 Derbyshire TT Association and Woodland TT Club 1 Derbyshire Junior Badminton Association Woodlands also runs its own swim school.

1 Book Fiends 1 Christian Union 1 Duke of Edinburgh Award 1 Environmental Science 1 Games Club 1 History Club 1 Young Enterprise

A wide range of trips and holidays are arranged in addition to an annual activities day. These include: 1 Theatre trips 1 The Clothes Show 1 Student conferences 1 Paris 1 Berlin 1 Annual Ski trip

CARE AND GUIDANCE

Students display a clear sense of right and wrong and understand the nature of cultural diversity in the local and wider community.

Ofsted 2009 When students arrive at Woodlands they become members of a House Tutor group for registration. The Head of House and Tutor have overall responsibility for the day to day life of the students, assemblies and their general welfare. In normal circumstances the form group stays together for the full five years.

The school has access to the advice and services of the Educational Psychology service and a School’s Medical Officer. The Education Welfare Service works closely with the school in order to ensure good attendance and to offer advice and support to families when a student has problems with attending school.

If you have an enquiry concerning your child’s welfare at school it should, in the first instance, be communicated to your child’s Form tutor and Head of House.

It is important that this is the first point of contact because, with the very large number of students in the school, it is essential that your enquiry is dealt with by those members of staff who know you and your youngster best.

Child Protection At Woodlands we take the protection of children in our care very seriously. All adults working in the school are police checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.

Parents should be aware that the school is required to take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its students. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, our Headteacher is obliged to follow the Child Protection procedures established by Derby City Council and inform Social Services of any concerns.

Medical Support Illness/accident within School Woodlands School provides First Aid support.

Students who fall ill at school or are involved in an accident, are attended to by a First Aid trained member of staff.

If your child is feeling unwell they will be given some rest time to see if they are then fit to return to class. If they sustained a minor injury then First Aid treatment will be given. If illness or injury indicates your child is unable to return to class we will contact you and ask you to collect your son or daughter. In emergencies an ambulance will be called and you will be contacted. We are unable to send a member of staff to accompany your child, so it is essential that we are able to contact a parent or nominated person to travel with, or meet the ambulance at the hospital.

Please ensure that if any of your contact numbers change that you inform us in writing.

Please note that we are not allowed to dispense medication e.g. Paracetamol.

Additional Medical Services The school has access to a medical health team and in special circumstances can arrange for your child to have an appointment with a doctor or nurse.

The medical health team also carry out the usual school health checks and immunisation programmes.

Charging and Remissions Policy The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities, including clubs, trips and residential experience can make towards students’ personal and social education.

The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the students of the school and as additional optional activities.

Charges The Governing Body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school: School journeys in school hours – The board and lodging element of residential activities deemed to take place within school hours. Parents are required to meet the full cost except those who receive income support / family credit.

Examination fees If you wish your child to be entered for a prescribed public examination for which they have not been prepared by the school, the Governing Body may make a charge for the cost of entering them for the examination, as they can for entries to nonprescribed examinations whether or not prepared by the school.

On occasions parents and students may elect to re-sit a public examination or to request that an examination paper be remarked. Under these circumstances a charge will be made to parents in order to cover all costs incurred.

If a student fails without good reason to complete the examination requirements for any public examination for which the school has paid (or is liable to pay) an entry fee, then the Governing Body may recover the fee from the parent.

Individual music tuition – The cost to the students for providing individual music tuition provided by outside tutors.

General The Governing Body may, from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge may be made.

Nothing in this policy statement precludes the Governing Body from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of providing education for students.

Charging in kind – The cost of materials, ingredients, equipment (or the provision of them by parents) for practical subjects. The Governing Body may charge for ingredients and materials or require them to be provided if the parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.

Parents will be expected to replace or reimburse the school for lost items or damage to school property.

Remissions If you are in receipt of income support or family credit, the Governing Body will remit, in full, the cost of board and lodging for any residential activity that it organises for the student if the activity is deemed to take place within the school hours or where it forms part of the syllabus for a prescribed public examination or the National Curriculum.

Activities outside school hours – The full cost to each student of activities deemed to be optional extras taking place outside school hours.

SCHOOL UNIFORM AND PE KIT

ALL STUDENTS AT WOODLANDS WILL WEAR SCHOOL UNIFORM

Boy’s Standard Uniform Trousers Plain black of full length with

plain black belt if worn Shirt

White with collar (must be suitable

for wearing a tie and long enough

to be worn tucked in)

Tie

School House tie

Pullover Plain black ‘V’ necked fine gauge top

or ‘V’ necked waist length cardigan

(Optional) Footwear Black shoes (no trainers or pumps)

NB: The school badge (£5.99) and school house tie (£4.99) can only be purchased from Debra Shardlow on 07904 646085 or e-mail debra. shardlow@ntlworld.com Debra is the official provider of Woodlands School embroidered blazer, house tie and embroidered badge. Hats, hoodies, caps and other headwear are not part of school uniform and must not be worn.

All items of school wear must be labelled with student’s name.

Physical Education Kit

Blazer

Plain black with School badge

Outdoor Kit

Coat

Plain navy blue or black of traditional cut with no Logos. It must be able to be worn over the blazer

Red rugby shirt (boys/girls) Black shorts (boys/girls) Navy pleated skirt (girls) Red knee length football/hockey socks (boys/girls)

Girl’s Standard Uniform Trousers Plain black tailored trousers of full

length (no hipsters, lycra, jeans or

leggings) with plain black belt if worn Skirt

Plain black knee length skirt (no splits or lycra) with black or flesh coloured tights (NB. if girls do not wear

skirts appropriately we will insist that

they wear trousers)

Blouse

White with collar (must be suitable for

wearing a tie and long enough to be

worn tucked in)

Tie

School House tie

Pullover Plain black ‘V’ necked fine gauge top

or ‘V’ necked waist length cardigan

(Optional)

Training shoes and football boots (boys) Training shoes (Girls do not need to buy boots as hockey is played on the Astroturf pitch) Optional Tracksuits during winter (at the discretion of PE staff) Shin pads for hockey/football Parents may purchase mouth guards for hockey/ football from a recommended supplier Indoor Kit White shirt, with collar (boys/girls) Black shorts (boys/girls) – not cycling/fitness type and not Navy White socks

Footwear Black low heeled shoes (no stiletto heels,

Swimming

sandals, pumps, trainers or fashion boots)

Swimming costume or trunks (any colour)

Blazer

Plain black with School Badge

Swimming hat

Coat

Plain navy blue or black of traditional cut with no Logos. It must be able to be worn over the blazer

Towel for swimming and showers NB – All PE kit must be labelled with pupils name

Health and Safety issues Jewellery -Single ear studs, a simple necklace and a single, simple ring only are acceptable. These must be removed for PE and any other lesson where the member of staff considers there to be a potential health and safety risk.

Following guidance issued by Derby City Council Health and Safety Advisors the wearing of all other jewellery and body piercing is not allowed. Exceptions are made for religious jewellery and items worn for medical reasons. If you fall into this category please inform the school.

Where a student attends school wearing other jewellery or body piercing, they will be told to remove the item(s). If the item(s) cannot be removed they may be prevented from attending school.

Hair – no exaggerated hair styles are acceptable. Long hair (boys or girls!) must be tied back particularly in practical subjects. Boys must be clean shaven.

THE SCHOOL DAY All students will receive a personal timetable at the beginning of the school year. There are five lessons each day and students need to arrive by 8.40am at the latest to be in time for morning registration.

The timings of the school day are as follows: 8.45 – 9.05am Registration,tutor time or assembly 9.05 – 10.05am Lesson 1 10.05 – 10.10am Changeover 10.10 – 11.10am Lesson 2 11.10 – 11.30am Break 11.30 – 12.30pm Lesson 3 12.30 – 1.20pm Lunch 1.20 – 1.25pm Registration 1.25 – 2.25pm Lesson 4 2.25 – 2.30pm Changeover 2.30 – 3.30pm Lesson 5

Lunch Arrangements All students may have a school lunch. The catering service at school is provided by a private company called ‘Catering Academy’. A wide selection of healthy hot and cold meals and snacks are available each day.

As an alternative, students may bring their own sandwiches, which can be eaten in designated areas provided for this purpose.

All students MUST stay on the school site at break and lunchtimes. This is for Health and Safety reasons. If you wish your child to come home for lunch then written permission must be requested from your child’s Head of House. We do not allow students to roam the streets or visit local shops as an alternative to going home.

CASE STUDY

“What was the best thing about being at Woodlands?

I knew I was getting the best possible opportunities to further my education” Cara Fox, former Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, and now studying Maths at Sheffield Hallam University.

Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands?

My friends were going, I knew the school and I knew that the quality of teaching is really high so I would be able to make the most of the opportunity.

How was it different?

I was treated like an adult and the teachers became more sociable.

You were able to lead the learning more yourself. You’re doing subjects you have chosen, so it was more enjoyable as you could really focus. I felt a lot more relaxed than when I was in the lower forms!

What did you find difficult?

The level of work is a lot higher but it’s worth it because now I’m at University I’m already able to work at the level they demand. It was definitely good preparation.

What made you choose to go on to University?

I wanted to pursue Maths a bit further, and had visited friends from the year above me who were already at University and could see what a good time they were having.

How do you think going to Woodlands prepared you for University?

Definitely my work ethic, as I am fully able to cope with the workload at University having tackled A Levels at Woodlands! Also life skills, because at Woodlands it’s a real sense of community and all about making strong supportive friendships, so I felt more able to do that once I got here.

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying at Woodlands?

If you want a place where you can work and learn in a friendly and supportive environment, I would definitely recommend Woodlands.

I had a fantastic time.

SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2010 – 2011 (1 Inset Day to be allocated)

2011 – 2012 (2 Inset Days to be allocated)

Autumn Term 2010

Autumn Term 2011

INSET Day

Monday 6 September 2010

(School closed to students) School opens

INSET Day

Monday 5 September 2011

(School closed to students) Tuesday 7 September 2010

School opens

Tuesday 6 September 2011

School closes for Half Term Thursday 21 October 2010

School closes for Half Term Friday 21 October 2011

INSET Day

Half Term

Monday 24 to

Friday 28 October 2011

School opens

Monday 1 November 2011

Friday 22 October 2010

(School closed to students) Half Term

Monday 25 to

Friday 29 October 2010

School opens

Monday 1 November 2010

School closes for Christmas Tuesday 21 December 2011

School closes for Christmas Tuesday 21 December 2010

Spring Term 2011 School opens

Spring Term 2012 Thursday 6 January 2011

School opens

Thursday 5 January 2012

School closes for Half Term Friday 18 February 2011

School closes for Half Term Friday 10 February 2012

Half Term

Monday 21 to

Half Term

Monday 13 to

Friday 25 February 2011

Friday 17 February 2012

School opens

Monday 28 February 2011

School opens

Monday 20 February 2012

School closes for Easter

Thursday 14 April 2011

School closes for Easter

Friday 30 March 2012

INSET Day

Friday 15 April 2011

(School closed to students)

Summer Term 2011

Summer Term 2012

May Day (School closed)

Monday 2 May 2011

School opens

Monday 16 April 2012

School opens

Tuesday 3 May 2011

INSET Day

Friday 4 May 2012

School closes for Half Term Friday 27 May 2011

(School closed to students) May Day (School closed)

Monday 7 May 2012

Half Term

Monday 30 May to

Friday 3 June 2011

School closes for Half Term Friday 1 June 2012

School opens

Monday 6 June 2011

Half Term

Monday 3 to

Friday 7 June 2012

School opens

Monday 10 June 2012

School closes for Summer

Friday 20 July 2012

School closes for Summer

Friday 22 July 2011

“The best thing about being at Woodlands?

After six weeks you will feel totally part of the school!”

Ryan Pumfrey - Year 8

Headteacher: Mr A Brady Deputies: Mr J Hawkins Mr S Hollingsworth House Teams: Cedar: Mr S Hinson and Miss H Sindall Maple: Mrs E Wilson and Mrs S Burnett Oak: Mr T Smith and Mrs R Brailsford Rowan: Mrs S Jarvis and Mr M Kenny Head of Sixth Form: Mrs V Crooks Head’s PA: Mrs C Rawlings Chairman of the Governing body: Mr I Stewart Main Sponsors: Rolls-Royce Toyota

The information given in this brochure is as accurate as possible at the time of publication.

Any changes will be reported to parents in the school’s newsletter and published on our website.

It should not however be assumed that there will not be any changes before, during or after the school year 2011 – 2012.

All images © Woodlands School and Hannah Fox © Woodlands School Designed and produced by foxcreate.com

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WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869 Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.uk www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk