Groby Community College
Brookvale High School
The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus 11-19
Valuing Everyone Achieving Excellence
PROSPECTUS 2017 - 2019
Welcome to the Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Valuing Everyone Achieving Excellence
Our campus is one of the most successful high and upper school combinations in Leicestershire, as judged by Ofsted. Our campus is unique in providing entry points at the start of Year 7, 10 and 12, and we work as one 11-19 organisation in order to secure outstanding outcomes at all key stages. For a better understanding of our campus and what we offer please see www.brookvalehighschool.co.uk and www.grobycoll.com We look forward to meeting you soon. Katie Rush Robert Coles Headteacher Headteacher Brookvale Groby
Two Great Schools One Outstanding 11-19 Campus “The College has both supportive teachers and good communication between school and parents.” Parent quote 2016 At Year 7 we welcome young people from our partner primary schools in Groby, Ratby, Kirby Muxloe and Newtown Linford, and from other primary schools, subject to availability of places. At Years 10 and 12 we welcome students from a range of other secondary schools to complete their GCSE and A Level courses on the campus. We are a caring campus with a disciplined, family atmosphere. All students are known and treated as individuals. We have high standards, and we place particular emphasis on outstanding teaching and learning leading to excellent progress and high standards of school uniform, good behaviour, attendance and punctuality.
Higher ability students thrive at the Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, with a good proportion of students gaining the highest level GCSEs, and high rates staying on in the sixth form and going on to University, including Oxford and Cambridge. We believe that school is more than lessons, and we have a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. We encourage all students to get involved, and develop their skills outside the classroom. This prospectus is designed to give you a flavour of life at Brookvale and Groby, but the best way to get to know us is to visit and see for yourself.
“Outstanding in all areas.” Ofsted February 2014
“Groby Community College has been nationally recognised for its exceptional 2015 performance by the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT). Educational Outcomes data analysis from SSAT has shown that the school is in the top 20% of non-selective schools nationally for high average grades achieved by students.” Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT
“Students’ achievement is outstanding because they make excellent progress during their time at the school and attain exceptionally high standards by the end of Year 9.”
“The school uses excellent procedures to set demanding targets for students, track their progress and provide additional support to ensure their rapid progress.”
Ofsted February 2014
Ofsted February 2014
Outstanding Achievement We are extremely proud of our excellent results. At Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level students make excellent progress and consistently perform at the top of the county league tables. In March 2016, the campus was recognised as one of the country’s top 100 schools for sustained improvement at GCSE. For the latest detailed information with regard to academic achievement please see wwwbrookvalehighschool.co.uk and www.grobycoll.com
“Groby Community College is one of the top 100 schools in England showing the greatest sustained improvement of pupils achieving five or more A*- C grades, including English and Mathematics GCSEs.” Minister of State for Schools February 2016
“Teaching is good and much is OUTSTANDING.” “Teachers have EXCELLENT subject knowledge.” “Behaviour in the sixth form is OUTSTANDING.” Ofsted February 2013
Outstanding Teaching & Learning Our Curriculum We regard our teaching staff as our greatest resource and we are proud of the quality of teaching and learning across the campus. We are always striving for excellence, and we use our best teachers to promote and share outstanding practice across the schools. All National Curriculum subjects are taught at Key Stage 3, and we also teach Lifeskills, Drama and a second foreign language. Subjects are taught by teams of specialist teachers and teaching assistants / learning support assistants. Our curriculum is designed to enable our students to become: • Successful learners, who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve.
• Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. • Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society. At GCSE we value the importance of the academic curriculum and therefore students are expected to remain studying a broad and balanced curriculum until the end of Year 11. This strong core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Sciences, the Humanities and Languages is supplemented by additional options in a range of other subjects which include the Creative and Performing Arts, Business and ICT. We also have a core selection of Level 2 BTEC courses for those interested in the more vocational areas. All courses have clear progression routes into our Post 16 Centre with a widening variety of A Level and Level 3 BTEC courses on offer to study at 16-19.
“Students make good progress across a wide range of subjects. They make exceptional progress in English.” Ofsted February 2013
Enrichment Enriching the curriculum through extra-curricular activities is what makes the Brookvale Groby Learning Campus experience so special. • • • • • • • • • •
Sports teams and Sports Leaders Music and drama productions at all key stages Youth Theatre Trips and residentials Student leadership groups Work experience in Year 12 Amnesty International Christian Society Duke of Edinburgh Award Young Enterprise
“Caring staff with a good atmosphere.” “The college atmosphere is both positive and friendly.” “The communication, organisation, care and dedication of staff is what we like about the college.” “I would like to highlight that the outstanding learning environment created at Brookvale High School is one where my child is now free to learn and has a real chance to reach their full potential. It really is a school where every child matters.” Parent questionnaire results Spring 2016
Personal Development & Well Being Tutor Groups The cornerstone of the care we provide comes from our tutor groups. The form tutor is the first point of contact whatever the issue. Our tutor groups are smaller than our teaching groups, and are made up of Years 7 to 9 and then 10 and 11. This means that our new Year 7 students will get to know students in other year groups straight away, and our older students are expected to “look after” and care for the new students right from the start. The Year 10 and 11 tutor groups support a focus on revision and career planning at pivotal examination phases of a student’s school career.
House System Each tutor group belongs to a House. Our House System promotes student involvement, competition and leadership
opportunities. House Captains are positive role models throughout the school. Student Leadership Teams are in place across the campus and lead the work of Brookvale and Groby at all key stages.
“100% of parents agree that their child is happy at school.” Parent questionnaire results Spring 2016
We are a safe and caring CAMPUS Anti-Bullying Policy We take a firm stand against bullying of any kind. We encourage our students to let us know if there is something troubling them, and we take their concerns very seriously.
Why Choose The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus? “We have a proven track record to support your child through the whole of their secondary education towards academic success at GCSE and A Level.”
“The behaviour of students in lessons and around the school is outstanding and this contributes to a calm and orderly environment for learning.”
Katie Rush and Robert Coles
Osted February 2014
Equality
Sex Education
Brookvale and Groby say no to racism or any other kind of discrimination. We value everyone and we take action to promote equality. We have a mixed community where all can experience success and enjoy school.
Sex Education is taught within Science and Lifeskills, and is set within a moral framework. Details of our programme are sent home, and parents / carers have the right to withdraw their child from certain aspects.
Child Protection and Safeguarding We take seriously our responsibility to look after the students in our care. All staff undergo regular child protection training, and our recruitment procedures follow the most up to date safeguarding guidance.
Special Educational Needs and Disability We want ALL our students to achieve their best. Our Special Educational Needs Department coordinates the support provided for students with SEN and or disabilities.
Religious Education Our Religious Education follows the Leicestershire Agreed Syllabus. Major world religions and belief systems are considered, and students are supported in reflecting on their own beliefs and values, and respecting the views of other people.
Partnership with Parents “Communication between school and parents is excellent.” Parent quote Spring 2016
“99% of parents would recommend Groby Community College to another parent.” “99% of parents agree that their child is taught well at school.” Parent questionnaire results Spring 2016
We believe that young people learn best when there is a strong partnership between school and home. We work hard to develop close communication with parents, and parents tell us they appreciate this good relationship. Some of the ways in which we try to maintain this close communication are as follows: • Regular parent evenings • Regular progress reports throughout the year • Informal contact face to face or via phone, e-mail, student organiser or text • Newsletters • Up to date website • Parent feedback through regular questionnaires and termly forum
Partnership with Learners The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus exists for the benefit of our learners, and we want them to feel it is “their” school. Some of the ways in which we try to achieve this are as follows: • Our House System is a focus for student involvement and leadership. House Captains and Student Leaders work with staff to organise competitions and events, and act as role models and ambassadors for the school. • Student Leaders at Post 16 are central to the life of the campus. • Student panels are always involved when we appoint new staff. • Students are always consulted when we review teaching quality. We hope all the above will help our students develop a taste for active citizenship based on the principle of rights and responsibilities.
“All students have an equal chance to thrive in an atmosphere of fairness and trust and without fear.” Brookvale Inspection Report February 2014
Partnerships with Local Schools We work very closely with all our local primary schools to ensure smooth transition from primary to secondary. Students may join the campus in Year 10 and 12 and we work closely with each student and their family to ensure that they are studying the right courses which will meet their needs and aspirations.
Facilities for Learning We are fortunate to have well designed buildings set within a green, spacious campus. We are constantly working to improve the facilities we have to offer in order to provide the very best learning environment.
Breakfast Club is open every day from 8am Our excellent facilities include: • Extensive IT and multi media facilities across the campus • Extensive playing fields and sports facilities, including the synthetic pitch
• Sports hall, gymnasium and tennis courts • 10 science laboratories across the campus • Art and design workshops including specialist graphics and photography suites • Wifi access throughout the campus providing independent study facilities • Music suite with instruments, computers, keyboards and practice rooms • Fully equipped Drama Studio and working Theatre which provides community access • Specialist teaching areas for all subjects • Large school hall and canteen with breakfast available from 8am daily
“There is a great range of extra-curricular sports opportunities for girls and boys.” “I really enjoy the variety of things we do in the different subjects, and I like the way teachers push you to do your best.” Student quotes Spring 2016
“99% of parents agree that their child is well looked after at school.” Parent questionnaire results Spring 2016
“Students are praised for their hard work and are made to feel valued as an individual.” “100% of parents feel their child is taught well at college.” “99% of parents agree that their child feels safe at college.” “99% of parents agree that their child is happy at college.” Parent questionnaire results Spring 2016
Admissions Transfer from primary into Year 7 Joining the Brookvale Groby Learning Campus for Year 7 is part of the normal transition arrangements from primary school into secondary. Parents and Carers are advised to put Brookvale High School as first choice in order to help secure a place on the campus.
Continuity from Year 9 into Year 10 When a student is in Year 9 parents and carers must apply
“The school is led and managed exceptionally well.” Ofsted February 2014
for their child’s place at Groby Community College. Brookvale High School students will always be able to get a place at Groby Community College once they have applied.
Application for Post 16 During Year 11 students are supported with career planning and where they will study for Post 16. A large proportion of Year 11 students stay for A Level and BTEC Level 3 study at the campus. Students manage their own application for Post 16 study with guided support from the staff at the college.
Post 16 Education “Behaviour in the sixth form is Outstanding. Students are highly motivated, mature and set an excellent role model for younger students.” Ofsted February 2013 The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus has a thriving and highly successful Post 16 centre. Students make consistently excellent progress as a result of a broad curriculum and outstanding subject specialist teaching.
The Post 16 Curriculum • Art • Biology • Business Studies • BTEC Business • Chemistry • Computing • Design • English Language & Literature • English Literature • Extended Project • French • German • Geography • Graphics • BTEC Health and Social Care • History • ICT • Maths & Further Maths • Media • Music • PE • BTEC Performing Arts • Photography • Physics • Psychology • Production Arts • Applied Science • Sociology • Spanish • BTEC Sport • Textiles
Enrichment The wide range of opportunities offered are intended to give students the skills and experience to achieve success once they leave. Duke of Edinburgh Award (Silver), Sports Leader Award, Young Enterprise, mentoring and charity work are all on offer to our Post 16 students.
An Award Winning 11-19 Campus Ofsted Outstanding 2013-2014
Artsmark Silver Award Achieved 2012
Artsmark Gold Award 2014 – 2017
National Support School Achieved 2015
LinkedUp Award Achieved 2011
Anti-Bullying Award 2015 –2018
Equalities Award 2014 - 2017
Leading Edge Partnership Programme 2015 – 2016
Healthy Schools 2015 – 2018
SSAT (The Schools Network) 2015 – 2016
SSAT Education Outcomes Award Achieved for 2015 results
The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Two Great Schools One Outstanding 11-19 Campus
Brookvale High School
Groby Community College
“OUTSTANDING” Ofsted February 2014
“GOOD with OUTSTANDING features”
www.brookvalehighschool.co.uk T: 0116 287 6914
www.grobycoll.com T: 0116 287 9921
Ofsted February 2013
Why choose the Brookvale Groby Learning Campus? “We have the proven track record to support your child through the whole of their secondary education towards academic success at GCSE and A Level.” Katie Rush, Headteacher, Brookvale High School and Robert Coles, Headteacher, Groby Community College
The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0FP / LE6 0GE respectively
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