Wolsingham School / 01
“Students are courteous and friendly and demonstrate a genuine concern for each other.� Ofsted
Wolsingham School / 02
Welcome from the Headteacher Welcome to Wolsingham School. We are an inclusive school with high expectations of all of our students who we see as our greatest asset. They are hardworking, ambitious and aspirational. Choosing a secondary school can be daunting and we recognise it is one of the most important decisions parents make. We have strong links with our primary schools and primary pupils visit us reguarly. Their pupils visit us regularly to enjoy a wide range of experiences which we believe helps them to acclimatise to life at Wolsingham. Our new school buildings provide Wolsingham School with a contemporary learning environment for our students and staff, where we continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum from Year 7 to the Sixth Form in Year 13. Our aim is to work closely with parents to ensure that all our students develop a passion for lifelong learning and are equipped to excel in further academic or vocational studies. We believe that all students can succeed and exceed expectations through hard work, encouraging achievement and celebrating success. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant and successful student community. If you would like to visit the school please contact us to make an appointment for an informal chat and tour. Deborah Merrett
Wolsingham School / 03
“Students are keen to learn and enjoy participating in learning activities.� Ofsted Transition Great care is taken to continue to build on the strong links we have with our Primary Schools; our aim is to make transition to Wolsingham seamless and supportive for everyone. Your child will have met our Headteacher and Transition Worker in their primary school. We believe this familiarity contributes to the success of our school taster days, visits and extracurricular activities. During the summer we run a Summer School which helps to prepare students so that they arrive in Year 7 confident and ready to learn. All our activities our designed to make starting secondary school a positive and rewarding experience that sets students on a path to achievement and success.
Wolsingham School / 04
“Students are able to talk in an informed and articulate way about their learning.� Ofsted
Wolsingham School / 05
“Most students reach a good standard of attainment in GCSE in terms of five grades A* to C, including English and mathematics. Over the last three years this has been above the national average.” Ofsted “Students develop a love of learning and explore complex ideas and acquire a range of useful skills.” Ofsted
Wolsingham School / 06
Teaching & Learning Pursuit of academic excellence is at the heart of Wolsingham School. We are ambitious and aspirational. We strive for the highest achievement for every individual student within our caring, inclusive community. Our curriculum is broad and well balanced and goes far beyond lessons in the classroom. We urge our students to be engaged, inspired and curious about the world around them. Our experienced and highly committed staff equip students with the skills and mindset to be successful lifelong learners. Learning at Wolsingham is an exciting experience with an emphasis on participation and enjoyment at every opportunity. Lessons are varied and well-planned to meet the needs of individuals, providing the right balance of challenge and support in every classroom.
“Students take real delight and intense pleasure in unravelling knotty problems and exploring a range of solutions.� Ofsted
Wolsingham School / 07
Parents are welcome to get involved with our Parents’ Reference Group ‘that meets regularly with leaders and careful note is taken of parents’ views’ Ofsted
Supporting Success Every Child Every Day We place a strong emphasis on supporting our students’ emotional health and well-being. Our highly valued pastoral team is committed to providing the care and empathy which we believe underpins student success. The Pastoral Secretary is the first point of contact for students and parents to liaise with Heads of Year and Form Tutors. Parents can and do make significant contributions to their child’s progress and achievement. We value your support to ensuring students arrive at school promptly, with all equipment and wearing correct uniform. Homework can be monitored through ‘Show My Homework’. You can expect to receive termly newsletters and be invited to attend Parents’ Evenings.
Wolsingham School / 08
“Students with special educational needs make good progress from their starting points because of targeted support and timely intervention.� Ofsted At Wolsingham School we believe all our students have the right to be safe, happy, successful and treated as individuals. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) are offered inclusive teaching which will enable them to make the best possible progress in school and feel that they are a valued member of the wider school community. We adopt a graduated approach of support, which recognises a continuum of needs and where necessary, external specialist advice will be sought to ensure appropriate support is in place on the difficulties a pupil may be experiencing. Our well trained inclusion staff are experienced in supporting in classrooms, and in leading targeted withdrawal and support for students who have additional needs e.g. phonics, literacy, numeracy and fine motor skills. Dedicated quiet areas, small group work area, counselling rooms and safe lunch bases are available.
Wolsingham School / 09
Confidence to Excel Awe and Wonder Learning can take many forms and at Wolsingham students are offered a diverse programme of lunchtime and after school clubs as well as extra-curricular activities. Our ‘Awe and Wonder’ programme gives students educational opportunities to visit places further afield. Students foster genuine enjoyment from taking part and friendships are nurtured.
The Martin Gray Football Academy Over 50 students are involved and flourish under specialist Academy coaches. Alongside the coaching, students benefit from a one to one mentoring programme focusing on raising academic excellence. There is a real sense of belonging amongst students in the Academy who demonstrate great commitment and enthusiasm.
Army Cadets Cadets involve young people from all walks of life to access fun, friendship, action and adventure. Army Cadets will be challenged to learn more, do more and try more. We inspire our students to aim high and to acquire the skills, values and attitudes to go further in life, no matter what they aim to do.
Wolsingham School Leazes Lane, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. DL13 3DN
Headteacher: Mrs D Merrett Telephone: 01388 527302 Fax: 01388 528173 Email: info@wolsinghamschool.net
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