The Grange School Secondary Prospectus 2014-2015

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Mr B. Carney Head of School

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A very warm welcome

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I like to think that we strike the right balance between challenging our students to perform to their best and aspire to be even better, to act with respect and dignity, to learn to behave appropriately and support others.

It is important to inspire youngsters with the belief that with hard work and endeavour, they can improve, they can enjoy and they can achieve.

Playing a part in helping to develop a youngster’s character and preparing them for their future is such a pleasing thing to do and that is why teaching is such a great job. It is fascinating to watch a young child develop into a young adult. Being part of that journey carries such responsibility but when in the end, it all goes well, it is so rewarding.

We are dedicated to providing the best for all of our students and once through our doors, they are Grange students irrespective of whichever primary school they come from, no matter what their academic ability may be and irrespective of their background. We are proud of our students and they are proud of their school.

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House System

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Each student in school is assigned to one of the following houses: BRIDGEWATER HOUSE BRINDLEY HOUSE CASTLE HOUSE PRIORY HOUSE In September 2014, the House System was extended into our Primary phase and the aim now is to involve all students in a wide range of academic, cultural, sporting and fun activities and competitions.

Over 20 such events take place during each year with the climax being the Sports Spectacular at the stadium in Widnes. Points are awarded for each event and a leader board is updated throughout the year.

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Our school, our vision, your future

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Although some of our children have followed the Grange pathway from a young age, most have not and the majority of our students transfer from over 20 primary schools around Runcorn.

All children are welcomed into the Grange community and encouraged to achieve their full potential, following a personalised pathway to success. The Grange is an inclusive school where every student is encouraged to develop the values of self-discipline, commitment and personal responsibility. We aspire to standards of excellence in everything we do. Every student is expected to learn and succeed in an environment of mutual respect for themselves and others. We want all our students to develop into responsible, capable and caring citizens of the future.

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Our Core Values Achievement

We always strive to be the best that we can.

Support

We work together and help one another.

Perseverance

We never give up.

Integrity

We are open and honest in everything we do.

Respect

We care for ourselves, each other and the environment around us.

Enrichment

We make the most of the wide range of opportunities in and out of school.

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A broad and balanced curriculum

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At The Grange we offer a curriculum tailored to the needs of all our learners. Students are constantly challenged to improve and develop their knowledge and skills in a supportive, caring environment. Success is celebrated within and beyond the curriculum so students develop confidence and a sense of achievement.

We offer a range of GCSE subjects and vocational courses.

Year 7 students are divided between three ‘arcs’ depending on their attainment at the end of Key Stage 2. We provide our most able and talented students access to our Prestigious Universities Programme.

For those students working below national expectations in English and Mathematics, we give extra support to ensure they make swifter progress and catch-up with their peers.

In Year 9 all students begin GCSE courses, giving them the opportunity to study extra subjects in their final year.

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Beyond the classroom The Grange offers many exciting opportunities outside the traditional classroom experience. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities allows students the opportunity to experience a diverse range of activities, including; • Educational trips and visits, such as theatre and geography field trips. In school, Mayor’s Award for year 7 students, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme run in conjunction with Halton Youth Provision.

• Sport is hugely popular. Our teams compete in netball, football, basketball, rounders, cricket competitions and many more.

• Performing arts and literature. Our students love performing shows at the Brindley Theatre and in our Dance Studio.

• Charity work. Every year our enterprising students raise thousands of pounds for good causes such as Children in Need, Comic Relief and Halton Haven Hospice.

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Local and international links We have achieved the International Schools Award which has involved: • Our teaching staff taking part in an exchange to Oman, South Africa, China.

• Hosting teachers from Delhi, Cape Town and the USA. • Visits to a Mosque in Manchester and a Buddhist temple with more being planned for 2014 - 2015.

• Increasing involvement and joint participation with St Andrew’s Church, Runcorn.

• M.U.F.C regional youth academy.

• Being a Teaching Leaders Partner School.

• In partnership with a cluster of schools led by Wade Deacon as part of the Innovation Enterprise Alliance.

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Nurturing talent within every student

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We believe all students are entitled to an educational environment in which their individual abilities and talents are fully developed in order to achieve their best.

We provide: • Teaching to the highest standards, resulting in excellent exam results.

• A caring community spirit, with happy, successful students at its heart.

• A learning environment which promotes mutual respect, courtesy and integrity.

We offer: • A range of extra-curricular activities.

• Opportunities for students to contribute to, and enhance the life of our local community.

• A variety of social activities to engage students of different ages, abilities and interests.

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Care and support

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Your child’s welfare and happiness is very important to us and Year 7 students are particularly well supported to ensure their smooth transition from primary school.

Progress Leaders for each year group have detailed knowledge of all students and constantly track their academic and personal development.

They are supported by highly skilled Progress Tutors, Pastoral Support Coordinators and external specialists who work with the single aim of creating aspirational, happy, confident and well-rounded young people.

For those with learning difficulties, we have a highly qualified Special Educational Needs (SEN) team who ensure that every child is supported and encouraged to achieve their maximum potential.

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What people say about us SSAT is an independent organisation that works with schools and partners to shape a world class education system. The Grange School has received national recognition from SSAT for achieving some of the fastest improving GCSE results in the country.

We are among the top 20% of schools nationally based on improvement from 2009 to 2012 in the percentage of students achieving 5+A*-C grades including English and Mathematics. They say: • The Grange School should be congratulated for their stunning achievement in improving their GCSE results.

• The Grange School has proved itself to be one of the best schools in the country at improving GCSE outcomes for their students. There is plenty that other schools could learn from The Grange School’s success.

• Successful schools like The Grange understand the value of data in helping to ensure all young people perform to the very best of their ability.

Chief Executive SSAT

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• It is a truly inclusive school.

• There is a real commitment to raising aspirations and to removing as many of the barriers to learning as possible.

• Staff at The Grange School know the students well.

The pastoral and welfare system is outstanding. Mutual respect and care is evident and as a direct consequence, most children make the best possible progress.

Inclusion Quality Mark Assessor (2012)

• The special needs team and provision provides high quality, personalised support for pupils and students throughout the school.

• Teaching assistants contribute very positively to the quality of learning across all subjects.

• Positive, respectful relationships exist between staff and students • Pupils are welcoming, polite and helpful. During lesson changes, breaks and lunchtimes, they conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

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Ofsted Inspector (2013)

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Celebrating Success

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Many of our students achieve excellent GCSE examination results and we are extremely proud to report that we are in the Daily Telegraph top 100 list of the most improved state schools.

Graduation afternoons are held at the end of the year for all ages and are a popular way to celebrate success. Local and national figures from the world of sport, the arts, politics and education present graduation certificates at the event in recognition of individual achievements.

We also use an online reward system of Vivo miles (like air miles) which students can trade in for rewards or to support their favourite charity.

We regularly share the success of our students through our newsletter, the press, website and social media. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Next Steps We have excellent relationships with all post-16 providers locally. Most of our students go on to study A Level or Level 3 qualifications before moving on to University degree courses. A number also go onto workplace learning.

We have developed a strong partnership with Cronton Sixth Form College/Riverside College in order to provide students with exceptional progression opportunities across a wide range of A level and Vocational courses.

Through this partnership, The Grange students are guaranteed a place at Cronton Sixth Form College/Riverside College who recorded the best A level results in Merseyside and Cheshire last summer, and have been ranked number 1 in the country for their Vocational results by the Department for Education in 2014.

We work closely with the College to ensure transition for students from Year 11 to Year 12 is seamless through a wide range of events including the Prestigious Universities Programme, sampling days, joint trips, guest speakers and workshops which start in Year 9.

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Anti-Bullying Ambassadors The Grange School is proud to be involved in the National Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme since 2011. The project enables groups of enthusiastic and motivated students to participate in training events focussing on anti-bullying, returning to school with ideas and ventures that they arrange and facilitate for the wider school community.

We are proud to be a Stonewall Champion school which promotes a safe and inclusive learning environment - empowering students and staff alike to celebrate difference and challenge prejudice.

Our commitment to being an all-through school.

For two weeks of the summer holidays, our selected year 10s work closely with the year 6s during their transition into year 7, working on literacy skills and self-development skills. The programme is designed to provide targeted intervention by highlighting and developing areas of strength.

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An exciting start with Franklin Scholars

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As part of our continuing development in making the transition from year 6 into year 7 at The Grange more comfortable, we have embarked upon an exciting new programme with Franklin Scholars. The programme is designed to forge links between our older students in year 10 and our newest entrants in year 7. The year 10s have been through an application and interview process to become mentors in both academic and self-esteem skills for our younger students. When one teaches, two learn.

The Franklin Scholars Programme is linked to University College of London, King’s College London and the prestigious Teach First Programme.

A truly unique learning opportunity When the new academic year starts in September, our year 10 students will be partnered up with the year 7s on a one to one basis. Further mentoring will take place during and after school in 20-35 minutes blocks, totalling one hour per week.

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w] www.thegrange.com e] info@thegrange.com @grange_school /grangeschool

The Grange School Latham Avenue Runcorn WA7 5DX Tel: 01928 562660

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