The Heath We’re in the business of learning
We hope this guide has provided at least a taste of the opportunities we are able to offer. To find out more about our school - including details of our visit days - please call 01928 576664 or email hmullaney@heathschool.org.uk or visit www.heathschool.org.uk
The Heath Clifton Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4SY Tel: 01928 576664 Fax: 01928 568703 E-mail: hmullaney@heathschool.org.uk
www.heathschool.org.uk
“A truly outstanding school” Ofsted 2010
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Message from the Principal Welcome to the most recent Heath prospectus. I hope that you will find it a useful insight into our school – our vision, ethos, values and the excellent education we offer to all our students. We are justifiably proud of our reputation as an outstanding, high performing, innovative and dynamic school. We are constantly seeking out ways of improving and extending the range of opportunities we offer to our students, their families and our community. We really are ‘in the business of learning’. 2011 has been a year of development at The Heath, in Spring we converted to academy status as an outstanding school giving us the opportunity to receive funding directly in to school, this will benefit our students greatly and allow us to make significant improvements to our buildings and facilities in order to continue delivering outstanding teaching and learning. We are already working with architects on plans to enhance and re-develop our school creating the best possible environment for learning. Heather Mullaney
Overall effectiveness: how good is the school - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
In another exciting development we are moving forward with our plans for a Free School for 16-19 year olds. Many past students have expressed a wish to stay with us, continuing their studies, after reaching the end of compulsory education and many of them travel outside of Halton to access Sixth Form Colleges. We believe that our excellence in teaching and learning can give more young people their best chance to achieve the success they deserve on the next step of their learning journey. It is important to us that all students enjoy happy and rewarding years at The Heath. We want them to leave us well equipped to be successful and valuable citizens in a rapidly changing and challenging world, well placed to achieve their goals, with a desire to continue on their lifelong learning journey. But don’t just take our word for it. Make ti me to come and visit to see our school at work or visit our website www. heathschool.org.uk
“The Heath is a truly outstanding school. Led by the inspirational Headteacher and an exceptionally focused senior leadership team, the school has achieved standards of attainment which are very high. Students’ learning and progress over time are now outstanding, because of the very high quality of teaching in lessons and the outstanding support they receive.” OFSTED 2010
Pupils’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning - Outstanding
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Centre of Excellence
Ofsted 2010
We provide an outstanding education, which challenges and develops students of all abilities. Our students achieve the best possible academic success and are equipped to take their place in their community as responsible, caring citizens with a life-long enthusiasm for learning. We seek to match the curriculum to the needs of the individual so that each student develops confidence and a sense of achievement through learning. We also encourage and celebrate all achievements within and beyond the curriculum. The Heath is a caring school where we encourage all members of the school to respect themselves, each other, our local community and the environment.
We are proud of our reputation nationally as a STEM Centre of Excellence. We have evolved from our Technology Specialism into a school which believes STEM to be an integral factor in the future of our students, the school and Runcorn.
Curriculum subjects:
We aim to give the best experiences of STEM possible, to all ages. Starting with our partner primary schools, through to enhancing our own curriculum model for 11-16 year old students which includes a curriculum enrichment programme entitled ‘Learn 4 Life’ which draws on many local, national and International businesses who deliver sessions to our students, culminating in post 16 adult classes who benefit from the expertise and resources we have at our disposal. We believe that for our community in the North West, STEM is the future and we aim to be at the forefront of this academic avenue for many years to come.
Curriculum for Learning
The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides a wide range of pathways to meet the needs of all of its students. OFSTED 2010
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Mathematics English Science Technology Physical Education ICT (Information Communication Technology) Business Studies History Geography Religious Studies Psychology Film Studies French Spanish Art Drama Music Dance
Learning to learn
Assessment For Learning
We place an emphasis on teaching students how to learn and make good use of research into learning styles, types of intelligence and emotional literacy to provide all our students with the skills that they will need to be active lifelong learners.
Assessment for learning is at the heart of successful teaching and learning at The Heath. Regular assessed activities inform both teachers and students as to where the focus of future learning should be placed. Lessons and activities are adapted to ensure all make progress and reach their full potential. Feedback to students takes the form of formal written assessment and dialogue between teacher and learner.
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods to allow everyone to make good progress with an emphasis on independent learning, thinking skills and personal organisation. We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our approaches, taking into account achievement, enjoyment and student opinion as we seek to improve the education we offer. Motivational days and workshops are a regular part of school life which encourage students to look beyond traditional parameters and aim high. This success is underpinned by a relentless drive to ensure the very best provision for our students so that their learning is at the heart of every lesson. This is and will always be our aim.
“Teaching is outstanding overall.” OFSTED 2010
“Outstanding care and guidance ensure that students follow courses that meet their individual abilities and aspirations, and that they are strongly supported through the process.” OFSTED 2010
Behaviour for Learning Promoting a positive atmosphere where all students can flourish is key to success in learning. Central to this is the need for responsible behaviour, courtesy and consideration based on mutual respect.
Climate for Learning
It is very important that all students feel valued, aspire, grow in confidence, are respectful, feel safe, think of others and achieve their potential with structured guidance to face the challenges of life in the 21st century. Form Tutors have detailed knowledge of students tracking both the academic and personal development of their tutees. They are supported by Progress Co-ordinators and assistants for each year group. The Inclusion Quality Mark is one of our proudest achievements. Our Centre for Student Intervention has a team of specialists who work with students to remove barriers to learning. The very inclusive nature of the school is demonstrated by the excellent outcomes for all groups of students.
“Teachers are adept at establishing supportive, encouraging relationships which foster an excellent climate for learning. There is a culture of high expectations, and this is so successfully communicated to students that they set high standards for themselves and others. As a result, their excellent behaviour and attitudes contribute very well to their learning.” OFSTED 2010
“The Heath is a model of inclusive practice which needs to be disseminated at both a local and national level.” Inclusion Quality Mark 2010.
“Students’ success as learners is complemented by their outstanding attitudes and skills that will serve them well beyond school. They are courteous, articulate, and treat each other and adults with consideration.”
Leadership Development School
Environment for Learning
The leadership of learning lies at the heart of school leadership – outstanding schools have outstanding leaders. As a leadership development school it is our aim to secure high quality leadership development and opportunity for all to improve student outcomes for our school and those of our partners.
We have a policy of continuous investment in our facilities to ensure that we have a learning environment worthy of the 21st Century.
The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
“The leadership specialism has enabled the school to seek and provide outstanding training for colleagues within the school and from schools elsewhere.” OFSTED 2010
Recent improvements include:• Ten purpose built Design and Technology learning areas. • Eight refurbished Science laboratories. • Complete refurbishment of the Maths faculty. • New English and ICT rooms. • An All Weather, floodlit pitch for P.E. and the community • A covered seating area for students. • Re-surfaced and flood lit tennis/netball courts. • Concept classroom with the very latest IT equipment. • We are very excited by the further opportunities resulting from our academy status and our current plans to radically redevelop The Heath. We look forward to creating a state of the art learning environment which our students and community really deserve.
Learning beyond the Classroom Academic success is only one facet of life at The Heath. We encourage all students to take part in a very wide range of extracurricular activities to enable them to develop into confident young people.
D of E Award Scheme Running since 1964, The Heath has consistently been the lead provider in Halton, achieving great success at both Bronze and Silver Award levels. In excess of 600 students have gained Awards in the last 5 years.
Extra Curricular Activities We offer many different types of activities including sport, public speaking, music, dance and drama. Students regularly make a substantial contribution to local, national and international charities including Halton Haven, Oxfam, British Heart Foundation and many more.
The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
Learning Outside the Classroom Experiences These increase motivation and support extended opportunities for learning as well as promoting positive relationships. Ski trips - Italy, Canada, North America Tennis and Dance - Spain Geography and History Field Trips - Derbyshire, Conwy, Thackray Museum, Leeds English Field Trips - Conwy Centre, Belgium Battlefields French - Paris Textiles - Milan Performing Arts - London, New York Exchange Visit - South Africa Year 7 Settling in - Kingswood Colomendy
Education Enrichment and Life Opportunities (EELO Project) We have an established training base at the Heath Business Park which provides our students with real, exciting work based learning and enterprise activities.
The effectiveness of care, guidance and support - Outstanding Ofsted 2010