The Heath National Teaching School A STEM Centre of Excellence & Leadership Development School
“A truly outstanding school” Ofsted 2010 We ’ r e i n t h e b u s i n e s s o f l e a r n i n g
OutstandingOfsted 2010
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 exceptional 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.’ 2012 has been a year of very significant changes. In April 2012 we were designated as one of the first 200 National Teaching Schools “the highest accolade a school can achieve.” This is a mark of the exceptional educational provision delivered by The Heath and puts us at the very front of educational thinking and development. Heather Mullaney
Our New School In May 2012 we were selected to be part of the coalition’s Priority Schools Building Programme which meant we were allocated the money needed to build a state of the art school for 1350 students aged 11 – 16. Subsequent to this announcement we were absolutely delighted to receive the green light from the Department of Education to further expand our school so that in 2014/15 it will include a Sixth Form for 300 students. The Department has also allocated further funding to ensure that we can provide outstanding 16 - 19 learning in a bespoke Sixth Form environment. 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 time to come and visit to see our school at work or visit our website www.heathschool. org.uk There really is no better time to be part of The Heath as we move forward on our journey from Truly Outstanding to Truly Exceptional.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Centre of Excellence We are proud of our reputation 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. We aim to give the best experience of STEM possible to all ages. Starting with our partnership primary schools, through to enhancing our own curriculum enrichment programme entitled ‘Learn 4 Life’ which draws on many local, national and international businesses who deliver session 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.
Pupils’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
Curriculum for Learning 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.
Curriculum subjects:
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 - GCSE Mathematics - Statistics English - English Language - English Literature - English Science - Chemistry - Physics - Biology - Core Science - Applied Science Technology - Resistant Materials - Electronic Products - Food Technology - Textiles - Graphic Products
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Physical Education ICT Business Studies History Geography Religious Studies Psychology Film Studies French Spanish Art Drama Music Dance Child Development Equality and Diversity STEM Leadership Qualification (SLQ)
Teaching 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 life-long learners. 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 encourages 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 leaning is at the heart of every lesson. This is and will always be our aim.
“Teaching is outstanding overall.� OFSTED 2010
Assessment for Learning Assessment for Learning is at the heart of successful teaching and learning at The Heath. Regular assessment activities inform both teachers and students as to where the focus of futures 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 assessments and dialogue between teacher and learner.
“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.
“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
Supporting the Learner It is very important that all students feel valued and safe. That they aspire, grow in confidence, are respectful, 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 Assistant Progress Co-ordinators 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.
“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 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.
Student Leadership Our “Leading Today to Shape Tomorrow” philosophy underpins our passionate approach to the development of student leadership. Students in all year groups will have many opportunities to develop their leadership skills both in and out of school working with other students and adults. At The Heath, we believe that leadership experience in education has become essential to help young people tackle and transform the challenges of today.
“The leadership specialism has enabled the school to seek and provide outstanding training for colleagues within the school and from schools elsewhere.” OFSTED 2010
Environment for Learning We have a policy of continuous improvement in our facilities to ensure that we have a learning environment worthy of the 21st Century. We are very excited by the further opportunities resulting from our academy status and our success in bidding for major capital funding to radically redevelop The Heath. Work with leading professionals in the construction industry has already commenced in order to design and build a new 11-19 school ready to occupy in 2015. Committed to inspiring excellence and to build on our already outstanding results, our brief is to achieve learning spaces that are both stimulating and engaging. We look forward to creating both state of the art learning and sports environments, which our students and community really deserve.
The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement Outstanding Ofsted 2010
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.
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.
LIPA 4:19 Performing Arts Academy at the Heath LIPA 4:19 at The Heath is a part time performing arts academy which is part of The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The academy is based at The Heath and has been in operation in Halton for the past 3 years. We currently have students aged 4 - 19 at the academy, which runs on a Saturday morning during term time.
The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
Learning Outside the Classroom Experiences Beginning in Year 7 with the teambuilding experience at Kingswood we offer every student the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of experiences outside the classroom. These increase motivation and support extended opportunities for learning as well as promoting positive relationships. Some of our visits, such as the Exchange Visits to our partner schools in South Africa are once in a lifetime opportunities for many, and offer a cultural experience second to none. Year 7 Settling in
Kingswood Colomendy
Ski trips
Italy, Canada, North America
Tennis and Dance
Spain
Geography and History Field Trips Derbyshire Conwy Thackray Museum, Leeds Humanities
Warrington Crown Court Competition
English Field Trips
Conwy Centre Belgium Battlefields
Textiles
Milan
Performing Arts
London New York
Exchange Visit
South Africa
The effectiveness of care, guidance and support - Outstanding Ofsted 2010
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
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PHASE 3 2006