Highgate Wood School Prospectus 2015-16

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD TEACHER

Page 2

OUR AIMS, OUR SCHOOL

Page 3

STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL

Page 3

OUR CURRICULUM HOUSE SYSTEM and YEAR 7 CURRICULUM Page 5

Highgate Wood School Montenotte Road Hornsey London N8 8RN

KEY STAGE 3 Page 6 KEY STAGE 4 Page 7 POST 16 Page 8

visit us at our website www.hws.uk.com

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Page 9

call us on 020 83427970

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

Page 10

COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL LINKS

Page 11

GROWTH MINDSET AND THE FOUR Cs

Page 12

OUR FACILITIES

Page 13

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

Page 14

SPORTS AND STUDENT VOICE

Page 15

SCHOOL PLANNER AND SCHOOL UNIFORM

Page 16

OUR GOVERNING BODY

Back page

Follow us on twitter twitter.com/highgatewood

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD TEACHER Welcome to Highgate Wood School.

I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Highgate Wood School and to have the privilege of leading this wonderful school community. We are a successful, mixed comprehensive school, with over 1400 students who come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of talents and aptitudes. These incredible students are guided by my excellent staff who are well supported by our parents/carers and by a very committed team of governors.

Highgate Wood School has high standards and high expectations, and we encourage all our students to continuously improve on their personal best. Their academic progress and examination success is ensured by top quality teaching, first rate facilities and challenging targets. Their emotional well-being is ensured by our excellent pastoral systems and by the positive relationships that are at the root of our working practise.

We want all our students to be successful, confident and caring adults who are able to play an active part in a society where adaptability, enterprise, perseverance and consideration for others are increasingly important. We expect them to aim to excellence and we support them to meet their fullest individual potential - academically, creatively, socially and personally. As a school who believes in a growth mindset, all of our staff embrace the concept that talent and ability is not fixed, but instead can be developed over time with focused practice, hard work and commitment.

Our motto is Everyone Matters and this is demonstrated by the way we value every student as an individual, and through the numerous opportunities by which their talents and abilities are identified and nurtured. Traditional values of Courtesy, Consideration, Contribution and Cooperation (the 4Cs) underpin the school’s ethos and are at the core of our expectations. Our mission statement that we make a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, have the highest expectations and inspire self belief js at the heart of what we do.

We aim to be the local school of choice – a school that serves its local community and has something to offer every local child who wishes to attend. The fact that every year we are consistently and increasingly over-subscribed for places suggests that we are achieving this. Your sons and daughters will be given every opportunity to gain academic success and personal fulfilment as well as to develop their talents and social skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

I am sure they will enjoy the Highgate Wood experience!

Patrick Cozier Headteacher Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

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ABOUT HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL School Aims

School Profile Highgate Wood School is a successful 11-18 mixed comprehensive school providing secondary education to 1425 students.

At Highgate Wood School the education of every young person is held to be of equal value. The school motto is that Everyone Matters and this is reflected in our school aims. At the end of seven years at Highgate Wood School we want our young people to:

 have high expectations of themselves and of others  thrive on their passion for learning  demonstrate high quality in whatever they do  take their place in society with a set of principles underpinned by the importance of contribution, courtesy, cooperation and consideration

 show and display an appreciation of justice and morality

 choose a healthy lifestyle underpinned by good eating habits and regular exercise

 have the skills, abilities and qualifications necessary

We underwent our last OFSTED inspection in November 2011 which highlighted our “positive and inclusive learning ethos” and described the school as a place where children “enjoy a good quality of education because the good teaching they receive secures equally effective learning and progress.”

Ofsted judged us to be outstanding in terms of how safe our students feel at school.

“Students succeed at Highgate Wood because of the good quality care, guidance and support they receive.”

Highgate Wood serves a multicultural community and many of our students are bilingual. The school is oversubscribed.

Just under half our students are drawn from a wide variety of minority ethnic groups, including BlackCaribbean, Greek and Turkish Cypriot, as well as from the Turkish, Kurdish, Black-African, Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Chinese and Somali communities.

Ofsted Nov 2011

Historically, we have had more boys than girls (with an all girls school being so close by), but this has changed in recent years as our girls’ achievements have encouraged more parents to send their daughters here.

to achieve economic well-being

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Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

KEY STAGE 2\3 TRANSITION Ms Allaway has considerable experience in settling in new students and monitoring their academic and social progress, as well as retaining links with their primary schools. She is supported by an enthusiastic team of Year 7 tutors who see their tutor group every day, as well as the Heads of House and their teams who have a specific responsibility to help new students settle into their House and to the life of the school. We swiftly get to know the children’s academic and social strengths, as well as any individual difficulties they may face, and support and guide them accordingly.

“I love Highgate Wood School.

The best feeling is when the morning bell rings” Owen Year 8

We try to build our relationships with parents and families from the start, and this assists in making the children’s transition from primary to secondary education a successful and happy one. All Year 7 parents and carers are invited to an evening meeting in the Summer term prior to their children starting at school, and meet members of the Year 7 team and the three Houses to discuss any concerns and raise any questions.

Starting Secondary School Starting secondary school or changing schools is a big step and we do all that we can to aid the process and make it easy and enjoyable.

We pride ourselves in ensuring that we visit all our local primary schools to meet our new Year 6 cohort in the summer term before they start in September.

Students joining other year groups are also encouraged to visit prior to taking up a place and their Head of House ensures that they have a structured start.

“You get a warm welcome when you walk through the gates… and you make loads of new friends.”

Louise Year 8 After school starts, there is an opportunity in the second half of the autumn term for parents and carers to come and discuss their child’s progress with his or her form tutor.

This meeting is intended to address any difficulties which may have arisen and help ensure that all Year 7 students are enjoying school and working hard.

During the course of the year parents receive regular updates of their child’s progress, including information about their academic achievements and their attitudes to learning.

In the summer term all staff are available at an evening meeting to discuss the progress that Year 7 students have made during their first year of secondary school.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

4

HOUSE SYSTEM AND YEAR 7 CURRICULUM House System

Enrichment

Two years ago Highgate Wood School reintroduce the House System that had been part of the school when it first opened in the 1960s. Students voted on the names of the Houses, and the mottos that have now become part of their Houses identity.

Our students benefit from Curriculum Enrichment days and events that take place across the year in Year 7, providing a wider experience of education than within the normal timetable.

Da Vinci House Named after: Leonardo Da Vinci Motto: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

Seacole House Named after: Mary Seacole Motto: “From caring comes courage.”

Edison House Named after: Thomas Edison Motto: “Success comes from perseverance.”

Enrichment includes themed days, trips and visits from outside experts that provide students with planned curriculum opportunities to extend and broaden their learning. Our belief is that these enhancements to the curriculum mean our Year 7 students can engage in tasks that give them more scope for developing their skills, e.g. independent learning, research, working in teams, and problem solving, as well as the chance to explore areas of the curriculum in more depth.

Every student benefits from having a whole team of individuals who are dedicated to supporting their academic progress and their social and personal wellbeing. It is also now easier for younger students to be supported and helped by the older students in their House, and for discussions to take place across year groups about what to prepare for and what to expect.

Each House has a Head of House, whose core responsibility is student progress, a Deputy Head of House, whose focus is pastoral well-being, and two Pastoral Mentors. This team supports the 15 House tutors who work with all the students in their Tutor Group to ensure everyone is thriving and moving forward in their learning.

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The Year 7 timetable has 50 one-hour periods on a two weekly cycle.

Subject* Art Computing\ICT Design Technology Drama English Geography History Mathematics French/Spanish  Music Physical Education Ethics and Cultural Studies  Science

No. of periods 3 2 3 3 7 3 3 6 4 3 4 2 5

 Students in Year 7 learn either French or Spanish.  PE at Key Stage 3 is taught in single sex groups.  Formerly known as RE * Parents are advised of their right to withdraw their child from RE and Sex Education. Students will be supervised but no alternative curriculum is available.

“There is so much knowledge that the teachers help you unlock at Highgate Wood School. There are so many things to discover.”

Erden Year 8

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

OUR CURRICULUM—KS3 The Curriculum Years 7, 8 and 9

“The broad and balanced curriculum provides for the learning needs of all students.”

Our aim is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is both challenging and exciting .

Throughout Key Stage 3 we build on each students’ earlier school experiences to extend the breadth and depth of their knowledge, develop their understandings and improve their skills in all areas of the curriculum.

Ofsted Nov 2011

Subjects At Key Stage 3, students are offered a wide range of learning experiences and opportunities both with the subjects they study and through collaborative projects between different subject areas.

Each year within Key Stage 3 has a different emphasis. 

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In Year 7, the focus is on ensuring those basic building blocks of literacy and numeracy are firmly established while also developing mastery of collaborative and individual working.

In Year 8, the introduction of Citizenship supports our focus on the world beyond school, and students are given a wide range of learning experiences to equip them for success in the world beyond the classroom.

In Year 9, the focus is on completing Key Stage 3 and fully preparing students for the demands of GCSEs. We take particular care to ensure that informed decisions are made on the choice of curriculum for Key Stage 4 and parents are encouraged to play an active role in this process.

Everyone Matters Through Key Stage 3, students are taught in groups designed to provide the best level of challenge and support so that everyone is able to progress and achieve. We set by ability in Maths in Year 7, and slightly later in Science and English. In subjects like Drama, Art, Music and Design Technology we group differently to help maximise experience and attainment .

Through Key Stage 3, students study English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Ethics and Cultural Studies (formerly RE), Computing, Citizenship, Physical Education, Design Technology, Music, Art, Drama and Modern Foreign Languages. We also give our most able linguists the opportunity to study two languages: French and Spanish.

Students with particular learning or language needs are helped within their lessons by Learning Support Advisors and occasionally with individual or group learning by specialist staff outside the classroom.

In all lessons students are encouraged to develop skills for learning and for assessing their own progress. They will always be expected to explore avenues for further improvement.

“There are no limits. You can reach as high as you dare to go.”

Tom Year 9

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) is delivered across the curriculum for all years, but particularly within Tutorial time and Enrichment activities in Year 7 and Citizenship in Years 8 and 9.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

6

OUR CURRICULUM—KS4 The Curriculum - Years 10 and 11

Optional Subjects

Academic Success

The ever-evolving demands of the workplace and of Higher Education has seen our provision at Key Stage 4 develop steadily over recent years. All students study a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics and Science, but also have a wide range of opportunities within and beyond the timetable to develop an understanding of a much wider range of subjects and acquire an extensive range of skills and experiences.

Students are able to choose three additional courses to complement their core subjects. The school prides itself on the range of courses available, which also includes the opportunity for some students to follow alternative courses at partner colleges as part of their full curriculum.

In recent years Highgate Wood School has consistently returned excellent examination results, with the vast majority of our students meeting or exceeding their target grades. In 2014 68% of our students achieved 5 A* - C grades (including English and Maths).

The courses Highgate Wood School currently offers to students at Key Stage 4 include:

We encourage all students to continue their study of a foreign language, and to gain accreditation in their first language (where applicable). In recent years, students have successfully been awarded GCSEs in Greek, Turkish, Bengali, Russian, Portuguese and Dutch.

The school offers opportunities for the EBacc pathway, which includes a modern or community language, one of the humanities and the possibility of Computer Science as well as the core provision. We also provide more vocational pathways for those students for whom these are more suitable.

All Key Stage 4 students also participate in Work Related Learning projects, including work experience, enterprise days and other curriculum-based work.

“No one ever puts you down.

People are always there for you to help you succeed in whatever way that success might be.”

 Art

& Design  Business Studies  Computer Science  Dance  Drama  Economics  Food Technology  French  Geography  History  ICT

 Media

Studies

 Music  Music

Technology  Philosophy  Physical Education  Product Design  Science  Sociology  Spanish  Textiles  Sustainability studies.

“Highgate Wood School is great. It is fantastic. It’s got a wonderful atmosphere” Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP Following a visit in July 2013

Twenty-five students in that cohort achieved 10 or more A* - A grades, which reinforces our previous success in having a top ranking of non-selective schools in the country for students achieving A* and A grades at GCSE. Our results at A Level are similarly impressive, with an overall pass rate of 100%, and 83% of entries attaining A* - C grades and 53% achieving the top A* - B grades.

Leyla Year 8

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Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

OUR CURRICULUM—Post 16 “The popular sixth form enjoys a positive reputation locally and, through good leadership and management, it complements the provision provided in Years 7 to 11.”

The Post 16 Offer

Transition to University

Highgate Wood School has over 250 students in the sixth form which is made up of students who have joined us from other schools as well as those who completed their GCSE courses here.

All our post-16 students have an Academic Mentor who provides guidance and advice during their time in the sixth form. This will include help with study skills and exam technique as well as providing more general pastoral support.

We offer a wide range of subjects at Post 16, mainly A levels, but also a small number of vocational courses.

Ofsted Nov 2011

These include: Art & Design  Biology  Business Studies  Chemistry  Drama  Economics  English Language  English Literature  French  Further Maths  Geography 

Maths  Media Studies  Music  Music Technology  PE  Philosophy  Photography  Physics  Product Design  Psychology  Sociology 

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Government & Politics  Spanish

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History ICT

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A particularly important role of the Academic Mentor is to assist with the UCAS university application process. We have an excellent record of helping students onto the next stage of their education, at university and elsewhere. Highgate Wood School students have been successful in their applications to a wide range of institutions from Cambridge to Falmouth, Warwick to Aberdeen, studying across a wide range of subjects from Medicine to Fashion, French to Philosophy.

We believe that our sixth form not only prepares students academically for the step up to university but also helps them develop socially and emotionally to be successful in whatever they go on to do in the future.

Textiles

Our results at Post 16 have been excellent over the last seven years, consistently placing the school in the top range of schools nationally in terms of “value-added” performance.

In 2014 our sixth form students maintained the school’s best results: 83% A*- C in examinations that were taken, and well over half achieving top A*-B grades. We have also attracted and enrolled a record number of sixth form students both from within and beyond Highgate Wood School.

Each year a group of our sixth formers visit South Africa to help children in schools supported by the Hillcrest Charity.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

8

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Homework

Independent Study We encourage all our students to develop their independent learning skills and take responsibility for many areas of their own development.

Homework is an important part of secondary education.

Its purpose is to develop independent learning, improve skills, consolidate classroom learning and enhance knowledge and understanding. It also gives parents and carers the chance to become involved in their child’s education.

Our Learning Resource Centre is kept open every day after school to allow students to study and access the computer network. A homework club is also run by the Learning Support Department every day after school to help students complete the work they have been set.

Through Key Stage 3, students are set regular homework for all subjects. In core subjects (English, maths and science) students are set one-hour homeworks each week; in the foundation subjects one one-hour homework is set for each fortnight. Homework may consist of research or investigation, practical activities, creative or extended writing, review and revision or the use of particular resources (eg SAM Learning).

Students need to keep a note of their homework tasks in their Student Planner, but they are also posted on the Show My Homework website. This allows parents, carers and students themselves to keep a careful eye on what homework is required.

Help and support for students to access or complete their homework is available from the LRC and the Learning Support Homework club, as well as directly from the classroom teacher.

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Vivomiles

All our students have access to a growing range of useful on-line resources to support their independent learning and help them develop their understanding and skill.

This includes SAMLearning the award-winning revision site, and the learning resources from LGfL as well as the school’s own on-line resources.

Students are rewarded for their efforts beyond the classroom, as well as their focus and hard work within it.

The school operates a system called Vivomiles. Vivo points are awarded for good classwork, good homework and exhibiting any of the 4Cs. Vivos are given automatically for good attendance. They are also automatically awarded for time spent with SAMLearning, the on-line revision site to which all our students have an account.

Vivos can be accumulated and spent on a range of rewards in the Vivo shop. They can also be donated to the House charity.

Students who have reach particular thresholds in Vivo awards also get other privileges within the school, and are recognised and rewarded for their achievements.

There is an ongoing competition between the Houses on which has acquired the highest number of Vivos. A weekly update of these scores, together with the top Vivo earning students, appear on our plasma screens each week.

“The teachers help you get to the top and be the best you can be.”

Nino Year 8

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS Working Together with Parents

Parents and Staff Association

We value our partnership with parents/carers and are grateful for the significant contribution they make in supporting their children’s progress and our school community as a whole.

All parents and teachers automatically belong to the Parents and Staff Association (PSA).

We have a number of ways in which this partnership is supported and strengthened. These include

 Parent/carer’s evenings – an opportunity to meet with subject teachers – one meeting for each year group per academic year

 Academic Review meetings – a chance to discuss early progress in the autumn term with your child’s form tutor

 Year 9 Options meetings - an opportunity for parents/carers of Year 9 students to receive information, advice and guidance about Key Stage 4 courses

 We encourage parents to take a regular and active role in reviewing their child’s learning by using the student’s School Planner and our tutor system .

“The school engages parents and carers well in their children’s education.”

Ofsted Nov 2011

Members of the PSA arrange social events when parents and staff can meet informally. The PSA also organises fundraising activities through which money is raised for extra curricular projects.

In the last year, PSA support has enabled the school to move forward with a whole range of initiatives that would have been impossible without their help. These include buying a Spectrometer for science, trampolines for PE and helping to fund many of the school’s clubs and afterschool activities, supporting post 16 students to visit universities and colleges and providing tea and cakes for some very welcome staff appreciation afternoons.

The PSA group is heavily involved in some of the school’s most important events, including the annual Music, Art and Drama festival, the Winter Concert and the School play.

Highgate Wood School PSA also provides a means of communication between parents/carers and the school.

There are regular meetings (roughly two per half term).

At some meetings there are presentations from staff where parents/carers can hear about school initiatives and the work of specific curriculum areas.

A member of the governing body is linked to the PSA to ensure that the voice of parents is considered at Governing Body level. There are also “Governors’ Surgeries” during some PSA meetings to allow easy dialogue between parents and school governors.

Communication with Parents It is important that parents know what is happening in their child’s school. At Highgate Wood School we use a wide variety of means to help ensure parents are informed and up-to-date with school news and events.

We produce a regular magazine, Insight, which is distributed to all students each half-term and is also available on-line through the school website. There are also other publications to provide information for a particular event or purpose.

Increasingly, the school is making use of digital tools to improve our communications and contact with families.

These include the school website at www.hws.uk.com, and the school twitter feed @highgatewood.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

10

COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL LINKS

Students at Highgate Wood School benefit enormously from opportunities to become true global citizens.

Through the curriculum that they follow, and the development of partnerships with schools across the world, we recognise our students’ enhanced enthusiasm for learning and their openness to new ideas. Our students have a greater awareness of themselves, as well as a greater respect and appreciation of others. This is clearly demonstrated by the ways in which they apply critical thinking to local and global issues. Working on projects with peers from many different countries has enabled our students to become even more confident and articulate.

We are involved in a number of prestigious projects with many international partners. We are currently working with schools in several European countries as well as schools in India and South Africa. Our excellent record of effective and sustainable international work has been recognised by the British Council.

This year, we received the International Schools Award for a third three year period, something we are extremely proud of.

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Model United Nations A key element of our commitment to Global Citizenship is the Model United Nations programme that we have participated in for the since 2005. At Model UN, students take on the role of ambassadors for a particular country and then debate in one or two day conferences around an agreed topic. Their goal is to resolve global problems using the structures and formal debating procedures of the UN. Highgate Wood School has built up an enviable reputation within Model UN, with our students winning the ‘Best Delegation’ award in the London Conference at their first attempt and receiving acclaim for their talents and abilities in the Model UN forum many times since.

We have competed internationally, and have helped develop a sister programme in Poland through a Comenius Regio grant.

“strong global links with faraway communities offer students valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from others.”

Ofsted Nov 2011 So popular is the programme with our students that we have held our own North London conferences at Highgate Wood School every March involving around 15 other schools involved and 250 – 300 students. Formal participation in Model UN now includes students from Yeas 9, 10, 11 and sixth form.

For students in Years 7 and 8 we have a well established DebateMate club, often supported by our Model UN veterans, where younger students can develop their skills in argument, persuasion and debate.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

GROWTH MINDSET AND THE FOUR Cs Growth Mindset People used to think that intelligence was fixed at birth.

You were either talented in specific areas or you weren’t.

Some still think it now, saying things like “I was never any good at maths, so it’s no wonder my child struggles too… it’s obviously not in our genes”.

Modern studies have shown this belief in fixed abilities to be false. The biggest influence on someone’s success is not their genetic make-up, it is how hard they work, how focused they are and how determined they are to succeed.

At Highgate Wood School we firmly believe in this idea of a "growth mindset" and recognise the huge importance of perseverance, resilience, focused practice and hard work. We thus value effort above attainment, hard work above high scores.

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Try to learn from criticism

The Four Cs

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Get inspiration in the

We wish to encourage all our students to adopt the ethos of the 4Cs before, during and after school.

success of others (rather than feel threatened by it)

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Courtesy: We expect an automatic sense of courtesy underpinned by the use of “please,” “thank you” and “sorry”.

Be the best you can possibly be

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Consideration: We expect our students to always be considerate of each other and their surroundings — walking quietly and sensibly, using the bins provided for litter and holding doors open for each other.

Realise that if you can’t understand something, it is just because you can’t do it yet ...

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Contribution: We want our students to ensure that they are always making a positive contribution to the school community, taking part in as many activities as they can and taking collective responsibility for making Highgate Wood School a better place.

Understand that real mastery doesn’t come easy… it is the result of hard work over time

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Embrace deferred

Cooperation: We expect all our students to cooperate with members of staff and each other. Even when students are unhappy with a decision, we still expect members of the Highgate Wood School community to cooperate first and then find a way to deal with the situation.

gratification, accepting that effort may not pay off immediately, but will bring its own rewards over time

We ask all members of the school community; students, staff, parents and governors, to adopt the principles of a Growth Mindset where you:

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Accept that talent can be developed

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Embrace challenges and difficulties

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Persist in the face of setbacks

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View effort as a path to mastery and success

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." Nido Qubein

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

12

OUR FACILITIES An Environment for Learning

Cashless Catering Our computer network extends to the Dining Hall where it supports the system of cashless catering which has removed the need for students to bring money into school. Highgate Wood School works with Wisepay to allow payments to be made on line.

Highgate Wood School completed a major modernisation programme in September 2010 that transformed the school into the attractive and effective modern learning environment that we enjoy today.

The school has a state-ofthe-art computer network contributing to learning and teaching across the school. Most classrooms are equipped with an Interactive White Board, whilst around the school we have several dedicated ICT areas, including four computer suites equipped with PCs, and three equipped with iMacs for media, music and graphics work. We have ICT-rich vocational classrooms and DT workshops and further ICT spaces in the Learning Resource Centre and the Sixth Form Study Area.

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Dining Hall

Learning Resource Centre Our Learning Resource Centre offers much more than a traditional library. Here students are able to get support with homework as well as to access a whole range of resources to support them in their independent learning and research during the school day and after school.

The LRC is also used increasingly to host talks by visiting authors and other similar events.

The Dining Hall is a bright and airy space, making it ideal not only for mealtimes but also as a social space shared by staff and students.

Our modernisation programme also included the refurbishment of the Main Hall which is now a functional and attractive performance space that supports the high quality of performance and production that has characterised Highgate Wood School for many years.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

MUSIC, ART and DRAMA School Performances We are proud of Highgate Wood School’s reputation as a centre of excellence in the creative arts. This has led to us be involved in outreach work with local primary schools and with professional organisations within the creative industries. providing very useful experience for our students.

Our strength in music, drama, art, design technology and new media is also reflected in the high quality productions, exhibitions and other events staged at the school.

Performances from our Winter Concert in 2013.

This year’s Winter Concert takes place on 16th, 17th and 18th December.

Pictures from our productions last year when we broke with tradition and staged a Season of Three Plays with three separate production schedules happening over three separate nights.

[HWS] “develop young and creative individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their lives.”

Ofsted Nov 2011

Student performances at MADFest 2014

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

14

SPORTS AND STUDENT VOICE SPORTS

Young Leaders in Sport in Haringey

Student Voice

Highgate Wood School is one of the leading schools for sport in Haringey. We host the School Games Organiser, coordinating competitive sport for half of the borough.

Highgate Wood School works closely with four feeder primary schools; Coleridge Primary, Rokesly Junior School, Weston Park Primary and St Aidan’s Primary School and provides ongoing support for these schools to enable primary students to participate in a minimum of two hours of high quality PE per week.

Our all weather pitch and tennis courts, which form part of the school’s substantial open spaces where students socialise as well as engage in activities, are used well beyond the limits of the school day. There are sport and training events for students from early in the morning till long after the end of the school day.

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We also coordinate intra-school and inter-school competition within Haringey, providing primary students with the opportunity to compete in a range of different sports and in turn allowing our Highgate Wood School Young Leaders to gain qualifications, skills and experience in volunteering, officiating and leadership.

At Highgate Wood School student voice plays a very important part in many of the decisions and plans that we have.

Every tutor group has a representative on the School Council which meets regular to discuss issues connected to the student experience at Highgate Wood School. Representatives from the School Council are invited to attend meetings of the Governing Body and also the school’s Senior Leadership Team where they are able to raise any concerns or issues they feel are important.

The School Council have an influence in many aspects of school life, including the ability to voice student concerns regarding homework, uniform, service within the canteen and more general aspects of the school environment.

Together with the opportunities provided by the School Council students are also encouraged to take on other leadership roles, including becoming a peer mentor, or a “buddy” to new students.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

SCHOOL PLANNER AND SCHOOL UNIFORM School Uniform

The Student Planner The Student Planner, issued to all students at the beginning of the year to help them organise their homework and their school day, is also used as a means of communication between parents and teachers. Notes to a student’s form tutor or teacher or to a parent from a member of staff are often written in the journal.

Within the Student Planner we have a Home-School Agreement which students, parents and tutors sign at the beginning of each year. The agreement has been devised with input from parents, teachers and students, and sets out clearly the expectations and obligations we have of each other that help ensure Highgate Wood School remains a successful, healthy and enjoyable learning community.

At the heart of the Home School Agreement, which is also at the core of Highgate Wood School acceptable use agreements for our ICT facilities, is our belief in the 4Cs: the need for Consideration, Cooperation, Courtesy and Contribution to underpin everything that we do.

Admissions to Highgate Wood School are administered by the Local Authority.

Highgate Wood School has a school uniform and dress code. The design for the uniform was chosen by the school council in consultation with the wider school community and is periodically reviewed by them.

For an application form please contact:

All students are expected to wear their uniform properly and with pride on the journeys to and from school as well as once they are in school.

Admissions Service Haringey Council 3rd Floor 48 Station Road N22 7TY Tel: 020 8489 2504 Fax: 020 8489 3339 Email: secondaryadmissions@haringey.gov.uk

The current uniform is as follows:  black blazer (with summer blue lining) with school logo

Term dates for 2015-16 have not yet been finalised.

 White shirt, with top button done up.  black sweater or cardigan (with summer blue trim)  black, blue and white striped tie  black trousers or school skirt (with summer blue trim)  Black leather\leather look formal shoes Students need to have a school bag for carrying books and equipment. They are also expected to have a pen, a pencil, a ruler and a calculator for use in lessons as a minimum set of equipment.

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16

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Highgate Wood School’s Governing Body work closely with the Headteacher, Senior Management and school staff for the benefit of the whole school community.

Chair: Charles Wright (Community Governor) Vice Chair: Imogen Pennell (Representative Governor) Clerk: Michael Woods Representative Governors: Cllr Eddie Griffith Oliver Blackaby Brenda Allen Parent Governors: Paul Bennett Diana Brown Philip Cavendish Julia Chalfen Elizabeth Hess Chris Tully Carol Vincent Rob White Community Governors: Phil Cocksedge Caroline Conlon Violet Hazelwood-Henry Chris Parr Headteacher Governor Patrick Cozier Teacher Governors: Audra Daws-Knowles Joe Demetriou Emily Ford

Making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self belief.

Highgate Wood School arts college

Prospectus 2015-16