Ranelagh School Founded 1709 VAL U ES
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Notes
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Introduction
Headteacher (from January 2015 onwards)
Mrs Beverley Stevens Dear Parent At Ranelagh we are proud of our excellent reputation and strong sense of tradition. Our aim is to provide a supportive, stimulating and secure environment. The quality of guidance and pastoral care given to students is outstanding, but every member of the school community is also encouraged to take responsibility for their learning; students thereby grow in confidence, resilience and independence. The excellent academic, sporting, creative and enterprising achievements of our students are underpinned by the high expectations established for all. Each individual is valued and expected to give of their best. We are, therefore, delighted our achievements and standards of excellence have been recognised at national level. The school has received three outstanding OFSTED reports. On each occasion Ranelagh was identified in the Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector as a ‘particularly successful school’. We are a High Performing Specialist School with specialisms in Visual Arts, Business Enterprise and Mathematics and Computing. The school has held Investors in People status for many years and also holds the National Healthy Schools Standard. On 1st August 2011, Ranelagh School converted to Academy Status - an independent state school supported by the Diocese of Oxford. This opportunity has been given to outstanding schools recognised as having strong governance, leadership and management. Education is, of course, a partnership. At Ranelagh, we believe that effective communication between home and school is essential if the individual needs of each young person are to be met. Parents are always welcome and should not hesitate to contact the school to discuss problems or to seek advice or reassurance. There are regular consultation evenings when parents are able to meet subject teachers to discuss their child’s progress as well as other occasions when parents and teachers are able to meet on a more informal basis. We are fortunate to have the active support of both a thriving Parent Teacher Association and the Friends of Ranelagh. This prospectus is intended to provide you with further insight into the life and work of the school. We hope you will find it useful and relevant. If you are interested in finding out more, then we invite you to visit us. You will discover the pride in the school which is shared by students, parents, governors and staff. We look forward to working with you in developing our partnership. Yours sincerely
Mrs B A Stevens Headteacher
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Welcome Thank you very much for your interest in the Sixth Form at Ranelagh. Whether you are already a Ranelagh student or joining the Sixth Form from another school, all staff will do everything they can to help you achieve the self-confidence, skills and qualifications that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Ranelagh has a national reputation for excellence. The school is committed to providing quality teaching, support and guidance to all students within a caring environment. With over 200 students, Ranelagh Sixth Form offers an extensive curriculum, including AS, A2 and BTEC courses, together with an excellent range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities. This combination ensures that the Sixth Form is an exciting and an enjoyable place for you to learn, develop and achieve. Together with the Heads of Year and the Sixth-Form tutors, I look forward to welcoming you.
Miss E Combes Head of Sixth Form
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Entitlement Statement Our aims will enable and empower students to achieve high academic standards, develop independent learning skills and foster social and community awareness. The Aims of the Sixth Form are: • To provide students with the opportunity to study a choice of subjects which will equip them with the attitudes and knowledge required to develop the personal and social awareness and competence essential for adult life • To provide students with recognition of their attainments through qualifications which are nationally endorsed and which will provide the opportunity for progression into higher education, vocational training and/or direct employment • To provide courses which are stimulating and which extend students’ awareness of social, moral and cultural issues by participation in a range of activities designed to engage and involve them throughout their time in the Sixth Form • To encourage and sustain the development of their spirit of enquiry and self-motivation supported by a sense of responsibility and sound habits for learning
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Ranelagh is a high achieving, Church of England Comprehensive School. Currently there are 988 students in the school, including 208 in the Sixth-Form. The school is co-educational and serves a wide catchment area which includes the Deaneries of Bracknell and Sonning. School Address: Ranelagh School, Ranelagh Drive, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 9DA Telephone Number: 0l344 421233 Fax Number: 0l344 301811 E Mail Address: study@ranelagh.bracknell-forest.sch.uk Website Address: www.ranelagh.bracknell-forest.sch.uk Chair of Governors: Dr M Lansley Headteacher: Mrs Beverley Stevens, M.A., B.A. Location of the School: The school is situated in Old Bracknell, off Broad Lane and within easy and safe walking distance of the railway station, the bus station and the town centre. A404
Maidenhead Slough
M4 Reading
M4
London
M25 A329(M) BRACKNELL
M3
A322
Bagshot
Camberley
M3
Farnborough
A3
A331
Rd
B3408
29 A3
Do wn sh ire W ay
Ranelagh Drive 5 09 A3
A3 09 5M ill L ane
A3 22
A329
Ranelagh School
Bracknell Station A329
A3095
A329 Millennium W ay
A3 09 5
B3408 Wokingham
M25
Broad Lane
A322
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Contents National Recognition
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Accolades 10 Ethos and Aims
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Student Support and Guidance Pastoral Organisation School Discipline School Council Youth Action Group Peer Mentoring Healthy Schools Programme Rights Respecting Schools Citizenship Work-Related Learning and Careers Guidance Special Needs Provision Provision for the More Able Students
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The Curriculum Curriculum Aims Curriculum Organisation Assessment and Reporting Procedure Provision for Sport Provision for the Arts
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School Routines School Day Notification of Absence or Withdrawal School Meals Assemblies Extra-Curricular Activities Charging for Activities Homework School Diary Uniform Educational Visits
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Buildings and Facilities
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Life After Ranelagh!
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Governing Body
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Additional Appendices (Enclosed Inserts) Examinations Staff List Attendance Record 2013/2014 Pupil Destinations Complaints Procedure Access to Documents School Terms Introduction to Year 12 Courses Subject Pages 7
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“ Ranelagh is an outstanding school and Sixth Form.” OFSTED
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National Recognition OFSTED REPORT “Ranelagh is an outstanding school and Sixth Form. Its striking features are the progress that students make in their learning and personal development and the remarkable contribution they make to the leadership and management of the school. The overwhelming majority of parents were fulsome in their praise of the school, particularly in how well it is led and managed. This was typified in one comment: ‘Ranelagh continues to deliver both a caring and highly motivating environment for our children. What better platform could be given for a start out in life?’ ”
“The school is highly successful in nurturing and harnessing the motivation of students to learn and in stretching them academically. Students enter the main school with aboveaverage attainment. The quality of teaching and the care, guidance and support provided by the staff are such that students of all abilities make excellent progress in relation to their capabilities and needs.” “At Ranelagh absolute priority is given to people and to learning. This is underpinned by the promotion of Christian aims, values and ethos and its learning culture. This is the ‘DNA’ of the school and permeates everything it does. Coupled with the provision of exceptional care, support and guidance, it strongly contributes to the students’ outstanding spiritual, social, moral, cultural and personal development. They flourish in an encouraging, stimulating and safe environment.” “Students have a pronounced impact on the life of the school and the wider community. They play an active role in the school’s outstanding promotion of inclusion and community cohesion and they have a profound impact on the leadership and management of the school. Students participate in an incredible range of opportunities.”
“Students make exceptional progress in their learning and achieve so highly because of their own motivation and hard work, but also because of the quality of teaching. Snapshots of lesson observations undertaken by inspectors confirm the school’s own evaluation that it is outstanding. This is because of impressive skills of dedicated teachers and other staff, and the vibrant learning environment where students thrive and develop excellent higher-order thinking and learning skills.” “The curriculum is exciting and engaging and enriched by a wealth of popular extra-curricular activities. The impact of specialist subjects is threaded through the curriculum.” “Creative vision, the passionate embracing of new initiatives and a thirst for improvement are driven by an inspiring headteacher, supported by an exceptionally strong senior management team, very able and efficient middle leaders and highly competent staff at all levels. The school is outward-looking. Given its history of achievements to date, its lack of complacency and the quality of provision at every level, the school has an outstanding capacity for continued improvement.”
INSPECTION JUDGEMENTS IN ALL AREAS WERE OUTSTANDING
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Accolades • OFSTED Inspection (2001/2006/2009) School graded as “OUTSTANDING”
• Artsmark Gold
• Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector’s (HMCI) Report (2001/2006/2009) – Ranelagh identified as a “particularly successful school”
• Sportsmark
• Section 48 Inspection (SIAMS) (2006/2009/2014) School graded as “OUTSTANDING”
• Eco School – Silver Award Initiative led by School Council
• High Performing Specialist School Redesignation Visual Arts, Business Enterprise and Mathematics and Computing
• Fairtrade School 2013, 2014
• Investors in People (2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013)
• Peer Mentoring National Approved Provider Standard
• Rights Respecting School Award - Level 2
• The Prince’s Teaching Institute Languages Award
• The Secondary Geography Quality Mark
• National Healthy Schools Standard
“ Given its history of achievements to date, its lack of complacency and the quality of provision at every level, the school has an outstanding capacity for continued improvement.” OFSTED 10
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Ethos and Aims
ETHOS
AIMS
Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with churches at parish, deanery and diocesan levels.
1. To provide the environment, stimulus and opportunities which will encourage and enable every individual to discover and fulfil their potential.
The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its students. The school aims to provide a supportive, stimulating and secure environment where high standards of learning and personal responsibility are expected and achieved and where every member of the school community is respected and valued.
“Its striking features are the progress students make in their learning and personal development and the remarkable contribution they make to the leadership and management of the school.� OFSTED
2. To enable each individual to develop confidence and self-esteem, and to encourage selfreliance, self-discipline and corporate responsibility both in school and in the wider community. 3. To develop each student’s capacity to take responsibility for his/her own learning and to work constructively as a member of a group or a team. 4. To provide opportunities for each student to participate in and enjoy a range of cultural, creative, practical, physical and social activities and to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas. To provide opportunities for moral and spiritual development. 5. To ensure that each student leaves school with qualifications and achievements commensurate with his/her ability, with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will provide the confidence to lead a fulfilled and responsible life, and with an awareness that learning is a life-long process. 6. To educate all students through a broad and balanced curriculum which will prepare them effectively for adult life in a multi-cultural society and an interdependent, changing world. The achievement of these aims is dependent upon good communication and regular contact between staff, students, parents, governors and the wider community.
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Student Support and Guidance
“Exceptional care, support and guidance.” OFSTED
PASTORAL ORGANISATION
HEALTHY SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
Each student is placed in a mixed tutor group of approximately 20 students. Each group has a tutor who is responsible for pastoral care and academic monitoring of individual students. The Head of Sixth Form, working with the two Heads of Year, has overall responsibility for all students in the Sixth Form.
Ranelagh has achieved the National Healthy Schools Standard – an acknowledgement of excellent work in all aspects of school life, its positive relationships with the community and commitment to on-going improvement and development. A Healthy Schools Task Group, involving teaching and support staff, governors, parents, school nurse and students meets termly to co-ordinate and monitor some of the aspects of school life which particularly enhance the health and well-being of the students. This is ably supported by a student led Healthy Schools Council made up of representatives from different year groups.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE It is the right of every student to be able to pursue their work and daily life at school free from interference or unnecessary distraction. The school aims to promote self-discipline and corporate responsibility. There is a code of conduct that all students are expected to follow and a copy is posted in every classroom. There is also a school charter, based on rights, respect and responsible action, put together by students and staff, which promotes good behaviour. Parents will always be contacted about any serious misdemeanours. The Behaviour Management Policy is a detailed document which is available on request from the school office - as are the Code of Conduct and school charter.
“Pastoral and academic care, guidance and support are equally strong and contribute greatly to the students’ all round development.” OFSTED
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SCHOOL COUNCIL Students at Ranelagh are strongly encouraged to take part in the running of the school. Every tutor group elects two representatives to the Year Council and, in turn, the Year Council elects representatives to the School Council. Through this structure, students are able to contribute significantly to the decision making process within the school. Representatives have been invited to other schools in the area to help them establish their own councils.
“The Ranelagh School Council is recognised as an example of excellent practice.” OFSTED
YOUTH ACTION GROUP
“Students speak of their education in terms of serving the community, serving the school and one another.” Statutory Inspection of Anglican Methodist Schools (SIAMS) 2014
The Youth Action Group (YAG) undertakes an annual project within the school or community. In previous years, projects have ranged from developing a Peer Mediation Service for younger students and establishing a system of academic peer mentoring to working with primary schools to support the transition of Year 6 students. A number of Year 12 students have also supported students within the Special Needs Department during lessons. Ranelagh YAG has previously been recognised at national level as an example of successful practice.
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RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOLS Ranelagh has received the Rights Respecting Schools Award. This promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, not only teaching about rights and responsibilities in the curriculum but also through modelling rights and respect in all relationships within and beyond the school community. This award complements the positive ethos of the school in which leadership, respect for others, responsibility and inclusivity are expected and achieved.
CITIZENSHIP Citizenship education equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. It helps students to become informed, critical, active citizens who have the confidence and conviction to try to make a positive difference in their communities and the wider world. The programme of study for Key Stage 5 is delivered through timetabled tutor periods, the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education programme and
through specific subjects. Whole-school activities such as the School Council, enterprise activities and residential experiences, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Wilderness Expertise also make a major contribution.
WORK-RELATED LEARNING AND CAREERS GUIDANCE Work-related learning and careers guidance are an essential component of the PSHCE programme. The Work-related Learning Co-ordinator works closely with the Head of Sixth Form and Heads of Year to provide a broad awareness of the world of work and opportunities available. Currently Adviza, a service for 13-19 year olds, provides additional services, using a network of personal advisers to provide impartial advice, guidance and support for the transition to adulthood and working life. In addition, the UCAS Co-ordinator has the responsibility of guiding students as they make decisions about their higher education options. Some Year 12 students have the opportunity to undertake work experience in other countries.
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SPECIAL NEEDS PROVISION Where Key Stage 5 students have academic or specific technical difficulties, the Special Needs department, in collaboration with the Head of Sixth Form, provides help in a variety of ways. Some students are allocated support lessons with a teacher on a group or individual basis; other students may be supported by a teacher or a learning support assistant in their mainstream lessons.
PROVISION FOR MORE ABLE STUDENTS Very many of our students are particularly gifted in one or more fields and it is school policy to harness and develop these abilities in a number of ways. The school has in place a very detailed and accurate programme of screening, review and assessment. The progress of every individual student is monitored and teachers are able to use the information available to provide differentiated
learning opportunities. Students are given the support and encouragement necessary to reach the very highest standards. The majority of our students go on to Higher Education, including Oxford and Cambridge. Special support can be arranged for students who are entered for university admissions tests. Individual talent is nurtured both within the curriculum and through a range of extra-curricular activities. There are many opportunities for enrichment that link with the wider community. These include the Young Enterprise Scheme, the Youth Action Group, Wilderness Expertise and opportunities in music, sport, drama and dance at local, national and sometimes at international level. Students are encouraged to develop skills for leadership and for service, both in school and within the wider community. We aim to challenge and harness the gifts of all our students, but always within the context of educating a well-balanced young person.
“ Students make exceptional progress in their learning and achieve so highly because of their own motivation and hard work, but also because of the quality of teaching.� OFSTED
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“ The school is highly successful in nurturing and harnessing the motivation of students to learn and in stretching them academically.� OFSTED
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The Curriculum CURRICULUM AIMS The curriculum 11-16 aims to deliver the subjects of the National Curriculum, the cross-curricular elements, dimensions and themes, and Religious Education in line with the appropriate Education Acts. The curriculum 14 -19 aims to provide an increasingly differentiated range of opportunities for students of all abilities and aptitudes. 1. To provide the environment, stimulus and opportunities which will encourage and enable every individual to discover and fulfil their potential. • To offer equal opportunities for all students and to oppose racism, sexism and other harmful prejudices in line with our Equal Opportunities Policy based on the Equality Act. • To enable students to work in a safe, stimulating environment which enhances their learning. 2. To enable each individual to develop confidence and self-esteem, and to encourage self reliance, self discipline and corporate responsibility both in school and in the wider community. • To enable students to participate in their learning by encouraging them to set targets and participate in their own assessment. 3. To develop each student’s capacity to take responsibility for his/her own learning and to work constructively as a member of a group or team. • To have access to the subjects of the National Curriculum and the cross-curricular elements, dimensions and themes. • To have access to a curriculum which is differentiated and in which opportunities for personal achievement exist. • To have access to a curriculum which pays strong attention to the special and specific needs of the individual.
4. To provide opportunities for each student to participate in and enjoy a range of cultural, creative, practical, physical and social activities and to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas. • To provide opportunities for the development of the moral and spiritual dimensions of the curriculum. • To ensure that learning experiences have progression and continuity. 5. To ensure that each student leaves school with qualifications and achievements commensurate with his/her ability, with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will provide the confidence to lead a fulfilled and responsible life, and with an awareness that learning is a life-long process.
• To encourage the development of links with the wider community in order to provide students with the guidance and advice necessary about the world of work to enable them to make informed, realistic and responsible decisions when they leave school.
6. To educate all students through a broad and balanced curriculum which will prepare them effectively for adult life in a multicultural society and an interdependent, changing world.
• To monitor and review the curriculum to ensure that it remains relevant.
The achievement of these aims is dependent upon good communication and regular contact between staff, students, parents, governors and the wider community.
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“The Sixth Form is outstanding.” OFSTED KEY STAGE 5 Advanced Level Courses The following subjects are offered to AS and A Level in Years 12 and 13 provided there are sufficient numbers to make teaching groups viable. The time allocation is normally 9 periods over two weeks. Following the national changes to A Level structure, students will still be taking AS Level qualifications in all selected A Level subjects at the end of Year 12, giving them the opportunity to gauge their progress in all subjects and make informed decisions about their next steps. Please see further information about the change to linear qualifications in the Appendices. All A-level students take PSHCE (1), Religious Education (2), Physical Education (4). A Sports Leaders course is also available. BTEC Courses Students are also offered the opportunity to study a BTEC Level 3 course in Applied Science and / or Sport alongside their AS Level studies; these courses have equivalent value to A Levels and are assessed through portfolios of evidence rather than examinations.
AS Courses English Literature English Language Mathematics Further Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Spanish Psychology Philosophy & Religion Sport Studies Health & Social Care
History Design & Technology – RM/Graphics/Food/Textiles Geography Economics Business French Art Music Computing Theatre Studies
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING PROCEDURE Students are systematically screened and assessed and there are regular consultation evenings with parents, as well as online reporting. The system aims to provide teachers, students and parents with an informative record of achievement and progress. It also provides a means of monitoring academic and personal development and of collecting information which eventually may be part of a university or employer reference. All Year 12 students take a cognitive ability test which provides information about the individual’s level of ability and gives a profile for the group which helps the school establish realistic personal and collective targets. This information is compared with annual national post-16 attainment to check for progress. Further details are available from the school.
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SIXTH-FORM CENTRE The Sixth-Form Centre is located on the first floor of the Gedye Building. There is a large common room, providing a social area for the students. There is also an area designated for study with a suite of computers for students to use during their study periods. Each student has a personal locker in the Centre or conveniently situated in another area of the school. Responsibility for the upkeep of the Centre is held by the Sixth-Form Committee and the School Captains but all members of the Sixth Form are expected to contribute to the maintenance of the Centre.
SIXTH-FORM COMMITTEE The Sixth-Form Committee is made up of two representatives from each Key Stage 5 tutor group. The committee elects a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary at the start of each new year and meets informally each week. A more formal meeting, attended by the Head of Sixth Form, is held each half term. The committee’s main aim is to ensure that all students have a positive experience in the Sixth Form. In the past a number of helpful and constructive
“ Standards at the end of all key stages have been exceptionally high since the last inspection.” OFSTED
proposals have been made by this group which has helped to improve the life of the Sixth Form generally and enhance the life of the school community as a whole.
LEADERSHIP It is essential that all Key Stage 5 students are given opportunities to develop their leadership skills. The SixthForm Committee, school clubs and societies offer these opportunities. Students also have the chance to apply to be appointed as a Prefect. This is a prestigious award which many students aspire to gain. The prefects are a senior part of the school and are led by the two School Captains, two Vice Captains and the Chair of School Council. The roles are varied and include working with the other students in the school and providing much valued support to staff.
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
THE YEAR 12 REVUE
During their time in the Sixth Form each student aims to play a major part in extra-curricular activities. Every student is given the opportunity to develop skills and attributes in a variety of pursuits.
Each year the students in Year 12 present an evening of entertainment that is second to none! The evening is one of the high spots of Sixth-Form life as every aspect of the performance is prepared by the students themselves. The direction, set design, lighting, sound, make-up, costumes, box office and all the other many activities involved in setting up the Revue are in the hands of the students. Many skills and talents are required and almost every member of Year 12 is involved in some capacity.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE Ranelagh School has taken part in the Young Enterprise competition for many years winning a variety of awards along the way. Young Enterprise involves students in the setting up, running and closing down of, what was hopefully, a profitable business. Currently there are in the region of thirty students in Year 12 involved. Students also have the opportunity to take a Level 2 examination in Enterprise. The examination is not compulsory and is funded by individual students. The qualification is of great benefit to students when applying for higher education or employment.
WILDERNESS EXPERTISE Every two years groups of adventurous students and staff take part in an expedition to different parts of the world. In the summer of 2014, about 60 students visited China or Mongolia. The expedition involves physical and cultural challenges, giving the students the opportunity to develop a number of skills essential in life.
OTHER ACTIVITIES There are many other ways in which individuals may use and develop their talents during Key Stage 5. Amongst these is involvement in mock General Elections, debating competitions, public speaking competitions and involvement in the Youth Action Group. Another highlight each academic year is the Sixth-Form Christmas Ball. A live band, hog roast and formal photographer make this evening a fantastic occasion and a great way to start the Christmas celebrations.
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PROVISION FOR SPORT AIMS The PE department aims to make a direct and positive contribution to students’ moral, social, emotional and physical development through a broad and balanced curriculum. This includes • Enabling each individual to develop their physical abilities to their full potential • Promoting teamwork, fair play and good sportsmanship • Providing students with enjoyable, challenging expeiences which will encourage them towards continued participation in physical activity • Developing students’ expertise in principles of health and fitness • Encouraging students to develop their skills and understanding in a variety of activities including gymnastics, dance, games, athletic and fitness activities; and to experience a variety of roles including observer, coach and officials.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES OUT OF SCHOOL
The department currently offers the following range of opportunities for students to train as a member of a squad and compete in matches against other schools. These clubs are open to all students, but selection does take place when numbers are too large.
The school actively encourages students to make the most of sporting opportunities outside of school and individuals regularly play for County teams. We have developed close links with local tennis, hockey, rugby, badminton, athletics and netball clubs. This enables our students to have access to opportunities and facilities beyond school. Ranelagh hosts the Bracknell Forest Sports Hub and Schools Games Co-ordinator. We have our own dedicated Sports School Co-ordinator, who works to extend sports leadership opportunities for our students and links with primary schools.
Boys Rugby Football Cricket Athletics Cross Country
Girls U19 U19 U19 U17, U20 U20
Hockey Rounders Netball Athletics
U19 U19 U19 U17, U20
The school has a long-standing reputation of excellence in dance. There is a regular dance club where students are encouraged to create dances for a variety of performances. Ranelagh students regularly feature in the Berkshire Schools’ Evening of Dance. In school, House tournaments provide opportunities for students to compete in all of the main sports.
SPORTS COACHING IN SCHOOL When opportunities arise, coaches come in to school to work with students in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Often this is as a result of a link that has been developed with a local club. Qualified and experienced parents also coach students in a range of activities. In an attempt to encourage all students to participate in three hours of school sport a week, recreational activities such as aerobics and golf are regularly on offer.
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ARTS PROVISION Ranelagh has an excellent reputation for the arts and has Visual Arts/Business Enterprise Specialist School Status. Excellence in the arts has been recognised by the awards of Artsmark Gold and Art and Business Awards. At Ranelagh we recognise the arts are a vital part of the cultural heritage of all people. Through the arts we can learn about ourselves, each other, and the rest of the world. • Celebrating and expressing cultural diversity • Bringing together intellect and creativity through practice • Exploring and communicating feelings and ideas The Arts include: • Performing arts - dance, drama, mime and music • Visual arts - painting, sculpture, graphics, design and printmaking • Applied arts and design activities - ceramics, weaving, jewellery and textiles • Media - film, photography and video • Language arts - poetry, plays, myths and legends
We offer a minimum of four certificated courses for all Post 16 students. We aim to enhance learning in other subject areas through cross-curricular study. As a result of excellent experiences in the arts, young people develop transferable skills, including: presentation, performance, independent learning, teamwork and leadership, developing confidence and self-esteem, thus gaining opportunities for both fulfiling employment and leisure time.
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School Routines
SCHOOL DAY Morning session
8.50 am - 12.30 pm
Afternoon session
1.30 pm - 3.35 pm
The school office is staffed from 8.15 am - 4.45 pm should you wish to contact the school or a member of staff.
NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE OR WITHDRAWAL If a student is absent from school due to illness, a parent/ carer must telephone the school office before 9.30am every day of the absence. A student returning to school after an absence must bring a letter of explanation addressed to the form tutor. If you wish to remove your son/daughter during school hours, it is necessary for the form tutor to be given written notice. Leave of absence from the school can only be approved in accordance with the policy of the Governing Body, and permission must be sought from the Headteacher. Leave of absence is not given for holidays in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. A copy of this policy is available from the school and will be sent to all new students in the Autumn Term.
SCHOOL MEALS A cafeteria system operates. The school kitchen serves home baked and packaged snacks at morning break and lunch time. The menu is attractive and varied according to demand. There is an important focus on healthy eating and government guidance is followed. The school operates a cashless system. Students entitled to free meals are able to choose food to the value of the “meal of the day�. If you require further details on this matter please contact the school office. Students in Year 12 and 13 are allowed off site at lunchtime with parental permission.
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ASSEMBLIES All students are required to take part in a collective daily act of worship. This takes place during an assembly of all or part of the school. There are two full school assemblies every week. Assemblies are led by the Headteacher or by a member of staff, students or visiting speakers including local clergy. Holy Communion is celebrated once a term at Holy Trinity Church, Bracknell. Religious Education is taught in the Sixth Form in a General RE lesson in accordance with the guidelines of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and Training. Parents may, if they wish, request that their son/daughter be withdrawn on those occasions when collective worship is taking place or religious education is being given. However, this will occur only in extreme circumstances as parents have opted to send their son/daughter to a church school.
“Students develop exceptionally well as confident, enthusiastic and creative learners and responsible members of the school and wider community.� OFSTED
INDIVIDUAL STUDY Students are encouraged at all times to develop their independent learning skills. Independent study is a significant part of all Key Stage 5 courses and is intended to be a constructive part of the learning process. Students will record specific tasks in their planner. Throughout Year 12, students are involved in a PSHCE programme designed to ensure that they are equipped with the correct study skills to allow independent learning.
PLANNER Every student has a planner. This is a very important document that is used to record homework and special achievements and for target setting. The planner is key in helping Key Stage 5 students establish independent learning skills.
UNIFORM All students are expected to wear the prescribed uniform. The school colours are blue and gold. Details and approximate costs of uniform are available from the school. There is a uniform working party which includes student, parent, staff and governor representatives. The school has high expectations of all students and expects them to maintain excellent standards.
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EDUCATIONAL VISITS The school offers a wide range of educational visits and an exceptional programme of residential experiences both in the UK and overseas. The residential programme includes: • Outward bound courses in Wales and France • Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions • Study tours - Paris, Florence or Amsterdam (Art), Poland (History, RE) • Modern language exchange programme - Normandy, the Dordogne and Stuttgart • Music tours - New York, Salzburg, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Rome, Sorrento • Field studies (Geography, Biology) • Wilderness Expertise expeditions • Theatre trips and workshops
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There are many clubs and societies in the school and all students are encouraged to make full use of the opportunities available. The school has an excellent reputation for music and, in addition to instrumental instruction, activities include instrumental groups and the school orchestra. The senior choir has performed a range of works over the past decade including ‘The Messiah’, Verdi’s ‘Requiem’, Mozart’s ‘Requiem’, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, ‘A Child Of Our Time’, Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and ‘St Michael’s Mount’. Drama has developed at all levels in the school and recent productions include ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, ‘Kes’, ‘The Boyfriend’ and adaptations of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. There are annual evenings of dance and students regularly represent the school in local and regional competitions and festivals. The Visual Arts department has regular exhibitions and has been recognised for high profile work through the National Arts and Business Award. The School has been awarded Artsmark (Gold) and is a Specialist College for Visual Arts. The high quality artwork will be seen on visits to the school. Young Enterprise groups have strong links with local business. Ranelagh has been a winner of the area
competitions and has also won trophies for the best oral presentation. In recognition of our enterprise work, the school is also a Specialist College for Business Enterprise – emphasising the importance of our partnerships with the business community. All students are involved in voluntary community activities through Lent Projects, Action in the Community or Millennium Volunteers. Nearly £5,000 is raised for charities each year.
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CHARGING FOR ACTIVITIES While adhering firmly to the principle of free education, the governors will make some charges in accordance with the 1988 Education Act. Extra-curricular activities and visits to the school by outside speakers are arranged with the help of voluntary contributions, in particular through the Special Activities Fund. Below is a summary of circumstances in which the governors will make charges to parents. 1. Board and lodging on residential visits. 2. Musical instrument tuition. 3. Costs of supplying materials and ingredients required for Technology if parents have indicated a wish to own the finished products. 4. Activities such as visits to theatres, museums and conferences that are not an essential part of the curriculum. In school time, such visits can only take place if all students in a group are prepared to pay through voluntary contributions. All such activities may receive help from the Special Activities Fund.
5. Small subscriptions to clubs and societies. 6. Replacement of lost books and damaged equipment resulting from a student’s behaviour. 7. Parents can expect to pay the cost of travel from home to a place of work experience or community service. Examination entries are paid by the school except in the case of Associated Board Music exams, examinations where the student has not been prepared by the school, requests for re-marking or where the student fails without good reason to meet examination requirements for that syllabus. Families in difficulty are helped as far as possible to meet these charges by means of a discretionary fund (provided by the Friends of Ranelagh). Charges will be remitted for families on Income Support or Family Credit, and help may also be possible where other parents have written confidentially indicating financial difficulty.
“ The curriculum is exciting and engaging and enriched by a wealth of popular extra-curricular activities.” OFSTED
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Buildings and Facilities Ranelagh School is very fortunate in having an attractive greenfield site close to the town centre and the bus and railway stations. The site is small, safe and secure, covered by CCTV. The school has gone through an extremely exciting stage of development and resource provision has been significantly enhanced for the curriculum in the twentyfirst century.
all rooms have interactive whiteboards and projectors. The Gedye Business Centre has been designed to a very high specification. Teaching rooms are grouped into curriculum areas and there are good practical areas including a specialist Music facility, a well equipped Drama Studio and a Learning Resource Centre.
The school buildings were erected on the present site in four phases. The oldest building was built in 1907-8 when the school moved from its original site in Cranbourne. The most recent building is the Centenary Building. Designed to a very high standard, this excellent resource has further extended opportunities for all our students as well as community organisations.
The buildings are set in attractive landscaped grounds which also provide facilities for sport and physical education. These include hockey pitches, six hard tennis courts and three netball courts. The detached playing field at Larges Lane provides facilities for rugby and an additional hockey pitch. There is a gymnasium and an impressive Sports Hall, which includes full court facilities, cricket nets, teaching areas and a fitness centre.
There are six computer suites fully equipped with networked PCs, for use across the curriculum and nearly
All our facilities are used to full capacity by students during the day, as we are always oversubscribed in terms of admissions.
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Life After Ranelagh! We are so proud of our students, who leave us having developed the skills and qualities to enable them to pursue their chosen pathway in life, equipped with the necessary qualifications and personal attributes to succeed. The most important function of the Sixth-Form staff team is to support students as they make decisions about their next steps, encouraging them to set themselves aspirational targets so that they can approach the future with confidence and excitement. The vast majority of Year 13 students go to university, whilst others choose the further education route, taking up places on Art foundation courses or undertaking vocational training. Some students select the apprenticeship pathway, obtaining prestigious placements at companies including Mini, John Lewis and Microsoft; others choose to go straight into the world of work. Whatever route they choose, sixth-form staff are always available to support our former students beyond their school careers: students taking gap years regularly come into school for support as they complete their university applications and we are always happy to provide employment references. We keep in touch with former students and it is always wonderful to hear of their success. On average, between 80 and 90% of the students who leave us in Year 13 go to university. 30% of the students in our 2014 cohort have recently taken up places at Russell Group universities, with five going to Oxford University. The table below gives an indication of some of the diverse courses and institutions chosen by Ranelagh students in 2014. Institution
Course
Aberdeen
Geography
Bath
Physics
Birmingham
Chemical Engineering
Bournemouth
Institution
Course
Oxford
Business Information Technology Product Design
Law Music Chemistry Theology Philosophy
Roehampton
Bristol
Chemistry
Early Childhood Studies and Education
Cardiff
Economics Mathematics
Royal Holloway
Economics
Sheffield
Bioengineering
Sheffield Hallam
Food and Nutrition
Southampton
Geography English History Chemistry Civil Engineering French and German Biology Aeronautics and Astronautics
St Andrews
Art History Geography
St Mary’s Twickenham
Primary Education
Surrey
Economics Automative Engineering
University College, London
History of Art
Durham
Theology Mathematics
Essex
Politics with Human Rights
Exeter
English Literature Psychology Accounting
Imperial College, London
Geology
KCL
Law
Kent
English and American Literature Mathematics
Lancaster
Engineering
Leeds
Textile Design
Loughborough
Fine Art Mechanical Engineering
Newcastle
Linguistics
Nottingham Trent
Business Management Fashion Marketing and Branding
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“ The promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.� Statutory Inspection of Anglican Methodist Schools (SIAMS) 2014
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MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS/GOVERNORS AT 1ST SEPTEMBER 2014 The Governing Body comprises: At least 7 governors appointed by the Diocesan Board for Education (which may include a LA representative) Mr Christopher Barrows Mrs Jean Bettison (nominated by Bracknell Forest Council) Mr Andrew Felton Mrs Susan Griffiths Dr Marilyn Lansley (Chair) Mrs Kathryn Uffindell Mrs Kate Dossett Mrs Anna Andrews-Atkins 3 parent governors Mrs Louise Hodkinson Mr David Tait Mr Mike Bovis 5 governors from local churches The Archdeacon of Berkshire The Revd David Uffindell (Area Dean of Bracknell) The Area Dean of Sonning Mrs Amanda Mclean (nominated by Bracknell Deanery) Mr Richard Ireson (Vice Chair, nominated by Sonning Deanery) The Headteacher Mr Mark Williams (Acting Headteacher) 4 staff governors (including a Deputy Headteacher) Ms Liz Combes/Mr Scott Mackenzie (acting Deputy Heads) Mr Mark Amos Mr Mark Harris Mrs Tricia Harrop School Captains Eleanor Pandya (associate) Alistair Shields (associate) Clerk Mrs Gladys Perrier Members (not governors) The Diocesan Bishop The Archdeacon or her representative (Revd Canon Nick Parish) The Diocesan Board of Education Representative The Chair of Governor
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B3408
29 A3
Do wn sh ire W ay
Ranelagh Drive 5 09 A3
A3 09 5M ill L ane
A3 22
A329
Ranelagh School
Bracknell Station A329
A3095
A329 Millennium W ay
A3 09 5
B3408 Wokingham Rd
Broad Lane
A322
Ranelagh School Ranelagh Drive, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 9DA T 01344 421233 F 01344 301811 E study@ranelagh.bracknell-forest.sch.uk www.ranelagh.bracknell-forest.sch.uk
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