Colton Hills
Community School
Prospectus 2015-16
E H T M O R F E M O C WEL NORS
R E V O G F O R I A CH e,
elcom Hello and W
l. unity Schoo m m o C ls il olton H shows interest in C ambition it n d a n g a in re w a o c h for s r the l has Thank you reputation fo ills Community Schoo e s o h w l o o ears ch ay. Colton H l in recent y d We are a s o o y b h c y s a e d s th grow rmed sed. its students has transfo ably impres h it u ic s h w re , e e w g n r, ha is yea embraced c in May of th it is v s it in , getting and Ofsted he school is T . e m o c fsted’s next re to O o m re is fo e re b e g tandin ors, ews is th is to be outs the Govern The good n e im s a u r a u c e O b r. ette ess is what better and b for our succ carefully to s n n o te s s a li re to e f th hard to ork hard visit. One o ork equally the staff, w w ll e a W d . n n a r re e ren d h Headteac nsure child for their chil e t n to a r: w la rs u ic re ca students; to ings, in part ll a th t parents and m n o a fr rt r o u p behavio those im good implement tandards of ; to ensure s rs h e h ig c h a re te u ll ens from a feel safe; to of teaching s rd a d n ta s tions. ensure high lity qualifica a u q h ig h d chool results an ere home-s h w on d n a ts ke to build paren li h it ld u w o ll w e w e nicate urce rive. W We commu ool as a so , children th h e c s iv it e s th o p e e re sa t our nce to s partnership onfident tha mily confide c fa m a ry I e . v s e isit s e e good as a v child’s succ this and giv s a ir e is th g re in u th s en r, no y time. of support to illustrate this. Howeve along at an l e il m w o s c tu to c e d and I, in prosp u are invite your views o r y a e d h n a l to o child. y o it to the sch ou for your e opportun y th e e te n m o ra a lc u e w e can g I continue to you what w ll te to s, e k li Best wishe turn, would ams, Duane Willi ernors oard of Gov B e th f o ir a hool Ch mmunity Sc o C ls il H n at Colto
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WELCOME FROM THE
HEADTEACHER
Since the e last inspection th a e on rg de un s school ha and n io at positive transform aching te as a result, good our are now and good behavi flourishing at this school. OFSTED MAY 2015
Welcome to Colton Hill s Community School It is my privilege to be the Headteacher of th is very caring and ambit ious school and it is a responsibility I fully em brace. We are a GOOD school. This is increas ingly being recognised across the city, the loc al community and it wa s certainly confirmed by Ofsted in May 2015. Please do read their re port. As a parent or carer of a child, choosing a secondary school is on e of the most important decisions you will mak e. You can be assured that your child will feel safe and secure and confide nt enough to access the wide range of opportu nities and experiences offere d at Colton Hills which will help shape the rest of their life. Dedicated staff at all lev els of the school ensu re that no student, regard less of background, ne ed or circumstance, is lef t behind but we also en su re that every single stude nt is stretched to mee t their full academic potential . Education is most succ essful when parents ca n be involved in their ch ild’s progress and so ou r approach at Colton Hi lls is founded on the sp ecial relationship between yo u as parents, teachers , other adults at the scho ol and your child. We wi ll therefore work closely with you to ensure your child achieves the very best. Our faculty approach to the curriculum will ensure that students lea ve Colton Hills as youn g adults able to read, wr ite and communicate to a high standard; able to think scientifically and
mathematically and de sign creatively; and be able to express themselves through the ar ts, spor t or business, developing courage and resilience through a challenging curriculum matched to their needs. As a true community sc hool we embrace all students for their uniqu e talents, dispositions, beliefs and background s whilst fostering tolerance, understand ing and respect. Academically and socia lly Colton Hills student s develop the very skills and intelligence require d to succeed in a complex multi-cultural world. With the suppor t of my dedicated Governors we are well on our wa y to being an outstandin g school. We have exce llent facilities which ar e put to good use throug h an engaging, relevan t and innovative curricu lum where your child can succeed in a broa d range of subjects an d activities. I know that with our ex cellent teaching, our well-disciplined environ ment and our structure d system of guidance an d suppor t, our student s will develop into capable yo ung people, well prepar ed for adult and family life , careers and work. I invite you to visit us to see for yourself how we do it and I very much look forward to meetin g you. Alberto Otero Headteacher of Colton
Hills Community Scho
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THE JOURNEY
– TRANSITION The movement from Primary to Secondary school is naturally an anxious time for children and their parents. We, at Colton Hills Community School, recognise this and realise the importance of working with you to make this change as smooth as possible. To do this, we work closely with the primary schools and every child will be visited at their school. All students will also be invited to exciting induction days in July. This will allow us to get to know each student at a personal level, recognise their strengths and areas for development and fully plan for their needs in readiness for September.
Our strong ethos of care, support and guidance will ensure that from the start, no child will be left behind.
Our AIMS are: Every student challenged to succeed. Every student supported to do so. We work very hard to provide each student with a learning experience which ensures they become: • Successful learners, who enjoy their lessons, make good progress and achieve well in their exams • Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives • Responsible young adults who make a positive contribution to their families and their communities
Strong partnersh local prim ips with have led to ary schools effective tr smooth and an secondary sitions to school. OFSTED MAY 2015
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THE CURRICULUM The school builds its curriculum so that students are provided with skills which are crucial to success in the modern world. • In Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) subjects develop and deliver lessons linked to engaging themes. This will enable students to connect their learning between different subjects in order to deepen their understanding and accelerate their progress. • In Key Stage 4. During Year 9 students will select courses which are relevant to their own interests and aspirations. Students in Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11) will embark on personalised qualification pathways which will offer academic, vocational and work-related courses in a blend which is relevant to their needs. • The English Baccalaureate. With so many recent changes to the qualifications system the best Colleges and Universities are likely to use the English Baccalaureate (EB) when selecting successful entrants. The EB comprises the following subjects: Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Science, History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages. Colton Hills regularly achieves the highest EB results in the City. • In the sixth form students are able to select from a variety of A Level and BTec courses which provide progression routes after GCSE and into Higher Education, Apprenticeships or the workplace. Every year, all Year 13 students are regularly accepted onto a place at a University of their choice.
At K 4 the ey Stage re are diff that s erent path five in a h tudents c ways an fo ighly llo p curric ersonalis w ed ulum . OFS MAY TED 2015
th The six d and o go form is re achieving a ts ds studen ved standar of o r g p n a e im wide r a s s acro subjects. ED OFST 15 0 2 MAY
Any underachieve m is swiftly addr ent es sed and the good students show progress of s the capacity of leaders to make further improvements .
OFSTED MAY 2015
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TEACHING AND STUDENT PROGRESS
Your child can expect high quality personalise d teaching every day, lessons as well as in tu in tor time with tutors. Te ac hing is based on clear objectives shared with students; new vocabu lary carefully explaine interactive teaching sty d; lively, les used and marking of work which gives cle guidance that helps yo ar ur child to improve. Classes are arranged to best meet the need s of students and subje particular times. This m cts at eans students work in a variety of mixed abilit setted groups. y and All students have pers onal targets in each su bject which represent of challenge that inspir a level es academic excellenc e. Progress towards th targets is monitored clo ose sely as they move thro ugh the school so that students fall behind, tim if ely intervention and su ppor t can be provided. parents, you will regular As ly receive reports on th e progress your child is making throughout the year. Homework is also an im portant part of the lea rning process. Theref encourage, challenge ore we and suppor t students to fully engage in homew which teachers set regu ork larly. Homework is deliv ered in a variety of wa and offers students th ys e opportunity to use ne w technology to presen their work. We aim to m t ake this, which is an im portant part of a stude success, both enjoyab nt’s le and rewarding. Tutor time lessons, at the start of the scho ol day are used to su individuals through st pport ructured mentoring wh ich focuses on progre and academic achiev ss ement. This time is al so used to increase students’ understand ing of wider social is sues to enable them develop personal lear to ning, thinking and te amwork skills. 6
Students currently m are akin progress in g good English, mathematic s and scien ce. OFSTED MAY 2015
ality The qu good. hing is g of teac ask searchin a s r e e Teach s that provid to n e g questio el of challen the v good le nts, including e d ble. all stu most a D OFSTE 5 01 MAY 2
D N A N IO T A IC N U M M O C , E G LANGUA HUMANITIES (LCH) FACULTY
with a deep understanding of es pris com ulty The LCH Fac events past and present, how h; glis the following subjects: En religious thinking shapes people’s Drama; Media; German; attitudes towards the world we in Geography; History; R.E. and live in and how people respond and y log the sixth form, Psycho to contemporary issues such Sociology. as economic change, migration us conflict. In an o passionate about the and religio als are We ts jec sub se rld, the of The importance written increasingly globalised wo and ken spo the t tha er pow encouraged to cannot be underestimated, as uencing thoughts, students are infl in has rd wo nt’s me ern evidenced by the gov critically challenge and evaluate iety soc and ple peo , ues val introduction of the English the values and attitudes of people tch our stre we end this to and ts jec Baccalaureate. These sub from different societies and only to be correct not ts den stu at ted mo pro n have always bee cultural backgrounds. Through use of language but to ir the in Colton Hills. the joy of discovering about the also be creative and inspiring in richness of language and the munication. We also com ir the h glis En the of Excellent use world around them, students standards of h hig t tha ise ogn rec in s language is key to succes become more able to express support achievement will y rac lite of aim tral cen A these subjects. across all areas of the curriculum the LCH Faculty is therefore to and will enable our students to ensure that every student leaves be effective learners today in Colton Hills able to read, write preparation for them to become and speak English and also to part of a dynamic workforce of listen effectively at a very high tomorrow. standard. As a result, all teachers in the faculty work closely Through the LCH subjects, together to ensure there is a rich the faculty provides students and varied collection of speaking, Lord King visits Colton Hills reading and writing opportunities that are linked to exciting themes, real-world problems and genuine audiences which enable students to hone their skills and demonstrate their learning.
The en has be o scho l in improving sful nts’ succes dard of stude g a n in the sta nd encourag a . y g c litera readin love of D OFSTE 5 1 0 2 MAY
their own thoughts and opinions. This leads to the development of the global citizens of tomorrow. In addition to engaging, passionate teaching, we pride ourselves in enriching these subjects through enjoyable and memorable school visits. These visits include theatre trips, author visits, geography field trips, visiting places of worship, places of historical interest and foreign exchange visits to name but a few! We aim to broaden the minds and horizons of our students and show them how their studies link to the real world.
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) FACULTY The STEM Faculty comprises the following subjects: Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, Computing and ICT and in the sixth-form, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The awe and wonder of exploring how the physical world works is at the heart of learning and by working closely together, maths and science support each child’s discovery of principles that govern the world around them. Whether that be the workings of a cell, the cosmos or the intricate patterns and beauty of mathematical sequences. When we add the practical application of these ideas through the study of computing, design technology and engineering, then all our students are able to better understand how things work and experience the excitement of discovering new ideas and possible careers. In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly impor tant 8
as the world has globalised commercially and the UK has become a knowledge-based economy. STEM subjects are vital to everyone’s future. Engineering in particular, requires the individual STEM disciplines to work in harmony, and so is especially impor tant. There is a national shortage of engineers and for this reason, STEM subjects lead to some of the most lucrative and rewarding of careers. Therefore to succeed in this everchanging world, young people need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered appropriate in the past. All teachers in the faculty work collaboratively to foster high levels of scientific and mathematical thinking in all students and they also seek to develop excellence in design and engineering foundation principles. Our students tackle meaningful questions, engage in real-world scenarios and work collaboratively to solve genuine mathematical,
scientific and technological problems. In the classroom, our highly-skilled teachers do this very well but in order to bring the scientific, technological and commercial world into the school, they cannot do this alone. To assist our teachers we have developed a unique approach to creating impressive partnerships with notable companies. These companies bring their exper tise, offer industry-standard resources and equipment, sit down with our teachers to create inspiring projects and offer themselves, and colleagues, as mentors to our students. Our supporting companies logos can be found on these pages and our collective work is already being recognised at local, regional and national levels.
Companies are willing to work with us because they endorse the school’s vision for STEM education and also acknowledge the behaviour and commitment of our students. Below are a few examples from 2015: • A girls’ team reached the finals of a national engineering competition, held at the Houses of Parliament, for their own idea of an energy-saving device for the home. • A team of Colton Hills students came first in a regional competition for their design of a spaceship model, where rules permitted only the use of household items. • A team of sixth-form students were praised by the Chief Executive of a company for their work on a genuine recycling problem.
Aside from working with professionals, students also have the chance to attend special events as a reward for excellent progress in individual subjects. These include the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, special lectures at Universities, Women in Engineering events and other STEM-related oppor tunities.
The faculty continually strives to refresh the curriculum by keeping keep it up-to-date with current technology and bringing in new projects that will enrich the learning and raise awareness of the breadth of careers that acquiring excellence in STEM may offer.
Individual subjects also organise their own specific visits and projects. Our growing Robotics programme, which is being developed by the school’s Computing & ICT depar tment is one example, but all students can take part in national competitions, such as the UK Mathematics Challenge and Formula One in Schools Competition, after-school clubs and curriculum-based visits, such as Chester Zoo, as well as listen to visiting speakers from many professions invited into the school by teachers.
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EXPRESSION, PERFORMANCE, ENTERPRISE AND WELL-BEING (EPEW) FACULTY The EPEW Faculty comprises the following subjects: Art, Music, Performing Arts, Sport, Physical Education, Dance, Business Studies, Health & Social Care and Life Skills and in the sixth-form, Economics. The EPEW faculty plays an important role in the school which recognises and values what these subjects offer the mind, body and soul. We are also committed to its importance to young people who wish to develop or grow a life-long talent in one or more of these areas. When taught effectively, the EPEW subjects are in the best position to enable students to become confident individuals:
• By understanding and appreciating the skills and attributes required to be thoughtful and caring towards others, and the many careers available to achieve this in society. • By developing self-assured individuals, armed with resilience, who are able to make good decisions under pressure in today’s world.
Special to our school, and also a key element of the faculty, is our inclusion of Life Skills as a timetabled subject. Students are developed in six key areas from Year 7: Staying Healthy, Careers & the World of Work, Learning to Learn (Study Skills), Financial Capability, Religion & Ethics and Citizenship. We ensure that these areas • By being able express their thoughts, merge and integrate with all areas of the school, feelings and ideas artistically, often done including our pastoral curriculum, which includes bravely in front of audiences. regular tutor time activities in the morning and in • By competing against others, and our programme of House assemblies. more important against themselves, As a faculty, EPEW enhances the school’s vision to challenge their limits and improve of ensuring that every student leaves Colton their health through structured physical activity. Hills, not just academically successful, but • By developing business and also successful as Social, Moral, Spiritual and entrepreneurial acumen which is important Cultural people. to everyday and commercial life. 10
T disad he progr e in Ke vantaged ss of y Sta stu Stag ge 3 an dents e 4 is d good Key . OFS MAY TED 2015
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS (SEN)
All students at Colton Hills Comm unity School are treated as individ uals and work is planned accordingly. The aim is to raise levels of success and to meet their needs by providing an educat ion which secures equal opportuni ties and high achievement. Students with special educational needs are offe red full access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. The school caters for all abilities but students experiencing a slowe r rate of progress or less success, whether through language or other difficul ties, receive additional guidance and sup por t in the classroom. In the first instance all subject teachers provide this and when necessary our Learning Su pport Team provide additional suppor t. All students are fully integrated into a mainstream curriculum. On occ asions, we draw on the expertise of outsid e agencies to work with students, parents and families. We fully suppor t the new SEN Code to ensure that, at all times, families are involved in the decisio ns about their child’s education. Our Special Education Needs Co -ordinator, who is a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Tea m, oversees how the school pro vides for SEN students, closely monitors their classroom experience and tracks their progress.
Students pecial who have s eeds ln educationa level of d o o receive a g ey make th d support an e with other lin progress in ationally. students n OFSTED MAY 2015
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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, CARE, AND PASTORAL SUPPORT
Every Child Matters at Colton Hill s Community School. If students are happy, safe and understand where to go for help, then success will not be far away. The school’s pastoral care system is well coordinated to ensure student’s needs are met and their development is fully suppor ted. The school is organised into three Houses with each student belonging to a house. Each tutor group is of mixed age with a small number of year 7 to year 12 students. This fosters a suppor tive family atmosphere, where older students help and suppor t younge r students. Each house is led by a House Leader and an Assistant House Leader who work closely together with the House Tutors. Each day begins with twenty minutes in tutor groups. Also a Life Skills coordinator prepares dedicated, meaningful activities that not only sets students up for 12
the day ahead, but also developes Experience tells us that skills not normally found in traditio n students who see parents subject lessons. To motivate actively supporting the school’s them to do their best every day, behaviour policies are very we ll students are rewarded for a range placed to fulfil their potential. of positive behaviours such as high attendance, effort, resilience , community involvement as well as meeting or exceeding their academic targets.The school use s a rewards system called Vivo Cla ss to recognise and acknowledge such achievements and parents are able to access this information on-line. Our philosophy with regards to encouraging positive behaviour from our students is captured by our moto “Catch them being good!” However there are occasions wh en clear sanctions are applied to allow students time and space to reflect on negative behaviour. All sanctions are followed up robustly to ensure that students make better decisions in the future.
Beh the s aviour a roun choo d li stand s of a hig h ard. OFS MAY TED 2015
l The successfu f o n tio o prom the l respect and are a tu u m diversity celebration of e school’s th f at the core o rk o w . OFSTED MAY 2015
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school consists of far more than the lessons students enjoy every day. Clubs and activities make up the extra-curricular programme that plays a very important par t in the education of young people. Students have access to a wide range of provision which includes subject clubs, debating societies, martial arts and sports activities including competitive matches. We encourage as many students as possible to take par t in the programme and to share in the success that these activities provide.
In addition to this, teachers from every subject plan numerous visits to places that will enrich and t consolidate valuable learning. No only do our students enjoy these ir experiences, it also shows in the academic achievement.
RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES We believe that a residential experience is one of the most important aspects of a child’s school experience. These tend to of be the most remembered events a school career! For a number of years our students have had the opportunity of spending time at Gelliwig – a residential centre in Por thmadog which is situated on the edge of Snowdonia in North Wales. Gelliwig is a unique memorial to two dedicated and respected former teachers at this school and provides students with a high quality out-of-school experience.
The scho o o p p ortun l provides stude it n of sp ts to atte ies for orts nd a an r after d other c ange scho l ol. ubs OFS MAY TED 2015
The visit, provides opportunities for pupils to experience a completely different environment and learn essential skills such as resourcefulness, resilience and independence. More importantly, ir pupils enjoy what for many, is the first experience of being on an activity away from home. 13
THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES
We have benefitted from a number of refurbishments in recent years.
learning model which will help them prepare, succeed and par ticipate fully in a 21st Century economy.
The outcome of this has been to provide a modern The school is also proud to environment in school which offer outstanding facilities can offer quality learning on a to develop talents in Art, daily basis and provide the very Music, Sport and Physical best resources and facilities Expression. We have a to suppor t our students. Our professional Dance Studio, major investment in ICT Performing Arts Theatre, infrastructure and hand-held Swimming Pool, sports technologies communicates facilities and extensive our serious intent to ensure fields which are enjoyed by your child benefits from a students and the community. genuine “anytime, anywhere�
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Students te tra demons udes to it tt a positive ning, show r a le and their h other ol. c a e r fo respect e in their scho id have pr D OFSTE 5 1 0 2 MAY
OUR ADMISSIONS POLICY in e we should serve those who live As a Community school we believ e the best possible service for our the locality of the school and provid community.
for the realities of society and the We want to prepare our students recognise the advantages that a world of work. For this reason we and e in its background, culture, race school population which is divers me lco ieve this aim, we also we beliefs, can provide. To help us ach city and beyond applications from all areas of the the Local Authority which Our admissions are managed by the opportunity to attend this ensures that all students have school. ands to provide access for all We are fully compliant with the dem ability. Resources available at students, including those with a dis lift ability include a dedicated base, this school for students with a dis b ker e level, ramps and appropriat access to all areas above ground building, a pool hoist for use in the design for immediate access to the . iture and equipment as necessary swimming pool and specialised furn
Stud scho ents say ol th carin is a friendat the g pla ce to ly and be. OFS MAY TED 2015
Students say that the school is a friendly and caring place to be. Ofsted May 2015
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If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact the school. Colton Hills Community School Jeremy Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 5DG tel 01902 558420 fax 01902 558421 email coltonhillsschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk
www.coltonhills.co.uk
@ColtonHillsCS