Penketh High Prospectus

Ofsted says…

“Students receive good support on entering the sixth form and later in making applications to university. ”

“Penketh High School provides a good education for its students. It has some outstanding features.”

“Children come to school happy and ready to learn” (parent quote from questionnaire) “Students speak warmly of the time many staff put in to provide additional support and believe their teachers take pride in ensuring the good quality of provision.”

“The personal development and the well being of students is good overall and student’s contribution to “The school is playing a the community is outstanding.” leading role in working with other schools.”

“Parents feel that their children are well cared for and settle into school well.”

“The impact of good leadership and management can be seen in a number of improvements in the schools provision and an emerging upward trend in achievement across the school”

“Students enjoy coming to school and have good regard for the safety and well-being of others.

This is exemplified in their good attendance and behaviour.”

“Media and Visual Arts Specialist status has had a significant impact on the school, which is seen as being at the cutting edge of developments in these areas.”

Penketh Vision Our school will be a vibrant and enterprising hub for a community where high quality learning and thriving cultural and sporting activity will be enjoyed. Our school will offer an open and collaborative culture built on a willingness to listen to and involve all stakeholders. We will develop dynamic partnerships that create and enhance opportunities for our young people so that they have the best possible preparation for becoming active and responsible citizens of the future.

We want to see all our young people: • Inspired to value learning and personal growth • Equipped with the skills for lifelong learning

• Encouraged, through challenge and support, to be the best they can be • Developing high self-esteem, resilience and perseverance • Valuing participation and celebrating individual and collective achievement • Expressing talents in creative, enterprising, sporting and cultural activities • Thriving as active, responsible citizens within our local, national and global communities • Achieving success

Primary Transition

Admissions Procedure

We want our new pupils to feel confident about starting their secondary school. We want them to be happy and settle quickly. To ease the transition into high school, pupils will be housed together in a year 7 base where, with the exception of subjects requiring specialist facilities, they will be taught. In addition pupils will be taught a number of subjects by the same multi-skilled teacher. This replicates the experience they have had whilst in primary school and is another example of our commitment to creating an environment where pupils can thrive.

Admissions to Year 7 are managed by Warrington Borough Council.

For children already in a Warrington Primary School a 'Guide for Parents' booklet and preference form will be sent home with your child from his/her Primary School.

To ensure continuity and progression of curriculum delivery for pupils as they move into year 7 we: • Meet regularly with Primary Headteachers.

• Send staff to visit our Primary Schools and teach year 5 and 6 pupils.

• Arrange for English, Maths and Science staff to discuss curriculum progression with the relevant subject co-ordinators in primary schools.

• Have appointed Primary School specialists to ensure curriculum continuity between subjects.

• Provide many opportunities for Primary School pupils to visit the High School for induction and taster days to learn our routines.

• Invite parents into school to meet Form Tutors and see the school in action during our Open Days and Induction Evening.

Tutor groups are arranged based on information received from Primary Schools. Every attempt is made to create balanced classes, keeping friendship groups together. All pupils register and spend some time each day with their Form tutor who is responsible for their pastoral care.

Pupil Support In order that the general welfare of your child is taken care of, we have a strong pastoral system in place. Organisation is based on a traditional House System with tutor groups from each year group represented in each House. Heads of House supported by Learning Mentors ensure that the progress and welfare of every pupil is carefully monitored and recorded accurately. Form Tutors work within the pupil support team and gain a close knowledge of pupils in their form.

Form Tutors follow a clear procedure when dealing with pupils’ problems to make sure that the right help is given.

Close liaison between parents and the pupil support team is vital and Form Tutors need to be informed of any special circumstances that might affect your child’s progress, such as a particular medical condition. In addition to checking your child’s academic progress, members of the Pupil Support Team check attendance and punctuality as well a rewarding and celebrating their achievements.

Year 6 pupils and parents are invited to one of our Open Days for a tour of the school during a normal working day. This includes visits to lessons, information about the school and opportunities to ask questions.

Curriculum Organisation The curriculum is the way in which the school organises teaching and learning so that each pupil reaches the highest level achievement.

Key Stage Three This covers the first three years, when pupils will follow National Curriculum subjects. In Year 7, students are taught English, Maths, Science and French, in ability sets. Humanities, Re and Citizenship are taught in mixed ability groups through the Opening minds competency based curriculum. Other National Curriculum practical subjects are also delivered to Year 7 with their content linked to the Opening Minds themes. In Years 8 and 9, pupils will have lessons in English, Maths, Science, Technology, French, Geography, History, ICT, Art and Design, Music, Drama and Learning for Life (RE, Citizenship and Health Education). All students at Key Stage 3 receive 2 hours per week of PE with opportunities to extend this time through extra curricular activities.

In Key Stage 3, all lessons except PE and Opening Minds are taught in ability sets, although pupils will be grouped in mixed ability forms. In Year 7, setting will be based on National Curriculum ‘Teacher Assessments’ and test levels from Primary school. There are, of course, opportunities for ‘late developers’ to change sets as their ability develops. In Years 8 and 9, pupils will have the opportunity to study a second Modern Foreign Language.

Key Stage 4 In Years 10 and 11, all students will study English, Maths, Science, PE, ICT and Learning for Life (including Careers Education). In addition, students will be able to select from four option lines consisting of more than 20 additional subjects. Most subjects are GCSE courses, but we now offer an increasing range of vocational courses including Diplomas.

In addition to the knowledge, skills and understanding developed, pupils are encouraged to apply these skills and show their initiative in lessons and in a variety of cross curricular opportunities.

As an 11-18 school, we hope as many students as possible will stay on to study from a wide range of subjects in the Sixth Form. However, we are aware that for a number of individuals, their future will be in other directions. Our Careers Education and Guidance team will work with all students in Years 9 to 11 to ensure they are aware of all their progression opportunities and that they make the right decisions for their future.

Religious Education Religious Education is one of the compulsory core subjects in schools and is taught at all the Key Stages through the Learning for Life Curriculum. It follows a multi-faith syllabus and is taught in a non-denominational and non-doctrinal manner. In Years 10 and 11 students will study RE and Citizenship to GCSE examination level in their Learning for Life lessons.

Sex and Relationships Education Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is taught as part of our Learning for Life curriculum. The SRE programme includes factual knowledge about sex and sexuality whilst encouraging development of responsibility, investigates issues of peer pressure and helps to formulate a moral code for relationships.

Wherever appropriate, we engage the support of other professionals, such as the school health advisor in the delivery of information. Parents are kept informed as to the content of the course and are encouraged to view teaching materials used.

Assesment, Recording and Reporting All pupils receive a progress report at the end of each term. These clearly indicate the progress made towards target KS3 levels and GCSE grades. The level of pupil effort throughout the term is also recorded. We ask that parents discuss the Progress Reports with their children and address any queries or concerns directly to subject teachers. Form Tutors and Heads of House rigorously monitor progress and effort to celebrate achievement and quickly identify any pupils at risk of underachieving. Pupils in Year 11 are presented with a Record of Achievement towards the end of their studies to celebrate individual successes during their school life.

Homework

Inclusion

One of the school’s main aims is to encourage pupils to work independently and to develop the habit of study when not being supervised. This is invaluable if your child is to reach his or her potential and to achieve success, particularly in external examinations.

Homework is set for pupils of all ages and abilities and it is expected that they will complete it and hand it in for marking when required. We hope that as parents you will be encouraging your child to complete regular weeknight homework. Regular checking of your child’s planner is essential. Parents will be issued with a copy of the school’s homework policy when your child starts school.

A staged procedure supported by the Local Authority exists to identify and support students with social, emotional, or physical difficulties as well as special learning requirements.

All pupils and parents are invited to attend an Academic Review Day interview with Form Tutors. This gives pupils the opportunity to reflect on their performance during the year and set clear targets for improvement. School is closed for normal lessons on this day. In addition pupils and parents in years 10 and 11 are invited to attend a Parents’ Evening with individual subject teachers.

Parents of pupils in year 7 are given the opportunity to discuss with Form Tutors how well their child has settled during the first half term.

Careers and Work Related Learning Careers Education is delivered cross curricular and in the Learning for Life programme. This starts informally in Year 7 introducing awareness to the world of work.

The more formal programme starts in Year 8. The Year 9 Careers Programme concentrates on the choice of subjects that will affect different career paths.

Year 10, pupils look employment, the world of work leading to a two week Work Experience placement.

In Year 11 pupils are introduced to interview situations through a Mock Interview Programme, conducted by local employers and training advisers. Time is given to discuss employment at 16 and careers support is offered to all pupils.

Pupils have the opportunity to attend Drop in Sessions, Careers Club and have full access to a number of Careers Education web based programmes including guidance from independent Personal Advisers.

The school has achieved a number of national awards for both achievement and innovation, including the well established Investors in Careers Award.

Our highly qualified Pupil Support and Personalised Learning team work alongside various external agencies to ensure the needs of all students are met. Parents and students are kept fully informed of any support provided. As part of our transition planning we arrange additional visits for pupils with SEN (including disabilities) and their families alongside our usual admissions arrangements. We have an Inclusion Manager and Learning Support Assistants who provide extra support for those pupils who have difficulty in accessing mainstream lessons.

A whole school Special Needs register is reviewed and updated every half term.

The needs of the able are recognised and addressed under the guidance of our Gifted and Talented Co-ordinators. A full version of the school’s SEN policy is available upon request.

Connexions Connexions Personal Advisers can help pupils to prepare for their future trough a range of up to date guidance, supporting information services from careers, education and employment to health and lifestyle issues.

A team of Personal Advisers work with school pupils and sixth form students. Support is provided through a combination of appointments, group work sessions and Drop in Sessions.

After School Sports Activities We have a very successful After School Programme of activities on offer for the students. Talented pupils may wish to join teams in a range of sports we offer. Training nights and match nights are on a weekly basis. We enter teams in to the Warrington Schools Leagues in Netball, Hockey, Girls & Boys Football teams and Rugby teams. Athletics, Rounders and Cricket competitions. Our teams and players have been very successful during the last few seasons, winning the Warrington leagues, County championships and reaching National Semi finals.

Partnerships we enjoy at Penketh enhance the sporting opportunity for our students - SSCO, Primary Schools, Leisure Centres (David Lloyd) Work Placement, Warrington Wolves, Dance Workshops, Outside Coaches coming in for afterschool and curriculum sessions Warrington Schools PE Partnership.

We ensure that there is provision for those gifted or talented, with provision made both within the curriculum time and after school.

Extra activities we are involved with include: - Sailing, Outdoor Adventurous Activities, Race for Life/Fun Runs, Duke of Edinburgh Award and World Challenge!

Music Music is a prominent feature of life at Penketh High School. We aim to promote and encourage the making and appreciation of music within both this environment and as a living experience.

Instrumental Provision We have a team of professional musicians offering pupils private and small group tuition on a range of instruments. Violin and strings, percussion, brass, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and piano, woodwind and voice are some of the instruments on offer taking our pupils from beginner’s level up to Grade 8.

Extra – Curricular activities The provision for groups and bands is as extensive as it is varied with a number of examples of outstanding performance opportunities. Some of our most popular ensembles are: • Gospel Choir • Penketh ‘Cuban All Stars’ • ‘Escola de Samba’ • Chamber Choir • Brass Band • African Group • Performing Arts club In collaboration with the other Performing Arts subjects, we have produced a number challenging and exciting school musicals and also produce concerts throughout the year which showcase our musicians from lower school through to sixth form. The Music Department continues to work with a number of outside Arts providers from across the region and have excellent links with Warrington Music Service.

Visual & Media Arts Penketh High School is a Visual and Media Arts college and this is reflected in the curriculum throughout all the key stages. Pupils will experience a variety of media related experiences and will learn to use media technology as they progress through the school. At Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils we are expanding the opportunities for students to opt for specialised visual and media arts courses.

Red Rose Media Red Rose Media is a professional film and media production company based within the school. The aim of the company is to facilitate access to media across the curriculum for all of our pupils and staff.

In 2007 Penketh High School and Red Rose Media produced the word’s first ever high school feature film, ‘Days’. The film was featured nationally by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 & The Times before a successful public release at Warrington’s Odeon Cinema. The project raised the profile of the school across the country and Penketh High School is now regarded as one of the leading media schools in the UK. Red Rose Media have continued to produce and release full-length feature films and other media productions in order to engage pupils and inspire them to learn, not only about media and film production, but also about teamwork, time management, commitment and other important transferable skills. In collaboration with high profile organisations such as the BBC and Odeon cinemas we are able to offer Penketh pupils access to first class media facilities, technologies, software and support on a day-to-day basis.

Being Special…

We are a Specialist Visual and Media Arts School, a status we are tremendously proud to have and the values that contributed to its award are those we seek to share in all areas of school life. This means we work to: •

Create a vibrant and enterprising hub for the community, providing excellence in learning, arts and cultural activity

•

Raise the standards and expectations of achievement through quality teaching and pupil support

•

Develop a thriving community culture in which all can play a positive and constructive part.

•

Be a beacon school of innovation and creative development by sharing our enterprise with partner Primary, Secondary and Special School in order to raise standards and provide additional resources

•

Work closely with friends and sponsors in business and commerce and with other partners in work related learning and vocational enterprise

•

Work closely with charities, community and multi-cultural groups to extend our expertise and commitment to the wider community.

•

Promote high standards of literacy and numeracy and provide access to ICT technology for all pupils

•

Empower pupils with the communication skills, the self-confidence, and responsibilities of citizenship that will enable them to become active and industrious members of society

•

Provide models of excellence in the specialist subjects that will impact on other subject areas and increase uptake in related subjects post-16.

Expectations including Rewards and Sanctions We endeavour to create a caring and orderly community within the school, based on the general principles of respect for other people, their property and the school itself. The behaviour expected of our pupils is written down in our “Expectations” booklet. Pupils’ parents and staff are asked to sign a Home-School Partnership Agreement as an indication of our shared commitments to education.

The school operates a system of “Positive Behaviour” based on the five basic classroom rules below. Pupils who follow these rules constantly are rewarded regularly. There is a clear series of sanctions for those pupils who choose not to follow the rules.

Positive Behaviour Rules for the Classrooms: 1. ARRIVE ON TIME and enter the room in a quiet, orderly manner.

2. LISTEN to the teachers instructions and follow them first time 3. BE ORGANISED by having the correct books, equipment and PE kit 4. ALLOW OTHERS TO WORK. Don’t allow others to disturb you.

5. PUT YOUR HAND UP if you wish to speak to the teacher.

Besides our Positive Behaviour system we also reward pupils through House Points. House Points are collected from teachers for pleasing work, effort or “community service” and recorded in the pupils planner.

Collection of sufficient House Points will qualify pupils for a Senior Staff Award.

Individual Subject departments will issue “Praise Postcards”, forward letters and make telephone calls home when pupils have worked particularly well.

There is a Presentation Evening annually for pupils in years 7-10 to acknowledge success in all aspects of school life and a separate annual event to celebrate the achievements of our year 11 pupils.

In addition, Heads of House host termly Achievement Assemblies during which pupils are able to display their talents and receive acknowledgement for thing’s they have done well.

It is sometimes necessary for us to impose disciplinary sanctions, these will include the following: • • • • •

Form Tutor report Head of House report Subject Detention School Detention Internal exclusion (referred to as “Isolation”)

For incidents of a very serious nature, pupils may be excluded for a fixed period of time or, in cases of extreme indiscipline, permanently.

Clear guidelines are outlined in the School Behaviour and Discipline Policy.

Anti Bullying Policy Bullying is a form of anti-social behaviour that has no place in our school community.

This school sees the issue of bullying as a very serious matter.

The purpose of our policy is to reduce the incidence of bullying and create an environment in which everyone falls safe and secure. This is achieved by utilising a range of strategies including co-operative group work and mediation by staff and peers.

Pupil Governance

Child Protection

At Penketh High School we believe that the young person is at the heart of everything we do. Therefore we consult pupils via our School and House Councils. Each academic year, two form representatives are elected to their House Council. Regular meetings provide a forum for consultation with pupils regarding matters which are of importance to them. Further representatives meet at the School Council. Members from the Sixth Form are also associate members of the Governing Body.

The school recognises its obligation under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils. Our policy and practices around child protection and safeguarding are robust. We follow the guidelines set out in the Manual of Procedures, produced by Warrington Area Child Protection Committee. There are rigorous procedures in place for the appointment of staff and when appointed they receive the appropriate child protection training. Pupils are taught about safeguarding issues in Learning for Life lessons.

Parents, staff and pupils can seek advice about child protection issues from the Senior Designated Person for child protection, the Child Protection Co-ordinator, the Heads of House or the Child Protection link Governor.

Attendance at School

Home and school partnership

Pupils must attend school regularly if they are to gain maximum benefit from their education. Parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure their children go to school. Children should not be absent from school except for medical reasons. All absences must be covered by a note from parents.

A positive and supportive partnership between parents and the school is of critical importance in ensuring the happiness and success of your child. Pupils, parents and staff are asked to sign a Home-School Partnership Agreement as an indication of our shared commitment to education.

Permission for holidays to be taken during term time is not normally granted except in exceptional circumstances. Requests, prior to booking, must be made in writing to the Headteacher using a holiday request form available from Form Tutors, Reception or the Main Office. We work closely with the Education Welfare Service to follow up unexplained absence.

All parents are members of our school association ‘Friends of Penketh High School’. The committee meets regularly at school, organising social and fund-raising activities and supporting school events.

Monies raised are reinvested in learning resources for the pupils.

The school also insists on punctuality and pupils are subject to school discipline if late without good reason.

School Uniform

Facilities to Assist Access

We believe our uniform represents our commitment to our school community. Wearing the correct uniform shows a sense of pride in belonging to Penketh High and creates a positive impression of the individual and our school to others. The overwhelming majority of parents and pupils support the concept of having a uniform policy, as it helps prevent extremes of fashion and encourages pupils to concentrate on their studies. Admission to the school implies acceptance of our uniform policy and we trust that we will have full support of parents in ensuring that your child arrives at school dressed correctly.

At Penketh we are totally committed to developing our facilities for disabled pupils, staff, and visitors. The school has worked with Warrington Borough Council over recent years to ensure that all future building programs align closely with D.D.A. requirements. All existing sections of the school now have at least one entrance door of extra width to accommodate wheelchair users and gently sloping access areas.

Dress Code • • • • • •

School Blazer with Badge White School Shirt House Tie Black Tailored Skirt (knee length) or black tailored trousers Sensible black shoes/plain black trainers (no coloured markings, trims or logos), dark soles and black laces.

Black Jumper (optional)

As part of building plans, we are engaging in a programme of alterations to internal door widths to meet further sections of the legislation. A complete rebuild of our present disabled toilet facilities will include an enlarged room incorporating shower, changing and hoist equipment.

We have several, designated, extra sized parking bays in the front car park, and we are in the process of making improvements to steps and gradients by providing tactile stimuli to aid people who are partially sighted. These measures are all part of Penketh High School’s drive to be able to fully integrate all sections of our community into our working environment.

Sixth Form Information

Welcome to Penketh College!

Penketh College is an exciting and dynamic place to continue your studies if you are aged 16 – 19. We have so much to offer students from Warrington and surrounding areas. We provide a quality learning experience that helps students to progress academically and personally so you are well prepared for that next step.

We are reasonably small and that is our strength! We care about every single one of you and are able to offer you personalised treatment, small classes and huge opportunities for wider development.

Study You can choose from a wide variety of A level and BTEC subjects. Most of our year 12 students study 4 or 5 AS levels and after successfully completing these go on to gain 3 or 4 A levels.

Students at Penketh College receive outstanding support from subject tutors and also through the tutorial system where students can expect to meet with their personal tutors regularly on a one – to – one basis to review their progress, offer advice and set targets in terms of academic study, work related learning and active citizenship. You can benefit from the expertise of a professional and enthusiastic teaching staff and a second to none higher education and careers programme that ensures all students have the necessary information about the options available to them.

We are continuing to enjoy the success of rising results, which are well above the national average!

Sixth Form Information

College life – What’s on offer?

• We provide a modern and well-resourced study so you have the space and facilities to work quietly and your own spacious Café to relax in.

• The student voice is very important to us and your college is driven by a dynamic student committee. Besides becoming involved in the committee there are many other opportunities to be an active citizen and become involved with community projects and volunteer work. We enjoy working with charities for example Jeans for Genes and host our annual Christmas party for children form Green Lane Special School. We also enjoy many social events as a college from meals out to sailing lessons and assault courses!

• Even better, as a student at Penketh College you have the chance to be a star! As a school of media and visual arts we have produced two full-length feature films as well as a soap opera, infomercials and documentaries! These were ground breaking projects and should you be lucky enough to be at student here you too could become involved in such initiatives. You could also contribute to Red Rose Radio or the Firehouse Community cinema.

We are a happy, positive, enthusiastic and innovative college. This is an exciting place to be…so come and join us!

Mrs Amy Turner, Assistant Headteacher in charge of Key Stage 5.

• As a thank you for joining Penketh College we can reward you with discounted membership at a local health club and also help you to learn to drive at 16 with our very own on-site weekend driving school so you can master the basics for a really competitive rate.

“The staff at Penketh are really supportive and pushed me to achieve my goals”.

Michael Evans, Sixth Form Student “One of the best things about Penketh College is that you are not just a number, you are treated as an individual. Penketh College has a very homely feel and you get to know everyone and make many great friends”.

Melissa Houghton, Sixth Form Student “Penketh College is a great place to study because the support you receive from all the staff is fantastic.

The staff are always motivational and strive to make sure that you reach your potential”.

Leigh Jones, Sixth Form Student Our students play a key role in developing our Sixth Form. These Students organize numerous social events, help co-ordinate charity activities and offer opinion and advice on the running of the Sixth Form.