Maryhill High School Prospectus 2012-13

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T R I N I T Y Sixth Form

Maryhill High School Media Arts College Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DL Tel: Fax: Email: Website:

Succeeding Together

01782 296751 01782 296771 office@maryhill-high.staffs.sch.uk maryhill-high.co.uk

MARYHILL High School T R I N I T Y Sixth Form

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Succeeding Together

MAHATMA GANDHI

Reg Charity 227523 & SC037843

‘the school of choice in Kidsgrove’ PROSPECTUS A Media Arts College

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‘the school of choice in Kidsgrove’

MARYHILL High School

MESSAGE FROM THE

Head Teacher Dear Parents and Carers Thank you for considering Maryhill as the school for your child’s secondary education.

Why choose Maryhill?

Choose Maryhill if you wish your child to attain the best possible grades regardless of ability.

Choose Maryhill if it is important that your child matures into a decent, disciplined and principled young adult.

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Mrs F. Hewardine

These two factors underpin the success and achievement of our students and reflect the dedication and professionalism of our staff.

Maryhill High School is a happy school where students feel safe and enjoy excellent relationships with staff. I am proud of the qualities that characterise our students. They are supportive of their peers, possess a strong sense of loyalty and fair play and know the right thing to do.

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy but it is always the right thing.

Choose Maryhill if it matters that your child attends a school that makes an excellent contribution to its local community.

Wanting to help others is a quality that is evident on a daily basis and which culminates in the thousands of pounds students raise for charities each year.

We achieve this by placing the learning and well being of each student at the centre of every action we take and every decision we make. OFSTED recognised that ‘no child slips through the net’ of care and they related that they had never seen students so proud of their school.

Charities which promote animal welfare are firm favourites at Maryhill. One example of this is our annual donation to the Dogs Trust which enables us to sponsor five dogs, one for each year group.

We also have generously raised over £1,400 to the Ruby Owen Appeal and

donated to many other local and national charities.

We are proud to be a partner of The Trinity Sixth Form which enables us to provide a supportive setting and a wide KS5 offer and an education from 11 through to 19.

OFSTED recognised what makes Maryhill special. I am confident that you will too. Enjoy learning in more detail about school life through the information in this prospectus.

You are most welcome to make an appointment to visit us to view the school at work or to discuss any aspect of our provision.

I look forward to meeting you at a forthcoming school event.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs F Hewardine Head Teacher

www.maryhill-high.co.uk

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Welcome MARYHILL HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

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TEACHING & LEARNING Curriculum KS3 All students study English, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Education, Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Citizenship. Although the same subjects are studied by all students, the work is differentiated according to the ability of the class.

Curriculum KS4 At the end of Key Stage 3 the students can make some choices about the learning pathway they will follow for the next two or even four years. We want students at Maryhill High School to achieve the best possible outcome and to help do this do this we allow them to personalise their curriculum when they start KS4.

All students study English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, PE and Citizenship. They are then allowed to make a guided choice of options from an extensive list of GCSE and equivalent courses to suit all abilities and interests.

Curriculum KS5 The Trinity Sixth Form at Maryhill is open to all students and this means that we can offer seamless continuity from the start of Year 7 to entry into Higher Education.

We collaborate with St Margaret Ward, St John Fisher and St Thomas More School to offer a broader and more flexible curriculum. This means that students in The Trinity Sixth Form have a very wide choice of subjects, they can remain within a school based setting and can prepare for the next stage in their education, by expanding their experience.

“”

The teachers are lovely and the students are lovely too, it offers a good education and a lot of fun – never a boring lesson.

E GARSIDE (YEAR 10).

Maryhill is a good school because it gives you a good range of subjects to take you in to your GCSE courses and you get rewarded for your work and effort.

D TAYLOR (YEAR 8).

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Special Educational Needs In class support is provided by a team of teaching assistants across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. In addition there is specialist support for those with physical disabilities, visual impairments and for our EAL students.

For those students who experience specific literacy and language difficulties, including dyslexia, specialist support is provided, which includes Higher Level Teaching Assistants.

Access for students with impaired mobility has been improved recently with the building of lifts that enable much of the school to be reached. We continue to improve access for those with mild disabilities.

We provide special arrangements for all examinations and also careers guidance from year 8 resulting in enhanced opportunities for success for all our SEN students

Gifted & Talented We recognise that all students have much to offer but that some individuals perform to standards which are recognised nationally as being gifted & talented in some areas.

Academically able students are identified at an early stage and this information is passed to the teachers in order that their opportunities to excel are maximised.

This may result in early entry to examinations, the opportunity for students to study additional subjects and access to academic programmes outside the standard curriculum offered in school.

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Student Voice Student Voice is our life blood. We are committed to student involvement within school and within the community. Students are invited to apply to become members of the Student Council where regular meetings take place with the Head Teacher and governors to discuss any points they wish.

We also have elected members of the Youth Parliament of Kidsgrove, where our students attend regular meetings to discuss Town Council issues which they feel are important.

Students attend and support a wide number of projects within the local area.

We feel it is essential to listen to students to help develop the school of the future in Kidsgrove.

“”

I enjoy Maryhill because when you work hard and have good attendance you will get rewarded.

T GRIFFITHS (YEAR 8).

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Homework & Clubs The learning experience does not end at the end of the school day!

We regard homework as an essential part of a student’s programme of study for three reasons: • It helps to reinforce the learning that has taken place in the classroom.

• It helps students to learn to study on their own.

• It is necessary if students are to reach their target grades in exams.

All students are given a homework timetable so that they can organise their time and parents are aware of what is required.

Maryhill is committed to after school clubs and activities, where students can experience a positive, social, emotional, physical and intellectual experience, broadening their experience and enjoyment. We provide a secure and relaxed environment where parents and carers feel confident to leave their children.

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SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Transition

The Year Leaders

To ensure all students feel confident and less anxious we provide a range of activities to enable students to transfer from primary school to high school with confidence. We liaise closely with all local primary schools throughout year 5 and 6.

Each year group has a dedicated Year Leader whose responsibility it is to ensure that each student’s academic, social and emotional needs are met within school. Where possible the Year Leader remains with the year group throughout Key Stages 3 and 4.

This process begins with a number of “taster” sessions at the high school in the summer of year 5 culminating in full transition experience days during the summer of year 6, where students become familiar with all aspects of life at the high school. We welcome input from parents and carers and have an open-door policy to all.

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The Year Leaders oversee and support a team of Form Tutors and liaise regularly with Faculty Leaders; to monitor academic progress and are the first point of contact for parents and carers.

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“” Student Support Centre The Student Support Centre is a resource available to all students. Reasons for referral are diverse, including educational, emotional, social, medical, attendance and behavioural issues.

At Maryhill there is a friendly environment. The food is to everyone’s liking with vegetarian options and a healthy option. Mrs Peel is always around for support with family, friends or even if you are struggling in subjects.

J LONGSTAFF (YEAR 7).

There is a welcoming atmosphere where experienced staff are on hand to assess a student’s need and ensure appropriate provision is in place.

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Tutor Groups Year 7 are placed in Tutor Groups with a Form Tutor and meet every morning and before the afternoon session. The groups remain discreet and keep the same tutor from years 7 to year 11, where possible.

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MARYHILL HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

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“”

It has lots of activities including after school clubs. It has lots of friendly people and we have a lot of fun in lessons. Hopefully like me, you will love Maryhill High School.

SHAUNA (YEAR 7).

I enjoy coming to Maryhill because when I’m stuck I’m not afraid to ask for help plus because the teachers try to make the lessons as fun as possible. I have not been bullied at Maryhill.

G HANCOCK (YEAR 8).

Maryhill is a good school because every person within it makes it seem like a family! Maryhill is a good school because all teachers help you every step of the way!

C SCARLETT (YEAR 8).

Rewards & Rules

essential to good learning and to become a respected citizen of the future.

We believe that an atmosphere of harmony and good order is an essential ingredient to the learning process so that all students, regardless of ability, can enjoy and achieve.

Others – Students are encouraged to respect and support each other and all those they come into contact with.

Our school is a relaxed, friendly and caring yet welldisciplined community, which seeks the best for all its members. Our rules are all based upon the principle of RESPECT.

Respect for: Authority – Our students know that respect for all adults, especially staff, is

Themselves – We expect our students to be smart and to be well prepared for their learning. In addition we believe that self respect leads to self belief which forms the foundation for success on every level.

Community – Our students are well-known for the contribution they make to a range of charitable causes both within and outside of the local community.

Environment – We are an eco school and our students take part in many environmental projects.

“”

Maryhill is a good school because everyone is supportive around you.

JORDAN (YEAR 8).

We have clear systems in place to ensure that rules are adhered to with a reward system to ensure that student compliance and cooperation is recognised.

Rewards include the awarding of credits which is done electronically and equate to a published list of values which students are able to “cash” in at various points in the year.

Each subject area issues praise postcards to recognise individual achievements and the Headteacher has her own way of recognising achievement in the form of a pen which is awarded by her personally, for anything she believes is worthy of recognition.

“”

Because you learn something new everyday and everyone is helpful and kind.

E PYATT (YEAR 7).

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“”

It has lots of activities including after school clubs. It has lots of friendly people and we have a lot of fun in lessons. Hopefully like me, you will love Maryhill High School.

SHAUNA (YEAR 7).

I enjoy coming to Maryhill because when I’m stuck I’m not afraid to ask for help plus because the teachers try to make the lessons as fun as possible. I have not been bullied at Maryhill.

G HANCOCK (YEAR 8).

Maryhill is a good school because every person within it makes it seem like a family! Maryhill is a good school because all teachers help you every step of the way!

C SCARLETT (YEAR 8).

Rewards & Rules

essential to good learning and to become a respected citizen of the future.

We believe that an atmosphere of harmony and good order is an essential ingredient to the learning process so that all students, regardless of ability, can enjoy and achieve.

Others – Students are encouraged to respect and support each other and all those they come into contact with.

Our school is a relaxed, friendly and caring yet welldisciplined community, which seeks the best for all its members. Our rules are all based upon the principle of RESPECT.

Respect for: Authority – Our students know that respect for all adults, especially staff, is

Themselves – We expect our students to be smart and to be well prepared for their learning. In addition we believe that self respect leads to self belief which forms the foundation for success on every level.

Community – Our students are well-known for the contribution they make to a range of charitable causes both within and outside of the local community.

Environment – We are an eco school and our students take part in many environmental projects.

“”

Maryhill is a good school because everyone is supportive around you.

JORDAN (YEAR 8).

We have clear systems in place to ensure that rules are adhered to with a reward system to ensure that student compliance and cooperation is recognised.

Rewards include the awarding of credits which is done electronically and equate to a published list of values which students are able to “cash” in at various points in the year.

Each subject area issues praise postcards to recognise individual achievements and the Headteacher has her own way of recognising achievement in the form of a pen which is awarded by her personally, for anything she believes is worthy of recognition.

“”

Because you learn something new everyday and everyone is helpful and kind.

E PYATT (YEAR 7).

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SUPPORT FOR PARENTS We believe that a partnership between parents and school is essential. Strong links between home and school are maintained in many ways: • Parents receive a Parent and Student Support Pack at the beginning of each year containing information and advice.

• Regular newsletters are sent home to inform parents and students of events, arrangements and news of student achievements.

• Our website provides additional information throughout the year.

• A full written report is sent home annually and interim progress reports are issued at regular intervals throughout the year.

• Parents are invited to come and support their children in a variety of events: sports day, drama productions, talent shows, concerts, awards and parents evenings.

• Our Open Evening in October is an opportunity to see the school at work and to view changes made to the teaching environment.

• Year Leaders are the first point of contact for individual parental concerns.

• The Attendance Officer is also available to discuss individual circumstances which affect attendance.

• Our Education Welfare Officer (EWO) may contact parents or visit homes if there is a problem with the attendance or punctuality of a student.

“”

Come to Maryhill, it is a great school with well behaved students who have good manners. The teachers are great and teach great lessons which the students enjoy. Students get on well and no student will be bullied here. At Maryhill we are everybody’s friend.

R BOOTH (YEAR 7).

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ADMISSIONS To ensure a smooth and stress free transition from primary school to high school we engage in regular liaison with our primary feeder schools throughout year 5 and 6.

This process begins with “taster” sessions at the high school in the summer of year 5 culminating in full transition experience days during the summer of year 6 where students are made familiar with all aspects of life at the high school.

“”

I like coming to Maryhill because you can get to know people really easily and if you get confused then the teachers help you. If you get the highest attendance in your form then you get rewarded and it isn’t ignored.

The same level of care is also put into mid-year admissions where parents and students are given every opportunity to ensure that Maryhill High School is the right choice for them.

In both cases there is careful analysis of data to ensure that students are placed in appropriate groups for academic, social and emotional reasons.

The planned admission number is 150. More information on admission is included at the back of the prospectus.

Safeguarding The school has adopted a policy for safeguarding children to ensure that any child encountering difficulties is helped as quickly as possible by the school and outside agencies when appropriate.

We pride ourselves on the quality of this provision.

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S LAMB (YEAR 8).

Attendance Good attendance at school is essential for academic success and we have a full time Attendance Officer to ensure that this happens.

You will see from the attendance figures in the back of the folder that we take attendance very seriously.

It is the school policy in line with Government policy that holidays will not be authorised for any reason outside school holidays.

A texting service is in place to ensure that parents are notified immediately if their child is not in school and the school has not been notified in advance.

THE SCHOOL DAY Times of the school Day Time

Activity

8.40 am

Registration

8.45 am

Form Period

9.05 am

Period 1

10.05 am

Period 2

11.05 am

BREAK

11.20 am

Period 3

12.20 pm

LUNCH

1.00 pm

Registration

1.05 pm

Period 4

2.05 pm

Period 5

3.05 pm

School ends

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Maryhill is a good school and I am proud of wearing the uniform because people know which school I go to.

D FINNEY (YEAR 7).

Uniform We are proud of the high standards of uniform at Maryhill.

In my opinion Maryhill High is the best school in the area because the uniform is good and lessons are fun.

J LAWSON (YEAR 7).

The uniform is based upon the smart, yet functional colours of black and white, with blazer and tie. We must remember that school uniform is a symbol of quality and integrity.

Increasingly where uniform has been abandoned it is now being reinstated. We have never moved from this stance. You will find a complete uniform list in the back of the folder.

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Lunchtime Arrangements

Detentions

We have a 40 minute lunchtime and students are encouraged to partake of a wide range of meal options in our newly refurbished canteen or are invited to bring in a packed lunch which can be eaten in the main school hall.

The school’s high standards and expectations are reflected by the discipline system in place which includes the giving of detentions.

Both areas are fully supervised throughout the duration of lunchtime. For health and safety reasons students are encouraged to remain on the school premises over the lunchtime period and the limited time available does not really make it feasible for students to go outside of school.

For minor misdemeanours a daily ‘no notice’ detention of a 20 minute duration will be given mainly by the pastoral team. In addition there are two parallel detention systems in operation; one overseen by Faculty Leaders and the other referred to as a Main School Detention, overseen by Year Leaders.

We actively encourage parents to support us on this because ultimately students will be safer in school and it also means that they can participate in any lunchtime activities made available to them.

“”

Maryhill is the best school I have taught in because both staff and students engage in a positive and supportive way to reach an end goal.

MRS A CHARNLEY.

In all my years of teaching I have never come across a more friendly group of students, who are a pleasure to teach!

MR K ROLLINGS.

For each of these longer detentions, parents are notified by letter in advance and the duration for each is one hour. All detentions are centrally recorded and form part of each student’s overall profile.

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T R I N I T Y Sixth Form

Succeeding Together From September 2012 Maryhill has been a partner in an exciting Sixth Form collaboration alongside St Margaret Ward, St John Fisher and St Thomas More.

We offer a range of post 16 study in a varied, caring and stimulating school based environment.

Year 11 students in any of the four partner schools can now stay on in the school that knows

them so well AND enjoy the wide range of courses on offer at the four schools.

A separate prospectus is available from the school which details the A Level, BTEC courses and the entry qualifications required.

This means that for some students Maryhill is able to provide their education from 11 – 18 years of age.

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“”

Best school around Kidsgrove. There are plenty of options of lessons so they will have the best chance of success.

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

T RIGBY (YEAR 10).

The majority of our students come to us from the surrounding districts with some from further afield.

We have excellent links with our major contributory primary schools:

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If you would like this document in another language or format, eg; large text, please contact us:

I would send my son/daughter to Maryhill High School because it is like one big happy family.

Maryhill Primary

Dove Bank Primary

Thursfield Primary

Packmoor Primary

Maryhill High School Gloucester Road Kidsgrove Staffordshire, ST7 4DL

Castle Primary

St Thomas Primary

Tel:

01782 296751

St Joseph Primary

St Johns Primary

Email:

office@maryhill-high.staffs.sch.uk

Reginald Mitchell Primary

Springhead Primary

Web:

www.maryhill-high.staffs.sch.uk

Hollywall Lane Primary

Scholar Green Primary

Headteacher Mrs F Hewardine

CALLAN B (YEAR 9).

www.maryhill-high.co.uk

High School What Next?

Remember, when you’re choosing where to study, consider;

X High academic standards X Wide curriculum offer X High quality teaching X The close monitoring of your progress X Personal support, advice and guidance

“”

Maryhill is a fabulous place, you get to do loads of fun lessons like Art, Performing, IT, PE, English, Science etc. You can go into Sixth Form and have the best GCSE results Maryhill can offer. You also can get credits for good work and helping out.

P E R S O N A L I S I N G EXPERIENCE

MARYHILL

ETHAN (YEAR 7).

MARYHILL HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

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T R I N I T Y Sixth Form

Maryhill High School Media Arts College Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DL Tel: Fax: Email: Website:

Succeeding Together

01782 296751 01782 296771 office@maryhill-high.staffs.sch.uk maryhill-high.co.uk

MARYHILL High School T R I N I T Y Sixth Form

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Succeeding Together

MAHATMA GANDHI

Reg Charity 227523 & SC037843

‘the school of choice in Kidsgrove’ PROSPECTUS A Media Arts College