PROSPECTUS 2014 - 2015
RESPECTCONSIDERATION TEAMWORK FAIRNESS HONESTY
HEAD TEACHER’S WELCOME I AM DELIGHTED TO WELCOME YOU TO THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL.
I am delighted to welcome you to the International School. We are a flourishing and successful comprehensive school providing a stimulating environment where excellence is our goal. I am immensely proud of what we are achieving here. We know our students learn best when they are excited and involved in their subjects, where learning is tailored to individual needs and where expectations are high. We inspire our students to realise their full potential. Our ethos is built upon a deep commitment to support the well-being, achievements and the aspirations of our young people. We believe it is important to create a safe and happy environment, where students can enjoy the opportunities and experiences offered at school which nurture them to become independent learners and responsible adults.
“ There is a strong emphasis on tolerance, trust, honesty and hard work. This has made a significant difference to creating a school where learning is greatly valued by most students. This has been reflected in higher attainment, particularly in English and Mathematics, where the school has focused the most attention.” (Ofsted 2013)
The International School holds the British Council’s International School Award which reflects our global curriculum, our partnerships with other schools around the world and our commitment to extend our students’ understanding of different cultures. We are a happy school where staff and parents work together to help our students to discover and develop their talents and skills, so that the learners of today become the leaders of tomorrow. Please contact the school if you would like to visit us and discover more about what we have to offer and to see our students in action.
Mark Garside Head Teacher
OUR HISTORY WE HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF HISTORY AND TRADITION
Although the International School was created relatively recently, there have been schools on this site from the early 1950s. Central Grammar School for Boys (which was created over 100 years ago) was re-sited in Gressel Lane shortly after the Second World War. Byng Kenrick Grammar School for Girls and Sir Wilfrid Martineau secondary modern school were new schools created on the site around 1953. We retain many of the values of these original schools. We set high standards of academic attainment and at the same time offer an education for all. The old fashioned values embodied in teamwork such as honesty, consideration, industry, respectfulness, fairness and tolerance are as important today as they were then. These values are at the heart of what we do.
“ Students are keen to learn and to engage with adults and each other. They show a strong sense of right and wrong, and show respect and tolerance in their dealings with others, and in moving safely and sensibly around the site. Students enjoy coming to the International School. They are supported, stretched and challenged and thrive on the experience.� (Ofsted 2013)
OUR VISION
ASPIRATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL TEACHING. The International School is a safe and inspirational world class community where we all can take pride and fulfil our potential to prosper and be prepared for the changing world.
OUR VISION
ASPIRATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL TEACHING
SCHOOL BADGE The different coloured ribbons symbolise the different cultures and backgrounds our students represent and how they have come together in our school to develop friendships, as represented by the intertwining of the ribbons into the beginnings of a friendship bracelet.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
School Uniform Our uniform symbolises a professional attitude to the job. Our students dress to be industrious in their learning. Uniforms also encourage fairness and equality. Everyone is treated the same irrespective of their background. Our uniform is important and our students realise this. We expect all our students to conform in spirit and in practice to the ideals our uniform represents. Teaching and Learning Teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do. We aim to provide the highest quality teaching and learning for our students so that they can achieve their potential. We have a highly qualified, committed and hardworking staff group and they recognise the importance of a strong partnership between themselves, the student and home. The excellent relationship between students and teachers was noted by Ofsted:
“ Very good relationships between students and teachers exist; one student noted that, ‘Teachers are the best thing about this school.’ Teachers have good subject knowledge and use this to enliven lessons. (Ofsted 2011)
We recognise that some students will inevitably require additional support in order to make good progress. We offer excellent support provision for all through our Inclusion and EAL departments and our pastoral system. Students’ needs are assessed at regular intervals and appropriate interventions are provided. One to one or small group provision is available and we have dedicated teams of staff whose responsibility it is to support, guide and nurture individuals so that they can enjoy their time at school, make good progress and realise their potential.
“S tudents
are aware of different forms of bullying, including cyber- and prejudicebased bullying. They say that there is little bullying or harassment, and that teachers deal well with any issues that do arise. Responses from parents to the school questionnaire confirm that this is the case.” (Ofsted 2011)
Our school is a family where everyone is important and where every individual is valued, challenged and supported to succeed.
CURRICULUM
Curriculum We offer a broad and challenging curriculum which reflects our commitment to encouraging confident, independent learners. We provide a mix of academic and vocational subjects, giving students the opportunity to gain qualifications and develop life skills. All students follow the National Curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9. In some subjects they are taught in mixed ability groups whilst in other subjects, such as Maths, they are taught in groups according to their ability. Academic, creative and practical pathways are available to meet the needs of all learners in Years 10 and 11. Students study a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, RE and PE. The vast majority will continue with a Language and a Humanity subject. Further choices are made from a range of other subjects. Standards We set high standards for academic achievement and personal conduct. Students are set challenging targets based on prior attainment and assessment tests. Progress is monitored in every lesson and formally recorded each half term. Where necessary a programme of intervention is introduced for students who may not be achieving their targets. We expect students to attend school, to arrive on time, to be in full school uniform, come equipped to learn and to conduct themselves as young responsible adults. We ask for your commitment to support your child, all our students and our school in making the International School the pride of the local community.
“ S trong senior leadership that consistently communicates high expectations and galvanises enthusiasm and commitment is ensuring that everyone – staff, students, parents and carers – understands how they can contribute to improving students’ achievement. Ambitious targets are raising aspirations. Students say that senior leaders are accessible and friendly, but tough on underperformance.” (Ofsted 2011) Beyond the Classroom At the International School learning extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in a range of exciting opportunities that help them build skills and provide valuable lessons for life. Out of hours learning includes a range of subject based activities such as English and Maths support, Homework Club and Science Club. Students can experience a range of rich and varied visits such as Geography and History field trips, visits to see sports events and visits to national museums. Other opportunities include participating in sport teams and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We have developed partnerships with schools across Europe and our students have been given the opportunity to travel and meet their peers in other countries. We encourage our students to continue their learning outside the classroom. There is a Learning Resources Centre in the heart of the school which students can use before and after school and at break and lunch times. The school has a state of the art ICT system that allows students to use mobile IT devices anywhere on the campus.
PREPARATION FOR LIFE We recognise our students need to be equipped and prepared for the career pathway they choose. We know it is important to develop the whole child by providing a range of opportunities outside the curriculum which complement and extend their learning and experience. Our strong links with local and international businesses and organisations provide us with a range of resources which we use to prepare our students for the challenges ahead. “ Students are pleased with the careers advice that they get and feel that they have access to a wide range of information.� (Ofsted 2013) 9
CARING SCHOOL
A Caring School We are committed to ensuring the happiness, security and success of all our students. The partnership between the school and home is vital in achieving this and in ensuring our students’ success. Ofsted agree with us:
“ T he school is ambitious both for individual groups of students and for each one of the students. Actions to promote equality of opportunity are resulting in sustained improvement in attainment…….” “ Academic and pastoral monitoring systems are well integrated so that students are provided with excellent support that takes full account of their individual needs. There are many striking examples of how the school is helping the most vulnerable students overcome significant barriers to their education. Good contact with parents and carers and strong partnerships with external agencies contribute significantly to the quality of this provision. The impact of the outstanding provision for care, guidance and support can be seen in the significant improvement ……. “ (Ofsted 2011)
The school has raised its expectations of students in terms of conduct and behaviour. Behaviour in class is well managed. Every student has a personal tutor, a Head of Student Progress and a Pastoral Assistant to provide academic and caring support throughout their school life. We also believe in supporting our students through the transition from primary to secondary school. There are a variety of on-going activities with our feeder schools and a special transition programme helps to familiarise Year 6 students with our school and staff. A School at the Heart of the Community We have partnerships with many organisations including Birmingham International Airport, Alcoa (our main local employer), the Lea Village Pump Community Centre and the Shard End Core Community Group. We are a member of the Birmingham East Network of schools and host a range of meetings and events with our community partners. The International is a school at the heart of its community providing holiday clubs, family learning opportunities, fetes and events; and we welcome visits from our students’ families, our local primary schools and all members of our community.
The International School Gressel lane, Tile Cross, Birmingham West Midlands, B33 9UF t: 0121 566 6400 e: enquiry@internationalsch.org.uk www.tisbham.org