“The school is an outstanding school ” Ofsted
Our Vision We believe that in our college each member of the school community is ‘Aiming for Excellence’. Regents Park Community College aims to develop young people who think and behave intelligently and responsibly.
“It is led very impressively by its headteacher whose vision and commitment to the students and community is shared with equal enthusiasm by the staff”
Welcome to Regents Park Community College Welcome to Regents Park Community College. It is with a feeling of immense pride in the school’s students and staff that I share an insight into this dynamic, vibrant and highly successful 11-16 school. Our roots date back to 1913 when young people and the staff before us started the journey to the school’s current very high standards of care and academic progress educating boys and girls from the local community. After latterly educating girls from across the city, in September 2008 we were pleased to welcome boys again to the school to share the very high quality of education provided by the staff, supported by our spirited student community and their parents. As indicated by our repeated recognition by Ofsted and SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) as a high performing school, our acclaimed national status as a Training School, one of only a few schools which form the national network of Young Chambers and as a national hub for curriculum development, Regents Park is a centre of excellence for its young people; a city of Southampton school deemed to be ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. At Regents Park we have a long and proud history of distinguished student leadership, academic success and personal achievements. The staff and parents have high expectations for the students who attend the college. As the city’s only Business & Enterprise and Humanities specialist college we encourage students to follow their individual pathways. We have a wide curriculum with extensive opportunities for personal growth and leadership which are hallmarks of our highly successful school. For many years the school has successfully given high regard to developing students’ sense of values and responsibility for each other; together they grow as confident, fulfilled
young people ready to continue their studies as active and responsible citizens. While valuing tradition, innovation and independence we seek to promote excellence for all students. We strive to recognise each person’s unique talents, skills and interests, ensuring that those boys and girls who are particularly gifted and talented have opportunities to flourish. Students complete their KS3 studies in English and mathematics at the end of Year 8; progressing to a more personalised curriculum offer with some students taking GCSE courses in Year 9 and all students completing two KS4 subject choices in Year 10. Master classes are a feature of the school year, as are our many entries and successes in both local and national competitions. Students are encouraged to extend their studies through the study of community languages and to embark on AS studies, particularly English, during Year 11. Our curriculum is rich and varied and includes the Deep Learning Day programme on alternate Fridays which enables students to study an area/ topic over a full day using learning facilities both in and out of school and to study with students from other year groups. This is just part of our innovative approach to learning which builds on the school’s high academic achievements and ensures that the education offered is wide, applicable to 21st century, enriching and enjoyable. The school is fortunate to have strong links with a wide range of business and community partners and continues to receive support from the HSBC Global Education Trust, the school’s specialist school sponsors and the Rotary Club Southampton West. Our rich cultural heritage and wealth of diversity is at the centre of our learning community. Regents Park has long been a lively and successful place to study, learn and reflect together with others; a college
where each boy and girl is supported as an individual and challenged to develop their own personal best. The students, staff and I invite you to visit us and look forward to welcoming you to Regents Park. We would like you to be part of our continuing journey of improving on the nationally recognised high quality education for the young people across the community we serve; together we can support one another in the exciting next chapter of ‘Aiming for Excellence’ for every young person at Regents Park.
Sarah Hill, Headteacher
All quotes in this prospectus are taken from the school’s most recent OFSTED inspection report. 1
Aiming for Excellence
“The staff have interpreted enterprise in its widest sense of developing the talents and attitudes of all students to enable them to develop independence, own sense of worth, and skills. This is combined with a strong ethical and social awareness”
Regents Park Community College aims to be the local school of choice for families and to work with them to develop successful independent young people who are enterprising and who think and behave intelligently, creatively and responsibly.
We aim ■
to seek excellence together, through innovation within our statutory and our extended functions as a school
■
to be a welcoming and caring community where the principles of Every Child Matters are central and in which each young person is conscious of their special worth and recognises the worth of others
■
to develop the whole person (head, heart and hands) so that young people leave Regents Park motivated to learn for themselves to the highest levels of which they are capable, through being: – intellectually curious, risk taking and rational – emotionally secure, warm and balanced – spiritually aware and searching – physically aware and healthy
2
– practically capable and creative
■
to be an outward facing school central to its community engaging in strong, effective and reciprocal partnerships, local, national and international, to support its core purpose of high quality teaching and learning and its wider purposes
■
to regularly review aspects of the school, including the curriculum, to enable its renewal and sustainability to meet the needs of young people and society.
– morally and socially responsible ■
to help each young person achieve the best possible qualifications of which they are capable, in preparation for their futures and to actively guide them towards further and higher education
■
to prepare and equip young people for life long learning and employment to enable them to make positive contributions to society
■
to foster self-discipline, high aspirations, determination and commitment within a culture of creativity, risk-taking and enthusiastic enjoyment of learning
■
to strive to meet individual needs, to regularly assess each young person’s progress and aspirations and to pursue actively partnership between home and school in order to maximise student progress
■
to promote young people’s understanding and appreciation of the richness and diverse cultures in Britain today, working for social cohesion and equal access for all young people to achieve their potential in a safe and secure environment free from prejudice
Our Curriculum The curriculum we offer is innovative, dynamic and exciting through which we aim is to ensure that each young person achieves academic success in public examinations at the highest possible level, enjoys their studies and is equipped for the life in the 21st Century. While reflecting our specialist status as a Business & Enterprise and Humanities college with additional Applied Learning specialism as a national HPSS (High Performing Specialist) school, the curriculum offered is broad and balanced and taught in an atmosphere where success is valued and celebrated. Our specialist subjects of English, mathematics and business & enterprise are central to our aim of giving young people an excellent education which motivates them so that their self esteem and confidence thrives in such a way for them to gain increasing independence as they progress through the college. Our courses are tailored to enable our young people to follow personalised pathways of progression from Key Stage 2 through to post 16 studies. We work closely with local junior schools and post 16 colleges to support these personalised pathways leading to our high standards for students. At Key Stage 4 the pathways offered include subjects which are taught at our partner educational institutions across the Southampton 14-9 partnership including studies at Taunton’s College and at City College, giving students an even greater breadth of subject choices and accreditations, including the new national Diplomas, from which to gain success.
In addition to registration and tutorial time, all students in all year groups follow a taught timetable of twenty five hours. Each young person is given access to the following areas of learning and experience: Human and Social Mathematical Scientific Moral Spiritual
Literary and Linguistic Creative and Aesthetic Technological Physical
During Year 7 these areas are studied through a thematic approach which centres each student’s learning on personal learning goals and skills from which to develop a firm basis for further study. Through our courses we aim to help young people to: ■
■
develop lively, enquiring minds, physical skills, the ability to question and to argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks acquire understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world
■
use language and numeracy skills effectively
■
develop personal moral values, respect for religious, cultural and spiritual values and a tolerance of all races, religions and ways of life
■
understand the world in which they live at local, regional, national and global level and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations
■
help students to appreciate human achievements and aspirations.
National Curriculum documentation and subject area schemes of work may be viewed at the school on request. Our enterprise ethos is central to our curriculum provision. We strive to help students learn to learn through an enterprising ethos. Our aim is to raise achievement and the quality of learning for all students by developing enterprise skills across the curriculum. We will give the students opportunities to: ■
Believe in themselves, take risks and show leadership skills
■
Use their initiative, be creative and show innovation
■
Plan and organise their own work and solve problems
■
Work well in teams and communicate well
■
Make good decisions and make sound financial judgements
■
Reflect and review their actions.
“The curriculum is outstanding and has been developed in line with the specialist status, with a very distinct focus on business and enterprise and a deliberate concentration on numeracy, literacy and citizenship” 3
Homework and Religious Education
“Students feel confident about moving to the next stage of education and rates of progression to further education, training or employment are very high”
Independent Out of Class Study The college considers that independent study outside of the timetabled lessons as an important part of each child’s learning; regular homework is an important part of young people’s study routine. Teaching staff guide students in activities to complete and independent study which consolidate or extend work undertaken in lessons, prepare for future lessons and develop research skills. Each student has a personal Planner in which to record their out of class study tasks. Regents Park Community College provides students, and their parents, with a timetable for each Year Group’s Independent Out of Class Study at the beginning of each academic year. Students may use the Learning Centre and Library from 2.40 to 4 pm each afternoon as a quiet place for their independent study. The centre has fully accessible ICT facilities for students’ use. Parents are asked to support their son or daughter by providing a suitable place for them to study and regularly sign their child’s Planner to indicate that the independent study has been completed. 4
Religious Education
Collective Worship
Religious Education studied during KS3 follows the guidelines laid down by the local Agreed Syllabus. During Year 7, the Religious Education programme is taught alongside History and Geography as part of the Year 7 Humanities curriculum. This recognises that religions have had a significant influence on the way people view their lives, whether or not they adopt one particular religion as their own personal creed. During KS4 all students study Religious Education as part of the Religious Studies and Citizenship accredited curriculum.
An act of collective worship is arranged every day for students either as a House assembly or through reflection as a Tutor Group on the ‘Thought for the Day’ with young people’s Progress Tutor. Parents are reminded that they have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education or Collective Worship. In the unlikely event of parents wishing to exercise their statutory right they are asked to put their request in writing to the Headteacher.
Personal, Social and Health Education A period is set aside each week for the teaching of PSHE in year-based groups. During this time, the students follow a wide ranging programme of studies that support their personal development and developing role in the community, with particular attention to health education including sexual health and drugs education, study skills, social skills, careers and work related education. The college’s Drugs Education Policy and its Sex and Relationships Education Policy are available for viewing on the college website. www.regentsparkcollege.org.uk
Sex Education Sex Education is an integral part of the college’s personal, social and health education programme with human reproduction a key element of the Science National Curriculum. Our sex education programme lays emphasis on developing sensitive and responsible attitudes and relationships. Its main aims are to equip young people with knowledge and understanding to enable them to take responsibility for themselves and their sexuality; to promote moral behaviour and combat unwarranted pressures and to develop skills for future parents and child carers The programme is planned in such a way to not only encourage young people to be conscious of their special worth and the worth of others but to develop the whole person. It is expected that the sex education provided by the school is complemented by that given by parents in the home.
Parents are reminded that they have the right to withdraw their children from any aspect of the Sex Education programme, which is not part of the National Curriculum. In the unlikely event of parents wishing to exercise their statutory right they are asked to put their request in writing to the Headteacher.
“Personal development and well-being are outstanding”
5
Clubs and Classes – Extra Curricular Activities
“Students enjoy an extensive range of extra curricular activities, visits and trips”
Regents Park Community College offers the opportunity for young people to participate in a wide spectrum of diverse activities from learning a range of musical instruments, dance clubs, learning a community language such as Urdu, Panjabi or Gurjati, taking part in organised outdoor pursuits or participating in the many sports clubs. Activities are organised throughout the year at the close of the school day and during extended breaks as part of our Clubs and Classes programme. The college has a Deep Learning Day programme which forms part of each student’s curriuclum. This innovative programme of one day per two week timetable throughout the academic year supports students to develop their skills, knowledge and interests over a whole day while working in year groups, across year groups or subject areas. Opportunities in Music, Drama, Dance and Sport are offered throughout the year. The college has a long and strong musical tradition. All students are offered the opportunity to participate in the
6
instrumental lesson programme which offers tuition on a wide range of instruments from harp to drums. The college has a thriving orchestra, wind band and choirs. Recent years have seen the college receive an accolade of recognition for the quality of its dance through its winning Rock Challenge entries and our musicians repeatedly gain Distinctions in the city’s Music and Drama Festivals. Likewise the college frequently features at the top of Sporting Leagues across an ever widening range of activities.
The College Council The college has a very active College Council with student representatives from across the school. The College Council provides a forum for students to discuss issues including whole college policies and it is from here that the students co-ordinate their strong commitment to raising large amounts of funds for chosen charities each year. Each year the College Council has a fund of money to decide how to spend for the benefit of the college community.
Recent acquisitions purchased by the College Council have been outdoor seating in the main social area, picnic style tables and benches adjacent to the Dining Room and a covered walk way into the college’s Dining Room. The College Council is an integral part of the college consultative structures acting as an excellent example of how the democratic process works for the benefit of all members of the college community. Regents Park Community College has a number of representatives on the city wide Southampton Youth Parliament.
Our Learning Communities – Students’ well-being At Regents Park the staff place great emphasis on the care and support of each boy and girl joining us. A team of dedicated Student Support Co-ordinators work with the young people and their families with a member of the team available throughout the day from 8am to 4pm. Our Student Support Services team work closely with the each student’s Progress Tutor and the teaching staff to help all students have a happy, secure and fulfilled time at Regents Park. The staff and older students aim to ensure that the Tutor Group is pivotal to the support and care given to each new student. Regents Park has a student centred structure to Tutor Groups which are formed on family lines where students from across the five years work together in an atmosphere of co-operation, peer support and guidance. The Progress Tutor meets with the group twice a day and is each student’s central contact when in college. The Progress Tutor is a very important person in each student’s school life; the Progress Tutor is responsible for each tutee’s day-to-day welfare while at school and for monitoring student attendance and academic progress. Parents are asked to inform their child’s Progress Tutor of any information which may help support their son or daughter while at school. Each week there is a reading/literacy timetabled period within the Tutor Group when students from across the years have the opportunity for quiet reading and the sharing of recently read books. Attainment Targets for each student are shared with Progress Tutors who will regularly review progress with them through the Attainment/Prediction and Effort grades sent home to parents. Academic Planning Days/Evenings are scheduled opportunities during the academic year to meet with
your son or daughter’s Progress Tutor to discuss his/her progress and future plans. The college has Learning & Progress Leaders KS2/3 and 14-19 who, together with the Progress Tutors, oversee the academic progress of each student. Based on the very positive feedback we have received from young people as to the benefits of being in mixed age Tutor Groups, from September 2008 the mixed intakes of both boys and girls will be in gender balanced groups throughout their learning career at Regents Park. The name of each Tutor Group arises from the college’s Learning Communities’ names; Branson, Parks and Rowling; as a Business & Enterprise and Humanities specialist school each Learning Community name reflects the lives of successful, determined, socially aware entrepreneurial people whose achievements can be guides for the students at Regents Park for many years to come. Those girls in the upper years who joined the school as a single sex girls’ school will continue to be supported in their single gender tutor groups and houses: Austen, Garrett, Lakshmi, MacArthur, Roddick, Seacole. Opportunities for Student Leadership are many and form a central part of students’ personal development and community commitment to one another, the staff and the wider local community. Regents Park Community College has a long and proud history of very effective Student Leaders; the Student Senior Leadership Team lead the prefect team of Year 10 and Year 11 students who support the staff in maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for the college community. The College Council meets regularly; involving its members in key decisions affecting the student body as well as a wide range of charity events. Student
Librarians, Student Observers and Student Clerical Support members all take significant leadership roles beyond the curriculum as do those students who are Sports Captains, Orchestra and Ensemble Leaders and the ever expanding range of students who are directly involved in staff and student senior leadership team appointments.
Attendance and Punctuality At Regents Park Community College we believe that full attendance and punctuality for all students is essential to enable them to reach their full potential in all aspects of college life. Fostering a high level of attendance is a shared responsibility of the college, the student, the parent, the Governors and the Local Authority. It is vital that all are working together to bring about high level of attendance for all students. We expect all students to have a minimum of 95% attendance. Students with 100% attendance are regularly rewarded as part of the college celebration of achievement. The college has a firm line with respect to requests for absence for holidays in term time with such absence being unauthorised should it occur. The school utilises Southampton City Council fixed penalty system for unauthorised absence.
“…the quality of care, guidance and support is outstanding”
7
Support for Students Gifted and Talented Provision The aim of the provision at Regents Park is to ensure that there is effective provision for Gifted and Talented young people which is centred on integration into the school’s teaching and learning within the structures, ethos, aims and resources of the college. While believing that all students are entitled to receive an education within the resources available we identify early those students who meet the criteria for gifted and talented. Those young people identified have opportunities to extend their learning experiences form both a social and academic perspective through our personalised curriculum programme, links with Tauntons, Southampton Music Service, IBM, Southampton and Solent Universities and our own master classes and summer school. We encourage students to engage with the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth through supporting their registration.
Special Educational Needs The aim of the college’s Special Education Needs policy is to secure the best possible provision for all students with special educational needs in order to maximise their achievement. We believe that all students are of equal value and are entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum which is differentiated to ensure maximum progress. All teachers at Regents Park Community College are responsible for planning work which is both challenging but manageable for all students whatever their abilities or disabilities. Learning Support staff work with teachers to support the development of an appropriate curriculum and assist students in lessons. In order to work on the 8
development of specific skills, some students may also receive individual or small group tuition for short periods; withdrawing students from timetabled lessons is kept to a minimum. The Special Education Needs co-ordinator ensures that Statemented students receive the support specified in their Statements. The co-ordinator also ensures that other types of provision are made available to students with special needs, for example visits from Specialist Teacher Advisers, special equipment, behaviour support interventions and personalised programmes with external partners. Close liaison with our Junior Schools means that students with special educational needs are already identified before they arrive at Regents Park. However, all students are monitored throughout their time at the school so that any difficulties affecting their learning are dealt with appropriately. The Special Education Needs co-ordinator welcomes contact with parents, in person, by letter or telephone.
Support for Ethnic Minority Students The progress of ethnic minority students is monitored by the college in collaboration with Southampton School Standards and Inspection team to ensure quality of access to the college curriculum and progress for all students. We are fortunate to have a vibrant school community which encompasses the wealth of the city’s languages, cultures and religions and welcome working with students and their families who represent the growing diversity of our city community. Language support assistants are commissioned by the college to support the induction of students who are at the early stages of English acquisition. With our
Community Worker (EMA) working with families and students both in school and in the community.
Anti-bullying Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten, upset or frighten anyone. At Regents Park Community College we believe that all students are entitled to a safe and secure working environment and consequently view bullying very seriously. Whilst bullying is not a significant issue at Regents Park Community College we acknowledge it can occur. We encourage students to support each other by reporting bullying at once to a parent or member of staff. Bullying will continue to be a problem when it is kept a secret. When bullying does occur students and parents are encouraged to report the incidents as soon as possible in order for the school staff to be able to undertake timely investigation of the allegation. Regents Park Community College staff will take account of the evidence and views of all parties, offer advice and support to both the victim and the bully while applying college sanctions which reflect the context of the situation for all parties. The college considers that any student witnessing bullying is colluding with it, thereby making a contribution. When dealing with incidents college staff aim to change attitudes, and therefore behaviour, by education as well as sanctions.
“Gifted and talented students are well catered for through extension activities and an accelerated curriculum”
Charging Policy for so long as the actual cost is not exceeded.
Music Tuition Regents Park Community College seeks to include all students on educational visits and activities, which form an essential part of a Key Stage 3 or 4 syllabus and in the Deep Learning Day programme which runs throughout the year.
Any activity of which more than half takes place in school time is defined as taking place wholly in school time. All activities taking place during school time except for music lessons (which are exempt) will therefore be free of charge, and all necessary material and books, will be provided from school resources. A termly contribution is charged for music tuition; full details are available from the Business & Development Manager at the college. All necessary material and books, will be provided from college resources, students are to provide their own pens, pencils, rulers and calculators. Parents remain responsible for providing suitable clothing for particular activities e.g. physical education, science, art, technology and for providing full school uniform, including footwear and coats/jackets, in line with Regents Park Community College dress code.
Regents Park Community College will charge towards the costs of instrumental tuition up to and including four students per instrument unless the tuition forms part of the syllabus for a prescribed public examination (e.g. GCSE/BTEC), that the school is preparing the student to sit, or is part of the national curriculum. The rate of the charge set for individual and group tuition is reviewed annually.
Educational Visits Regents Park Community College seeks to provide a variety of different educational visits to appeal to a wide range of students and which give a diverse range of experiences. Some activities which broaden the curriculum and make it more interesting for children are expensive. All letters sent regarding educational visits that incur costs will clearly state the invitation for parents or others to make a voluntary contribution No student will be denied the chance of undertaking these activities regardless of any contribution you make, but if insufficient voluntary contributions are forthcoming some activities may have to cease. Board and lodging related to a residential educational visit can be charged
Parents in receipt of Income Support, Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Guaranteed State Pension Credit, support under part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, an income related employment and support allowance that was introduced on 27 October 2008, Child Tax Credit provided the parent is not entitled to working Tax Credit and their annual income does not exceed the government limit for such allowances (set at £14,155 for 2009) will, on application to the Headteacher, have the board and lodging charge remitted by the Governors provided the course takes place in school time, or is part of the National or Examination Curriculum.
Examination Fees Regents Park Community College includes all students for examination entry in the subjects they are studying and pays for each entry except where a student has failed to attend an examination for which the entry has been agreed with the school and examination boards.
Damage to Property of Regents Park Community College In line with DCSF guidelines, the school will charge for items or property damaged wilfully. Where the damage is the result of student’s wilful actions, parents will be charged the cost of the repair or replacement for items/property. In cases of damage occurring during a letting, the hirer will be charged the cost of the repair or replacement for items/property.
9
Our Code of Conduct
“Exclusions are infrequent because of effective school procedures”
We aim to develop our students’ self discipline and independence. We expect high standards of behaviour at all times. Regents Park Community College is a well ordered and secure environment where learning is at the heart of all we do. Co-operation between home and college is at the core of our maintaining these high standards through the expectation and encouragement of good work and behaviour. The college has a well developed rewards and celebration policy which rewards attainment, achievement, attendance and consistent effort. Students are awarded stars, commendations and termly subject and college awards are presented in celebration assemblies. There is also an annual Awards Evening when recognition of students’ Academic Achievement, Academic Effort and Academic Progress alongside the awarding of annual Community Awards. Our Code of Conduct for students is outlined below: ■
10
We respect each other. We do not bully verbally or physically, nor discriminate against others.
■
We work in a positive way in lessons.
■
We are organised and work either silently or actively for the benefit of ourselves and others.
■
We behave in a safe and sensible manner around college.
We understand that if we are aware of a breach of the college’s Code of Conduct we are to inform a member of staff promptly. We understand that the Code of Conduct applies when participating in Educational Visits, Off-site Activities and on our way to and from college.
■
We are on time for college and for our lessons.
■
We respect and care for the property of others and for the college environment.
■
We should wear our college uniform correctly.
■
We follow the lunch and break time rules.
■
We understand and follow the entrance rules.
■
We are aware of the Out of Bounds area and follow the rules.
■
We follow the premises and corridor rules.
Young people not abiding by the Code of Conduct or detected breaking rules must expect to pay the penalty. Punishments given will match the seriousness of the offence. Detentions may be given by members of staff and outlined by the DCSF detentions do not require parental permission. However, more than 24 hours notice will be given to parents of after college detentions that exceed ten minutes.
■
We understand that smoking and the possession of illegal substances is forbidden on the premises and on the way to and from college.
Student Support Services team staff or senior staff (Assistant Headteachers) may put a student in the weekly held one hour College Detention as a result of a serious
breach of the college’s Code of Conduct. Regular detentions are also held for students who arrive are late to college and by subject staff for less serious breaches of the code, including non-completion of work. Where a student’s breach of the Code of Conduct is considered to be sufficiently serious, students maybe be required to serve a one hour detention at the fortnightly Leadership Team detention. Staff will write a comment on a students’ conduct if they misbehave and may in addition complete a disciplinary report which is circulated through their tutor to senior staff and may be added to a student’s file. A number of disciplinary reports will trigger contact with parents via the Progress Tutor or Student Support Services staff. Persistent poor behaviour will result in a student being placed ‘On Report’ so that the student’s behaviour is monitored lesson by lesson. Behaviour and/or Learning Targets will be set for students to encourage improvement.
For more serious offences a student may be withdrawn totally from lessons for a period of time and supervised individually. This sanction may in extreme cases be formalised into Internal Suspension which is the final stage prior to external exclusion from college. Parents will be informed of any serious breach of discipline and their co-operation sought. Any student found on the premises in possession of, or passing on, illegal substances, or items such as knives/firearms, of whatever kind and/or fighting will meet with the severest penalties as will any student who has knowledge of such a breach of the Code of Conduct and not reported it to a member of staff.
The final stages of the disciplinary procedure are rarely invoked. The purpose of the whole disciplinary framework is to maintain a proper atmosphere within the school in which all students may learn without hindrance. It should be noted that at Regents Park very few serious infringements of Conduct Code takes place.
In the event of other sanctions failing, or of an extreme incident of misbehaviour, the student will be excluded from school. Exclusion may be fixed term or permanent. When a student is excluded, parents will be informed of the ensuing procedures.
“Students reported that they feel safe in school and know about how to stay safe”
11
The Regents Park Community College Uniform
“Opportunities for enrichment and enterprise education are open to all”
Regents Park Community College has uniform rules to which it expects all students to adhere. ■
■
Regents Park ‘V’ necked navy blue sweater with college logo – purchased from Regents Park Community College. Flat shoes, brown/black/navy blue. Trainers/sandals/backless shoes/boots/ shoes with steel toe caps are unacceptable.
■
Outer jackets/coat should be plain navy blue, black or white – hoodies are not allowed.
■
A plain black, navy or white headscarf may be worn for religious reasons.
Girls
Boys
■
Green Regents Park blouse (JL).
■
Green Regents Park shirt (JL).
■
White or navy blue socks or plain tights.
■
Black, mid-grey or navy blue socks.
■
Navy skirt, straight or with inverted pleat regulation style skirt (JL) – skirts to be not more than 8cms above knee nor down to the ankles.
■
Mid-grey regulation style trousers (JL) – trousers should be full length and not excessively long.
Or ■
Navy trousers of regulated uniform style (JL) – not cords, denim cotton or sports wear – trousers should be full length and not excessively long.
■
Navy Shalwar Kameez.
(JL) All these items are stocked by John Lewis School Uniform Department (Upper Sales Floor – West Quay). They may be purchased in person or by telephone 023 8021 6433.
12
Jewellery ■
A watch/one pair of small plain earrings (studs or hoops – size of small finger). Necklaces, bracelets and body piercing are not allowed other than earrings.
Optional ■
Regents Park green rugby shirt – purchased from college.
■
Football boots.
Please note that some parents may be
Make Up ■
A little discreet make-up may only be worn by Year 11 only.
eligible for a grant towards ‘College Uniform’.
Science/Pottery ■
It is advisable to have protective clothing, e.g. old shirt or overall.
■
It is possible to purchase white science lab coats from the college.
Hair ■
Students who have long hair (beyond shoulder) are to have their hair tied back. Hair must be no shorter than Grade 2; tram tracks/tram lines/razor cuts/braiding and beading are not acceptable. Only natural hair colours and styles are acceptable.
Physical Education/ Sports ■
Regents Park green shorts or tracksuit bottoms – purchased from the college.
■
White Regents Park white PE shirt – purchased from the college.
■
White socks for gym/indoor activities.
■
White trainers/plimsolls (NOT basketball boots) – must be non- marking soles.
■
Green knee high socks for football/rugby /outside activities.
■
Plain coloured swimsuit (one piece for girls)/swim shorts (for boys).
■
Towel.
■
Shin pads.
General Points ■
College jumpers must be worn at all times in the college between October half term and Summer term.
■
All clothing to be clearly marked with the student’s name and form.
■
Coats or other outer garments may not be worn in college but must be kept in lockers.
■
Nail varnish is not allowed.
■
All accessories (shoes/socks/tights/outer clothing – hairbands, scarves etc.) should be appropriate to the uniform, e.g. navy blue, black, green – brightly coloured accessories are not allowed.
■
Shoes must be flat and sturdy and for safety reasons (large numbers use the staircases). – backless/frontless and those with steel toe caps shoes do not meet safety requirements. Trainers are not acceptable – if worn the school holds a supply of black plimsolls which students will be required to wear while on the school site.
■
Denim clothing is not permitted.
■
Hair should be tidy and natural in appearance and colour; long hair is to be tied or clipped back.
■
If scarves are worn for religious purposes these should be plain black, navy blue or white.
As students come to and from the college, students are representing Regents Park Community College in the local community; they are expected to be wearing full college uniform including shoes, the wearing of trainers is not acceptable. Hooded items are not to be worn on entering, exiting school nor anywhere within the college site.
13
Home and Regents Park Community College
Co-operation between home and college is essential. We seek to work in close partnership with parents in the education of their child.
Our Home-College agreement articulates: Together we aim to make a college where young people are helped to become the best that they can be and where they are prepared for a successful adult life.
Our parents are very supportive of the college and college events. Regular attendance is essential for effective learning and success at college. We expect young people to be to be punctual to
14
college and to attend each day. The award of 100% attendance certificates for half term and full term attendance acknowledges good attendance. Family holidays may not be taken during term time as this causes disruption to your child’s education; such absence will not be authorised. Likewise medical and dental appointments are expected to be made outside college hours. Regular college newsletters are sent home and published on the college website with information about the students’ achievements and informing parents of forthcoming events. Each parent receives a Parent Calendar. Students have a personal Planner, which details the college’s Code of Conduct, dress code and times of the college day. The Planner is used to record stars awarded for work, effort or
community support as well as the homework set in lessons. The college informs parents termly as to the progress and attainment of their child with a full report annually. There are Academic Planning Day/Evenings during the year when parents and students have an appointment to discuss each student’s progress towards targets with the student’s Progress Tutor. These consultations together with Parent Teacher Subject Consultations for KS4 students are held during the day or late afternoon/early evening at different points in the college year. We encourage parents to contact their child’s Progress Tutor or subject teachers whenever they wish to discuss a particular aspect of their child’s studies or their welfare.
Our Facilities Regents Park Community College is located on a site which has almost a century of educational history with the school dating back to 1913. It is situated in the pleasant residential area of the west of the city in close reach of the City Centre, the Waterside and the New Forest. The college is conveniently located close to the main bus routes from the City Centre and the eastern edges of Hampshire. The college welcomes students from all areas of the city and beyond while having very close links with the primary phase schools within the Regents Park Family of Schools; Foundry Lane, St Mark’s, St John’s, Banister and Freemantle schools. The college’s indoor Swimming Pool is used by students during their PE lessons and after school activities. It is used evenings and at weekends throughout the year by local community and city wide swimming clubs and community groups. Though Regents Park Community College is
positioned on a confined site the college has excellent flood lit external hard court facilities in Richville Road, adjacent to the main school site, and well used enclosed grassed pitch area and a fenced external area for the playing of recreational ball games during breaks as well as before and after school. The Physical Education department also uses many of the local facilities to enhance student opportunity in sport and PE; Southampton Sports Centre, Woodmill, SWAC Watersports Centre and the wide range of local outdoor education facilities. All our teaching rooms are suited so that the students study within dedicated subject areas all of which are equipped with interactive white boards (IWBs), media facilities, electronic learning aids and banks of laptops for student use. There are also dedicated ICT rooms with the very latest technology; PCs and Apple Macs are used across the school. As well as daily use by
our students the college’s large Hall, two Drama Studios, Dance Studio and Gymnasium are centres for our many community based groups. The Dining Room is a busy venue for the young people with a wide choice of hot and cold, fresh, healthy food which is cooked and prepared on the premises where there is a daily selection of fresh fruit and drinks. Breakfast is available from 8am each day as are a range of snacks during the mid morning break. During break and lunch times, the students have use of the pleasant external areas including a seated and covered quad area and during the summer months, weather permitting, a grassed picnic area. The Learning Centre and Library is available for quiet study before and after college in addition to its extensive use during the timetabled day.
“The curriculum is outstanding in its breadth and the range of opportunities it provides to meet the needs of the students”
15
Regents Park Parents and Friends Association
“The school clearly demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of students in the attitudes of the staff, in the way it takes account of the views of the students and through the range of services it provides”
All parents are eligible to be members of the Regents Park Parents and Friends Association which supports the college for students, families and the staff. Over the years the association has significantly contributed to the development of college facilities for young people and the community; raising money to support the college’s specialist status, RPCC minibus and various resources. The association also aims to provide a social focus for parents to meet informally. The committee meets regularly to plan events for the college community and always welcomes new members. The Chair of the Association can be contacted through the school.
16
Complaints Procedure The first stage of the procedure for handling complaints is an informal discussion with staff at the school. Depending on the nature of the complaint the complainant may wish to speak with the appropriate Curriculum Leader, Student Support Co-ordinator or the school’s Business & Development Manager. One of the Assistant Headteachers or Deputy Headteachers will deal with any complaint of a wider or more serious nature. Where an issue is unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Headteacher. If the investigations fail to provide a response satisfactory to the complainant, the complaint may then be referred to the Chair of Governors for consideration. The complaints policy is available on www.regentsparkcollege.org.uk
“Students’ achievement is outstanding because they make very rapid progress”
17
How to find us If you are travelling to Regents Park from the:
West:
From other parts of the west of the city and beyond:
■
Exit into Tebourba Way
■
Turn right at the traffic lights into Oakley Road
■
Turn second left into King Edward Avenue.
North/Bassett Avenue: ■
Take the 2nd exit at the next roundabout onto Winchester Road for 1.4 miles
■
Proceed straight across the next two sets of traffic lights into Tebourba Way
■
Turn left at the next set of lights into Oakley Road
■
Turn second left into King Edward Avenue.
Routes 17 and 17E operate from the Central Station and Lordshill to Oakley Road. Route 4 operates from Totton and the General Hospital to Oakley Road.
From City Centre: City Bus operates regular routes 8, 8A, 10 and 17A up Shirley High St and the college is a short walk from the top of Shirley High Street along Oakley Road and into King Edward Avenue.
tt
sse
d
r
te
s he
Red brid ge
Roa d
W
Romsey Roa d
ve K Edwa ing rd A
Telephone (023) 8032 5444 Fax (023) 8032 2411 info@regentspark.southampton.sch.uk www.regentsparkcollege.org.uk Office Hours: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday/College Term time
Ro
Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Hill BEd BA MA(Ed) Deputy Headteachers: Mrs Samantha Barnes BEd Mr Jonty Archibald BA Business and Development Manager: Miss Jo Warren BA Age Range: 11-16 Planned Capacity: 750 Planned Admission Number: 150
ntre
ad
Oakley Road
Millbr ook R oad W est
Regents Park Community College King Edward Avenue Southampton S016 4GW
N
Shi rle yH igh Str eet <F rom the city ce
ark
ve
d
inc
Fro
gen ts P
al A
y Roa
m
<
Ba
Re
Kend
Oakle
Tebourba Way Tebourba Way
Wimpson Lane
Windemere Ave
Ro ms ey Ro ad Redbridge Hill
a Ro
Millbrook Road East
School type: Maintained Community Comprehensive Southampton City Council – 5th Floor, Frobisher House, Nelson Gate, Southampton SO15 1GX Telephone: (023) 8022 3855 Designed & produced by www.totalcoverage.coop Information correct as at September 2009