A Christian community committed to excellence
St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School
We are a high achieving mixed comprehensive school of over 1500 students aged 11 to 19 and over 180 very able and dedicated staff. Located in the heart of the city, we serve all Christian communities in the area of greater Bristol and beyond. We are supported and enriched by our close association with St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Every member of our school community is created by God and our aim is to achieve our full potential.
Welcome
to St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School
We want every student to be able to say:
I feel safe
I belong here and have good relationships
I enjoy my learning and achieve well
This school helps me to make my hopes for the future come true
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS We are all members of this community
SAFE BOUNDARIES We are all responsible for keeping each other safe
HOPE EMPOWERED LEARNING We all enjoy learning and achieve our best
Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome to St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School; a school with over 430 years of distinguished history. We are the only Church of England Voluntary Aided Secondary School in the city and diocese, and students are admitted following the application of the Governors’ policy on admissions, details of which are included with this prospectus. Our success was recognised by our last government inspection in June 2007 that described us as “good with outstanding features”. The inspectors said“Parents are overwhelmingly supportive and complimentary about all aspects of the school, commenting in letters
to inspectors on the way the teachers strive to help all children reach their full potential and that the school seems to find a way to make each child feel valued what ever their talents. Personal development and well-being are outstanding.” Our Section 48 Inspection described us as “A Christian community, which joyously lives out its faith”. More than 80% of our students regularly attain five or more A* to C grades at GCSE (more than 70% including English and Maths). Our past, present and future success is rooted firmly in our Christian ethos. Each member of our school community is created by God and our aim is to achieve our full potential. All we do is rooted in this Hope of who we are as people and who we can become. The factors that help young people be fully themselves are Safe Boundaries, Good Relationships and Empowered Learning
Safe Boundaries include good order, security and accountability and consistency. Good Relationships include a sense of belonging to God and each other, positive feedback and ways back when things go wrong. Empowered Learning is active, reflects our values, beliefs and aspirations. It leads to high achievement. We have high expectations and give and receive realistic feedback. We are one of the first Humanities Schools in the country and a Training School, and we share our good practice, especially in Values and in learning and teaching, with a range of primary and secondary schools in Bristol and across the country. Our excellent practice with gifted and talented students has resulted in us becoming a ‘Gifted and Talented’ specialist school. Our PE and Sports programme has also been nationally recognised by the Sportsmark Award. Do visit our website or come and see the school in action. We look forward to meeting you. Mrs Elisabeth Gilpin - Headteacher and Mr Andrew Lucas - Chair of Governors
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HOPE The glory of God is a human being fully alive. We aim for each person to reach their full potential in body, mind, heart and soul. We want to help students value faith, trust and truth, themselves, justice and respect, and forgiveness. We seek to help them develop the skills to communicate, review, research, plan and revise. We want each student to be resilient, questioning, organised, interdependent, and creative. We expect every member of our community to engage with and practise behaviours consistent with the School’s core values:
Worship The worship at a church school is one of its most distinctive
Valuing ourselves and valuing others: being committed to learning and respecting others, including their right to learn. Being trustworthy and being a good friend. Understanding justice, respecting rules and taking care of the disadvantaged. Offering Forgiveness and letting go of anger. Good stewardship for our environment and belongings. Both telling the truth and trying to find out what is really true. Fulfilling our potential by doing our best and learning how to learn. Understanding and exploring our faith.
features. We recognise that the members of the school community come from many churches so we aim to provide a wide range of acts of worship, reflecting the best of Christianity. Beginning and end of term services take place at the beautiful St Mary Redcliffe Church. Every day sees various acts of worship, ranging from small group activities in tutor groups through to larger assemblies, usually in Houses. We welcome a large number of visitors, both clergy and lay, to lead some of these. There are regular House and voluntary Eucharists, Christian Unions and various prayer groups including a thriving parental Prayer Support Group. We also see charity work as an expression of our worship and we have special efforts at Harvest, Christmas and Lent. We are also linked to a school in Uganda. By law, parents/carers are allowed to request the withdrawal of their child from Worship and from Religious Education. As these activities are so central to the life of our school, we would be surprised if any parent/carer were to make such a request and we are pleased that no such request has ever been received. For the children of other faiths, we will support and respect their worship and beliefs.
The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners. OFSTED 2007
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EMPOWERED LEARNING Curriculum We provide each student with a broad, balanced and relevant set of
activities to extend student skills and experience. We value the leadership roles
subjects, aiming to enrich his/her spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical,
that many of the Sixth-formers exercise by supporting children in year 7 and
social and cultural development.
contributing to the wider community, and our Senior Students play a valuable role in the main School Council.
We fulfil all the requirements of the National Curriculum with additional emphasis on Religious Education. There are 24.17 teaching hours each week, with
Details for entry to the Sixth Form may be obtained from the Director of the
assemblies and tutor-time in addition.
Sixth Form and at the special Open Evening for prospective Sixth formers (in November each year).
At Key Stage 3 all students study: English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, Geography, Design Technology, History, French and/or German, Art,
Homework
Information Technology, Music, Physical Education, Drama and Values Education, including: Citizenship and PSE. We take careful note of Key Stage 2 results
The school believes that all students should do regular homework in order to
and other information from primary schools. There is some setting in year 7 in
learn to study independently, to reinforce what is learnt in the classroom and
Maths and, additionally, in year 8 in Science, English, Geography and Modern
to extend subject tasks. There is a homework timetable for all year groups and
Languages. Parents/carers are advised within our Parent/Carer Handbook of the
parents/carers are encouraged to participate in monitoring and commenting on
right to withdraw their children from Religious and Sex Education lessons.
homework via the homework diary.
At Key Stage 4 the majority of students follow courses that generally lead to
Careers Education
ten or more GCSE’s. Most take: English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science (Triple, Double or Single), Religious Education, and ICT. There are also
We have a comprehensive Careers Education programme, starting with support
lessons in Physical Education, Careers, Values Education and Citizenship.
for GCSE decision-making in year 9 and continuing with regular lessons in years
Additional GCSE choices are made from Art, Music, Business Studies, History,
10 and 11. There is a work experience programme at the end of year 10 and
Geography, Health and Social Care, Design Technology, French, German,
an annual careers convention. There are plenty of opportunities for advice in
Drama, Media Studies, Physical Education. BTEC and related courses are also
years 12 and 13, particularly allied to Higher Education decision-making. We
available as part of the South Bristol Partnership of schools and colleges. These
are grateful for the support we receive from Connexions, who allocate us a
include Engineering, Art, Media Studies, Animal Care, Drama, Dance, Stage
specialist adviser for individual interviews with years 11 to 13 students. We
Production, Construction, Catering & Hospitality, and Childcare. Some students
have learning mentors and an ‘Aim Higher’ programme to help students achieve
also follow a Life Skills Course, including some ASDAN accredited units and
their best.
vocational qualifications.
Post 16 We offer a wide range of courses in the Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre. Currently, there are AS and A Level courses offered in over 30 subjects. Over 75% of students go on to Higher and Further Education at establishments all over the country. We aim to bring out the best in all our students, so we take pride in our regular Oxbridge successes, but we are also proud of those students who may not have achieved greatly at GCSE but who manage passes at A Level.
The curriculum in Years 1-11 is broad and balanced: it matches the needs and interests of students and contributes to their good progress. OFSTED 2007
We have an experienced team of tutors and learning mentors who offer support and guidance. There are also plenty of additional enrichment, social and sporting 5
Extra Curricular - general It is our aim to encourage as many students as possible to participate in a wide range of additional activities, occurring at lunchtime, after-school, weekends and holidays. It is impossible to list everything that happens but a selection of such activities includes homework/coursework club, house competitions, tennis coaching, young enterprise, orchestras, school productions (drama and musicals), Christian Union, theatre visits, year 8 France and Germany visits, school matches, indoor games club, activities week, public speaking, gospel and chamber choirs, voluntary community service and ski trips. Trips abroad have included destinations such as Nicaragua and China.
Extra Curricular - music Individual and/or group instrumental tuition is provided in School in a wide range of instruments, including Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Trumpet, Cornet, Horn, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Drums, Spanish Guitar and Piano. Lessons in singing are also offered. More detailed information is available from the Head of Music.
Gifted and Talented Gifted students are those who are exceptionally able in academic subjects. Talented students are those who are exceptionally able in creative subjects. Our excellent practice has been recognised with the additional funding linked to being a ‘Gifted and Talented’ specialist school. The Gifted and Talented programme (G&T) aims to
SEN
enhance the opportunities of the most academically able and talented children in the school. The school has
We follow the national Code of Practice with regard to
a commitment towards excellence for all and strongly
students with Special Educational Needs. A member
believes that true inclusion can only be achieved through
of staff is designated as Co-ordinator of SEN and all
stretching the most able and supporting the least able.
members of staff take responsibility for the academic
The G&T programme allows all students to achieve their
and social progress of students at the School Action
full potential.
Stage. We work in close liaison with the Local Authority Support Services and we ensure tailored provision
Much of the enrichment provided by the G&T programme
for statemented children and those on School Action
has been targeted toward the official cohort of 10% of
Plus. All departments take care to choose courses and
the school, but in total 49% of the students throughout
resources suitable for all abilities, including the most
the entire school have a direct involvement with the
able. Individual Action Plans are produced with parents’/
programme. 2005 - 2006 saw the St Mary Redcliffe
carer’s co-operation and parents/carers of students
and Temple G&T programme the subject of an academic
with Special Educational Needs should make a point of
study by the University of Bath. Here are a few direct
talking to our SENCo before applying to the school.
quotes from the paper ‘Gifted and Talented Provision at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School’:
The Temple Colston building and Redcliffe Centre have full disabled access. Our new school buildings will be
“There is an excellent provision at the school for G&T
fully DDA compliant.
pupils and a range of opportunities are available to pupils.” “G&T provision helps create many extra opportunities for pupils that would not happen if the scheme did not exist.” “Challenging the most able increases standards across
Our children are given the best academic opportunities and are guided with love. Parent 6
the whole school.” “The extra provision provided for G&T has a positive effect on other pupils within the school.”
Students’ outstanding personal development and well-being are firmly underpinned by the school’s emphasis on Christian values and are reflected in their outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Students of all ages enjoy school immensely and are proud to belong to the school’s diverse community. OFSTED 2007
An Associate Tutor, attached to each House, helps provide time for the Tutor to identify problems and to develop individual educational plans and pastoral support programmes with the student. The School has close links with a number of outside agencies to complement the work done within school and there are regular meetings with these agencies. We have always enjoyed a close working relationship with parents/carers in resolving any difficulties: the planner, which incorporates a homework diary and sections for merits and academic targets, enables parents/carers to take an active part in monitoring their child’s life at school.
All staff show high levels of commitment to students’ care, guidance and support. OFSTED 2007
The School has an enviable reputation in a variety of sports and this is fostered within the House system through a number of inter-House matches during the year.
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS
Students are always encouraged to take on responsibility
Pastoral System
representatives from each tutor group. Each House also
The pastoral system is one of our real strengths. Our students come from a wide variety of schools in different parts of Bristol and the surrounding area, so we make them feel part of the School as soon as possible. Year 7 students have their own House, in the Temple Colston Building, led by the Head of James House and a Deputy. Friendships are quickly formed, as the students are taught in their tutor groups for most of their timetables and there are many inter-tutor group competitions and activities to help students foster a strong sense of team spirit and develop an identity within the School. There are four more School Houses - Canynges, Cartwright, Colston and Francombe - which students join in year 8 when students move on to the special family atmosphere of our mixedage tutor groups. There are approximately thirty students aged 12 to 16 in each group and this enables students to share experiences of school life, helping younger students to prepare for additional responsibilities and decision making as they move on through the School. An experienced Head of House and a Deputy lead each of the four Houses. They also oversee the work of the tutors. The Tutor is the first point of reference for parents/carers who wish to contact the School and is responsible for the students’ support and guidance. The monitoring of academic performance is a crucial part of our pastoral care and separate subject teachers regularly report back on behaviour and progress to the Tutor, who then has an overview of each student’s development. This enables the tutor to give and direct the appropriate support to meet each student’s individual needs, through individual counselling and target setting. The Tutor is able to draw on a large in-school network of support programmes, designed to help each child fulfil his or her potential.
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and there is a House and School Council made up of appoints a number of prefects who work closely with staff in seeing that the building is used properly and that the students are encouraged to observe the code of conduct. The House system is also the focal point for the daily act of worship. Assemblies are held twice a week for the whole House and three times a week for individual tutor groups. Each House also holds two Eucharists a year, one of which takes place in St Mary Redcliffe Church. Students are encouraged to take an active part in the planning and presentation of the services. We are justifiably proud of the pastoral system that, we believe, plays an important and significant part in helping each student to make the most of what the School has to offer and achieve success.
Reporting We issue a Planner including a homework diary which parents/carers are asked to sign weekly and to make any comments for the tutor’s attention. This hopefully means that there is regular dialogue between parent/carer and child over progress in subjects. There are regular tests in most subjects and each year brings at least two opportunities for parents/carers to be involved in the progress of their child. There is at
The school respects our complete child - strengths and imperfections! Parent
least one Parents’/carers’ Evening with subject teachers each year, and a full written report. In addition, we hope that parents/carers are confident enough to contact the school with any concerns at any time, and subject and House staff will often contact parents/carers directly as the need arises. All students are involved with annual Reports which means that they are involved in dialogue, both written and verbal, with their teachers in reviewing and assessing their progress and in setting targets for the future.
Community Community links are very important. There is a real ‘Redcliffe’ identity in Bristol and we want to build on that. Each year, there are special services at the beginning of the year, at Christmas and on Schools’ Sunday to which all friends of the school are invited. The thriving Parent Teacher Association organises events for the whole community, and the Governing Body has representatives from former members of the school, from church and from local commerce and industry. Parents/carers are encouraged to contribute to the PTA Gift Aid Fund, which supports the Governors’ building programme and the Enabling Fund. This exists to enable all students to take advantage of the many educational opportunities offered and to enhance the facilities of the school to the benefit of students.
SAFE BOUNDARIES The School has a code of conduct which sets out what it means for all the community to “act
with courtesy and consideration to others at all times”. It is partly through making each student feel an important part of that community that the standard of behaviour is so good. All students are expected to wear the school uniform, which helps to give students a sense of belonging to the School, and many students are actively involved in ensuring that standards are not only maintained but also improved. Each House has a number of prefects who supplement the staff on duty at break and lunch times and the School Council, made up of students, regularly reviews problems and suggests solutions. We have a number of policies, including Inclusion, SEN, Disablity Discrimination, Gender Equalitiy, and Anti-Bullying, to ensure that students respect and value the contributions made by their peers. The Governors review these regularly to make sure they are relevant and working properly. With some 16% of our students from minority ethnic groups, we believe all students are equal in the eyes of God and strive to ensure equality in all we do. We have a Race Equality Policy and support workers to promote inclusion. Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. If we have any concerns about a particular student’s welfare we will discuss this with parents/carers. Where there are child protection concerns we will inform parents/carers prior to making a referral to social care, unless it is felt that your child will be placed at risk. We work with parents/carers to keep your child safe from harm and where appropriate to access services to support you. In our School, we pride ourselves on the relationships that exist between students of all ages and between staff and students. A disciplined atmosphere is important to create a good learning environment and sanctions for breaches of discipline range from report cards to supervised withdrawal from the classroom. We value the co-operation of parents/carers in establishing acceptable standards of behaviour and, if necessary, parents/carers are invited into school to discuss any problems that might arise. We do operate a detention system and expect parents/ carers to support the use of this sanction. There is a high expectation of behaviour, both in the classroom and around the school generally. Our aim is to bring the best out of our students by encouraging and acknowledging good behaviour using a variety of rewards including merits certificates, postcards home to parents/carers, merits prize draws and a cup for the house with the most merits. The friendly atmosphere that comes from being valued in the community of the School is one of our most important assets and reflects the high standards we expect. At the most recent inspection, OFSTED found that students “are emphatic about how safe they feel in school”.
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Facilities We are fortunate to be part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. From October 2010 we have a brand new sports hall and a new building which includes state of the art Science, Art, Music, PE, Design Technology, Library, Maths and English facilities. We have a separate small building in which Year 7 students register. A separate sixth form centre provides a mature base for sixth form students. We also have a swimming pool and gymnasium and additional sports facilities at Stockwood Lane, Brislington. Our ICT facilities are good and well managed and enable us to use ICT to support effective learning.
Travel The school is at a convenient central site within easy access of Temple Meads Station and on many bus routes. Bus passes are usually available to students in years 7 to 11 living beyond a three-mile radius of the school. In exceptional circumstances parents/carers of students in years 12 and 13 may apply to the Enabling Fund for assistance with transport costs. Full details of provision are available from ‘home’ local authorities (other than North Somerset).
Leadership, management and self evaluation are outstanding. There is a strong vision for the school. There is a common sense of purpose among all staff which is moving the school swiftly towards excellence. OFSTED 2007
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How to find us
gloucester road
M4/M5
M32
BUS STATION
CITY CENTRE
bond street
BRISTOL temple way
park street queens square
CAR PARK
TEMPLE MEADS STATION
redcliffe hill
coronation road
BEDMINSTER
The Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre
St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School
Please note that St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School does not have on-site parking facilities for students and parents/carers. Visitors are advised to use public car parking spaces. Any visitors who have mobility problems are advised to contact the school before visiting so that appropriate parking arrangements can be made.
St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School, Somerset Square, Bristol BS1 6RT Telephone 0117 3772100 Fax 0117 3772101 Email enquiries@smrt.bristol.sch.uk www.smrt.bristol.sch.uk School Profile available at http://schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk/8014603/school-profile/