Countesthorpe Community College is a 14-19 C

Countesthorpe. The College provides a high-quality educ young people in a variety of day and evening classes.

Facilities within the College are excellent. We have a larg

facilities including tennis courts and football pitches, an ex classrooms and specialist teaching areas.

We became a Technology College in September 2005

our Science, Design & Technology and Maths facilities. This h the College. We have created a number of new ICT suites

across the College have ceiling mounted data projectors. Ou area with their own ICT facilities.

We have extensive community facilities with a dedicated ICT of the College is greatly enhanced by the many local p recreational, sporting and learning activities within the Colle

Students are expected to stay on site and use the College parental permission to go home for lunch. We recognise tha

we recently completed a major refurbishment of our

than doubled our previous capacity, and provides an attrac

Countesthorpe Community College is a speciali

Comprehensive Community College situated in the village of

cation for students aged 14-19, and for over 3000 adults and

ge sports hall, gymnasium and a selection of outside sports

cellent theatre which seats over 200, and good quality

, allowing us to embark on a programme of refurbishment of

has also allowed us to make ICT a major focus within

and improved our current ICT provision. All teaching rooms

ur post-16 students have their own purpose-built study

T centre, a Day Nursery and a youth centre. The atmosphere people of all ages who are actively involved in a host of

ege.

e catering facilities at break and lunchtime unless they have at students need excellent facilities within the College and

reception area, 16+ and main dining facilities. This has more

ctive and comfortable area for our students and staff.

st technology college where every child matters.

Countesthorpe Community Collegeis an exciting place to learn

Aims and ethos (5-6)

Policies and support (7-14)

Key stage 4 curriculum (15-16)

Post 16 curriculum (17-18)

Beyond College (19-20)

Additional Information (21)

“Thank you for showing an interest in Countesthorpe Community College. Weare a 14 to 19 College serving the area of South Leicestershire providing a highquality education for students in the local community and beyond. The Collegeis very popular and over subscribed. We have approximately 800 students inYears 10 and 11 and over 300 in Post 16. As a wholly inclusive College we takestudents of all levels of ability and provide them with an appropriate personalisedlearning experience, helping all individuals to achieve their true potential.

We are a very ambitious and extremely proud College, constantly seeking waysin which we can improve. We offer an excellent range of subjects at allexamination levels to meet the needs of our students. Our examination resultsat GCSE and A Level are continually improving, as are our BTEC results.

In recent years we have invested significantly in resources to support learningand to improve our College environment. As a Specialist Technology College wefeature some excellent facilities particularly in Science, Design & Technology andICT. We have a number of fully equipped ICT rooms, with some of the verylatest technology. We have a state of the art theatre for Drama and Musicproductions in which all our major College events take place. Together withexcellent sporting facilities we believe we have the resources needed for all tosucceed.

The atmosphere of the College is what really impresses visitors. We have ahistory of very positive relationships both within the College and with our localcommunity, being a focal point for many local activities, events and adult learningprogrammes.

If you have the opportunity to visit the College I am confident you willnot be disappointed with what you see and experience. We are a21st Century College with strong values, a positive ethos andexcellent discipline.”

Brian MyattPrincipal

Our aim as a College is to provide an environmentwhich allows all students to realise their full potential,both academically and as future citizens

We promote an atmosphere of mutual respect within a supportive and inclusive CollegeCommunity. We encourage students to take an active and responsible attitude towardstheir learning and we expect high standards of work and behaviour. We place a high valueon achievement for all, irrespective of gender, social or ethnic origin, or special needs.

Everyone is different and we strive to recognise the different strengths within individuals andto build on them, so that learning is perceived as valuable and lifelong. CountesthorpeCommunity College is proud of its links with the local community, providing educationalopportunities for the very young (in the College day nursery) through to the very old.

We value our close links with the high schools and primaries within the family of schools,and recognise that education is a continuous process, and that smooth transition betweenthe stages is essential. We also have strong links with a local special school, Birkett House,and many of their students study on our site, using our facilities.

Aims and ethos

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Specialist status

We live in a technological age and we seetechnology as being fundamental to learning inall areas of the curriculum. We see funding thatcomes from gaining Technology College statusas extremely important in developing new waysof using technology to improve standards ofteaching and learning and in allowing us topersonalise learning for individual students.Students can access work for their coursesoutside their lessons, even from home, throughour learning platform "Learning Link" using avariety of personalised and interactiveresources.

Pastoral care

We believe all students should have access tothe very best pastoral support. Students areplaced in tutor groups within teams ofapproximately 195 students. Each studentbecomes the responsibility of his or her tutor.Each team has its own defined space. The teamarea is both a place to work and a social areaduring breaks and lunchtimes.

Students remain in the same team and, wherepossible, with the same tutor for two years. Thisallows the tutors and students to get to knoweach other well. The tutor is responsible forguiding the work of the tutor group and will beconcerned with both the academic and socialdevelopment of each student. Regular sessionsare set aside each week for tutors to work withtheir tutor groups on a variety of topics.

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Equal opportunities

To give all our students the full benefit of the education we provide at Countesthorpe, wefeel it is important to make sure that all are treated as valued individuals, irrespective ofgender, cultural or religious origin, ability, or any other factor that may make students feeldifferent.

Racism, sexism and homophobia

It is unacceptable for any person at the College to say or do something against another thatdiscriminates on the basis of gender, social background, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

Anti-bullying

The College has formulated a policy which seeks to make the campus a secure and safeplace for all users, free from intimidation. Work on our policy is integrated into the Collegetutorial programmes so that all students have a clear understanding of how this policyworks and what they should do if they experience bullying.

Behaviour

Our students are very well-behaved, mature and responsible, and this is commented on byvisitors to the College. The College believes that good learning can only take place with highstandards of behaviour from our students. Students must arrive at lessons on time andproperly equipped, work as directed and follow all instructions immediately, and avoiddisrupting learning in any way. When moving around the College, they should be sensibleand safe and follow any instructions.

In lessons we operate a "Behaviour for Learning" policy, supporting students to developthe positive skills needed to work with and respect other members of the College. Studentsare encouraged to achieve their best and will be rewarded for this by individual teachersthrough the College commendation system or at our annual Rewards Evening!

Policies and support

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Education on sex and relationships

The College uses a wide range of different materials to supportthe teaching of sex education. We feel that this helps to create aresponsible and well-informed attitude to the decisions that haveto be made about relationships. We focus on choices, decisions,relationships, respect, responsibility and risk.

Homework

Homework is set in all subjects, although the style and form willvary considerably depending on the activity. The Collegesupports the view that students benefit from continuing theirstudies at home and teachers set out to foster the kind ofpositive learning experience in school that naturally leadsstudents to undertake continuation studies in their own time.Each department will inform students about the time needed tocomplete homework and students are encouraged to take acareful note of when homework should be handed in and recorddetails in their Learning Handbooks. Parents should check theseregularly.

Extra-curricular contributions

Charges may be levied for any visits outside normal schoolhours. However, for the majority of trips and visits which fallduring the school day or in both school and free time such asresidential visits, parents are asked to make a voluntarycontribution to enable their child to take part. They may refuseto make such payment but the risk is then that the visit will becancelled, as the College has few funds to subsidise such visitswithout parental contribution.

The Governors have agreed to subsidise the cost of studentshaving peripatetic music lessons by 25%.

8

Admissions policy

Students are admitted to Countesthorpe Community College inaccordance with the Leicestershire Local Authority (LA)admissions policy.

Priority for admission is given to the children of parents wholive in our catchment area as currently designated by the LA. Thisincludes the villages of Countesthorpe, Blaby, Arnesby, Shearsby,Kilby, Foston, Peatling Magna, Broughton Astley, Cosby,Whetstone, Sutton in the Elms and Glen Parva.

We are always happy to consider applications from parents whoreside outside this catchment area at 14 and 16 and we receivea number each year. This provision is made assuming that thereare places within our planned admission number, which is thenumber of students in Year 10 that the LA stipulates the Collegecan take.

Applications later in the year will include a discussion with amember of the Senior Management Team at the College toconsider in more detail the relevant circumstances of theadmission.

Should parents wish to transfer their children from anotherLeicestershire or Leicester City school, the College will alwaysconsult that school for relevant background information beforemaking a decision about admission.

Leicestershire LA will not support the cost of transport forthose students who travel from outside the CountesthorpeCommunity College catchment area.

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Religious education

The core of Religious education taught at Countesthorpe Community College is deliveredthrough the Humanities GCSE which all students follow. Other key themes are addressedin a range of ways in a variety of other subject areas.

Students and staff who wish to participate in collective worship have the opportunity to doso at least once a week - usually at a Friday lunchtime meeting. Senior members of staff holdregular assemblies with all students in the College. We have close links with members ofthe local church who sometimes attend assemblies.

Citizenship education

Students are encouraged to be active citizens who make a positive contribution to societyand understand their rights and responsibilities. Education for citizenship equips youngpeople with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life.Citizenship is cross curricular, with much of the delivery in Humanities and the TutorialProgramme. It is enhanced by partnerships within the local community, extra curricularactivities and special events throughout the year, including community projects and thestudent council.

Support for our students

We recognise that our students have a wide range of skills and abilities. Some have speciallearning needs, either because they are extremely able or because they are finding difficultieswith a number of areas of learning. The College makes arrangements to meet the needs ofall students by enabling them to achieve a standard that reflects their abilities.

In all cases we try to make sure that the right help is offered by identifying and assessingthe needs that students may have. Some students may have extra help given to themindividually or in small groups, either in Learning Support or by offering them extra supportin their usual lessons. Those students who have physical or sensory disabilities that affecttheir learning may be given the support of a non-teaching assistant. Occasionally, physicaladaptations to classrooms or buildings may be needed.

Currently the College has a number of students on roll who have statements of specialeducational needs. Statements are issued when the LA recognises in a legal document thatindividual students require specialist support and teaching to ensure they gain as muchfrom their education as other students. Support may also be provided by the LA’s variousspecial services such as the Education Welfare Service, the Educational Psychology Serviceand the Specialist Teaching Service (including the Visually Impaired and Hearing ImpairedTeams).

We monitor the progress of very able students carefully to ensure that the provision theyreceive is suitably challenging.

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Countesthorpe Comm heart of the loc

munity College is at the cal community

Support for our family of schools

We have very good relations with our feeder high schools and their associated primaryschools. We work together to make sure that the needs of all students are properlyidentified and supported as they move from one school to another through each phase ofeducation.

Our Technology College status has allowed us to fund several initiatives within our familyof schools designed to raise the standards of teaching and learning through the use oftechnology. We also provide substantial technical ICT support to many primary schoolswithin our family of schools.

In addition, we have close ties with Birkett House School and most of their students over14 years of age are based at the College with a team of Birkett House staff. They join in avariety of classes across the College according to their needs and abilities, with the supportof their own teachers and teaching assistants.

Attendance

Average attendance at the College is excellent and improving. Where absence does occurit is generally the result of illness and is covered by notes or medical certificates which willbe authorised by the College. Absences that are not, in the College’s view, genuine will notbe authorised.

Learning managers and tutors make every effort to follow up unexplained absences but itis likely that within these figures there will be a proportion of absence known to parentsbut not supported with a note. It is vital that parents provide explanations for any absenceswithin 48 hours. Students who develop patterns of unexplained absence will be referred tothe Educational Welfare Service.

Parents are requested not to remove students during term time for holidays and urged tomake dental/medical appointments outside of the school day. Such absences have adamaging effect on progress and achievement.

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High standards at Countesthorpe Community

College are the expectation

The College strives to provide for all students a comprehensive learning experience whichputs into practice our aims and keeps future educational and career opportunities as openas possible. For this reason, all students follow a broad and balanced curriculum from entryin Year 10 through to Post-16, although we make every effort to ensure the curriculum reflectsstudents’ interests, aspirations and abilities.

There are four pathways in Years 10 and 11.

General pathway

Students will follow core courses in English and English Literature, Mathematics, Science,Design & Technology and Humanities as well as following a programme of study in ICT andPhysical Education. Students will also choose three other subjects from choices such as:

Other hands-on vocational awards in Construction and the Built Environment, Motor VehicleEngineering and Hair & Beauty may also be available.

GCSE Art GCSE Business Studies

GCSE Drama GCSE French

GCSE GeographyGCSE Health and Social Care

(Single or Double Award)

GCSE HistoryGCSE or BTEC First Certificate inInformation and Communications

Technology

NOCN Award in Careers Education andPreparation for Working Life GCSE Media Studies

GCSE or BTEC First Certificate in Music GCSE or BTEC First Certificate in PE

GCSE SpanishBTEC First Certificate in Travel and

Tourism

Key Stage 4 curriculum

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Diploma pathway

In partnership with other colleges in the southern part of thecounty, students will have the opportunity to study a Diploma atFoundation or Higher levels in Engineering, Construction and theBuilt Environment, Information Technology or Creative and Media.

Students will spend the equivalent of two days a week ofcurriculum time on their diploma choice, the remaining time beingspent on core subjects referred to under the General Pathway(with the exclusion of Design & Technology). A few students onthe Foundation Level Diplomas may follow a Single Science courserather than the Double Science option.

STEP pathway

For a small number of targeted students an alternative curriculumis provided which includes the core subjects of English,Mathematics and Science. The remainder of the curriculum is spenton vocational courses such as Motor Vehicle Engineering,Construction, Health & Social Care and Beauty Therapy, and on aLifeskills programme leading to a NOCN Certificate. Every effortis made to place students on work experience for part of theweek. In negotiation with the College, students will be identifiedby high schools as to their suitability for this pathway.

Skills pathway

A small number of students for whom the mainstream curriculummay be overly demanding will follow a pathway which includes thecore subjects of English, Mathematics, Design, Humanities, SingleScience, ICT and PE. Qualifications are chosen to reflect theappropriate level for each student. This is supplemented by aprogramme of skills development which leads to accreditationthrough NOCN and Wider Key Skills. In negotiation with theCollege, students will be identified by high schools as to theirsuitability for this pathway.

All students regardless of pathway will experience such themesas citizenship, personal, social and health education, careerseducation, work experience and enterprise education.

16

Increasingly, students and parents regard staying on at school beyond 16 as essential; it isnot viewed as something separate from the compulsory section of education. It is muchmore common now to look at courses at 14+ in terms of three and four years. This isshown clearly in the Government's 14-19 Strategy. We are proud of our 16+ provision atthe College both in terms of our academic performance and our pastoral work whichsuccessfully develops the all-round abilities of our students, providing them with aspringboard for future careers or higher education.

The majority of our 16+ students are the traditional 'Advanced' level sixth formers. We offerone of the broadest ranges of 'AS/A' level subjects in the county and are proud of ourrecord in preparing students for an increasingly diverse range of higher education courses.We also offer Advanced level Diplomas in Engineering, Construction and the builtenvironment and Information Technology.

The other 'Advanced' level students who prefer not to go into higher education are highlysuccessful in finding work in 'Advanced level jobs', for example as nurses, banking trainees,retail management trainees and radiographers.

We work hard to ensure that all students fulfil their potential and find the right career pathwhich suits their diverse abilities.

Some young people opt to stay on at school for one year to improve their qualifications,their general education, or to help them decide about future careers. We offer Level 2vocational courses in Art & Design and Health & Social Care.

We actively encourage all of our students to negotiate their programmes of study and torise above a narrow view of their curricula. We emphasise learning through practicalexperience to acquire a variety of skills. All students have access to a 16+ core whichensures that they develop competence in their study skills and have access to careersguidance, higher education advice, information technology, PSHE, sport, work experienceand community involvement.

Post 16 curriculum

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FUEL is the perfect place to relax duringbreak and dinner times

Pastoral support in 16+ is excellentPost 16 results are continually high, with

most students moving on to university

16+ is a natural choice for students whowant to continue studying after GCSEs

Work related learning

It is particularly important for young people todevelop the skills that will enable them to makeinformed choices both at 16 and beyond.

The purpose of work related learning is to buildknowledge and recognise personal skills and qualitieswhich assist when starting to choose educationaloptions post 16 and career direction. Both throughthe core curriculum, option courses and specialprojects we aim to equip students with the ability towork independently and in teams, carry out research,gain self-confidence and make informed decisions. Inparticular we value work experience as a chance foryoung people to gain an insight into the realworkplace. To this end all year 10 students have a10-day placement. In addition all Year 10 studentshave an interview with an employer.

Beyond this we have good contacts with the world ofwork in terms of workplace visits, speakers andmentors. We are always appreciative to any parentsor community members who offer work experienceplacements or who volunteer their time tocontribute to the work of the College. We workclosely with the Connexions Service who offer allindividuals support upon request for informationabout education and careers choices along withapplication processes.

Enterprise education

Integral to work related learning is the notion ofenterprise education where young people areencouraged to develop ideas and understanding ofenterprise capability, including understandingpersonal finances, economics and business. Theseskills are developed throughout the curriculum andenhanced by special activities across the yearincluding Enterprise Day, charity fundraising events,mini enterprise activities and competitions.

BeyondCollege

Extension and enrichment

A great deal of learning occurs outside the regular timetable in out-of-hours activities. Weplace great importance on these activities and encourage students to become involved.We have a vibrant and energetic Music Department that organises a considerable numberof events. Our Drama Department regularly puts on productions and has had great success.PE is a strength of the College, with many students competing at County and even Nationallevel. Design & Technology has an involvement in The Clothes Show and in clubs andcompetitions. Modern Foreign Languages organises visits to France and Spain and 16+students participate in exchange programmes in association with the British Council. Thereis a full range of lunchtime and after school activities which are promoted to all students.

Increasingly there are opportunities for students to study outside normal lessons. We arean Oracle Internet Academy, running a database design and programming course afterschool, and we have a group of Year 12 students taking part in the Engineering EducationScheme each year, working with engineers from a local company.

The world of work and student destinations

All Year 10 and 11 students are provided with careers education through our PersonalDevelopment Programme. Advice is given about which subjects are the best preparationfor particular jobs, the personal attributes and qualifications required, and different aspectsof working life. There is a section on careers in the library. Personal Connexions advisersare based in the College and interview and advise Year 11 and 16+ students.

Our work experience scheme allows students in Year 10 to spend time working with anemployer in a job that interests them. The scheme gives students the opportunity to findout about the world of work and simulates many of the aspects of a job hunt, from theselection of a placement to a written application and, in most cases, a job interview.

A large proportion of students in Years 11 and 12 decide to stay on at the College tocontinue their studies. Others continue their education elsewhere or leave to take upapprenticeships or employment. A large number of our students enter higher education atthe end of Year 13. As a College we are extremely interested in the destinations of studentsleaving us.

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If you would like more detailed information on anything discussed in this prospectus, pleaserefer to the following documents, which can be ordered from the College or downloadedfrom the College website:

• 16+ Subject handbook• Admissions• Anti-bullying• Assessment• Attendance• Behaviour for learning• Child protection• Choices at KS4• Complaints• Drugs• Equal opportunities• Exam results• Gifted and talented• Health and safety• Homework• Ofsted report• Personal, social and health education (PSHE)• Sex and Relationships education• Special educational needs• Teaching and learning• Trips and residentials

Principal: Brian MyattChair of Governors: Rod WoodCountesthorpe Community CollegeWinchester RoadCountesthorpeLeicestershireLE8 5PR

Telephone: 0116 277 1555Email: admin@countesthorpe.leics.sch.ukWebsite: www.countesthorpe.leics.sch.ukSchool Profile: http://schoolprofile.parentscentre.gov.uk/

Countesthorpe Community College is a Maintained 14-19 ComprehensiveCo-Educational Community College

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Additional information