“Penketh High Schoolprovides a goodeducation for itsstudents. It has someoutstanding features.”

Our school will be a vibrant and enterprising hub for a communitywhere high quality learning and thriving cultural and sporting activitywill be enjoyed. Our school will offer an open and collaborative culturebuilt on a willingness to listen to and involve all stakeholders. We willdevelop dynamic partnerships that create and enhance opportunitiesfor our young people so that they have the best possible preparationfor becoming active and responsible citizens of the future.

We want to see all our young people:

• Inspired to value learning and personal growth• Equipped with the skills for lifelong learning

• Encouraged, through challenge and support, to be the best theycan be

• Developing high self-esteem, resilience and perseverance• Valuing participation and celebrating individual and collective

achievement• Expressing talents in creative, enterprising, sporting and cultural

activities• Thriving as active, responsible citizens within our local, national

and global communities• Achieving success

“The school is playing aleading role in workingwith other schools.”

“Parents feel that theirchildren are well cared forand settle into school well.”

“The impact of good leadership andmanagement can be seen in a number ofimprovements in the schools provision and anemerging upward trend in achievementacross the school”

“Students speak warmly of the time many staff put in to provide additional support andbelieve their teachers take pride in ensuring the good quality of provision.”

“Students receive goodsupport on enteringthe sixth form andlater in makingapplications touniversity. ”

“Children come to school happy and ready to learn”(parent quote from questionnaire)

“Students enjoy comingto school and have goodregard for the safety and

well-being of others.This is exemplified in their good

attendance and behaviour.”

“Media and Visual Arts Specialist status has had asignificant impact on the school, which is seen as being

at the cutting edge of developments in these areas.”

“The personal development and the well being ofstudents is good overall and student’s contribution to

the community is outstanding.”

Ofsted says…

Penketh Vision

We want our new pupils to feel confident about starting theirsecondary school. We want them to be happy and settle quickly. Toease the transition into high school, pupils will be housed together in ayear 7 base where, with the exception of subjects requiring specialistfacilities, they will be taught. In addition pupils will be taught anumber of subjects by the same multi-skilled teacher. This replicatesthe experience they have had whilst in primary school and is anotherexample of our commitment to creating an environment where pupilscan thrive.

To ensure continuity and progression of curriculum delivery for pupilsas they move into year 7 we:

• Meet regularly with Primary Headteachers.

• Send staff to visit our Primary Schools and teach year 5 and 6pupils.

• Arrange for English, Maths and Science staff to discuss curriculumprogression with the relevant subject co-ordinators in primaryschools.

• Have appointed Primary School specialists to ensure curriculumcontinuity between subjects.

• Provide many opportunities for Primary School pupils to visit theHigh School for induction and taster days to learn our routines.

• Invite parents into school to meet Form Tutors and see the schoolin action during our Open Days and Induction Evening.

Tutor groups are arranged based on information received from PrimarySchools. Every attempt is made to create balanced classes, keepingfriendship groups together. All pupils register and spend some timeeach day with their Form tutor who is responsible for their pastoralcare.

Admissions to Year 7 are managed by Warrington Borough Council.For children already in a Warrington Primary School a 'Guide forParents' booklet and preference form will be sent home with your childfrom his/her Primary School.

Year 6 pupils and parents are invited to one of our Open Days for atour of the school during a normal working day. This includes visits tolessons, information about the school and opportunities to askquestions.

Primary Transition Admissions Procedure

In order that the general welfare of your child is taken care of, wehave a strong pastoral system in place. Organisation is based on atraditional House System with tutor groups from each year grouprepresented in each House. Heads of House supported by LearningMentors ensure that the progress and welfare of every pupil iscarefully monitored and recorded accurately. Form Tutors workwithin the pupil support team and gain a close knowledge of pupilsin their form.

Form Tutors follow a clear procedure when dealing with pupils’problems to make sure that the right help is given.

Close liaison between parents and the pupil support team is vitaland Form Tutors need to be informed of any special circumstancesthat might affect your child’s progress, such as a particular medicalcondition. In addition to checking your child’s academic progress,members of the Pupil Support Team check attendance andpunctuality as well a rewarding and celebrating their achievements.

Pupil Support

The curriculum is the way in which the school organises teaching andlearning so that each pupil reaches the highest level achievement.

Key Stage Three

This covers the first three years, when pupils will follow NationalCurriculum subjects. In Year 7, students are taught English, Maths,Science and French, in ability sets. Humanities, Re and Citizenship aretaught in mixed ability groups through the Opening mindscompetency based curriculum. Other National Curriculum practicalsubjects are also delivered to Year 7 with their content linked to theOpening Minds themes. In Years 8 and 9, pupils will have lessons inEnglish, Maths, Science, Technology, French, Geography, History, ICT,Art and Design, Music, Drama and Learning for Life (RE, Citizenshipand Health Education). All students at Key Stage 3 receive 2 hours perweek of PE with opportunities to extend this time through extracurricular activities.

In Key Stage 3, all lessons except PE and Opening Minds are taught inability sets, although pupils will be grouped in mixed ability forms. InYear 7, setting will be based on National Curriculum ‘TeacherAssessments’ and test levels from Primary school. There are, of course,opportunities for ‘late developers’ to change sets as their abilitydevelops. In Years 8 and 9, pupils will have the opportunity to study asecond Modern Foreign Language.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11, all students will study English, Maths, Science, PE,ICT and Learning for Life (including Careers Education). In addition,students will be able to select from four option lines consisting of morethan 20 additional subjects. Most subjects are GCSE courses, but wenow offer an increasing range of vocational courses includingDiplomas.

In addition to the knowledge, skills and understanding developed,pupils are encouraged to apply these skills and show their initiative inlessons and in a variety of cross curricular opportunities.

As an 11-18 school, we hope as many students as possible will stay onto study from a wide range of subjects in the Sixth Form. However, weare aware that for a number of individuals, their future will be in otherdirections. Our Careers Education and Guidance team will work with allstudents in Years 9 to 11 to ensure they are aware of all theirprogression opportunities and that they make the right decisions fortheir future.

Curriculum Organisation

Religious Education is one of the compulsory core subjects inschools and is taught at all the Key Stages through the Learningfor Life Curriculum. It follows a multi-faith syllabus and istaught in a non-denominational and non-doctrinal manner. InYears 10 and 11 students will study RE and Citizenship to GCSEexamination level in their Learning for Life lessons.

Religious Education

Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is taught as part of ourLearning for Life curriculum. The SRE programme includesfactual knowledge about sex and sexuality whilst encouragingdevelopment of responsibility, investigates issues of peerpressure and helps to formulate a moral code for relationships.

Wherever appropriate, we engage the support of otherprofessionals, such as the school health advisor in the deliveryof information. Parents are kept informed as to the content ofthe course and are encouraged to view teaching materials used.

Sex and Relationships Education

All pupils receive a progress report at the endof each term. These clearly indicate theprogress made towards target KS3 levels andGCSE grades. The level of pupil effortthroughout the term is also recorded. We askthat parents discuss the Progress Reportswith their children and address any queries orconcerns directly to subject teachers. FormTutors and Heads of House rigorouslymonitor progress and effort to celebrateachievement and quickly identify any pupilsat risk of underachieving. Pupils in Year 11are presented with a Record of Achievementtowards the end of their studies to celebrateindividual successes during their school life.

All pupils and parents are invited to attendan Academic Review Day interview with FormTutors. This gives pupils the opportunity toreflect on their performance during the yearand set clear targets for improvement. Schoolis closed for normal lessons on this day. Inaddition pupils and parents in years 10 and11 are invited to attend a Parents’ Eveningwith individual subject teachers.

Parents of pupils in year 7 are given theopportunity to discuss with Form Tutors howwell their child has settled during the firsthalf term.

One of the school’s main aims is toencourage pupils to work independently andto develop the habit of study when not beingsupervised. This is invaluable if your child isto reach his or her potential and to achievesuccess, particularly in external examinations.Homework is set for pupils of all ages andabilities and it is expected that they willcomplete it and hand it in for marking whenrequired. We hope that as parents you will beencouraging your child to complete regularweeknight homework. Regular checking ofyour child’s planner is essential. Parentswill be issued with a copy of the school’shomework policy when your childstarts school.

A staged procedure supported by the LocalAuthority exists to identify and supportstudents with social, emotional, or physicaldifficulties as well as special learningrequirements.

Our highly qualified Pupil Support andPersonalised Learning team work alongsidevarious external agencies to ensure the needsof all students are met. Parents and studentsare kept fully informed of any supportprovided. As part of our transition planningwe arrange additional visits for pupils withSEN (including disabilities) and their familiesalongside our usual admissionsarrangements. We have an InclusionManager and Learning Support Assistantswho provide extra support for thosepupils who have difficulty in accessingmainstream lessons.

A whole school Special Needs register isreviewed and updated every half term.The needs of the able are recognised andaddressed under the guidance of our Giftedand Talented Co-ordinators. A full version ofthe school’s SEN policy is available uponrequest.

Assesment, Recordingand Reporting Homework Inclusion

Careers Education is delivered cross curricular and in the Learningfor Life programme. This starts informally in Year 7 introducingawareness to the world of work.

The more formal programme starts in Year 8. The Year 9 CareersProgramme concentrates on the choice of subjects that will affectdifferent career paths.

Year 10, pupils look employment, the world of work leading to atwo week Work Experience placement.

In Year 11 pupils are introduced to interview situations through aMock Interview Programme, conducted by local employers andtraining advisers. Time is given to discuss employment at 16 andcareers support is offered to all pupils.

Pupils have the opportunity to attend Drop in Sessions, CareersClub and have full access to a number of Careers Education webbased programmes including guidance from independent PersonalAdvisers.

The school has achieved a number of national awards for bothachievement and innovation, including the well establishedInvestors in Careers Award.

Careers andWork Related Learning

Connexions Personal Advisers can help pupils to prepare for theirfuture trough a range of up to date guidance, supportinginformation services from careers, education and employment tohealth and lifestyle issues.

A team of Personal Advisers work with school pupils and sixth formstudents. Support is provided through a combination ofappointments, group work sessions and Drop in Sessions.

Connexions

Music is a prominent feature of life at Penketh High School. We aimto promote and encourage the making and appreciation of musicwithin both this environment and as a living experience.

Instrumental Provision

We have a team of professional musicians offering pupils private andsmall group tuition on a range of instruments. Violin and strings,percussion, brass, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and piano, woodwindand voice are some of the instruments on offer taking our pupils frombeginner’s level up to Grade 8.

Extra – Curricular activities

The provision for groups and bands is as extensive as it is varied with anumber of examples of outstanding performance opportunities. Someof our most popular ensembles are:

• Gospel Choir• Penketh ‘Cuban All Stars’• ‘Escola de Samba’• Chamber Choir• Brass Band• African Group• Performing Arts clubIn collaboration with the other Performing Arts subjects, we haveproduced a number challenging and exciting school musicals and alsoproduce concerts throughout the year which showcase our musiciansfrom lower school through to sixth form. The Music Departmentcontinues to work with a number of outside Arts providers from acrossthe region and have excellent links with Warrington Music Service.

Music

We have a very successful After School Programme ofactivities on offer for the students. Talented pupils may wishto join teams in a range of sports we offer. Training nightsand match nights are on a weekly basis. We enter teams into the Warrington Schools Leagues in Netball, Hockey, Girls &Boys Football teams and Rugby teams. Athletics, Roundersand Cricket competitions. Our teams and players have beenvery successful during the last few seasons, winning theWarrington leagues, County championships and reachingNational Semi finals.

Partnerships we enjoy at Penketh enhance the sportingopportunity for our students - SSCO, Primary Schools, LeisureCentres (David Lloyd) Work Placement, Warrington Wolves,Dance Workshops, Outside Coaches coming in for afterschooland curriculum sessions Warrington Schools PE Partnership.We ensure that there is provision for those gifted or talented,with provision made both within the curriculum time andafter school.

Extra activities we are involved with include: - Sailing,Outdoor Adventurous Activities, Race for Life/Fun Runs,Duke of Edinburgh Award and World Challenge!

After School Sports Activities

Penketh High School is a Visual andMedia Arts college and this is reflected inthe curriculum throughout all the keystages. Pupils will experience a variety ofmedia related experiences and will learnto use media technology as they progressthrough the school. At Key Stage 4 and 5pupils we are expanding the opportunitiesfor students to opt for specialised visualand media arts courses.

Visual & Media Arts

Red Rose Media is a professional film and mediaproduction company based within the school. Theaim of the company is to facilitate access to mediaacross the curriculum for all of our pupils and staff.In 2007 Penketh High School and Red Rose Mediaproduced the word’s first ever high school featurefilm, ‘Days’. The film was featured nationally byBBC, ITV, Channel 4 & The Times before asuccessful public release at Warrington’s OdeonCinema. The project raised the profile of the schoolacross the country and Penketh High School is nowregarded as one of the leading media schools inthe UK.

Red Rose Media have continued to produce andrelease full-length feature films and other mediaproductions in order to engage pupils and inspirethem to learn, not only about media and filmproduction, but also about teamwork, timemanagement, commitment and other importanttransferable skills. In collaboration with high profileorganisations such as the BBC and Odeon cinemaswe are able to offer Penketh pupils access to firstclass media facilities, technologies, software andsupport on a day-to-day basis.

Red Rose Media

We are a Specialist Visual and Media Arts School, astatus we are tremendously proud to have and thevalues that contributed to its award are those we seekto share in all areas of school life. This means we workto:

• Create a vibrant and enterprising hub for thecommunity, providing excellence in learning, artsand cultural activity

• Raise the standards and expectations ofachievement through quality teaching and pupilsupport

• Develop a thriving community culture in which allcan play a positive and constructive part.

• Be a beacon school of innovation and creativedevelopment by sharing our enterprise withpartner Primary, Secondary and Special School inorder to raise standards and provide additionalresources

• Work closely with friends and sponsors in businessand commerce and with other partners in workrelated learning and vocational enterprise

• Work closely with charities, community andmulti-cultural groups to extend our expertiseand commitment to the wider community.

• Promote high standards of literacy and numeracyand provide access to ICT technology for all pupils

• Empower pupils with the communication skills, theself-confidence, and responsibilities of citizenshipthat will enable them to become active andindustrious members of society

• Provide models of excellence in the specialistsubjects that will impact on other subject areasand increase uptake in related subjects post-16.

Being Special…

We endeavour to create a caring and orderly community within theschool, based on the general principles of respect for other people,their property and the school itself. The behaviour expected of ourpupils is written down in our “Expectations” booklet. Pupils’ parentsand staff are asked to sign a Home-School Partnership Agreement asan indication of our shared commitments to education.

The school operates a system of “Positive Behaviour” based on the fivebasic classroom rules below. Pupils who follow these rules constantlyare rewarded regularly. There is a clear series of sanctions for thosepupils who choose not to follow the rules.

Expectations including Rewards and Sanctions

1. ARRIVE ON TIME and enter the room in a quiet, orderly manner.

2. LISTEN to the teachers instructions and follow them first time

3. BE ORGANISED by having the correct books, equipmentand PE kit

4. ALLOW OTHERS TO WORK. Don’t allow others to disturb you.

5. PUT YOUR HAND UP if you wish to speak to the teacher.

Besides our Positive Behaviour system we also reward pupils throughHouse Points. House Points are collected from teachers for pleasingwork, effort or “community service” and recorded in the pupils planner.Collection of sufficient House Points will qualify pupils for a SeniorStaff Award.

Individual Subject departments will issue “Praise Postcards”, forwardletters and make telephone calls home when pupils have workedparticularly well.

There is a Presentation Evening annually for pupils in years 7-10 toacknowledge success in all aspects of school life and a separateannual event to celebrate the achievements of our year 11 pupils.

In addition, Heads of House host termly Achievement Assembliesduring which pupils are able to display their talents and receiveacknowledgement for thing’s they have done well.It is sometimes necessary for us to impose disciplinary sanctions,these will include the following:

• Form Tutor report• Head of House report• Subject Detention• School Detention• Internal exclusion (referred to as “Isolation”)

For incidents of a very serious nature, pupils may be excluded for afixed period of time or, in cases of extreme indiscipline, permanently.

Clear guidelines are outlined in the School Behaviour andDiscipline Policy.

Positive Behaviour Rules for the Classrooms:

At Penketh High School we believe that the young person is at theheart of everything we do. Therefore we consult pupils via ourSchool and House Councils. Each academic year, two formrepresentatives are elected to their House Council. Regular meetingsprovide a forum for consultation with pupils regarding matterswhich are of importance to them. Further representatives meet atthe School Council. Members from the Sixth Form are also associatemembers of the Governing Body.

Pupil Governance

The school recognises its obligation under Section 175 of theEducation Act 2002 to promote and safeguard the welfare of allpupils. Our policy and practices around child protection andsafeguarding are robust. We follow the guidelines set out in theManual of Procedures, produced by Warrington Area Child ProtectionCommittee. There are rigorous procedures in place for theappointment of staff and when appointed they receive theappropriate child protection training. Pupils are taught aboutsafeguarding issues in Learning for Life lessons.

Parents, staff and pupils can seek advice about child protection issuesfrom the Senior Designated Person for child protection, the ChildProtection Co-ordinator, the Heads of House or the Child Protectionlink Governor.

Child Protection

Bullying is a form of anti-social behaviour that has no placein our school community.

This school sees the issue of bullying as a very serious matter.The purpose of our policy is to reduce the incidence ofbullying and create an environment in which everyone fallssafe and secure. This is achieved by utilising a range ofstrategies including co-operative group work and mediationby staff and peers.

Anti Bullying Policy

Pupils must attend school regularly if they are to gain maximumbenefit from their education. Parents are reminded that it is theirresponsibility to ensure their children go to school. Children shouldnot be absent from school except for medical reasons. All absencesmust be covered by a note from parents.

Permission for holidays to be taken during term time is not normallygranted except in exceptional circumstances. Requests, prior tobooking, must be made in writing to the Headteacher using a holidayrequest form available from Form Tutors, Reception or the MainOffice. We work closely with the Education Welfare Service to followup unexplained absence.

The school also insists on punctuality and pupils are subject to schooldiscipline if late without good reason.

Attendance at School

A positive and supportive partnership between parents and the schoolis of critical importance in ensuring the happiness and success of yourchild. Pupils, parents and staff are asked to sign a Home-SchoolPartnership Agreement as an indication of our shared commitment toeducation.

All parents are members of our school association ‘Friends of PenkethHigh School’. The committee meets regularly at school, organisingsocial and fund-raising activities and supporting school events.Monies raised are reinvested in learning resources for the pupils.

Home and school partnership

We believe our uniform represents our commitment to our schoolcommunity. Wearing the correct uniform shows a sense of pride inbelonging to Penketh High and creates a positive impression of theindividual and our school to others. The overwhelming majority ofparents and pupils support the concept of having a uniform policy,as it helps prevent extremes of fashion and encourages pupils toconcentrate on their studies. Admission to the school impliesacceptance of our uniform policy and we trust that we will havefull support of parents in ensuring that your child arrives at schooldressed correctly.

Dress Code

• School Blazer with Badge• White School Shirt• House Tie• Black Tailored Skirt (knee length) or black tailored trousers• Sensible black shoes/plain black trainers

(no coloured markings, trims or logos), dark soles and black laces.• Black Jumper (optional)

School Uniform

At Penketh we are totally committed to developing our facilities fordisabled pupils, staff, and visitors. The school has worked withWarrington Borough Council over recent years to ensure that all futurebuilding programs align closely with D.D.A. requirements. All existingsections of the school now have at least one entrance door of extrawidth to accommodate wheelchair users and gently sloping accessareas.

As part of building plans, we are engaging in a programme ofalterations to internal door widths to meet further sections of thelegislation. A complete rebuild of our present disabled toilet facilitieswill include an enlarged room incorporating shower, changing andhoist equipment.

We have several, designated, extra sized parking bays in the front carpark, and we are in the process of making improvements to steps andgradients by providing tactile stimuli to aid people who are partiallysighted. These measures are all part of Penketh High School’s drive tobe able to fully integrate all sections of our community into ourworking environment.

Facilities to Assist Access

Sixth Form Information

Welcome toPenketh College!Penketh College is an exciting and dynamic place to continue yourstudies if you are aged 16 – 19. We have so much to offer studentsfrom Warrington and surrounding areas. We provide a quality learningexperience that helps students to progress academically andpersonally so you are well prepared for that next step.

We are reasonably small and that is our strength! We care about everysingle one of you and are able to offer you personalised treatment,small classes and huge opportunities for wider development.

Study

You can choose from a wide variety of A level and BTEC subjects. Mostof our year 12 students study 4 or 5 AS levels and after successfullycompleting these go on to gain 3 or 4 A levels.

Students at Penketh College receive outstanding support from subjecttutors and also through the tutorial system where students can expectto meet with their personal tutors regularly on a one – to – one basisto review their progress, offer advice and set targets in terms ofacademic study, work related learning and active citizenship. You canbenefit from the expertise of a professional and enthusiastic teachingstaff and a second to none higher education and careers programmethat ensures all students have the necessary information about theoptions available to them.

We are continuing to enjoy the success of rising results, which are wellabove the national average!

Sixth Form Information

• We provide a modern and well-resourced study so you have thespace and facilities to work quietly and your own spacious Café torelax in.

• The student voice is very important to us and your college is drivenby a dynamic student committee. Besides becoming involved inthe committee there are many other opportunities to be an activecitizen and become involved with community projects andvolunteer work. We enjoy working with charities for example Jeansfor Genes and host our annual Christmas party for children formGreen Lane Special School. We also enjoy many social events as acollege from meals out to sailing lessons and assault courses!

• As a thank you for joining Penketh College we can reward you withdiscounted membership at a local health club and also help you tolearn to drive at 16 with our very own on-site weekend drivingschool so you can master the basics for a really competitive rate.

• Even better, as a student at Penketh College you have the chanceto be a star! As a school of media and visual arts we haveproduced two full-length feature films as well as a soap opera,infomercials and documentaries! These were ground breakingprojects and should you be lucky enough to be at student here youtoo could become involved in such initiatives. You could alsocontribute to Red Rose Radio or the Firehouse Community cinema.

We are a happy, positive, enthusiastic and innovative college. This isan exciting place to be…so come and join us!

Mrs Amy Turner,Assistant Headteacher in charge of Key Stage 5.

Our students play a key role in developing our Sixth Form. These Students organize numerous socialevents, help co-ordinate charity activities and offer opinion and advice on the running of the Sixth Form.

“One of the best things about Penketh College is that you are not just a number, you are treated as anindividual. Penketh College has a very homely feel and you get to know everyone and make many great friends”.Melissa Houghton, Sixth Form Student

“The staff at Penketh are really supportive and pushed me to achieve my goals”.Michael Evans, Sixth Form Student

“Penketh College is a great place to study because the support you receive from all the staff is fantastic.The staff are always motivational and strive to make sure that you reach your potential”.

Leigh Jones, Sixth Form Student

College life – What’s on offer?