PROSPECTUS 2019

Welcome to Aldworth School

Respect yourself and others Endeavour to do your best Achieve your full potential

I am delighted that you have taken the time to visit our school and I hope that by having a good look around and reading all the information that is available you will gain a good insight into Aldworth School.

The vision for our school is to be a vibrant learning community with an ethos of ambition and achievement. The majority of our students have good or outstanding attitudes to learning. In a visit from OFSTED in June 2019 inspectors mentioned, in support of our work: "Pupils are polite to each other, staff and visitors, and the school is a calm and welcoming environment." and "Pupils are confident in asking for help and support. They often discuss their learning with their peers and are confident in explaining their learning to others." We aim to prepare our students academically so they are ready to take the ‘next step’ into college. We also support each young person to enable him or her to develop personally in preparation for adult life.

The expectations we have for our young people are summed up in 3 short statements: RESPECT yourself and others, ENDEAVOUR to do your best and ACHIEVE your full potential. As a growing school we recognise each student as a unique individual and never lose sight of our values. With that in mind we encourage every young person to achieve his or her best. It is how much progress each child makes that is really important and we will encourage each and every student to succeed.

Aldworth is a successful school and we are a popular choice with parents. We have seen our numbers on roll grow from 500 to closer to 1,000 in the last few years. We recently completed a £2.5 million external refurbishment programme on two of our buildings and were able to refurbish them internally as well. We are proud of our really impressive site which provides superb facilities for our young people and we are committed to investing in their futures. If you would like to find out more about us, please take the time to arrange to have an individual tour around the school during a normal school day. You are very welcome.

If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at school. I look forward to meeting you and your children.

Yours sincerely Denis McCabe HEADTEACHER

“Leaders have created a culture in

which teachers plan jointly and share

expertise and ideas regularly.”

(OFSTED 2019)

Message from the Headteacher

“It has been great, I have met new people and learned new things.” Lauren

“I am excited to learn more.” Bethany

“Since coming to Aldworth I have felt more confident.” Ben

“I liked how some students asked me if I am lost and if I needed help.” Jessica

“It’s been fun and very exciting. I was nervous at the start but I’m not anymore.” Grace

“The teachers and other students are understanding and caring.” Eloise

“I feel happy and welcomed.” Matthew

What Our New Year 7 Students

“Pupils said they feel safe and well cared for. They understand how to keep

themselves safe.” (OFSTED 2019)

Reasons For Choosing Aldworth School We have high aspirations for all our students

We closely track the progress of each individual student

Our students make excellent progress

We have a wide range of curriculum subjects on offer

We have an excellent reputation in the local community

Teaching and learning are at the centre of all that we do

Our ethos is outstanding

We provide high quality care, support and encouragement

Our staff are committed to success

Our strong financial position ensures we can afford to be

fully staffed

Students enjoy their education here

We have a wide range of extra-curricular activities

Students are supported by a strong pastoral system

We are proud of our students and our school

Our Vision To be a vibrant learning community with an ethos of ambition and achievement

We promote a whole school approach to embedding sustainable inspirational teaching and learning that puts the learner at the centre.

Our vibrant learning community promotes independence, interdependence and self motivation. Students work collaboratively with teachers and peers to learn in a culture of growth and high aspirations.

Teaching is exploratory, enquiry based and enriching thus promoting curiosity and understanding of links between concepts and knowledge. Enquiry based learning journeys and units based upon fertile questions enable students to explore relationships between surface, deep and conceptual understanding.

Our ethos ensures teaching is responsive to students needs therefore personalising learning journeys which challenge them to strive to succeed.

Enhancement and Enrichment Students have the opportunity to be immersed in an exciting programme of enrichment. We provide a range of after school clubs covering curriculum areas, sports; both competitive and non-competitive and more specialised clubs such as astronomy, art therapy and youki. Our Key Stage 4 students also have an opportunity to attend enhancements to help with their understanding, progress and achievements.

Teaching and Learning

Go Further We promote a culture of growth in learning. The ‘Go Further’ initiative gives students the opportunities both in and out of lessons to participate in activities that will take their subject learning or life skills to the next level. A range of Go Further strategies have been introduced in all lessons to facilitate deeper student learning. It is the aim of the ‘Go Further’ initiative that all students should feel challenged in lessons to try and help them reach their full potential in subjects.

Our Expectations

Respect in our Learning Our school learning community fosters an environment where students feel safe, supported and engaged. We have a collaborative approach to life long learning. We strive to be ambitious and develop our own resilience and mindset. We respect our peers and teachers and understand that they are an integral part of our success.

Endeavour in our Learning Our students strive to be their best. They are challenged and supported to develop levels of thinking and application. They are encouraged to have high aspirations stemming from high expectations and resilience.

Achieve in our Learning Our curriculum is at the heart of school life and embodies high expectations and covers a broad range of subjects designed to engage, inspire and challenge. We have a staff team of passionate specialists who provide excellent learning experiences for students. Progress is rigorously monitored at every stage so that students’ individual needs are met and success celebrated.

The graph below shows the number of pupils who either stayed in education or went into employment after finishing Key Stage 4 (after Year 11, usually aged 16). This is for pupils who finished Year 11 in 2016, which is the most recent data currently available. This figure covers any sustained education or employment destination.

“Pupils are prepared for their next steps in education. They receive appropriate advice and guidance that helps prepare

them to make positive decisions about their futures.” (OFSTED 2019)

Overall 82% of students achieved GCSE grades 9-4 in English and/or Maths

Overall the combined figure for our students achieving GCSE grades 9-4 in English and Maths is 63%

Overall 78% of our students achieved GCSE grades 9-4 in English and 66% of our students achieved grades 9-4 in Maths

Ten of our students achieved at least one grade 9 at GCSE (the new ‘gold’ standard) with a number of them achieving multiple grade 9’s. There have been some outstanding individual performances in both attaining high grades and in making excellent progress

A full breakdown of all GCSE examination results is available on our website.

2019 Achievement

Life beyond Aldworth

“The curriculum is broad and balanced. Leaders consider pupils’ needs and aspirations when

deciding on provision.” (OFSTED 2019)

The Curriculum Our curriculum is designed with the aspiration that every learner should leave the school fully qualified to enter the next phase of their education. Teaching groups are organised according to the year group and subject. The grouping arrangements are reviewed periodically to ensure students are in a group that will allow them to progress as well as they possibly can.

On arrival in Year 7 pupils are taught in mixed ability, flexible groups in most subjects. Pupils select which language to study before Year 7 and will be grouped according to whether they choose French, German or Spanish.

Moving into Year 8, accelerated groups are introduced in the core subjects.

During Year 9 pupils in some areas, for example History, Geography and Science, will start their GCSE courses. In addition Year 9 pupils get a choice about which technology and art subjects they wish to specialise in.

We have a broad and balanced selection of option subjects at Key Stage 4 including some ‘vocational’ subjects which we are fortunate to have the facilities to be able to offer. We have a ‘guided options’ process in which the Tutors, Year Leaders and Senior Staff put in a considerable amount of effort ensuring that students are taking courses that will meet their needs in the future.

Core Curriculum Art Drama English French German ICT Mathematics Music Physical Education PSHE Religious Studies Science Spanish Technology

Additional Subjects from Years 10 and 11 Art & Design Business Enterprise Food Preparation & Nutrition Hair & Beauty Health and Social Care Media Studies Product Design

Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) Through this programme we aim to ensure pupils develop the attributes, skills and knowledge they need to prepare for a successful future in both life and work, and to keep themselves healthy and safe.

Grouped into three core themes: ‘health and wellbeing’, ‘relationships’ and ‘living in the wider world’, we want to develop pupils who are responsible, can demonstrate resilience and critical thinking, work effectively as part of a team, communicate confidently, and are able to recognise and manage risk. Responding to the requests of pupils in an annual ‘Student Voice’ survey, we are also teaching some modules which focus on the issues of mental health, stress and self-esteem.

Admissions Hampshire County Council (HCC) is the admission authority for all community and voluntary controlled primary and secondary schools in the area. The Governors’ Policy on Admissions is as recommended by the Local Authority. HCC will consider first all applications received by midnight on Thursday 31 October 2019. Applications submitted after that time will be considered after all on-time applications have been fully processed. Notifications to parents offering a secondary school place will be sent by HCC on 1 March 2020.

The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Aldworth School for 2019-2020 is 200. The school is fully accessible for physically disabled students.

Attendance Regular attendance at school is vital if children are to achieve their potential. School attendance is closely monitored.

Overall attendance figure for 2018 – 2019 95.0%

Total number of students of compulsory school age on roll for at least one session

1016

Percentage of student sessions (half days) missed through authorised absence

4.8%

Percentage of student sessions (half days) missed through unauthorised absence

0.9%

Special Educational Needs and the Learning Support Department The school’s SEND policy is aimed at ensuring that all students receive an appropriate curriculum with additional support and help to overcome learning difficulties as far as funding allows. A copy of the policy is available on request. The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Report is available on our school website.

Our aim is to work with individual students and their families to remove any barriers to learning. Our role is to enable students to access the school curriculum and to ensure that whatever a student’s difficulties they develop their self-esteem and confidence.

To discuss your child's individual needs please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

Aldworth School is the designated secondary school for pupils attending:-

Kempshott Junior School Park View Junior School

We currently receive pupils from the following primary and junior schools with whom we have links:

Castle Hill Chalk Ridge Chiltern Fairfields Hatch Warren Kings Furlong Manor Field Marnel Merton Oakley South View St John’s St Mark’s Winklebury

Useful Information

Charging and Remission The 1998 Education Act requires Governors to produce a written statement on their policy of charging for school activities. This document is reviewed annually.

Departments organise many trips and special events during the year to enhance the students’ learning and experience of particular subjects. There are also many enrichment and extra-curricular activities such as theatre visits. It is the policy of the school to invite parents to make voluntary contributions to enable these activities to take place.

We also organise music tuition which is very heavily subsidised by the school.

School Uniform The Governors have adopted a uniform policy and all students are expected to comply with their instructions without fail. All items must meet the expected standard and style and be worn in an appropriate manner. If a student loses or wears out an item of uniform it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the item is replaced.

A full uniform list is available on our school website.

School Bus Service The school offers a daily bus service covering Winklebury, Oakley, Beggarwood, Hatch Warren, Kempshott and the Buckskin areas. Parents can choose morning or afternoon only tickets as well as both ways. There is also a late bus leaving the school at 4.20pm Monday to Thursday.

More information is available on our school website.

Communication The school regularly contacts parents with messages and notifications. The school uses various methods of communication:

Student Planner - contains key information about the school, your child’s work and targets and provides parents and teachers with a daily means of communication.

Show My Homework – an online tool that shows all of your children’s homework, deadlines and resources for free.

Weekly News Sheet – next weeks events and general news and information.

Email – general information sharing, whole school and year group letters and the Weekly News Sheet.

Text Messages – general and emergency notifications and reminders.

School Website – school calendar, copies of letters home and Weekly News Sheet, termly newsletter, links to Online Payment System and Show My Homework.

Cashless Catering The school operates a cashless catering system to purchase a range of hot meals, snacks and drinks. Students are registered onto the biometric system and then credit can be allocated to their account either by cash at the revaluation machine in the canteen or by online payments.

“Middle leadership has been strengthened. Middle leaders have effective plans in place to drive improvements.”

(OFSTED 2019)

Reporting to Parents The progress and attitude of students are monitored throughout the year. This is reported to parents in a variety of methods:

Parents Evening – held at least once year. Parents are given the opportunity to speak to individual subject teachers

Interim Review – parents receive a report on progress and attitude once a term

Review Evening – targeted evening where parents can speak to tutors

Online Payment System Parents have the facility to pay for school trips and activities on-line.

Parents can pay by debit or credit card using an on-line account for their child (there is no extra charge for this facility).

The advantages to paying online are:

Payments are made through WorldPay so are safe and reliable

Reduced risk of students losing cash

Able to view payment history on-line

School Locker Each student has the opportunity to have the use of a personal locker. There is a fee for the 5 years which is non refundable

“Pupils are tolerant and respectful of others.” (OFSTED 2017)

The school aims to promote high standards of behaviour, self-discipline and learning through positive encouragement and reward. The school encourages students by awarding different levels of awards.

Achievement Points These are given for a wide range of achievements and positive behaviour, both inside and outside of the classroom. Achievement points are awarded to students by teachers and tutors, in line with our school values of Respect, Endeavour and Achieve, for classwork, homework, citizenship, extra-curricular activities alongside good attitude to learning, manners, etiquette and school ethos.

Headteacher Awards These are certificates awarded to students for reaching a certain number of achievement points:

Special Headteacher Award A certificate awarded to students who receive the highest number of achievement points at the end of an academic year.

Headteacher’s Breakfast Each term, Year Leaders and their teams will nominate 10 students from each year group to have breakfast with the Headteacher in recognition of their commitment to learning.

Prefect In Year 11 there is the opportunity to become a prefect. A prefect is a student who has been given the privilege of extra responsibility in school. This honour is a direct result of consistently having good conduct, attendance, uniform and making a sustained positive contribution to our school community.

Behaviour and Rewards

BRONZE SILVER GOLD PLATINUM

Book of Excellence The Book of Excellence is used to display samples of work considered to be excellent.

Staff can nominate a student for excellent work and they then have the opportunity to talk about this work with the Headteacher.

Each student receives a certificate in recognition of excellent work.

This academic year we have launched our new House System. Tutor groups have been allocated a house community. The houses are:

Respect, Endeavour, Achieve and Ambition.

These houses reflect the values and expectations of Aldworth School and allow us to build the vibrant community further through many different exciting opportunities and competitions.

Aldworth House System

RESPECT Definition: ‘to have due regard for someone’s feelings, wishes or rights’

ENDEAVOUR Definition: ‘trying hard to do or achieve something’

ACHIEVE Definition: ‘to succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially after a lot of work or effort’

AMBITION Definition: ‘a strong desire to do or achieve something’

Student Leadership The Ascent Student Leadership Scheme is designed to champion and celebrate the leadership skills our young people have and help them to develop their potential whether it is in the classroom, across the school, the wider community or in future employment

Personal development is derived from embarking on opportunities that are on offer and can enrich a students experience while at school. In todays world Leadership qualities are increasingly in demand when applying for college places, apprenticeships and employment. Through the experiences and skills students will gain through the Ascent scheme they will stand out above others.

“Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular activities”

(OFSTED 2019)

Student Enrichment

The school curriculum is not confined to the formal school day. Aldworth School provides a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, visits and trips which are advertised to students through assemblies and bulletins.

Last year we organised:

Trips to Italy and Rhineland STEM Challenge Day Bournemouth University Voice in a Million Dr Horrible’s Sing along Blog Music Concerts Duke of Edinburgh Peace Jam Engineering Challenge Day MFL Challenge Day Year 11 Residential Trip Southampton University Careers

Morning Geography Field Trip Living Rainforest QMC Superstars National Portrait Gallery Basketball trip to Belgium Restart a Heart Hampshire Book Awards St Pauls Cathedral and London Central

Mosque Theatre Trips Bournemouth Oceanarium

Arts & Crafts Club

Astronomy

Athletics

Badminton

Basketball

Charity Club

Choir

Composition Club

Cricket

Danish Longball

Dodgeball

Drama Club

Dyslexia Support Club

Fantasy Premier League

Football

Homework Club

KS4 Enhancement Sessions

Lego Club

Multigym

Musical Instrument Lessons

Netball

Orchestra

Peer Mentors

Rounders

Rugby

Spike Club

STEM Club

Student Council

Therapeutic Art

Trampolining

Unihoc

Young Carers Club

Open Evening Wednesday 18 September 2019

5.30pm - 8.00pm

Open Morning Wednesday 25 September 2019

8.45am - 11.00am

School Tours Tuesday 1 October 2019 9.00am

Thursday 3 October 2019 9.00am

Monday 7 October 2019 9.00am

Wednesday 9 October 2019 9.00am

Friday 11 October 2019 9.00am

Tuesday 15 October 2019 9.00am

Thursday 17 October 2019 9.00am

Please contact the school to book a place.

Key Dates

Western Way Basingstoke Hampshire RG22 6HA

Telephone: 01256 322691

Email: enquiries@aldworth.hants.sch.uk

Website: www.aldworth.hants.sch.uk

Headteacher: Denis McCabe BSc (Hons) MA

Respect yourself and others Endeavour to do your best Achieve your full potential

Year 5 Taster Days Tuesday 16 June 2020 - Park View Junior School

and other Junior Schools

Monday 22 June 2020 - Kempshott Junior School

Thursday 25 June 2020 - Other Junior Schools If you wish to attend a taster day and are not a student of one of our feeder schools, please contact the school or use the Year 5 Taster Day registration form on our school website.