Welcome to Rooks Heath College for Business and Enterprise

Thank you for taking the time to consider Rooks Heath College at this important stage of your child’s

education. I am pleased to advise you that Ofsted have recently inspected Rooks Heath and we have

achieved our third Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ result in succession. This grade has been given in each of the

Ofsted categories of Achievement, Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Safety, and Leadership and

Management. Ofsted noted that teachers’ subject knowledge, focussed planning, productive

relationships and consistently high expectations ensure that students make rapid and sustained

progress.

Rooks Heath was granted Academy status, along with six other Harrow High Schools, on 1st August 2011.

This provides us with the opportunity to develop an inspiring and challenging curriculum and work closely

with other High Schools to develop an outstanding educational experience for young people across the

borough and beyond.

Ofsted 2012: “Students are highly courteous and respectful to each other, their teachers and

visitors. They enjoy open access to the College’s facilities at all times and their teachers are

always available. The highly personalised curriculum also has a positive

impact on student behaviour.”

Rooks Heath College is an 11 – 18 multicultural, inclusive, comprehensive College specialising in Business

and Enterprise. We are also known as a ‘Leading Edge School’ with many of our staff sharing their

expertise with staff from other schools across London. We have 845 students on roll aged 11 – 16, with

140 students in the Sixth Form. We are located in the London Borough of Harrow, on Eastcote Lane, on

an extensive site which is shared with Heathland Primary School. The College is a fifteen minute walk

from South Harrow tube station, or a twenty minute walk from Rayners Lane. Bus numbers 114, H9 and

H10 also stop close to the College providing easy access to students from Brent, Ealing and Hillingdon.

Ofsted 2012: “The College is a highly cohesive community with students from rich and

diverse cultural heritages. This promotes students’ understanding of diverse cultures

exceptionally well.”

The College has a highly inclusive approach to ensure that all students are welcomed, cared for and

supported to give their very best and achieve their full potential. Ofsted noted that the College is highly

effective in promoting equal opportunities and tackling discrimination.

Ofsted 2012: “Parents and carers unanimously agree that their child is taught well at the

College.”

If you require any further information, or if you would like a personal interview and/or a visit to the

College during a normal working day, we would be more than happy to organise this. Please contact our

Admissions Manager on 020 8422 4675 to arrange an appointment.

College Aims We wish to provide the best possible education for each and every student and our aims are: To develop the potential of every child. To serve the needs of the community. In order to fulfil these aims we will: Raise levels of attainment for all students, enabling them to achieve their personal best. Give students the knowledge and skills to cope successfully with life. Foster the development of all students as mature and responsible individuals. Develop confident, disciplined and enquiring learners, able to make informed choices. Foster a love of learning and a respect for the needs of others. Ensure equal opportunities in relation to gender, race, class, special needs and belief.

Admission Arrangements The college has an admissions number of 210 students per year group. Parents wishing to apply for entry to the college should do so through their local council Admissions Department which is situated at the Civic Centre. The application form must be completed and returned to the Admissions Department within the stated deadline.

Equal Opportunities In accordance with the college’s Equal Opportunities Policy, all children at Rooks Heath College must be given full access to the National Curriculum. Staff will endeavour to help all children to reach their full potential irrespective of race, gender, age or ability. Support is provided for students of all ages who have English as an Additional Language, in order to improve their access to the curriculum. Students benefit from the provision of supplementary differentiated materials which enhance their understanding in the early and more advanced stages of language development.

Curriculum

Ofsted 2012: “The curriculum is a real strength and contributes significantly to the high lev-els of achievement seen. The curriculum is designed around the needs of every student.” The college aims to provide an effective and supportive learning environment. In some subjects, students are set according to ability, while in others they are taught in mixed ability groups. The principles that underpin our curriculum planning are: balance, personalisation and relevance. The curriculum goals for our students are: challenge, opportunity and achievement. Every student is guided through their individual programmes of study from Year 7 to Year 13 to enable them to achieve their full potential. In years 7 and 8, our aim is to provide a good, rounded general education in accordance with the National Curriculum. Attention is given in all subjects to the development of literacy, numeracy and information communication technology. In Years 9, 10 and 11 students are able to choose from a range of subjects which match their levels of ability and interest as they progress through Key Stage 4. We offer a number of BTEC courses including: Science, Art, Health and Social Care, Business, Sport and Performing Arts. GCSE courses remain at the heart of our curriculum leading to an ever-widening range of A level courses at post 16. Detailed data about each student is used to provide quality advice and guidance ensuring that every student follows a challenging and achievable programme of study. Intervention strategies are employed at various stages to address the needs of students of all abilities. Our curriculum is innovative, developing the use of two and three hour lessons. The college has introduced ‘in depth’ Bridging courses into Year 9 to develop study skills so vital in the modern world. Our Post 16 Curriculum offers the widest range of courses due to our partnership with other local schools and colleges.

The Core at KS4 is: English, Maths, Science, ICT, PE, Religious Studies, and PSHE. In addition, stu-dents may choose options from the following list:

Art Foundation Learning including

COPE and Functional Skills Business Studies Drama Food Technology Foundation Learning French Geography German Graphics Health and Social Care

History Information and Communication Technology Latin Media Studies Music Performing Arts Photography Resistant Materials Sociology Systems and Control Textiles

Specialist Status We have been very successful in establishing our specialism as a Business and Enterprise College. We are extremely proud of this as it reflects not only the excellence of teaching and learning at the college but the importance of Business and Enterprise to our local community. Our vision is to create a successful culture of Business and Enterprise which is central to the life of our college. In doing so, we aim to motivate our students by providing a broad and balanced curriculum which gives them the knowledge, expertise, experience, confidence and skills that they need, to face the challenges of the 21st century. Enterprise is a whole-college initiative which develops a range of skills necessary to allow students to cope with the world of work. It is about changing attitudes by developing a ‘get up and go’ approach. It allows students to bring about change as a result of being creative and innovative. It encourages tudents to think for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. It gives students the opportunity to develop skills that will help them when they leave Rooks Heath, such as: team-work, leadership skills, risk-taking, problem-solving and communication. These are the skills that employers and universities are looking for and are relevant to today’s changing world. The college uses our specialist status to maximum effect in order to: Set new and realistic challenging targets for our college. Improve teaching and learning. Promote a culture which embraces business and vocational approaches. Develop an active learning community that engages and involves other partner schools and community groups. Develop links with the Business community which will improve the work/life chances of our students.

Post 16 In partnership with the Harrow Collegiate, we offer a wide range of Level 3 courses, state-of-the art study facilities and relevant, stimulating resources. There is a strong sense of partnership between s tudents and staff which contributes to the warm sense of community, encouraging students to thrive. Examination results have been impressive, with students moving on to universities of their choice, including Oxford and Cambridge, with the life-long learning skills needed to make a positive contribution to society. We provide a full and varied Enrichment Programme, available both at Rooks Heath College and across the Collegiate.

Students

As a comprehensive college, we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all. Everyone has the chance to excel. Students’ academic achievements take place within a stimulating and caring environment, which enables them to develop their individual talents and skills to the full. Depart-ments plan Schemes of Work and Directors of Learning work with students to improve their attend-ance and lessen the risk of exclusion.

Ofsted 2012:

“Teachers are very committed to ensuring the success of all students.” “Students appreciate the critical advice that they receive from their teachers and most act on it appropriately. This highly effective assessment practice ensures that students’ progress can be effectively tracked and maintained.”

College Council

This is a council made up of representatives from all year groups in the college. It meets regularly to discuss issues or concern to pupils. Views of students are received from the council, student surveys and PSHE discussions.

Parent and Carers

Ofsted 2012 “Student achievement is outstanding.” Ofsted 2012: Parents’ views:

“The College provides a safe maturing and challenging environment.” “My children really enjoy their lessons.” “Lucky to be part of the Rooks Heath family.”

There are academic monitoring periods annually for each student and three grade assessment sheets, of which one will be a full written report. There is a fortnightly Parents’ Newsletter – ‘Voices’ which is also available on the college website and a strong link with home through the Link Book. We recognise the importance of close, supportive links between home and the college for the benefit of the child. Parents are encouraged to comment in the Link Book and the college acts appropriately on these comments. The college seeks to work in partnership with parents and parents’ views are sought through questionnaires. The college has an active PTFA which represents parental voice in the college.

Parent/Carers can log on to ‘My Child at School’ to see how their son or daughter is progressing. It gives immediate and up to date information on their child’s timetable, attendance, reports, behaviour and homework set.

Welfare and Guidance At Rooks Heath College we have a strong pastoral team led by the Deputy Head, (Pastoral), to sup-port each individual student. Personal tutors look after the day to day needs of students and remain with their tutor groups throughout the five years wherever possible, getting to know both students and parents very well.

Ofsted 2012: “There is a high degree of collaboration among staff for the benefit of the students.”

Child Protection and Children in Public Care Local councils are required by law to investigate the circumstances of all children who are thought to be suffering harm. These investigations are usually carried out by Social Services and in some circumstances by the police. In accordance with the guidelines provided by the Area Child Protection Committee, schools must report all cases of actual or suspected child abuse to the Social Services Department for investigation. Where the abuse is not perpetrated by a member of the household, we would endeavour to contact a parent first. In Rooks Heath the person responsible for such welfare of the children is Ms Blundell, Assistant Head Teacher. She is assisted by Ms Rockell. Some students are in the care of the Local Authority. These children are entitled to extra support. Again in Rooks Heath the person responsible for the welfare of these children is Ms Blundell.

Behaviour for Learning Students and teachers are fully aware of the college’s Behaviour for Learning Policy and there is a clear system of rewards and sanctions. Respect for others forms the basis on which we expect students to behave. This is reflected in the Inspectors’ statement that:

Ofsted 2012: “The College has made considerable impact on improving behaviour through initiatives and strategies used to promote high standards and expectations across the College.”

At Rooks Heath College our Behaviour for Learning Policy involves all members of the college community: students, staff, parents/carers and governors. If students are to achieve their best, they must be free to learn in a stimulating, encouraging, supportive, consistent and caring environment. Above all, it means students accepting responsibility for their own actions and ensuring that they do not adversely affect the learning of others. For students who choose inappropriate behaviour, there is an escalating series of consequences, which may result in detention, seclusions or exclusions. There is a corresponding set of Rewards and teachers take every opportunity to reward success.

Choice Programme The ‘Choice’ Programme is a central part of Rooks Heath College, offering students a variety of activi-ties that take place outside normal lesson times. Each week we provide in excess of 50 activities in which students can participate. We aim to provide a wide range of activities before college, at lunchtime and after college. Many departments offer revision sessions during the holiday periods as students approach their exams and students are encouraged to stay after hours to get valuable extra help to complete their coursework. All students have the opportunity to take part, either by joining in with existing activities or perhaps by starting a new one.

‘Choice’ has clear aims and the work we do with our students will:

Identify and meet the individual needs of students.

Provide an environment where students feel safe.

Remove the barriers to students’ learning.

Develop self-esteem by focusing on positive achievements and building on these successes.

Identify learning styles and adapt resources/support accordingly.

Create a climate conducive to learning.

Promote equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice.

Give space for students to complete college work, with or without extra help.

Raise achievement.

Help promote a healthy lifestyle

Make friends outside the classroom

The choice of activities varies throughout the year and students will find details available in the library and announcements will be made in Assemblies.

Breakfast Club Our Breakfast club is more than just a place to eat! Students can use the library and ICT facilities, get help with homework or watch television. The Club operates from 7:30am – 8:30am daily and offers students a secure and supervised environment where they can socialise with students from other year groups and prepare for the day ahead. All staff have Food Hygiene and First Aid qualifications. The service is offered free and also provides a selection of healthy foods for breakfast which is available to any students choosing to attend.

The College Day

Offsite Activities

At Rooks Heath College we try to ensure that the students are given every opportunity to extend their studies and take part in trips and visits to a wide variety of venues to enhance the curriculum as well as promote good moral values and fellowship. College trips and visits make pleasant changes to class-room-based activities and stimulate the development of the whole student. We are very proud of the fact that we run such a mixture of activities and we find that students are very enthusiastic and eager to take part. Activities can vary widely from a trip to the local shops to a day at the Natural History Muse-um or a residential field trip to The Isle of Purbeck. During the last year more than 160 activities were organised. Students are encouraged to write about their experiences and these are published in the college newsletter ‘Voices’.

The College recognises the importance of providing the opportunity to expand student horizons and the chance to learn through experiencing learning outside the college. These can prove to be invaluable and rewarding experiences for our students, which enrich their lives.

All trips are carefully planned, in line with Health and Safety Regulations, ensuring that accurate risk assessments are completed in advance. This enables the college to foresee any possible dangers and difficulties and to make plans accordingly. All staff receive specific training before they can take part in any activities and must have extensive experience before they can actually lead a trip.

All students are given an equal opportunity to join in these activities regardless of physical or financial constraints. Where necessary, voluntary contributions are requested to cover the costs of a trip and, as long as the system is not abused, this arrangement allows everybody interested in taking part, the op-portunity to do so.

08:45 am - 09:10 am Registration

09:10 am - 10:10 am Lesson 1

10:10 am - 11:10 am Lesson 2

11:10 am - 11:25 am Break

11:25 am - 12:25 pm Lesson 3

12:25 pm - 01:10 pm Lunch

01:10 pm - 02:10 pm Lesson 4

02:10 pm - 03:10 pm Lesson 5

Special Educational Needs

Rooks Heath welcomes students of varying abilities and backgrounds. The Learning Development Coordinator and team support these students. Every curriculum area is expected to provide a range of texts, materials, teaching strategies and learning activities that enable all students to fully participate in lessons. Our Learning Development Coordinator has the responsibility for ensuring that the Code of Practice is implemented. A copy of our SEN Policy is available from the college. The college has a dedicated area which caters for students with Special Educational Needs and an In-clusion Unit which helps students with behavioural and emotional difficulties. They receive targeted support where the curriculum is adapted well to meet their individual needs.

Ofsted 2012: “Disabled students and those who have special educational needs also make outstanding progress” and: “The care and support provided for them builds their confidence quickly which motivates and encourages them to participate fully in their lessons.”

Gifted and Talented Students The college has a dynamic programme for gifted and talented students. We aim to work with these students to encourage, facilitate and celebrate their abilities and play a significant role in helping them achieve their potential. There is a wide range of extensive opportunities which enhance learning. These activities are co-ordinated both within and outside college.

Ofsted 2012: “Outstanding progress is supported by highly effective teaching in lessons.”

Independent Study Independent study is college work which students do in their own time and includes adding to work started in class, carrying out research, reading, making notes, memorising, revising, practising skills, interviewing others, doing projects or coursework etc. Independent study helps students learn more effectively. At Rooks Heath, we aim to enable all students to become independent learners.

Teaching and Learning Rooks Heath has a stable and caring staff, including the Headteacher, Dr Reavley, who has been dedicated to the College for thirteen years.

Ofsted 2012: “Teaching is outstanding” and: “The leadership of teaching and the management of performance are highly effective.”

Learners make outstanding progress because teachers and support staff plan work very thoroughly according to the students’ needs and abilities and provide excellent guidance. Teachers set clear objectives and monitor students’ attainment thoroughly. Students are aware of their learning targets and know what they need to do to improve as teachers assess how well they are learning in lessons and give appropriate feedback.

College Dress All students are expected to wear full and correct college uniform with the exception of the charity ‘non uniform’ days and on some fieldwork sessions. Uniform skirts should not be shorter than knee length. The Sixth Form do not wear uniform, but are expected to dress appropriately for college. Students are to be clean and tidy at all times. We advise that all uniform is labelled. The uniform (including P.E kit) is available from ‘Angels’ in Rayners Lane.

Uniform Years 7-10 Girls Boys

Sky-blue shirt with college tie. Sky-blue shirt with college tie.

Navy V-necked jumper. Navy V-necked jumper.

Navy or black skirt or tailored trousers. Plain black trousers.

Navy blazer with college badge. Navy blazer with college badge.

White, black or navy plain socks or Black, grey or navy plain socks. black, navy or natural plain tights.

Uniform Year 11 Girls Boys

White formal shirt with collar and White formal shirt with collar and plain black tie. black tie.

Black skirt or tailored trousers. Plain black trousers.

Black blazer with college badge. Black blazer with college badge.

Black V-necked jumper or cardigan. Black V-necked jumper.

White or black plain socks or black White/black plain socks.

or natural plain tights.

P.E. Kit

White polo-shirt with college emblem printed on it. Plain navy blue shorts or tracksuit bottoms. White sport socks (ankle socks). Non-marking trainers. Optional Navy blue sweatshirt with college emblem printed on it Plain navy blue football socks Shin pads

College Term Dates 2013 – 2014

Autumn Term 2013:

Tuesday 3 September - Friday 20 December

Half Term: Monday 28 October - Friday 1 November

Spring Term 2014:

Monday 6 January - Friday 4 April

Half Term: Monday 17 February - Friday 21 February

Summer Term 2014:

Tuesday 22 April - Wednesday 23 July

May Day Bank Holiday - Monday 5 May

Half Term: Monday 26 May - Friday 30 May