...find your inspiration - Alder Grange Community & Technology School

Alder Grange
Community &
Technology
School
...find your inspiration

Welcome
from the
Head Teacher
“Alder Grange is an
Outstanding School.
Central to its success is a
strong determination of the
whole school community to
achieve excellence” (Ofsted)
Thank you for taking the
time to find out more
about our school. I hope
you find the information
in this booklet useful and
helpful in discovering the
opportunities we provide
and our approach to
working with young people at Alder
Grange Community & Technology School.
Our aim is that Alder Grange should be:
. A school where everybody is inspired
to be the best they can.
recognised in many ways. Alder Grange
Community & Technology School has
been designated as ‘Outstanding’ by
Ofsted since 2004, and has been a ‘High
Performing Specialist School’ since 2007,
with specialisms in the areas of Technology,
Applied Learning and a focus on innovation
as a Leading Edge school. In 2010, as a
reflection of our ability to deliver a high
quality education for all, we were invited
to become an 11-19 school and opened
our new sixth form provision, housed in a
state-of-the-art, purpose built £8 million Sixth
Form Centre (ag6) which provides a
range of vocational and academic courses.
. A place where excellence is nurtured
by everybody.
. A community in which everybody cares.
To achieve this we place considerable
emphasis on the ‘whole child’, supporting and
developing talents and securing the personal
achievements of all young people in our
care. To us, emotional, physical, moral,
creative, and academic development
all combine to help our young people
become outstanding, independent, resilient
and effective citizens who are well-prepared
for their future place in society. The skills
needed to be successful in an ever-changing
world are nurtured and developed
throughout the seven years of a young
person’s time at Alder Grange.
The excellence of our provision, and the
high levels of our achievement have been
At Alder Grange Community & Technology
School you will find an outstanding educational
community which blends the success and
well-being of its members. Our school staff
are highly qualified, skilled and dedicated
to their role and are committed to excellence,
both in and out of the classroom. We have
high expectations of our young people,
but even higher expectations of ourselves.
Having read the information in this booklet,
if you would like to speak to us to find out
more, or visit the school, you will always
be welcome. Please do not hesitate to
contact us. Further information, together
with copies of school policies, are also
available on the school website
www.aldergrange.com.
David Hampson
Headteacher BSc(Hons), MSc, PGCE, NPQH
Alder Grange Community & Technology School.
3

A learning
community where
every child matters
4
An outstanding
school: history
and aims
Where we are coming from…..
“The students feel valued and they enjoy
and appreciate what the school has to
offer. There is a tangible community spirit
permeating the life of the school and this
is reflected in the way staff and students
get on with each other; relationships are
excellent.”
“Students speak fondly of the way teachers
know them and take a genuine interest
in their lives. Parents value the work of the
school very highly.”
“The School Council represents the voice
of all students and is able to demonstrate
impact and change as a result of its work”.
These Ofsted judgements capture the
essence of our approach - a genuine care
for our young people, a determination to
support them and, perhaps most importantly,
the knowledge that all excellent schools
are founded upon respect and trust.
Our behaviour policy is, therefore, informed
and supported by the pupils and students
and based on high expectations and an
emphasis on rewarding the ‘positives.’
Anti-social, violent, bullying or disruptive
behaviour is totally unacceptable and a
range of measures is deployed to prevent it
- or to deal firmly and effectively with it
if it arises.
As important, however, is the clarity of our
vision and the effectiveness with which we
all see it through.
“The Headteacher and Head of School
provide strong and highly effective leadership.
The rest of the senior management team
show high levels of commitment and as a
team they work very well together.”
“This is a self-evaluating school that
knows where its strengths and areas for
development lie.”
...and where we are going.
“The school provides not only excellent
teaching and learning but is also very
aware of the need to develop the ‘whole
child’ ” (Parent, quoted by Ofsted)
The world for which we are preparing our
young people is full of challenges and
opportunities. Rapid change will be the
only constant in the technological,
economic, political, social and other
aspects of their lives. Personal qualities
are at least as important as qualifications
in deciding their future. The qualities of
originality, leadership, independence of
thought, the capacity to work alone and
in teams, the preparedness to understand
and cooperate with people very different
from themselves, resilience, and self-reliance
are, and will remain, vital. So our school’s
experience is about developing these
dimensions.
A vast array of leadership opportunities
are used from the school council through
to personal and academic mentors,
prefects, student researchers and even
representation by the head boy and girl
on the governing body.
Regular attendance and excellent
punctuality are vital and we take them
very seriously.
Expectations are high regarding uniform,
personal organization and responsibility.
Pupils and students are required to behave
well on the way to and from school as well
as when here.
5

Our aim is to promote
the successful growth
of the ‘whole child’
All children and young people are
capable of achieving success in all that
they do and we recognize that such
successes come in all shapes and sizes
and should be valued equally.
We value our students as individuals, each
with right to fulfil their potential, so we
use a teaching and learning system that
facilitates this.
It’s a multi-dimensional approach that
brings the best out of everyone here.
Social development – good social and
interpersonal skills are paramount in
securing success in school and adult life.
Moral and spiritual development –
successful social relationships and
therefore effective educational progress
depends on a strong sense of what makes
us what we are and how we treat others.
Cultural development – awareness and
understanding of the nature and diversity
of the world is crucial to understanding it.
6
Teaching
and learning
Continuing our commitment to the
successful growth of the “whole child” –
because a child is not merely a “product”
to be processed to achieve “results”. True
and lasting success is founded upon much
more.
Intellectual and academic rigour and
support – through a broad, balanced,
appropriate, challenging and enriched
curriculum, where all subjects are valued
as a key means to prepare young people
for adult life.
Physical development and well-being –
academic success is closely related to
physical and emotional development,
well-being and self-esteem.
Parental Partnership – building on our
award-wining work to keep parents and
carers informed about, and involved
with their child’s education and wider
development.
And to make it happen, we choose to
limit our growth in the 11-16 part of the
school to under 700 pupils. Because, as
Ofsted says “Senior managers know the
staff and the students well.” Knowing
everyone’s strengths, building on their
capacities and doing so in a warm,
supportive but challenging atmosphere
creates the “magic” which enables our
young people to succeed in so
many ways.
7

A wealth of opportunity in
and beyond the Curriculum
8
Curriculum
Students at Alder Grange follow a broad
and balanced curriculum founded not
only on National requirements, but also
going far beyond them.
Through the study of these subjects we
encourage students to develop their
knowledge, skills and understanding and
promote initiative, independence of
thought and teamwork.
The centrally important skills we hope to
nurture in our pupils are their ability to:
- communicate clearly
- analyse and solve problems
- use numbers efficiently
- use a variety of technological skills
- operate in another language
than English
- use Information and Communication
Technology effectively
- take responsibility for oneself and
one’s learning
- work well alone and in teams and
develop leadership qualities
Key stage 3 – Years 7-9
Students study a balanced range of
subjects and most teaching takes place in
groups based on attainment/ability in that
specific subject.
Key stage 4 – Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11 the emphasis is on
ensuring a wide choice, with flexibility
to meet individual needs.
Pupils study both English Language,
English Literature, Mathematics,
Science (3 GCSEs in most cases) and a
technology subject, along with a short
course in Religious Education, ICT and
PSHCEE (Personal, Social, Health, Careers,
Economic Well-being and Financial
Capability Education), and
non-accredited Physical Education.
Choosing options Key Stage 4
From the beginning of Year 7, students
begin to receive specific Careers advice
and guidance through the PSHCEE
Programme. We want our students to
be as informed as possible when making
their choices and we will make sure each
student options are the best possible ‘fit.’
Key stage 5
Options at ag6 are discussed with students
during Y11 and a package of options are
put together based on future career plans
and GCSE results.
Religious Education
Religious education is studied Years 7-11 as
it encourages students to gain knowledge
and understanding about all different
faiths. Parents can however withdraw their
children from the classes after a discussion
with the Headteacher.
The PSHCEE Programme
In years 7-13 students have one lesson
per week devoted to this educational
programme. Each year is organised into
different themes designed to enhance
students’ skills and knowledge and
develop their attitudes and values.
Sex and Relationship Education
This programme is delivered partly through
the teaching of science and the PSHCEE
programme. At all times, the principles of
various faiths are respected, and again
parents can withdraw their children from
the classes after a discussion with the
Headteacher.
Physical Education.
We believe it is important for all pupils to
take part in a variety of sporting activities
taking place in timetabled lessons. It is
an extremely important element in their
overall development.
9

We’ve designed a system
that provides every pupil
with a happy, safe and
secure environment
10
Support and
guidance
Alder grange is committed to providing a
living and working space in line with the
Every Child Matters agenda. We want
to enable young people to achieve their
academic and personal potential and we
continually strive to attain these goals.
The programme outlines that pupils, staff
and parents are to work in partnership with
each other and provide support, responsibility
and guidance.
These goals include:
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve through learning
- make a positive contribution to society
- achieve economic well-being
Our pledge to
Pupils
• Provide a varied and rich learning
environment
• Offer a valuable range of extra
curricular activities
• Create and enjoyable and stimulating
atmosphere for pupils to thrive
• Support pupils to achieve their goals
• Develop a community to cultivate the
skills and knowledge which will build
the most successful paths for a bright
and healthy future
• Empower pupils to shape and contribute
to the life and policies of the school
Our pledge to
Parents
• Provide outstanding teaching from a
dedicated and talented team of staff
• Commit to a school-parent partnership
that will encourage and support
every pupil
• Help your children develop confident
and dynamic young people
• Promote the values of integrity to foster
a real feeling of self worth
• Provide a caring community to pursue
educational and pastoral excellence
• Cultivate an environment where high
standards of attendance, behaviour
and appearance are maintained
at all times
11

Meet our
students
Molly Y10
“I enjoy coming to
school. I have lots of
friends and this year
I’ve really enjoyed
studying Drama and
getting involved in
school productions.”
Jubair Y7
“ I have been made
to feel really welcome
at Alder grange. It is a
very friendly school, the
team building activity
day at Whitehough
helped me get to know
lots of new people.”
Amy Y8
“I really enjoy all my
lessons and this year
I’ve taken part in some
of the gifted and
talented events on
Saturdays which are
great fun.”
James Y9
“As a member of
school council I’ve been
involved in designing
the new building,
interviewing teachers
and the student
discipline committee.
I really enjoy getting
involved in school life.”
Abdul Y11
“I’m a senior prefect
and have been
involved in school
council throughout my
time at Alder Grange.
I really feel listened to
and respected here.”
Lauren Tahir
“I have really enjoyed
my school years here
so I’m thrilled that I can
carry on at the Sixth
Form. I am studying A
Levels English Literature,
History and Psychology,
and hope to have a
career as a lawyer.”
12 13

A school at
the heart of
its community
14
Contributions
As one of Lancashire’s most experienced
Community Schools our educational,
sporting and leisure facilities are available
to benefit the community.
The Sixth Form centre and our partnership
with St Paul’s CE School Constable Lee
has created a single campus catering
for life-long education and professional
development. As a University Teaching
School our community can access a wide
range of course up to master’s degree
level through Alder Grange.
The Don Pacey Sports Centre at Alder
Grange is a superb facility available to
families at weekends and evenings.
The horticulture area offers some
allotments to our community.
The Alder Grange Music School provides
highly professional instrument tuition for our
pupils and those wanting to join us from
our partner primary schools.
As a member of the Rawtenstall
Extended Services Partnership, our
pupils and families and those of
our partner schools can access a wide
range of activities outside normal school
hours. These can range from sporting
activities, homework clubs, parenting
support, to adult and family learning.
Extended services can also provide
signposting and access to local services.
Our commitment to Rossendale’s
long-term future includes our active
partnership with local business and
enterprise, Civic Pride and charity
fundraising. Our pupils have many
opportunities to volunteer to enrich
their local community.
15

Our success depends
on setting high
expectations for all
16
Our
expectations
We expect much of ourselves and,
therefore, of our students’ behaviour,
attitudes, dress, effort and commitment.
Our approach is ‘firm but fair’ with
common and consistent interpretations of
school policies.
Our aim is to ensure that every child joining
the Alder Grange community achieves
their full potential. This requires a safe,
happy and harmonious atmosphere in
which children can learn and thrive.
On entry we expect students to abide
by a code of conduct, which sets out in
detail the principles by which the school
community lives.
It is also the duty of the students, staff and
parents to ensure we support our carefully
nurtured atmosphere so we have also
drawn up a home-school agreement that
again describes the three-way partnership
we expect students, staff and parents to
work.
Pastoral welfare - All students are members
of a mixed attainment tutor group under
the care of a form tutor who will monitor
attendance, punctuality, students’ personal
appearance and organisation and any
concerns.
Behaviour – We place firm emphasis upon
good manners, respect, courtesy, common
sense and consideration to people and
property are expected of all our students.
We will not accept bullying and have a
strict Anti-Bullying policy.
Attendance and Punctuality – Full
attendance at school is essential if a
student is to make progress, and we
impress upon our students the need to
be punctual to school and each lesson.
Rewards are given for good attendance
and punctuality.
Homework – It is important students and
parents view homework as an essential
part in their progress and success
throughout the school. Parents are asked
daily to look at the daily planners and
sign them each week to make sure all
homework has been completed.
Uniform – Each child is an ambassador for
the school when travelling to and from
school. We expect him/her to represent us
proudly by wearing the school uniform in a
smart and appropriate way. We believe a
uniform is an important factor in identifying
with the school and minimising social
division between students.
Rewards – We want our students to
achieve their very best and we feel that
through a system of rewards students feel
valued and appreciated.
17

Our new sixth form
ag6 offers students the
next step in learning
It was our determination to improve our
provision for students and the community
that led us one of our boldest ventures yet,
the construction of the new Sixth Form ag6.
And it’s already paying dividends with
100 per cent of students passing one or
more A-levels, or equivalent, and students
producing a series of ‘personal bests’
across a broad range of subjects.
Our ethos is that we believe Rossendale’s
young people deserve the best possible
preparation for the challenges and
opportunities they will face throughout the
21st century, and our sixth form has been
designed with this in mind.
Students are able to take all academic
A level courses and, as part of our Applied
Learning School status, they can also take
vocational subjects too.
application and are likely to include work
placements built into the course. Students
can study courses such as Health and
Social Care, Creative Media, Sport and
many more.
Enrichment – We want our students to
have a more well-rounded education so
we expect them to take advantage of a
range of enrichment opportunities such as
Duke of Edinburgh, journalism, preparation
for teaching course (delivered by Edge Hill
University) and much more.
Our 21st century Sixth Form building includes:
- industry standard catering
kitchen and café for students
and the community
- nursery and crèche facilities for
child development
18
Community
within a
Community
A Levels – We advise our students to
choose four AS subjects initially in Year 12
and allow them to drop to three A levels in
Year 13. We offer a huge range of courses
from ICT to Environmental Science to
Sociology.
Applied Courses – In addition to A levels
we also offer a range of specialist courses,
which can be studied alongside A levels.
These courses concentrate on a work-based
- science laboratories for use
in Horticulture
- media studio and performance space
- state-of-the art ICT and library facilities
- student common room and library
- 18 seminar rooms
19

We want our pupils to try
new experiences, to find
something else to enjoy
and discover new ways
to succeed
20
Extra
Curricular
As you can see throughout this prospectus,
our fundamental purpose is to encourage
and enable the growth of the whole child
and we seek to do this through various
extra curricular activities.
We feel all the number of events and
initiatives we provide develop our young
people (and staff) and are just as important
as academic work.
- Various Clubs and activities during
lunch and after school
- House system – each student is
assigned to a house and competes for
points and trophies.
- A very wide range of sporting activity
is available, and a succession of
Alder Grange students have
represented their country and
become national champions.
- Orienteering and outdoor pursuits –
there are opportunities to get
involved in these throughout the school.
- Outdoor education and adventure
training is a key part of pupils’
experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh
award from Bronze to Gold forms a
hugely popular part of school life.
- The Alderbeat Radio station is a
fixed part of Rossendale life each year.
- School magazine – students from
journalism and media classes
contribute to the annual magazine.
- There are many opportunities for our
pupils and students to be ‘active citizens’
and our citizenship strategy has been
lauded as a national exemplar by
Ofsted.
- School council is open to students
in all years.
- Music school – students can learn to
play an instrument, join the choir, or
take part in school productions.
Currently we are working on
‘Alder grange has talent’ and the
musical ‘Grease.’
- School trips – to the theatre, Alton
Towers, art galleries, Chester Zoo,
universities plus many more.
- Positive start is a Rossendale based
community group who work with
our students to promote positive
relationships amongst all members
of the community.
We are proud of the diversity of people
in our community. Equality of treatment
and opportunity for all is the hallmark
of the school’s work. Our policies and
procedures are robust and regularly
overseen by Governors.
21

For further
information
t: 01706 223171
f: 01706 210448
e: reception@aldergrange.com
w: www.aldergrange.com
twitter: @AlderGrange
facebook: AlderGrange
22
Calder Road, Rawtenstall, Lancashire BB4 8HW

t: 01706 223171
f: 01706 210448
e: reception@aldergrange.com
w: www.aldergrange.com
twitter: @AlderGrange
facebook: AlderGrange
Calder Road, Rawtenstall,
Lancashire BB4 8HW