Prospectus for 2013 entry (PDF) - Chapel-en-le-Frith High School

Chapel-en-le-Frith High SchoolStriving for Excellence

Our School“This is a good school”Ofsted 2012This prospectus has been written to give you information about our school; we hopeyou will find it helpful.Chapel-en-le-Frith High School is a popular and over-subscribed school serving thelocal community and the wider area. The school's modern, purpose-builtaccommodation provides superb facilities for learning.Our first-class reputation is founded on high standards of teaching combined withexcellent pastoral care and high aspirations. A wide range of extra-curricularactivities including sport, art, drama and music are on offer to our students.I am delighted that the school's strengths were recognised in our recent Ofsted inspection when the school's work wasjudged “Good” in all areas of the new inspection framework, which is recognised as the most demanding to date. Thisresult reflects the commitment of our staff team who are continually working to further improve learning whilstensuring that students are treated as individuals and are happy whilst at school.We are always delighted to welcome visitors, please contact us if you would like to visit the school or if you require anyfurther information.Simon GrievesHeadteacherStriving for Excellence

Our AimsWe strive to be:· A community where the highest standards and personal excellence are achieved, promoted and celebrated.· A community which exploits new technologies to enrich learning opportunities and prepares young people tobe active, independent, life-long learners.· A caring and supportive community where individual needs are met and learning takes place in an atmospherethat is happy, safe and secure.· A community which manages its resources innovatively and flexibly to provide a stimulating and attractiveworking environment.· A community which develops all of its members and promotes active citizenship.Striving for Excellence

CurriculumThe school works hard to track national legislative changes and trends and our Key Stage 4 curriculum aims to ensureall our students, whatever their individual aspirations, have the best chances for the future, be that in college,university or employment.Whilst we will guide students in their option choices we won't force students down a particular route, preferring towork in dialogue with students and their parents. We believe that, ultimately, it is for students and parents to make aninformed choice about the subjects to study during Key Stage 4.“Teachers have high expectations, set clearlearning objectives and are enthusiastic abouttheir subjects.”Ofsted 2012The core Key Stage 4 curriculum:English GCSE (most students will be entered for both English Language and English Literature).Mathematics GCSEScience: Triple Science GCSE, Core and Additional (Double Award) Science GCSE or BTEC Science. A very small numberof students complete Core Science onlyICT: AIDA or OCR National qualificationPhysical Education (non-examination)Philosophy and Ethics GCSEStudents can then opt for subjects including:Art & Design: Fine Art GCSE, 3D Art GCSE or BTEC ArtBusiness Studies: GCSE or OCR NationalCatering GCSEDrama GCSEFrench GCSEGeography GCSEGerman GCSEGraphic Products GCSEHealth & Social Care OCR NationalHistory GCSEICT: additional ICT leading to the CiDA qualificationMedia Studies GCSEMusic GCSEPhysical Education: GCSE or BTEC SportResistant Materials GCSE (a small number of able studentsmove on to A/S Level in Year 11)Textiles GCSEAstronomy GCSE and Geology GCSE are currently offered as after school courses.Striving for Excellence

CurriculumA small number of students follow other vocational courses including a variety of Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications whichare delivered off-site by other local schools and colleges for one day each week. The courses available vary from year toyear; we do our best to match these opportunities to individual students.For some students GCSE and other Level 2 courses are not appropriate; the school offers courses such as Level 1 ASDANand a wide range of Entry Level Certificates. These include English, Maths, Science, History, Design and Technology,Philosophy & Ethics and Personal and Social Development. Some students also complete qualifications in Literacy andNumeracy at Levels 1 and 2.The Learning Support DepartmentWe have a number of students who have special educational needs at times or throughout their school career. Thesestudents are ably supported by the Learning Support Department in line with their abilities and special educational needs.In addition to those who work in mainstream, the school houses an enhanced resource provision for students with specialeducational needs which cannot be met in a mainstream setting. This provision is very much an integral part of the schooland the hugely experienced Learning Support staff team provide excellent support to students who need extra help both inmainstream classes and in Learning Support. Having this wealth of knowledge and experience in school benefits all of ourstudents.Striving for Excellence

Extra-Curricular ActivitiesWe are very proud of the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available including a variety of trips. Some visitswill take place in school time supporting the curriculum; others will be for pleasure or simply to experience somethingnew.Our highly successful Activities Week for students in Years 7 to 9 gives students the opportunity to try somethingdifferent, offering an incredible variety of new and exciting activities. It has become a popular feature of the schoolcalendar each year.If your child is interested in sport, heor she may want to join one of ourschool teams or sports clubs. Manyteams have enjoyed success at local,area and regional level and somehave even taken part in nationalcompetitions. In recent years asignificant number of our studentshave represented Derbyshire andgained area and County colours insporting activities with some alsogaining national honours.The Arts play a major part in the life of the schooland opportunities to participate in drama, danceand musical performances and productions arefrequent. Our Music department offers a widerange of instrumental tuition from our peripatetictutor team.Key Stage 4 students have the opportunity toapply to take part in the Bronze Duke ofEdinburgh's Award.Striving for Excellence

Supporting StudentsThe school has an excellent reputation for supporting its students and, to quote our recent Ofsted report, “a longstandingethos of making sure that all students feel included”. We recognise our wider responsibilities as a school and try to carrythese out in every aspect of our day to day work. We aim to care for each child in school individually by establishing goodrelationships and keeping in close contact with home.All of our students are members of “vertical” tutor groups, these tutor groups contain students from all years and are ledby a tutor who will normally remain with them throughout their time at school. The tutor groups are grouped into fourhouses (Bowden, Combs, Kinder and Hollins) and each house is led by an Academic Guidance Co-ordinator.“Students are courteous to eachother and adults, and theirbehaviour is good in lessons andaround the school. Students feelsafe at school and this is reflectedin the views of parents andcarers.”Ofsted 2012We regularly assess students' progress against their targets and send this information home for parents with a fullwritten report each year. This information, with details of the timetable and other useful materials, can be accessedthrough the school's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). We encourage children to monitor their own achievementsand progress and set themselves targets for improvement. They will have opportunities to discuss their personal targetswith their tutor as well as maintaining on-going dialogue about improvement in class.A key strength of the school, frequently commented on by parents, is our team of non-teaching Pastoral Managers.These four experienced and skilled individuals are available throughout the school day to resolve any issues fromparents or students that may arise. Because the Pastoral Managers do not teach, issues can be dealt with quickly. Ourstudents have great respect for the school's pastoral system and tell us how valuable it is to them.Striving for Excellence

TransitionOur commitment to you and your child begins when students are in primary school. We meet them, talk to them andinvite them into school so that they can become familiar with the buildings and the staff before they join us. Mostprimary students arrive with us already knowing the school and many of its staff and, because of this, they settlequickly . into their new school.We organise a Year 7 team building event during the autumn term to help establish relationships and build a teamethos.Post-16 progressionWe see our 11 to 16 status as a strength, believing that the wide variety of local colleges, sixth forms and otherproviders can best meet students needs Post-16. We believe that students benefit from moving institution at 16 andfrom having to make a positive choice about their future direction. We provide a comprehensive programme of supportand guidance to students during Key Stage 4 to enable them to make the right choices Post-16.Our most recent figures for Post-16 progression place us alongside the best schools in the country for ensuring thatstudents get a college place or a job when they leave school. 100% of students who left us in summer 2011 went on tosixth form, a college place or employment.Striving for Excellence

AdmissionsChapel-en-le-Frith High School follows Derbyshire County Council guidelines on admissions to schools.Where there is a greater demand for places than there are places available in the school, the criteria for admissionsare:1. Children in care.2. Those children living in the normal area served by the school at the time of admission (including thoseattending primary schools in another Local Authority's area).3. Children not living in the normal area served by the school but who have a brother or sister attending theschool at the time of admission;4. Other children whose parents have requested a place. Where, in the cases of 3 and 4, a number of childrensatisfy the same criteria, those living closest to the school (measured by the nearest available route) will begiven preference.Individual students with special educational needs and/or physical or sensory impairment will be given priority whereso determined by the Local Authority in consultation with the school's Governing Body.The Application ProcessFor students hoping to enter Year 7 in September 2013If you are a Derbyshire resident and have a son or daughter inthe last year of primary school, you will automatically receive aletter with details of the application process from the LocalAuthority in September 2012. This will ask you to name up to 3secondary schools in priority order. You must complete andreturn your application by 31st October 2012.If you are a parent living outside Derbyshire and you have achild in Year 6 at a Derbyshire primary school, you shouldcontact your primary Headteacher for advice and the relevantinformation.If your child is not educated in a Derbyshire primary school butyou would like him or her to attend Chapel-en-le-Frith HighSchool, you should see the information provided on DerbyshireCounty Council's website www.derbyshire.gov.uk or use CallDerbyshire on 08456 058 058 to get further information.For students hoping to enter other year groups at other timesyou should contact Ms Higgins (Assistant Headteacher) atschool or the Central Admissions Team on the above number.Striving for Excellence

Uniform.We believe school uniform is very important; it helps to develop our school identity and encourages students to take apride in their appearance. We expect all students to keep to the uniform policy fully.General UniformPlain tailored black school trousers or black knee-lengthskirt for girls. Any belts or fastenings should be black. Bucklesare permitted as long as they are black or plain metal. Skinnyleggedtrousers, jeans or leggings are not permitted.Plain black shoes (not boots) - laces and fastenings should beplain black - patches of colour or white on the shoe or sole,are not permitted. High heels, open toed sandals or slip-onsare not suitable.Plain black tights or white socks (with skirts).Black sweatshirt with school logo. *White polo shirt with red stripe on collar and school logo. *No make up is permitted in Years 7 and 8, discreet make up ispermitted in Years 9 - 11.No jewellery except one small stud or sleeper earring in eachearlobe.No visible facial or body piercings, (i.e. nose, lip or tongue etc)PE Uniform BoysRoyal blue and white multi-sports top*Royal blue T-shirt with school logo*Navy shortsRoyal blue football socksTrainersFootball bootsPE Uniform GirlsWhite polo shirt with school logo*Navy shortsWhite socksPE Uniform Boys and GirlsA royal blue sweatshirt with the school logo* isoptional for boys and girls. Pupils may not wear anyother sweatshirt in PE.In cold weather, for outdoor activities, pupils mayalso be permitted to wear tracksuit bottoms. Theseshould be plain navy blue or black.The PE department also offer a 'hoodie' for use inextra-curricular clubs and matches. Further detailsare available from the department.School uniform may be bought from any high street supplier apart from those items marked * which can be boughtfrom our suppliers:Headmaster's of New Mills, Market Street, New Mills. Tel: 01663 744254 www.headmasters-schoolwear.co.uk.Finesse Schoolwear, 98/100 Mill Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6NR. Tel: 01625 616986.Striving for Excellence

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe School Day8.40 - 8.55 Registration8.55 - 9.55 Period 19.55 - 10.55 Period 210.55 - 11.15 Break11.15 - 12.15 Period 312.15 - 1.05 Lunch1.05 - 2.05 Period 42.05 - 3.05 Period 5School holiday times are as specified by Derbyshire County Council. Details of these will be published on the schoolwebsite.LockersAll students have a locker to store their equipment. Coats are not worn in the building and should also be stored in thelockers.Lunchtime arrangementsAll students remain on site during their lunch period. There is an excellent, cashless cafeteria system offering a widerange of food. Students may also bring sandwiches and eat them in the Dining Social Area.The School Library and Resource AreaWe have a well-stocked library and resource centre that offers a range of materials on general interests, sports andleisure activities.We encourage students to use the library fully. A student librarian system for Years 8, 9 and 10 allows those who areinterested to gain experience in library management and organisation.The library is open at breaks and lunch-times and on certain days before and after school when students may attendhomework club or participate in other organised clubs.PoliciesAll of the school's policies are available todownload from the Parent Area of theschool's website www.chapelhigh.org.uk.Striving for Excellence

Chapel-en-le-Frith High SchoolHeadteacher:Chair of Governors:Mr S. GrievesMr J. StobartChapel-en-le-Frith High SchoolLong LaneChapel-en-le-FrithHigh PeakSK23 0TQt: 01298 813 118f: 01298 812 055e: enquiries@chapelhigh.org.ukw: www.chapelhigh.org.ukStriving for Excellence