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All About Us

Booklet

C O N T E N T S P A G E

TOPIC Page Number

Welcome 1

Pastoral Care & Student Conduct 2

Support for students with additional needs 3

Curriculum and Teaching & Learning 4—5

School Dress Code 6

School Canteen 7

School Staff 8—10

Term Dates 2012/2013 11

The Benjamin Britten

High School

Welcome Welcome to Benjamin Britten High School.

We are a vibrant learning community of approximately

1070 students and 134 staff. The school occupies a

generous single site and has a range of specialist teaching

areas both inside and around the buildings. We have high

aspirations for our students and are proud of their

academic successes and of the care and support they offer

each other. Our recent Ofsted inspection highlighted the

safe and caring nature of the school. It was this combined

with the welcome and openness of our students that

attracted me to Benjamin Britten earlier this year. I know

that visitors to the school will also find this to be the case.

When people ask me what we are doing at Benjamin

Britten the short answer is that we are working to get the

‘best deal’ for all our students. Our core values are:

Achievement; Positive Relationships and Broadening

Horizons. We want our students to achieve as much as they

can both in their exams and through their interests and

talents. We want our students to value positive

relationships; with each other, with staff and with people in

the wider community. We want our students to be actively

involved in school life and to look for opportunities in our

local community and further afield.

As a school we know how important it is that our students

make the progress required so they are achieving at

nationally recognised levels – so they can compete on the

national stage for jobs and other opportunities. We are an

improving school and have achieved record results for the

last two years. However; this does not mean that we are

complacent, we want all our students to have the best of

life chances and we know that parents expect us to secure

that start for their children.

Benjamin Britten High School is currently at an exciting

phase of its development. The reorganisation of schools in

Lowestoft has been a catalyst for further improvements in

our school. We have changed the way we teach with a

‘Competency Based Curriculum’ for students in Year 7

enabling them to hone the skills of learning where we

approach the traditional curriculum in an innovative

manner. This makes an easy transition from the single

class teacher arrangements of primary school . The school

now has moved to three, one hundred minute lessons a

day, which allows for more in depth study and the

opportunity to make learning more active and dynamic.

These publications contain information about how

Benjamin Britten is organised and works. If you require

further explanation please contact the school for a

discussion with a senior member of staff. If you would like

to visit the school to see our students and staff at work for

yourself please contact us on 01502 582312.

Andrew Hine

Headteacher

1

The Benjamin Britten

High School

Pastoral Care & Student Conduct

2

Since Benjamin Britten High School opened, pastoral care

and support for students has been provided through four

Houses. Named after the planets Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn

and Mercury each House contains students from all years in

school.

The Heads of House provide the first point of contact

between school and home. Great care is taken to place new

students in the same House as their brothers and sisters if

they are already at Benjamin Britten – in fact each year we

have parents who ask that their child be placed in the same

House as they were in when they attended our school. This

continues the tradition of strong House identities.

Within the main school site, each House has its Tutor

Groups located in the same area of school for registrations

and Tutor Group time. This harks back to when the school

was opened and each House was based in one of the four

original wings of the building.

Each of our Houses has a ‘Head of House’ and a non

teaching ‘Pastoral Head of House’ who between them are

responsible for the progress your child makes and for their

care and wellbeing in school.

Each House has a team of Form Tutors. Each Form contains

students from one of the Year groups in school - the Forms

are not mixed ages.

From Year 8, wherever possible, students stay with the

same tutor for the whole of their time at BBHS.

At Benjamin Britten High School, we believe that every

member of the school community has a responsibility for

behaviour and the right to feel valued and respected. All

staff and students have an entitlement to achieve their

maximum potential in a safe and secure environment

where effective teaching and learning can take place and

where achievement is recognised, encouraged and

rewarded. It is our belief that good behaviour needs to be

consistently and positively encouraged and valued.

Positive behaviour management and recognising

achievement is as important as addressing inappropriate

behaviour. Rewards are an integral means of achieving this

as they have a motivational role in helping students to

realise that desirable behaviour, self discipline and being

responsible within the school community are positive

qualities that are encouraged and valued. Praise, both

informal and formal, to individuals and groups is central to

the rewards system.

“Students, parents and carers are very

positive that students feel safe in the school

…. Inspectors observed good staff and

student relationships to support this view”

Ofsted Report

June 2011

“Inspectors saw no evidence of

inappropriate behaviour ..”

Ofsted Report

June 2011

“The students contribution to the school and

wider community is good, with positive work

on anti-bullying and support for the eldery ..”

Ofsted Report

June 2011

BBHS Memorial Garden

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School support for students with additional needs

3

The School policy supports the belief that all students are

entitled to access a broad, balanced curriculum at a level

which is appropriate to their needs.

The School follows the Department of Education Code of

Practice for Special Educational Needs (SEN). The

objectives of the SEN Policy are to identify as early as

possible children who experience difficulties in accessing

the curriculum, for whatever reason and provision of

suitable support and intervention so that they can reach

their full potential.

Students on the support register will have Individual

Education Programmes (IEPs) with targets that will be

assessed and reviewed at least twice a year.

‘The Hub’, which was established in 2009, has a key role in

co-ordinating the provision for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

students. The Hub supervises all areas of study support

which includes the oversight of community and college

placements for KS4 students who find it difficult to engage

with a full-time, standard mainstream curriculum.

Additionally, ‘The Hub’ will provide individual tuition in the

core subjects for KS4 students, as identified by the Special

Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), to ensure they

fulfil their potential in their GCSE courses. The Hub initiates

intervention programmes for students to support their

transition to High School and Year 7 students to ensure

suitable choices and provision are available at KS4,

including ‘catch-up’ in Literacy and Numeracy.

The SENCO will co-ordinate the provision of support for

those children with particular difficulties. These children

are either supported in the mainstream class by a Teaching

Assistant or receive extra support working in small groups

outside of the mainstream group.

For a full copy of the School SEN Policy, please visit the

School website www.bbhs.org.uk—About Us—Policies.

“The School has a strong track record of nurturing

disengaged individuals back into education ….”

Ofsted Report

June 2011

The Benjamin Britten

High School

Curriculum and Teaching & Learning

4

Years 7 & 8

There is an ever increasing change in the world of work. The

top 10 jobs in demand in 2011 did not exist in 2004! We are

currently preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist,

using technology that has not been invented! In this culture

of change, it is vital that our students know how to learn

and it is essential that they develop the skills and habits of

learning now, so that they can succeed in the future.

In Year 7, students spend more than half of their time

studying a Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). This

continues in Year 8, with students spending approximately

20% of their time on this curriculum. The CBC is very

different to ‘project work’ they may be familiar with and

has been built around specific skills that students need to

excel at GCSE . Each unit of work will have an overarching

theme, but learning activities will have been chosen to give

students a ‘love of learning’, the knowledge they need to

progress and an understanding of how they learn most

effectively.

Moving from Primary to Secondary school is often a

daunting prospect. We have found that the CBC builds on

the best practice of Primary schools. Students spend most

of their time in Year 7 with one teacher who gets to know

them very quickly and helps them make a smooth

transition.

Throughout Years 8 and 9, students will be taught every

aspect of the National Curriculum.

Year 9

Students in Year 9 are often impatient to start their GCSE

courses. During this year, all students will complete one

GCSE in IT. This year, all of our students achieved a grade ‘C’

or above in this subject. Students will also begin to study

GCSE in Mathematics and Science and will choose their

options which they will begin by the end of May.

Years 10 and 11

Years 10 and 11 is comprised of a two year national

framework programme, including GCSE courses for all

students. The curriculum forms a natural progression from

Year 9. All students continue core studies in the following

subjects: English (Language and Literature), Mathematics,

PE, Science and PSHE.

Students have the opportunity to choose from Art, Business

& Communication Systems, Drama, Electronics, French,

Food, Geography, Health & Social Care, History, ICT, Media

Studies, Public Services, Skills for Working Life, Music, PE,

Resistant Materials, Triple Science, Spanish and Textiles.

Students are organised into groups depending on subject

choices and ability.

Alternative provision is offered for those students who find

academic studies a challenge. Subjects taught in the

alternative provision include GCSE in Mathematics, English

and ICT. Students will also have the opportunity to study at

college and will undertake some work experience. This has

proved successful and last year 100% of our students left

with at least one qualification.

We are committed to ensuring that every student achieves

the very best they can. Developing habits of learning at

home is an essential skill that students need to acquire for a

successful future and we hope that you will encourage your

child to develop in this area.

Homework will be set by teachers , when appropriate, and

these tasks will be published on the school website. When

there are no specific tasks, students will be expected to

review their work and use the vast range of school

resources to support and enrich the learning that takes

place in the classroom.

Each year students receive four progress reports in addition

to a formal written report. We also hold evenings where

you are invited in to speak with your child’s subject tutors .

There is also an opportunity to attend a school option

evening in Year 9 to inform choices.

The school offers a programme of religious, cultural and

social education in line with National stipulations. Parents

have a right to withdraw their children after discussion with

the Headteacher. The school can offer further details if

required. Religious Education, Relationships & Sex

Education, Drugs & Alcohol Education, Citizenship, Work

Experience and Careers Education are all provided as part

of the PSHE syllabus. Careers Guidance is given in PSHE

lessons, as well as in small groups and individually. It is

really all about helping children to know themselves better

and to learn to make decisions.

At BBHS there are music, drama, sports clubs and teams, ski

trips, exchanges with foreign countries and other activities.

We also have a strong tradition of student involvement in

the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

All of our students work towards a wide range of public

examinations including GCSE, BTEC, OCR Nationals and

Adult Numeracy and Literacy. The school helps students

identify the best course of study for your child to ensure

they have the greatest opportunity for success.

Benjamin Britten High School aims to ensure that the

specific needs of English as an Additional Language students

are met and that we have clear procedures for their

provision. We provide additional support in and out of

lessons.

We give students who are identified as gifted and talented

a wide range of additional experiences that will enable

them to thrive. All of our students have access to a

curriculum that will challenge them and extra curricular

activities that will enrich their experience at Benjamin

Britten High School.

.

The Benjamin Britten

High School

5

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School Dress Code

6

HOUSE COLOURS Jupiter Mercury Neptune Saturn

purple red green yellow

Uniform

Navy blazer with Benjamin Britten High School logo, available from ‘Screens’

Plain white shirt (long or short sleeved—buttoned to the neck)

Tie in house colour, available from ‘Screens’

Plain black full length tailored trousers for boys and girls (NO SKIRTS)

Plain black shoes of a safe and comfortable style and heel height

Plain socks (black or white)

Hairstyles

Tidy hair which is not extreme in style, colour or decoration is required. Hair styles must contribute to business-like appearance. Long hair must be tied back for safety in some lessons as directed by staff. The school reserves the right not to accept students in school who exceed what the school sees as reasonable.

Nail Varnish/Jewellery

Nail varnish is NOT permitted. Jewellery must be limited for health and safety reasons. Neck and wrist jewellery must be small and neat, one small ring per hand is permitted.

PE Kit

Indoor

Plain white shirt with BBHS logo available from ‘Screens’

Plain navy sports shorts (no cycle shorts)

White socks

Trainers (must be clean and with a non-marking sole)

Outdoor

Navy rugby shirt with BBHS logo

Navy shorts

Plain navy long socks

Trainers/football boots

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School Canteen

7

The school canteen, which has Healthy Schools status,

provides a range of healthy balanced

meals, freshly prepared on the

school site.

Parents can restrict the choices available to their child and

can access a full list of what they have purchased.

Strong links with local services means that the school can

access help for students with a range of health issues, from

counselling through to simple dietary advice.

We have two self-service cashless cafeterias where your

child can get a reasonably priced meal. There are thumb

print machines available within the school for students to

top-up their credit. A number of students are entitled to a

free meal. Students may also bring sandwiches.

MONDAY Moussaka Cheese Quiche

Cheese

Tuna

Baked Beans

Meatballs & Taglatelle

Pepperoni Pizza

Assorted

filled

Breads,

Baguettes,

Pasta Pots,

Salad Pots,

Fruit Bags

Available

Daily

TUESDAY Tandoori chicken Vegetarian Sausages

Toad in the Hole

Cheese

Tuna

Baked Beans

Tuna Pasta Bake

Sweetcorn Pizza

WEDNESDAY Sweet & Sour Prawns Cheese & Potato

Pie

Cheese

Tuna

Baked Beans

Lasagne

Margarita Pizza

THURSDAY Roast Pork with

Apple Sauce Vegetable Chilli

Cheese

Tuna

Baked Beans

Chicken Tagliatelle Bake

Hawaiian Pizza

FRIDAY Oven Baked Fish Chick Pea & Potato

Curry

Cheese

Tuna

Baked Beans

Macaroni cheese

Vegetable Supreme

Pizza

Sample Menu

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School Staff

8

Headteacher Mr A Hine

Deputy Headteacher Mr D Park

Assistant Headteacher Mr D Boatman

Assistant Headteacher Mr A George

Assistant Headteacher Mr C Goffin

Finance & Business Manager Mrs D Greenard

Head of Saturn House Mr D Flanagan

Head of Neptune House Mrs K Dutton

Head of Jupiter House Mrs S Dickson (maternity cover for Mrs N Wright)

Head of Mercury House Mr N Ketteringham

Head of English Faculty Miss C Galeski

2nd in English Mrs L Bennett

Mrs C Breach English Teachers:

Mrs K Dutton

Miss S Kerr (Instructor)

Mrs C Moore

Mr S Mullinger

Head of Expressive Arts Faculty

Miss C Breen

Art Teachers: Ms G Casson

Miss J Harris

Media Studies Teachers:

Mr S Mullinger

Mr J Knight Music Teachers:

Mr L Chapman

Head of Humanities Faculty

Mr P Barber

2nd in Humanities: Mr P Kinnard

Humanities Teacher: Mr D Flanagan

Mr G Champion PSHE Teachers:

Mrs A Thoppil

Mr A Lattimore

Head of ICT Department

Mr N Leech

Mr D Chilver ICT Teachers:

Mrs A Miles

Mr N Reid (Instructor)

Business Studies Teacher:

Miss N Weston

Heads of PE Department Mr D Hurley

Mrs J Murray Mr N Ketteringham PE Teachers: Miss A Ringer Miss K Pantelli Mr A Humphrey

Head of Technology Department

Mr G Pickering

Mr G Beckett Technology Teachers:

Miss A Wisker

Mr M Brown

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School Staff

9

Head of Language Department

Miss H Fisher

Miss K Armon Language Teachers:

Miss A Yasar

SENCO Mrs V Brown

SEN Teacher: Miss S Dickson

Head of Maths Department Mr A Vaughan-Evans 2nd in Department Mr T Fisher

Miss M Gardner Maths Teachers: Mr M Johnson Mr A Scaysbrook Mr D Squires Mr R White Mrs N Wright

Head of Science Department Dr M Wright 2nd in Department Mrs C Bedward (Jan ‘12)

Miss S Bearman Science Teachers:

Mr L Court Mrs C Embleton Ms E Frost Mr D Pagan Mr A Timberlake Mrs F Timberlake Mrs V Wood

Second in Competency Based Curriculum

Miss A Sweetman

Ms J Adams Year 7 Competency Based Teachers:

Mr J Gallagher

Mr C Hill

Mrs J Poole

Mrs K Sturgess

Mrs T Thurgood

The Benjamin Britten

High School

School Staff

10

Network Manager Mr S Enright

Mr D Anderson IT Technicians

Mr S Baverstock

Mr C Shiplee

Data & Assessment Manager

Mr T Willis

Librarian Mrs D Ames

Library Assistant Mrs T Cross

Examinations Officer Mrs K Brown

Administrative Officers(Headteacher’s Office)

Mrs C Grint

Mrs D Tait

Miss R Burns Main Office Staff:

Mrs L Cox

Mrs C Laws

Mrs J Lewis

Mrs S Smith

Mrs J Whittaker

Pastoral Heads of House (Jupiter)

Mrs S Edge

Pastoral Heads of House (Mercury)

Mrs S Reynolds

Pastoral Heads of House (Neptune)

Miss R Andrew

Pastoral Heads of House (Saturn)

Mrs C Overy

Mrs R Baxter Cover Supervisors:

Mrs D Dixon

Mr N Pinnock-Smith

Mr N Reid

Mr P Smith

Teaching Assistants Mr S Ball

Mrs L Behan

Miss N Brand

Mr M Browne

Mrs M Canham

Mrs K Cross

Mrs N Edwards

Mrs C Foster

Mrs S Hart

Mrs S Harwood

Mrs C Lee

Mr J McDonald

Mrs M McKechnie

Mrs J Mercer

Mrs J Moule

Mr D Mullender

Miss L Napthine

Mrs J Nunn

Mrs S Stares

Mrs M Tillett

Mrs S Ward

Careers Co-Ordinator Mrs G Sinclair

Work Experience Co-Ordinator

Mrs A Adams

Science Technicians Mrs S Trindall

Mr J Ward

Technology Technicians

Mr P Pearce

Mrs L Pike

Facilities Manager Mr J Dunnell

Assistant Site Managers

Mr P Dale

Mr N Muddeman

Mrs K Freeman General Assistant’s

Mrs D Hartshorne

Unit Catering Manager Mrs S Sturman (Direct Tel: 526133)

The Benjamin Britten

High School

Term Dates 2012/2013

11

Times of School Day

Autumn Term

Term begins Monday 3 September 2012

Half-Term 29 October 2012 to 2 November 2012

Term ends Friday 21 December 2012

Spring

Term

Term begins Monday 7 January 2013

Half-Term 18 February 2013 to 22 February 2013

Term ends Thursday 28 March 2013

Summer Term

Term begins Monday 15 April 2013

Half-Term Monday 27 May 2013 to Friday 31 May 2013

Term ends Tuesday 23 July 2013

Morning

8.50 am Registration

8.55 am Assembly

9.10 am Lesson 1

10.50 am Morning Break

11.10 am Lesson 2

12.50 pm to 1.50 pm LUNCH BREAK

Afternoon 1.50 pm Lesson 3

3.30 pm End of Day