Colton HillsCommunity School

Prospectus 2015-16

Hello and Welcome,

Thank you for showing an interest in Colton Hills Community School.

We are a school whose reputation for the care and ambition it shows

its students grows day by day. Colton Hills Community School has

embraced change, which has transformed the school in recent years

and Ofsted, in its visit in May of this year, were suitably impressed.

The good news is there is more to come. The school is getting

better and better. Our aim is to be outstanding before Ofsted’s next

visit. One of the reasons for our success is because the Governors,

Headteacher and all the staff, work hard to listen carefully to what

parents and carers want for their children. We work equally hard to

implement those important things, in particular: to ensure children

feel safe; to ensure high standards of behaviour from all students; to

ensure high standards of teaching from all teachers; to ensure good

results and high quality qualifications.

We communicate well with parents and where home-school

partnerships are positive, children thrive. We would like to build on

this and give every family confidence to see the school as a source

of support to ensure their child’s success. I am confident that our

prospectus will illustrate this. However, nothing is as good as a visit

to the school and you are invited to come along at any time.

I continue to welcome the opportunity to hear your views and I, in

turn, would like to tell you what we can guarantee you for your child.

Best wishes,

Duane Williams,

Chair of the Board of Governors

at Colton Hills Community School

WELCOME FROM THE

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

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WELCOME FROM THE HEADTEACHER

Welcome to Colton Hills Community SchoolIt is my privilege to be the Headteacher of this very caring and ambitious school and it is a responsibility I fully embrace. We are a GOOD school. This is increasingly being recognised across the city, the local community and it was certainly confirmed by Ofsted in May 2015. Please do read their report.

As a parent or carer of a child, choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions you will make. You can be assured that your child will feel safe and secure and confident enough to access the wide range of opportunities and experiences offered at Colton Hills which will help shape the rest of their life.

Dedicated staff at all levels of the school ensure that no student, regardless of background, need or circumstance, is left behind but we also ensure that every single student is stretched to meet their full academic potential.

Education is most successful when parents can be involved in their child’s progress and so our approach at Colton Hills is founded on the special relationship between you as parents, teachers, other adults at the school and your child. We will therefore work closely with you to ensure your child achieves the very best.

Our faculty approach to the curriculum will ensure that students leave Colton Hills as young adults able to read, write and communicate to a high standard; able to think scientifically and

mathematically and design creatively; and be able to express themselves through the arts, sport or business, developing courage and resilience through a challenging curriculum matched to their needs.

As a true community school we embrace all students for their unique talents, dispositions, beliefs and backgrounds whilst fostering tolerance, understanding and respect. Academically and socially Colton Hills students develop the very skills and intelligence required to succeed in a complex multi-cultural world.

With the support of my dedicated Governors we are well on our way to being an outstanding school. We have excellent facilities which are put to good use through an engaging, relevant and innovative curriculum where your child can succeed in a broad range of subjects and activities.

I know that with our excellent teaching, our well-disciplined environment and our structured system of guidance and support, our students will develop into capable young people, well prepared for adult and family life, careers and work.

I invite you to visit us to see for yourself how we do it and I very much look forward to meeting you.

Alberto OteroHeadteacher of Colton Hills Community School

Since the last inspection the

school has undergone a

positive transformation and

as a result, good teaching

and good behaviour are now

flourishing at this school.

OFSTED MAY 2015

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THE JOURNEY – TRANSITIONThe movement from Primary to Secondary school is naturally an anxious time for children and their parents. We, at Colton Hills Community School, recognise this and realise the importance of working with you to make this change as smooth as possible.

To do this, we work closely with the primary schools and every child will be visited at their school. All students will also be invited to exciting induction days in July. This will allow us to get to know each student at a personal level, recognise their strengths and areas for development and fully plan for their needs in readiness for September.

Our strong ethos of care, support and guidance will ensure that from the start, no child will be left behind.

Our AIMS are:Every student challenged to succeed.Every student supported to do so.We work very hard to provide each student with a learning experience which ensures they become:

• Successful learners, who enjoy their lessons, make good progress and achieve well in their exams

• Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives

• Responsible young adults who make a positive contribution to their families and their communities

Strong partnerships with local primary schools have led to smooth and effective transitions to secondary school. OFSTED MAY 2015

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The sixth

form is good and

students are achieving

improved standards

across a wide range of

subjects.

OFSTED

MAY 2015

At Key Stage 4 there are five different pathways

that students can follow in a highly personalised

curriculum. OFSTEDMAY 2015

Any underachievement is swiftly addressed and the good progress of students shows the capacity of leaders to make further improvements.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

THE CURRICULUMThe school builds its curriculum so that students are provided with skills which are crucial to success in the modern world. • In Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) subjects

develop and deliver lessons linked to engaging themes. This will enable students to connect their learning between different subjects in order to deepen their understanding and accelerate their progress.

• In Key Stage 4. During Year 9 students will select courses which are relevant to their own interests and aspirations. Students in Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11) will embark on personalised qualification pathways which will offer academic, vocational and work-related courses in a blend which is relevant to their needs.

• The English Baccalaureate. With so many recent changes to the qualifications system the best Colleges and Universities are likely to use the English Baccalaureate (EB) when selecting successful entrants. The EB comprises the following subjects: Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Science, History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages. Colton Hills regularly achieves the highest EB results in the City.

• In the sixth form students are able to select from a variety of A Level and BTec courses which provide progression routes after GCSE and into Higher Education, Apprenticeships or the workplace. Every year, all Year 13 students are regularly accepted onto a place at a University of their choice.

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Students are currently making good progress in English, mathematics and science. OFSTEDMAY 2015

The quality

of teaching is good.

Teachers ask searching

questions that provide a

good level of challenge to

all students, including the

most able.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

TEACHING AND STUDENT PROGRESSYour child can expect high quality personalised teaching every day, in lessons as well as in tutor time with tutors. Teaching is based on clear objectives shared with students; new vocabulary carefully explained; lively, interactive teaching styles used and marking of work which gives clear guidance that helps your child to improve.

Classes are arranged to best meet the needs of students and subjects at particular times. This means students work in a variety of mixed ability and setted groups.

All students have personal targets in each subject which represent a level of challenge that inspires academic excellence. Progress towards those targets is monitored closely as they move through the school so that if students fall behind, timely intervention and support can be provided. As parents, you will regularly receive reports on the progress your child is making throughout the year.

Homework is also an important part of the learning process. Therefore we encourage, challenge and support students to fully engage in homework which teachers set regularly. Homework is delivered in a variety of ways and offers students the opportunity to use new technology to present their work. We aim to make this, which is an important part of a student’s success, both enjoyable and rewarding.

Tutor time lessons, at the start of the school day are used to support individuals through structured mentoring which focuses on progress and academic achievement. This time is also used to increase students’ understanding of wider social issues to enable them to develop personal learning, thinking and teamwork skills.

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The LCH Faculty comprises

the following subjects: English;

Drama; Media; German;

Geography; History; R.E. and in

the sixth form, Psychology and

Sociology.

The importance of these subjects

cannot be underestimated, as

evidenced by the government’s

introduction of the English

Baccalaureate. These subjects

have always been promoted at

Colton Hills.

Excellent use of the English

language is key to success in

these subjects. A central aim of

the LCH Faculty is therefore to

ensure that every student leaves

Colton Hills able to read, write

and speak English and also to

listen effectively at a very high

standard. As a result, all teachers

in the faculty work closely

together to ensure there is a rich

and varied collection of speaking,

reading and writing opportunities

that are linked to exciting

themes, real-world problems and

genuine audiences which enable

students to hone their skills and

demonstrate their learning.

We are also passionate about the

power that the spoken and written

word has in influencing thoughts,

values, people and society

and to this end we stretch our

students not only to be correct

in their use of language but to

also be creative and inspiring in

their communication. We also

recognise that high standards of

literacy will support achievement

across all areas of the curriculum

and will enable our students to

be effective learners today in

preparation for them to become

part of a dynamic workforce of

tomorrow.

Through the LCH subjects,

the faculty provides students

with a deep understanding of

events past and present, how

religious thinking shapes people’s

attitudes towards the world we

live in and how people respond

to contemporary issues such

as economic change, migration

and religious conflict. In an

increasingly globalised world,

students are encouraged to

critically challenge and evaluate

the values and attitudes of people

from different societies and

cultural backgrounds. Through

the joy of discovering about the

richness of language and the

world around them, students

become more able to express

their own thoughts and opinions.

This leads to the development of

the global citizens of tomorrow.

In addition to engaging,

passionate teaching, we pride

ourselves in enriching these

subjects through enjoyable

and memorable school visits.

These visits include theatre trips,

author visits, geography field

trips, visiting places of worship,

places of historical interest and

foreign exchange visits to name

but a few! We aim to broaden

the minds and horizons of our

students and show them how

their studies link to the real

world.

LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND HUMANITIES (LCH) FACULTY

Lord King visits Colton Hills7

The

school has been

successful in improving

the standard of students’

literacy and encouraging a

love of reading.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) FACULTY

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The STEM Faculty comprises the following subjects: Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, Computing and ICT and in the sixth-form, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

The awe and wonder of exploring how the physical world works is at the heart of learning and by working closely together, maths and science support each child’s discovery of principles that govern the world around them. Whether that be the workings of a cell, the cosmos or the intricate patterns and beauty of mathematical sequences. When we add the practical application of these ideas through the study of computing, design technology and engineering, then all our students are able to better understand how things work and experience the excitement of discovering new ideas and possible careers.

In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important

as the world has globalised commercially and the UK has become a knowledge-based economy. STEM subjects are vital to everyone’s future. Engineering in particular, requires the individual STEM disciplines to work in harmony, and so is especially important. There is a national shortage of engineers and for this reason, STEM subjects lead to some of the most lucrative and rewarding of careers.

Therefore to succeed in this ever-changing world, young people need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered appropriate in the past. All teachers in the faculty work collaboratively to foster high levels of scientific and mathematical thinking in all students and they also seek to develop excellence in design and engineering foundation principles. Our students tackle meaningful questions, engage in real-world scenarios and work collaboratively to solve genuine mathematical,

scientific and technological problems. In the classroom, our highly-skilled teachers do this very well but in order to bring the scientific, technological and commercial world into the school, they cannot do this alone. To assist our teachers we have developed a unique approach to creating impressive partnerships with notable companies. These companies bring their expertise, offer industry-standard resources and equipment, sit down with our teachers to create inspiring projects and offer themselves, and colleagues, as mentors to our students.

Our supporting companies logos can be found on these pages and our collective work is already being recognised at local, regional and national levels.

Companies are willing to work with us because they endorse the school’s vision for STEM education and also acknowledge the behaviour and commitment of our students. Below are a few examples from 2015: • A girls’ team reached

the finals of a national engineering competition, held at the Houses of Parliament, for their own idea of an energy-saving device for the home.

• A team of Colton Hills students came first in a regional competition for their design of a spaceship model, where rules permitted only the use of household items.

• A team of sixth-form students were praised by the Chief Executive of a company for their work on a genuine recycling problem.

Aside from working with professionals, students also have the chance to attend special events as a reward for excellent progress in individual subjects. These include the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, special lectures at Universities, Women in Engineering events and other STEM-related opportunities.

Individual subjects also organise their own specific visits and projects. Our growing Robotics programme, which is being developed by the school’s Computing & ICT department is one example, but all students can take part in national competitions, such as the UK Mathematics Challenge and Formula One in Schools Competition, after-school clubs and curriculum-based visits, such as Chester Zoo, as well as listen to visiting speakers from many professions invited into the school by teachers.

The faculty continually strives to refresh the curriculum by keeping keep it up-to-date with current technology and bringing in new projects that will enrich the learning and raise awareness of the breadth of careers that acquiring excellence in STEM may offer.

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The EPEW Faculty comprises the following subjects: Art, Music, Performing Arts, Sport, Physical Education, Dance, Business Studies, Health & Social Care and Life Skills and in the sixth-form, Economics.

The EPEW faculty plays an important role in the school which recognises and values what these subjects offer the mind, body and soul. We are also committed to its importance to young people who wish to develop or grow a life-long talent in one or more of these areas. When taught effectively, the EPEW subjects are in the best position to enable students to become confident individuals:

• By being able express their thoughts, feelings and ideas artistically, often done bravely in front of audiences.

• By competing against others, and more important against themselves, to challenge their limits and improve their health through structured physical activity.

• By developing business and entrepreneurial acumen which is important to everyday and commercial life.

• By understanding and appreciating the skills and attributes required to be thoughtful and caring towards others, and the many careers available to achieve this in society.

• By developing self-assured individuals, armed with resilience, who are able to make good decisions under pressure in today’s world.

Special to our school, and also a key element of the faculty, is our inclusion of Life Skills as a timetabled subject. Students are developed in six key areas from Year 7: Staying Healthy, Careers & the World of Work, Learning to Learn (Study Skills), Financial Capability, Religion & Ethics and Citizenship. We ensure that these areas merge and integrate with all areas of the school, including our pastoral curriculum, which includes regular tutor time activities in the morning and in our programme of House assemblies. As a faculty, EPEW enhances the school’s vision of ensuring that every student leaves Colton Hills, not just academically successful, but also successful as Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural people.

EXPRESSION, PERFORMANCE, ENTERPRISE AND WELL-BEING (EPEW) FACULTY

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SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS (SEN)All students at Colton Hills Community School are treated as individuals and work is planned accordingly. The aim is to raise levels of success and to meet their needs by providing an education which secures equal opportunities and high achievement. Students with special educational needs are offered full access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.

The school caters for all abilities but students experiencing a slower rate of progress or less success, whether through language or other difficulties, receive additional guidance and support in the classroom. In the first instance all subject teachers provide this and when necessary our Learning Support Team provide additional support.

All students are fully integrated into a mainstream curriculum. On occasions, we draw on the expertise of outside agencies to work with students, parents and families. We fully support the new SEN Code to ensure that, at all times, families are involved in the decisions about their child’s education.Our Special Education Needs Co-ordinator, who is a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, oversees how the school provides for SEN students, closely monitors their classroom experience and tracks their progress.

The progress of disadvantaged students in Key Stage 3 and Key

Stage 4 is good. OFSTEDMAY 2015

Students

who have special

educational needs

receive a good level of

support and they make

progress in line with other

students nationally.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, CARE, AND PASTORAL SUPPORTEvery Child Matters at Colton Hills Community School. If students are happy, safe and understand where to go for help, then success will not be far away.

The school’s pastoral care system is well coordinated to ensure student’s needs are met and their development is fully supported.

The school is organised into three Houses with each student belonging to a house. Each tutor group is of mixed age with a small number of year 7 to year 12 students. This fosters a supportive family atmosphere, where older students help and support younger students. Each house is led by a House Leader and an Assistant House Leader who work closely together with the House Tutors.

Each day begins with twenty minutes in tutor groups. Also a Life Skills coordinator prepares dedicated, meaningful activities that not only sets students up for

the day ahead, but also developes skills not normally found in tradition subject lessons. To motivate them to do their best every day, students are rewarded for a range of positive behaviours such as high attendance, effort, resilience, community involvement as well as meeting or exceeding their academic targets.The school uses a rewards system called Vivo Class to recognise and acknowledge such achievements and parents are able to access this information on-line.

Our philosophy with regards to encouraging positive behaviour from our students is captured by our moto “Catch them being good!” However there are occasions when clear sanctions are applied to allow students time and space to reflect on negative behaviour. All sanctions are followed up robustly to ensure that students make better decisions in the future.

Experience tells us that students who see parents actively supporting the school’s behaviour policies are very well placed to fulfil their potential.

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Behaviour around the school is of a high

standard.OFSTEDMAY 2015

The successful promotion of

mutual respect and the

celebration of diversity are

at the core of the school’s

work.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITIESWe believe that a residential

experience is one of the most

important aspects of a child’s

school experience. These tend to

be the most remembered events of

a school career!

For a number of years our

students have had the opportunity

of spending time at Gelliwig – a

residential centre in Porthmadog

which is situated on the edge

of Snowdonia in North Wales.

Gelliwig is a unique memorial

to two dedicated and respected

former teachers at this school

and provides students with a high

quality out-of-school experience.

The visit, provides opportunities

for pupils to experience a

completely different environment

and learn essential skills such as

resourcefulness, resilience and

independence. More importantly,

pupils enjoy what for many, is their

first experience of being on an

activity away from home.

The school consists of far more

than the lessons students enjoy

every day. Clubs and activities

make up the extra-curricular

programme that plays a very

important part in the education

of young people. Students

have access to a wide range

of provision which includes

subject clubs, debating societies,

martial arts and sports activities

including competitive matches.

We encourage as many students

as possible to take part in the

programme and to share in the

success that these activities

provide.

In addition to this, teachers from

every subject plan numerous

visits to places that will enrich and

consolidate valuable learning. Not

only do our students enjoy these

experiences, it also shows in their

academic achievement.

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The school provides opportunities for

students to attend a range

of sports and other clubs after school.OFSTEDMAY 2015

THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIESWe have benefitted from a number of refurbishments in recent years.

The outcome of this has been to provide a modern environment in school which can offer quality learning on a daily basis and provide the very best resources and facilities to support our students. Our major investment in ICT infrastructure and hand-held technologies communicates our serious intent to ensure your child benefits from a genuine “anytime, anywhere”

learning model which will help them prepare, succeed and participate fully in a 21st Century economy.

The school is also proud to offer outstanding facilities to develop talents in Art, Music, Sport and Physical Expression. We have a professional Dance Studio, Performing Arts Theatre, Swimming Pool, sports facilities and extensive fields which are enjoyed by students and the community.

Students

demonstrate

positive attitudes to

their learning, show

respect for each other and

have pride in their school.

OFSTEDMAY 2015

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Students say that the school is a

friendly and caring place to be. Ofsted May 2015

OUR ADMISSIONS POLICYAs a Community school we believe we should serve those who live in

the locality of the school and provide the best possible service for our

community.

We want to prepare our students for the realities of society and the

world of work. For this reason we recognise the advantages that a

school population which is diverse in its background, culture, race and

beliefs, can provide. To help us achieve this aim, we also welcome

applications from all areas of the city and beyond

Our admissions are managed by the Local Authority which

ensures that all students have the opportunity to attend this

school.

We are fully compliant with the demands to provide access for all

students, including those with a disability. Resources available at

this school for students with a disability include a dedicated base, lift

access to all areas above ground level, ramps and appropriate kerb

design for immediate access to the building, a pool hoist for use in the

swimming pool and specialised furniture and equipment as necessary.

Students say that the school is a friendly and

caring place to be.OFSTEDMAY 2015

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If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Colton Hills Community SchoolJeremy Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 5DG

tel 01902 558420 fax 01902 558421email coltonhillsschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk

@ColtonHillsCSwww.coltonhills.co.uk