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Norton Hill Prospectus 2010-11
Citation preview
“Outstanding in every way”OFSTED
The outdoor pursuits opportunties are amazing. You really have to push yourself but the satisfaction of completing makes it worth it.
Hayley, Year 12, Duke of Edinburgh Gold
““
Welcome to Norton HillWelcome to the 2010-11 prospectus for
Norton Hill School. The information contained
within this booklet gives you some idea of the
values and curriculum structure of the school.
I am immensely proud of the achievements
of the students who come to the school and
in 2010 they once again achieved excellent
results at both GCSE and Advanced Level.
Norton Hill is identified as being one of the
most successful schools in the country and
was rated as Outstanding in every category by
OFSTED in 2007. At the heart of this success
are the core values that I and the whole school
community believe are important:
• Individual care through the House system
• Excellent teaching by experienced,
specialist teachers
• High levels of achievement through a
challenging academic curriculum that
is chosen to give students the best life
chances, not just to boost league tables
• Traditional values of behaviour and
appearance
• Developing personal leadership through a
wide programme of extra-curricular
activities and outdoor education.
Choosing the right secondary school for your
son or daughter is a key moment in ensuring
they have the best chance of success in the
future. It is important you take time to consider
two questions when making your choice of
school: “Will my child be happy here?” and
“Will my child be successful here?”. I firmly
believe the answer to those questions for our
current students is a resounding yes.
This prospectus and our Open Evening can
only give you a flavour of Norton Hill. I would
encourage you to book a tour through my PA,
Claire Jackson, so you can see the school
during a normal working day. During your visit
talk to the students you meet as they are the
best ambassadors for the school.
Mr Peter BeavenHeadteacher
Norton Hill School
Welcome to Norton Hill 1
Students Joining in Year 72
Students Joining in Year 7The majority of our students join us at the beginning of Year 7. Students can be both nervous and excited so we work hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Our Primary Liaison Team are Mrs Appel
(SENCO), Miss Mulgrew (Assistant Head -
Pastoral System) and Mr Turner (Assistant
Head – Year 7 and Community). They will
visit every student in their primary school
during the term before they start with us.
This ensures each Year 6 is happy with the
arrangements for transition and gives them
an opportunity to discuss any concerns they
may have.
All the new intake attend a taster day in
July where they meet their Form Tutor,
House staff and the other members of their
Tutor Group. They will be able to explore
the school and have an introduction to
some lessons.
Parents are also invited to visit the school
one evening to meet the Form Tutor, Head
of House and Senior Staff. There will be
an opportunity to ask questions of the
Headteacher, as well as a display of school
uniform. Our intention is to make sure the
transition process is smooth and comfortable
for parents too!
The Tutor Groups are carefully drawn up to
ensure a balance of gender and ability. We
also try to put each child with a named
friend or friends (and avoid undesirable
combinations too).
A number of our students take part in the
extended activities we offer during the
summer break to help them get to know
the school. This includes Languages Week,
Sports Activities and small group or one-to-
one support for specific individuals.
If there are concerns at any point, parents
are free to contact the Tutor, House staff
or Senior Team. We want problems and
worries to be identified and addressed
whenever they arise.
Thank you for making my son’s transition so easy. Every day he has come home buzzing with excitement and with much more confidence.
Parent of a Year 7 student
““
Transition Timeline:
23rd September 2010
Open Evening
Sept – Oct 2010
Parental Tours
31st October 2010
Deadline for applications to LA
1st March 2011
Letter from LA offering places
May/June 2011
School liaison team visit all students in their primary schools
July 2011
Induction Day & New Parents’ Evening
July/August 2011
Optional Languages Week/transition events for Year 6 students
September 2011
New Year 7 intake start full time
Individual Care
House System 3
House System
Although Norton Hill may seem a large school to many parents, we
ensure every student is known and valued through our House system.
It is organised to make sure that every student’s personal and academic
growth and happiness are closely monitored.
When a student joins Year 7 they work closely with their Form Tutor who
they will see twice a day. The Form Tutor is the first point of contact for
the student and parents if worries arise or for information on progress or
welfare. The Form Tutor will normally stay with the Tutor Group from
Year 7 through to Year 11. This allows students, parents and the Tutor
to build the positive relationship which underpins academic success.
Each of the five Houses contains two Tutor Groups from each year and
has its own distinctive tie and House area. Students are rightly proud of
their House’s identity and take an active role in the running of the House
through a myriad of inter-House competitions, the House Council and
charity events.
Each House is managed by a Head of House who is supported by an
Assistant Head of House who does not teach. This ensures they are
easily accessible for both students and parents. The Houses are each
based around an academic area and provide an area where the students
from the House can relax at break and lunchtime.
An environment based on traditional values, genuine care and concern is at the heart of student achievement.
House Staff (Pastoral Leaders):
Blackdown - Purple TieHouse Head - Mr D McGilloway
Assistant House Head - Mrs M McDermott
Cotswold - Yellow TieHouse Head - Mr D Wiltshire
Assistant House Head - Mr S Perkins
Exmoor - Blue TieHouse Head - Mr C Elstob
Assistant House Head - Miss R Burling
Mendip - Red TieHouse Head - Mr G Green
Assistant House Head - Mrs S Graham
Quantock - Green TieHouse Head - Miss R Lilley/
Mrs K Truscott
Assistant House Head - Mr S Broadway
The Pastoral Team, led by Miss Mulgrew
(Assistant Headteacher), meets regularly to
ensure a consistent approach to its work. The
Pastoral Team works with Tutors and other
agencies to ensure that each of the students in
the House reaches their full potential.
Monitoring Progress4
Monitoring Progress of StudentsWe aim to ensure each student is supported and encouraged to reach the highest standard they are capable of, both in their academic and personal development.
At the core of this are our monitoring
systems and three-way working relationship
between students, parents and school staff.
Students’ progress and well-being are
continually monitored by both subject staff
and the Tutor. Students receive regular
mentoring from their Tutor allowing early
intervention where necessary if students are
not reaching their full potential. Parents are
kept fully informed of their child’s progress
and can contact the House or subject staff at
any point if they have concerns.
Each term, every student is set challenging
target levels and grades based on their prior
attainment. Their progress towards these
is regularly fed back to parents through the
progress reports, Parents’ Evening and an
annual Full School Report.
Additionally we have an Academic Review
in December when the Tutor meets with the
student and their parents to give an overview
of progress, strengths and weaknesses.
During this meeting an action plan is agreed
to help the student progress further.
As students move through the school
there are additional events/evenings where
required, eg Options Evenings.
Links with HomeWe rely on our close partnerships with
parents to maintain the high standards and
happy atmosphere the students are proud of.
As you would expect, we ask parents to be
actively involved in, and support, their child’s
progress in school. To this end we stress
that parents are always welcome to contact
and visit the school.
We have a Home-School Agreement which
the student, parents and school sign. This
outlines the commitment each will make to
ensure students attain the highest possible
progress during their time at Norton Hill.
Individual Care
My teachers were really supportive during my exam preparation. They knew how to break the subject down into parts to revise and were always willing to offer help after school.
Sophie, Year 11
““
5
Curriculum Information6
Curriculum InformationThe innovative curriculum at Norton Hill provides the range of skills and qualifications young people need.
Norton Hill works with all students, whatever their ability, to help
them achieve their full potential. Students study a broad and balanced
curriculum which enables them to:
• Achieve the highest standards they are capable of
• Develop skills and qualifications that enable them to function
effectively in the future, and which are valued by employers and
Higher Education institutions
• Develop open and creative minds
• Possess an awareness of the problems facing society on a local,
national and global scale
• Become confident and self reliant in their relationships whilst
developing a respect for others and an ability to work with them.
High Quality Teaching Norton Hill is recognised at both national and international level for
the quality of teaching at the school. Lessons are delivered by highly
qualified subject specialists who both inspire and support students of
all ability levels.
Curriculum StructureThe school day has six lessons, each lasting 50 minutes. In some
subjects there are double lessons allowing time for practical activities.
The school operates a two-week timetable.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)The curriculum at Key Stage 3 provides students with a wide range
of learning experiences that give them a balanced preparation for
future study. When entering the school, students are placed in a Tutor
Group in one of the five Houses. The Tutor Groups have students from
across the ability range. Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability
groups for the Arts and PE/Games. Students are grouped by ability for
Mathematics, English, The Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages
and Science.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)During Year 9 pupils select their examination courses for the following
two years. The curriculum is designed so that students follow rigorous
courses which provide them with the best opportunities for their
futures. Their choice of subjects is made after considerable guidance
at school and discussion with parents.
In 2010-2011 at Key Stage 4 all pupils take:• English Language, Science & Mathematics GCSEs
• Short course GCSE in Philosophy & Belief and a short course
GCSE in ICT
• Physical Education and Games
• Personal and Social Health Education
• A Modern Foreign Language
They then choose three further options from a wide range of over
twenty subjects.
Inspirational Teaching
There is no doubt in our minds that Norton Hill School has set our children on a firm footing, from which they can progress through adulthood.
Parent of ex-Year 13 student
““
Post-16 7
Post-16The majority of students choose to stay at Norton Hill to continue their Post-16 studies.
Each year a number of students will choose to join us from other
institutions for their Sixth Form study. We offer a wide range of
courses and have outstanding levels of achievement. There is a strong
tradition of students entering Higher Education including regular
success at Oxbridge.
As part of the Post-16 programme, students participate in a Careers
and Higher Education programme which ensures they receive
preparation and support with university applications and when
entering the world of work. Additionally, as part of our work as the
Gifted and Talented Lead School, students can opt to take part in a
separate Oxbridge preparation process. Our partnership with Corpus
Christi and the University College Cambridge helps to maximise
students’ chances of successful applications.
Cambridge Pre-U DiplomaFrom September 2009 we have become the first state
school in the area to be approved to run the Cambridge
Pre-U course. This course is designed to offer students
a linear approach to study with opportunities for more in-depth
analysis. The programme has been identified by the top Russell Group
of Universities as the ideal preparation for study at their institutions.
Extended ProjectPost-16 students have the option of completing an Extended Project.
This allows them to produce an in-depth analysis of an area that
particularly interests or inspires them. It allows students to develop
the independent learning and research skills that Higher Education
institutions and employers desire. The Extended Project gives the
UCAS equivalent of an AS-level.
Business Career AcademyStudents who are interested in a career in Business can enrol in the
Career Academy. This is a national programme and Norton Hill is the
only school in the area approved to be a Business Career Academy. As
part of their preparation to be the business leaders of the future they
receive master classes from local and national business leaders. They
also have a mentor from the business world who meets them regularly.
The jewel in the crown of the programme is the paid internship during
the summer of Year 12. Students spend six weeks on a placement
developing their skills in a real-life business environment.
Wide Ranging CurriculumWith over 40 subjects on offer Post-16, Norton Hill provides a wide
range of courses for all its Sixth Form students. Sixth Form students
also have access to a range of curricular and extra-curricular
opportunities to add breath to their learning.
I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Sixth Form at Norton Hill. There is a really positive relationship between students and teachers and I’ve been able to develop my creativity. I really don’t want to leave!
Paris, Year 13
““
Outstanding Achievement8
Outstanding AchievementNorton Hill is one of the highest performing schools in the country, with students of all abilities making outstanding progress.
Excellence for AllResults at Norton Hill have
been consistently high over
a long period of time. In Year
9, results are outstanding, with students
making excellent progress in their first three
years. At GCSE we are amongst the top 5%
of all schools nationally for “value-added”
between Years 7 and 11. A-level results are
the highest in the area.
Individual ProgressThese excellent results are in part due to
the imaginative curriculum which caters
for the needs of all learners at each stage
of their education and development. The
more able are stretched with accelerated
courses and programmes to support Gifted &
Talented students. We are equally proud of
the success of those who find learning more
challenging. We invest considerably in
additional support for those who need it,
with programmes to boost literacy and
numeracy and life-skills courses across all
year groups.
All students have targets which are regularly
reviewed to ensure they are making good
progress. Assessments and marking help
students to understand what they need to do
to move to the next level or grade.
Sixth FormOur Sixth Form is one of the highest
performing in the local area, with nearly all
students exceeding their official government
predictions. Norton Hill students go on to
attend prestigious universities, including
Oxford and Cambridge.
Outstanding Achievement
Facilities & Specialisms 9
Facilities & SpecialismsThe school is organised into distinct faculty areas which are well equipped to provide specialist accommodation.
Our Facilities Include:• Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Multi-activity room, Astroturf pitch,
seven tennis courts and a number of grass pitches
• Drama and Dance Studios
• Ten fully equipped Science Laboratories
• Music practice rooms with Recording Studio
• New Business area housing the Business Academy
• Numerous ICT teaching rooms with the most up-to-date hardware
and software, including a brand new ICT block open this year
• Newly refurbished dining facilities
SpecialismsAs a nationally recognised high-performing school Norton Hill has
been given additional specialisms. These provide additional resources
and allow the school to offer a wider breadth to its curriculum than
most other schools.
Gifted and TalentedNorton Hill is the Lead School in Bath and North East Somerset for
Gifted and Talented Education. Students who are identified as having
a talent in a particular curriculum area have access to an individual
support programme to ensure they reach the highest standards
possible. This extends to the Sixth Form to the Cambridge Pre-U
course and Oxbridge preparation programme.
Maths and ComputingAs a specialist Maths and Computing school Norton Hill is recognised
for the quality of support it offers students in developing their
mathematical skills at all levels. Students’ ICT skills are developed
through both discrete lessons and across subjects. The extensive
ICT facilities allow students to access a range of ways to learn and
additional support outside the classroom.
Languages CollegeWe are also a specialist Language College. This allows students
to develop the communication skills that are so valued in business
and further study. All students study two languages at Key Stage
3 and will follow at least one language to GCSE. The school is also
recognised for the work it does in preparing students to be part of the
global community. Norton Hill is one of only a handful of schools to
have received the International School Award from the British Council
on three occasions.
Leading Edge and Training SchoolNorton Hill is designated with these additional specialisms due to the
recognised quality of teaching at the school and its innovative use of
new technology to support students’ learning.
Facilities & Specialisms
Standards are consistently high. Outstanding progress is made by all groups of learners.
OFSTED
“
“
Student Leadership10
Student LeadershipStudents at Norton Hill play an active role in the life of the school community at all levels. They are encouraged to develop their individual leadership skills through a range of opportunities available to them.
House CouncilEach House has its own representative body
made up of two students from each Tutor
Group. Students are voted onto the House
Council each year by their peers. The House
Council meets regularly as a group with the
Head of House. They take an active role in
organising charity events and Inter-House
sporting competitions. The House Council
representatives are also available to other
students in the House who want to raise
issues to go to the School Council. Year 11
students in each House can also apply to
become House and Sports Captains. These
students take a lead in organising many of
the activities and in helping the new Year 7
students in their House settle in.
School CouncilThe School Council is made up of
representatives from the House Councils
and the Head Boy and Head Girl from the
Sixth Form. The School Council provides a
forum for students to develop whole-school
initiatives. They also work with other local
organisations to develop the work of students
in the community.
Outdoor EducationA large number of students participate in
the Outdoor Education programme. These
activities provide an excellent opportunity for
students to demonstrate both their teamwork
and leadership skills as they take on a
variety of roles within a group.
Junior Leadership AwardsStudents have the opportunity to take part
in either the Junior Sports Leadership Award
(JSLA) or the Language Leaders Award.
This involves developing and delivering a
programme of activities to younger students
and the students work closely with local
Primary Schools to deliver this.
Being in a House makes you part of a group as soon as you join the school. The older students help the younger ones settle in and there are lots of chances to celebrate success together.
Charlotte, Year 11 Mendip House Captain
““
Student Leadership
Norton Hill School Prospectus 1
Traditional Values
High ExpectationsWe have the highest expectations of our students’ behaviour. In lessons
we have an ethos of learning and OFSTED noted that our students “have
very positive attitudes towards their work”. Relationships between staff
and students are excellent, and visitors to the school remark on how
courteous and trustworthy Norton Hill students are.
At Norton Hill we believe that it is important to reward effort,
achievement and community spirit. We operate a system of merits
throughout the school for good work or good behaviour. We use “Time
Out” to deal with any student who disrupts a lesson to ensure that
nobody can interfere with the learning of other students.
Student InvolvementStudents play a central part in the life of the school and are directly
involved in many aspects of the management of the school. Each Tutor
Group elects a tutor representative who is part of the House and School
Council. As well as raising money for charities of their own choosing, the
students organise sporting competitions and numerous projects around
the school. The School Council has an important role in shaping school
policies and activities.
Norton Hill School dates back to 1911 and we are proud to have provided nearly a hundred years of state education. At the heart of the Norton Hill philosophy is a belief in the highest standards and an expectation that everybody will do their best.
Traditional Values
Traditional Values 11
Learning Beyond the Classroom12
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Duke of Edinburgh award is a fantastic experience. You really get to know your team mates and test your own skills.
Ellie, Year 11
““
We firmly believe that high academic achievement goes along with encouraging young people to develop their skills, attitudes and interests. Thanks to the considerable energy and commitment of our staff we are able to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
At the start of each academic year students are sent a programme
listing all the extra opportunities available. The new Year 7 intake
also take part in a ‘Freshers Fair’ where they have a chance to find out
more about the activities on offer and speak to students who currently
take part in them. To allow as many of the students as possible to
participate, we provide a late bus to most of the outlying villages in
BANES that our students come from.
The types of opportunities available can be broadly grouped into:
The Arts We have a strong tradition of excellence in the Arts and students are
encouraged to develop these skills through:
• Individual/group musical tuition
• Musical groups
• Musical performances
• Music Summer School - a week long residential culminating in a
performance
• Annual Lower and Upper School Drama productions
• Dance performances including the annual Gym and Dance display
• Art club
• Participation in local and national Art competitions and displays
SportsAll students are encouraged to take part in representative and House
sports and we have very high levels of participation. Through the
highly qualified PE staff and use of external coaches we can offer a
wide variety of sporting activities at a range of levels. Many students
(and parents!) also make use of the Sports Facilities at evenings and
weekends through the Community Sports Programme. We have
extensive playing fields which accommodate rugby, football, hockey
and cricket as well as athletics. We have seven tennis courts and a full
size Astroturf with floodlights. Indoor facilities include a Sports Hall,
fitness activity room and a gymnasium.
Students can participate in extra curricular sport through:
• A wide variety of clubs and school sports teams including
boys’ and girls’ football, boys’ and girls’ rugby, netball, hockey,
rounders, cross-country, athletics, tennis, cricket, basketball,
dance and golf
• School sports teams
• Inter-House competitions
• School Sports Day
• County and National representative teams (we currently have
students in athletics and canoeing competing for the England
School teams)
Life Changing Experiences
Learning Beyond the Classroom 13
Study CentreOur well equipped and spacious Library and ICT facilities are open and
staffed at lunchtimes and after school for students to use for study,
research, doing homework or improving their ICT skills. Students can
also take part in an animation club.
Specific support for students approaching examinations is offered in all
subjects after school and also during the Easter holidays.
Outdoor PursuitsNorton Hill is recognised as having the largest outdoor pursuits
programme in the area and we are proud of the number of students
and staff who take part each year. These activities build student
confidence and leadership skills and are highly valued when students
leave the school for Higher Education or the workplace. Outdoor
activities available to students include:
• Year 8 Forest of Dean Residential visit
• School Camp
• Ten Tors
• Kielder Challenge
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• One-day Year 9 Outdoor Skills training
This year we have over 150 students (and 30 staff!) taking part in
the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. This involves three elements:
Service (contribution to wider community); Skill (further developing
a skill or hobby) and a two day expedition. Many students then go
on to complete the Silver and Gold Award in Year 11 and Year 12. To
support these activities we have a range of staff with outdoor activity
qualifications, including the Mountain Leader Award.
Education VisitsThere are many opportunities both within the curriculum and during
Activities Week for students to participate in off-site visits which
enhance their learning. For example, students can opt to spend a
week in France, Spain or Germany to develop their language skills.
They can learn to ski in the French Alps or participate in water sports
in the Ardeche. In 2008 Norton Hill received the International School
Award for the third time from the British Council, reflecting its links
and exchanges with other cultures.
Activities Week
One of the curriculum highlights is the Activities Week which takes
place during the final week of the Summer Term. This offers an
extended learning opportunity for students to develop their skills in a
particular area of interest to them. During this week Music Summer
School, School Camp and the Languages visits to Europe take place.
Other students are involved in work with community organisations,
Sports week, Arts week, a residential visit to Ironbridge, the Real
Game and even Murder, Mystery and Mayhem (Maths based problem
solving with a forensic theme!). All of these offer the students a
chance to develop their knowledge in a different way.
Community Values14
Working together with other students during our charity week helped me develop my teamwork skills.
Sam, Year 9
““
Community Values
Community ValuesAt Norton Hill we recognise that as well as personal and academic success it is important we make sure students are equipped to make a positive contribution to their local and wider communities. Students are given a range of opportunities to take part in community activities both through the curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities. These include:
House and Student Leadership
Each House develops their own community action projects led by the
House Council. Each year each House produces a presentation of their
community work to a panel which award points to the House deemed
to have made the greatest contribution. Students of all ages are
involved in the activities, for example each House runs a charity week
when they raise money for the school charities.
Eco-SchoolsThe school runs a student Eco-Schools group who take a lead on
sustainability issues in the school and local community. For example,
students help lead and publicise the country wide Zero-Waste week.
Curriculum ProjectsStudents have the chance to experience working with students
of different ages through link projects with other secondary and
primary schools. Visits to and from the school for local, national and
international activities allow our students to work with people from a
range of cultures and ages.
Activities WeekStudents can choose to take part in ‘Make a Difference’ during our
annual activities week. This is a week spent working with local
organisations on activities aimed at improving the local area and
helping vulnerable groups.
VolunteeringA large number of our Key Stage 4 students are involved in
volunteering activities through the Duke of Edinburgh and Applied
Learning schemes. Students are able to log and accredit their activities
to provide evidence of their work for future employment and Higher
Education applications.
15
Ofsted Inspection16
Ofsted Inspection
Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate.
School Overall Sixth Form
1
1
1
1
Achievement and Standards
1
1
1
How well do learners achieve?
The standards reached by learners
How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners
How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Personal development and well-being
1How good is the overall personal development and well-being of the learners?
The extent of learners’ spiritual, moral and social cultural development
The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles
The extent to which learners adopt safe practices
How well learners enjoy their education
The attendance of learners
The behaviour of learners
The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community
How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being
1
1
1
The quality of provision
How effective are teaching and learning in meeting the full range of learners’ needs?
How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners?
How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?
1
1
1
Ofsted Inspection - Outstanding in all Categories
School CommunityThe school stands on the B&NES border to the south of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (10 miles from Bath and 12 miles from Bristol).
Norton Hill SchoolCharlton RoadMidsomer NortonBA3 4AD
Tel: 01761 412557Fax: 01761 410622Email: [email protected]: www.nortonhillschool.com
Headteacher: Mr Peter Beaven BA, MBA
The Somerset villages of Chewton Mendip, Ston Easton, Chilcompton, Gurney Slade, Binegar, Stoke St Michael, Coleford, Oakhill, Holcombe, Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Kilmersdon are within 15 minutes drive of the school, as are Peasedown St John, Wellow, Shoscombe, Camerton, Timsbury and Paulton which are in B&NES.
School coach transport is provided by B&NES from Farmborough, High Littleton, Clutton, Temple Cloud, Hallatrow, Farrington Gurney and Paulton. Somerset County Council also provides school coach transport from Coleford and Holcombe.
www.nortonhillschool.comNorton Hill School
Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 4ADTel: 01761 412557, Fax: 01761 410622, Email: [email protected]