Inspiring Each Other to Achieve

Walkwood C of E Middle School Academy Trust

Foreword: Senior Leadership Team

We are proud to welcome you to Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust, which serves the Headless Cross area of Redditch, welcoming pupils between the ages of 9-13.

Inspiring each other to achieveWe are a very friendly and ethical school. We aim to inspire every child – whatever their abilities – to achieve their very best, and make a valuable contribution to the Walkwood C of E Community.

Our school isn’t just about knowledge and skills; it’s also about inspiring children to look at the world differently, and about challenging them to be fascinated by lessons and subjects.

Excel in lifeWe believe that education is a preparation for adult life, and as such we seek to equip our children for the future. We want them to excel in school…and in later life!

School valuesWe are a Church of England school which is fully inclusive of all faiths and beliefs. We have strong links with our local church ‘The Bridge’, and all pupils have the opportunity to visit the church during the academic year. While Christian principles underpin many of the school’s values, we also work to ensure that children develop an understanding of each of the main world religions. Our school also puts strong emphasis on our school values, to:

• enquire • achieve • support • tolerate • enjoy • respect.

That’s what good education is all about!Our mission is to provide high quality, balanced education to pupils in an enquiring and supportive environment. Highly experienced teaching staff are dedicated to developing each individual pupil’s well-being, while inspiring them to achieve their goals and excel in lessons. That’s what good education is all about!

Look around the schoolWe would urge you to visit Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust. We are confident that you will find this a committed, welcoming and dynamic school, with staff that listen to pupils and parents and value their opinions. We know that you will be impressed by what we offer.

To make an appointment please call the school office on 01527 543361.

Reviewing the optionsA good Ofsted Report together with a great local reputation were enough to persuade Jennifer that Walkwood C of E Middle School - Academy Trust was the right choice of school for her two girls. “The girls’ father and I had looked at various options and when Tyra was accepted at Walkwood we were more than happy as we’d heard such good things about it.”

Knowing what to look forAs a Teaching Assistant herself, Jennifer is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of various school settings and can see from firsthand what works well. “A major advantage of Walkwood is the enthusiasm of the teaching staff and the obvious respect they have for the students in their care. They don’t patronise which makes the children respond very positively; when students join the school at nine years old they have put the early years behind them and are starting the transition to secondary level, so being made to feel they are young adults is a good preparation for the next stage.”

Achievement without pressure“They are pushed to achieve but without undue pressure, and the teachers are tuned into each individual child’s needs. Both the girls have attained their potential at this point and I would definitely put that down to the approach of Walkwood.”

NurtureIan also attended Walkwood so can compare his experience with that of his children. “New teaching methods coupled with evolution has seen the school move forward to be a first rate modern day teaching and learning institution, which has enabled my children to maximise their potential in an academic environment. My final word is this... if the children want to learn they will learn anywhere but it takes a good school to nurture and fulfil talent.”

Meisha says: “There are loads of clubs and activities to take part in and as well as being great fun, I think the opportunities they provide us are also giving us extra life skills.”

Tyra says: “The wide range of choices in sport, the arts and many other activities are open to all the students, giving everyone an equal opportunity in every aspect of learning.”

Welcome to Walkwood C of E Middle School - Academy Trust

A parent’s experiences on selecting Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust

ContentsPages 2-3 Welcome to Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust

Pages 4-7 The school day

Pages 8-9Curriculum

Pages 10-11Inclusion - a curriculum for all

Pages 12-13 Clubs and activities

Pages 14 Getting involved

Page 15 Admissions

Page 16 How to find us

Jennifer Baylis lives in Redditch with her daughters Tyra-Alayna, 14 and Meisha-Ramona, 11.

In its last Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools report,

from May 2012 The Inspector commented that:

“The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the

needs of all learners”.

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OrganisationOn arrival to school every pupil is placed into one of four colleges. These are as follows:

• Malvern• Bredon• Abberley• Cleeve.

We aim to encourage and develop a joint sense of team spirit and belonging. Pupils will represent their college in a variety of academic, sporting and non-sporting competitions. There are also weekly college celebration assemblies. Within each college there are six tutor groups – we operate a vertical tutor system in which our youngest pupils are nurtured and supported by older pupils.

UniformA simple uniform is helpful in establishing good standards of appearance in school and by wearing it children quickly feel part of the community. We receive many compliments about the appearance of our pupils and are sure that you will wish to maintain this reputation.

School uniform lists can be obtained by looking at our website www.walkwoodms.worcs.sch.uk or by contacting the school office on 01527 543361.

School MealsSchool lunches are prepared freshly on site. Pupils can choose to purchase a range of delicious hot and cold meals and snacks during morning break and lunchtime. The menu is altered on a daily basis and there is always a vegetarian option. Pupils may choose to bring a packed lunch to school. Menu and payment options can be seen on the website.

The school dayAll pupils are invited into school from 8.45am, and should be in classrooms by 8.50am.

School finishes at 3.30pm

Before and After School ClubFunzone is our before school, after school and holiday time club provider. Parents can book their children into the club from 7.45am in the morning, until 6.00pm in the evening.

We also have many extra-curricular clubs throughout the week. See pages 12-13 for details.

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A good feelingMaking sure that you find the right school for your child can be a daunting task. “It was gut instinct, really,” says Jayne. “It felt friendly, the teachers all seemed to know all the children and the children seemed comfortable and at home. It just had a good feeling about it, and we definitely haven’t been disappointed.”

Beyond recognitionJayne has seen Jack change and mature almost out of recognition during his four years at Walkwood. “There has never been a day when he’s not been happy to go to school…Walkwood seems to make an effort to promote friendships and bring all the year groups together. The system works well; the older children are encouraged to mentor the younger ones and that gives them a sense of responsibility which they take on board effectively.”

Something specialOne recent event which Jayne and her whole family have prized above all is the participation of the school in the 2013 English Schools Football Association competition, where they reached the finals. “Jack was in goal and Daniel was a mascot, but the best thing about it was the way it brought the whole school together in the excitement. Teachers gave up their free time and made a huge effort to involve children and parents in every part of the event and it was a phenomenal experience, Jayne says proudly. “It’s something they will all remember for a very long time and I have great admiration for the staff who put so much into making it happen.”

Jack says: “My time at Walkwood has been both physically and mentally challenging, but with the help from my teachers I was fine. Many things my

friends and I have done will hopefully inspire the new pupils at Walkwood and make them want to do the things we did.”

Daniel says: “Walkwood is a great school; I am already making new friends and learning new things. I know I’m going to really enjoy it.”

Curriculum National CurriculumPupils experience a rich, broad and balanced curriculum. In Years 5 and 6, pupils are based with the same teacher for a core of their lessons.

Specialist teachers and facilitiesOne of the strengths of Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust, is that we employ specialist teachers and have subject specific facilities. What does this mean for your children? It means that these specialist teachers have a greater

depth of expertise and enthusiasm for their subjects. For example, while their regular teacher may teach most lessons, we use specialist teachers in Key Stage 2 for Art, Science, Physical Education, Design Technology and Music.

Areas of the curriculum are:

• English • Mathematics • Science • ICT • History • French • Music • Geography • Physical Education

• Religious Education • Citizenship • Design Technology • Art and Design • Drama • Environment • Personal, Social and Health

Education

Enriched curriculumThe curriculum is enhanced for pupils in a variety of ways both within school, the local community and the wider world. We provide an abundance of opportunities at Key Stage 2 and 3. These include theatre trips, performing in the choir

and orchestra, problem solving days, a festival of languages, residential trips (outdoor adventure and London), netball and football tours, chess club, foreign exchange trips, a Victorian Day, creative writing workshops and visits to Coventry Cathedral and the Black Country Museum.

We also have specific ‘theme’ days during the academic year such as ‘Eco day’, Business/ Enterprise and Arts days where the whole school is invloved. Throughout the year we also have a wide variety of guest speakers who visit and motivate the pupils.

Jayne and Stuart Davis have two sons. Jack has just moved on from Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust, and Daniel has recently joined.

Jayne and Stuart wanted a school which would bring out the best in their two boys, and they found just that at Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust

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CurriculumHomework Regular, structured homework supports and enriches the learning that goes on in the classroom. At the start of the year, children receive a homework timetable and record their homework in their Planner.

Encouraging good behaviourPraise and encouragement are the most important elements of developing positive relationships and friendships. We achieve this by awarding of college points and

by recognizing of high quality work which is celebrated during class time, college and whole-school assemblies.

BullyingThere is a whole school anti-bullying policy which involves pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and governors. Our dedicated Pupil Well-Being Team is made up of senior staff and pastoral managers, any issues arising are dealt with quickly and sensitively. As a result, all pupils are provided with a safe and secure learning environment in which they are encouraged to speak about their concerns.

Partnership with parentsWe believe that a good partnership between school and home is an essential element of effective education. Children’s teachers, form tutors and pastoral managers are available to see parents before or after school. There are termly communications with parents in the form of either a formal parents’ evening or a written report. The school’s ‘Parents’ Zone’, on the website, is updated regularly to keep parents informed of the latest school news. There is also an information board by the front gate at the Feckenham Road entrance.

Our weekly newsletter, ‘The Insider’, informs parents about children’s achievements and events in school.

PlannerThe child’s Planner is also a vital means of communication between home and school. It is where children record their homework, test results, achievements and targets and, importantly, it is a place for parents and teachers to exchange notes.

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IndependenceKearan was born without the lower part of his arms and although he has successfully learned to adapt in many ways there are obviously situations where his disability can be a hindrance. Carrie was determined that his education should not suffer and was more than impressed with the provision she found at Walkwood: “Kearan’s Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator was absolutely brilliant and it was largely her who sold the school to me.”

A sensitive and sensible approach“Kearan is very keen that he shouldn’t be singled out and wants to show that he can cope just as well as any other child without the need for extra support. Occasionally he’s felt a bit smothered by well-intentioned staff, but when I mentioned it they understood and addressed the situation; they have always been sensitive to how we feel and are very approachable if there are ever any issues.”

Pastoral careUnfortunately, one issue which did come up was an incidence of bullying, with Kearan the target because of his disability. “It was very distressing but the school handled the situation extremely well. The children involved were dealt with and Kearan was made aware that a member of staff would always be around to keep a discrete eye on things in case he ever felt uncomfortable. Thankfully, nothing has happened since.

Rising to the academic challengeOllie is academically gifted and he has been stretched and encouraged to achieve his potential. Whilst Kearan, who had been consistently near the bottom

of his class at his previous school, left Walkwood with excellent results. “I was so surprised and pleased by how well he progressed at Walkwood, given that he had so much catching up to do. Far from being held back, he has risen to all his challenges and made the most of what the school offered him.”

Kearan says: “I was given plenty of opportunity to participate in sport as an equal and achieved an award on leaving as the most inspirational sports person.”

Ollie says: “I think of Walkwood as my second home. It’s like one big family with friendly teachers and lots of opportunity for progress.” INCLUSION: a curriculum for all

Pupils with special needsAll children who may have special needs are entitled to have those needs recognised and addressed.

Provision mappingWalkwood has adopted the practice of Provision Mapping to support pupils with special needs. This requires the school to identify the needs of a pupil and then match a resource or provision to meet the need. There are a variety of methods used to support pupils with special needs including:

• individual timetables • extra support from teaching assistants in lessons • hand writing programme • speech and language intervention • spelling intervention • Fresh Start programme.

School accessWe have ensured that access is available to all areas of the school buildings. The Disability Equality Scheme and Accessibility Plan are available from the school.

Gifted and talented childrenAll children have different skills, temperaments and talents. We aim to identify gifted and talented children and provide regular stimulating and enriching lessons and activities appropriate to their needs.

Once identified, gifted and talented pupils will be added to a Gifted and Talented Register. This register helps Walkwood track pupil progress to ensure successful progression through school.

Carrie’s son faced particular challenges but Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust understood exactly how to approach his physical and emotional needs

Carrie Gibbs lives in Redditch with her children Kearan, 13, Ollie, 10 and Kace, 8.

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Clubs and activities

Walkwood has a wide choice of after school clubs organised for pupils. Most school clubs run from 3.30pm until 4.45pm.

SportWalkwood has an impressive record of sporting achievement both at district, county and national levels. There are regular sports fixtures and competitions in a variety of sports. Sports clubs include:

• netball • football • hockey • rounders • athletics • cross-country running • rugby • basketball • dance.

MusicMusic is a strength at Walkwood. Our ‘strong’ orchestra and choir practise weekly and perform at many concerts throughout the year at various venues. Pupils who wish to play a specific instrument can have individual lessons. The school has close links with Worcestershire Youth Music and peripatetic music teachers visit to provide instrumental tuition.

Other clubsWalkwood also runs other clubs including:

• drama • art • textiles • cooking • computers • ecology • photography • homework • chess (representatives of the school often

compete at Midlands regional level)• European links • Christian union • debating

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Getting involved AdmissionsGovernorshipThe Governing Body has a general responsibility with the Headteacher for running the school. Governors have meetings regularly throughout the year and sub-committees meet to deal with specific areas.

Want to be a Governor?If you are interested in becoming a school Governor please call the school office for more details on 01527 543361.

Friends of Walkwood‘Friends of Walkwood’ is the Parent Teacher Association for Walkwood and is very active in arranging school events.

Want to Join Friends of Walkwood?If you wish to join Friends of Walkwood please contact the school office on 01527 543361.

To view Walkwood’s policy on admissions please visit the school website www.walkwoodms.worcs.sch.uk If your child will be joining Walkwood as a Year 5 pupil in September, please click on www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Visit Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy TrustParents who are thinking of applying for a place during the academic year are invited to look around Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust at any time. To arrange a visit, phone the school office on 01527 543361.

ValuesThe pupils and staff of Walkwood School have decided that these values are the ones we all want to share.

• Be honest and think about the consequences of your actions.• Be supportive and take care of each other’s property. • Treat others as you would want them to treat you. • Never use violence to solve problems. • Never accept bullying. • Take responsibility. Let teachers teach and pupils learn. • Be positive about everything you do. • Look after the environment. • Be part of the school community and join in!

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The Meadway

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Coldfield Drive

Coldfield DriveA448 Brom

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Redditch Golf Club

Playing Field

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Walkwood C of E Middle School

How

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Walkwood C of E Middle School – Academy Trust Feckenham Road Headless Cross Redditch Worcs B97 5AQ

Tel: 01527 543361Fax: 01527 551807Email: info@walkwoodms.worcs.sch.ukWeb: http://www.walkwoodms.worcs.sch.uk

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