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At Ralph Sadleir School we are proud to achieve.

Achievement at our school can mean many different

things, one of them being academic excellence. We also

encourage our pupils to give everything a go and to

always try their best be it inside the classroom or during extra-curricular activities.

Ralph Sadleir School was founded in 1971 and has served

the community of Standon and Puckeridge since its

inception. The school became an Academy on 1st October

2013. Academy status means that we are able to get the

best value for money and the highest quality for our

pupils. We have more freedom to do what is most

beneficial for our learners because every school has individual needs. It is very much about evolution not

revolution because we want to use the academy status to continue to try to drive forward; enabling us to

maximise the learning experience and therefore better equip our young people for the challenges they will

face in their futures.

Education is very much a partnership between parents, the school and the pupils. We believe in giving

children opportunities and experiences which go beyond the classroom enabling them to develop skills

and interests that we hope will be lifelong. Our curriculum has a skills focus whereby children acquire a range of transferrable skills which they can use to be successful as learners in the future.

Ralph Sadleir is a school where children can feel safe within a happy, stimulating and attractive

environment in which each child is encouraged to enjoy learning and develop a lively and enquiring mind.

We also want children to develop the ability to question and discuss rationally; whilst applying themselves to tasks as they strive to reach their full potential in all aspects of school life.

In 2012 Ofsted judged that Ralph Sadleir is a good school with a number of outstanding features. “This is

a good school. Pupils achieve well and their progress is improving. Teaching is good and meets the

learning needs of pupils well. Pupils’ behaviour is good, they are well cared for and the school ensures they are safe.”

Our code of conduct is based around the notion of mutual respect. I have high expectations of the

behaviour of students and staff. We operate in an environment where students have respect for learning,

their peers and staff. Equally, our staff demonstrate their respect for students by delivering high quality

lessons and treating them as individuals with differing needs.

We believe it is important to work closely with other local schools, thus ensuring that all pupils’ 4 – 19

education is as seamless and fulfilling as possible. In 2005, along with Freman College and Edwinstree

Middle School, we achieved Specialist College status for Humanities. This has served to strengthen the relationship between the schools and others within the partnership.

If you would like to find out more then please come and see us in action, I promise you won’t be

disappointed.

Mr D Spong

Headteacher

Welcome to Ralph Sadleir 2015 - 2016

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Mission / Vision Statement

We are a fully inclusive school; achieving highly for students of all abilities and backgrounds. We celebrate

difference, believing it enriches the life of the whole community. We aim to educate and inspire our pupils

through our formal and informal teaching curriculum so they make educated and well-informed choices as

they grow into society of the future.

We encourage open-mindedness, energy and inquisitiveness and want pupils to develop strategies and

habits in their thinking that will help their understanding of the world.

We want pupils to become expert learners, ready for whatever experiences they may face in their futures.

As well as helping pupils develop skills and knowledge we aim to help them understand what learning

involves, how to get better at it and how to transfer it to new situations.

Ralph Sadleir Values

Responsibility Determination Learns from mistakes Helpful

Willingness to try Independence Respect Ambition

Commitment Enthusiasm Tolerance Courtesy

Politeness Organisation Resilience Motivation

We feel that these are essential qualities that will enable the children to realise their full potential and

make a positive contribution in their community.

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Applying for a place at Ralph Sadleir School

Hertfordshire County Council coordinates all admissions to our school. Parents can make an application

online or by paper application form. If parents would like a paper copy of the admissions information,

please contact Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4043 or via email at hertsdirect@hertscc.gov.uk

Applying for a place for Year 5

‘Moving On’ leaflets are distributed to parents through First Schools or Infant School. This leaflet provides

details about how to make an application, important dates and further information about the process.

Further information can also be accessed online at:

http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/admissions/adminfo

You will be able to apply online from 9th November 2015 and the deadline for all applications is 15th

January 2016. Allocation day will be on 18th April 2016.

Applying for a place for Year 7 or Year 9

Information for parents of children who wish to join Year 7 or 9, can be accessed through the school or

online at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/admissions/adminfo

You will be able to apply online from 1st September 2015 and the deadline for all applications is 31st

October 2015. Allocation day will be on 1st March 2015.

Making an application

It is recommended that parents wishing to apply for a school place at Ralph Sadleir should do so online

together with making an application for school transport (if needed). This information can be accessed

online at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/admissions

Ralph Sadleir School Admissions Officer

Parents can also contact the school for further clarification and speak to our Admissions Officer, Mrs Wyatt

on 01920 821042. Information can also be accessed through the school website at:

http://www.ralphsadleir.herts.sch.uk/admissionsandtransport

Ralph Sadleir School as an Academy Trust

Ralph Sadleir School converted to an Academy Trust on the 1st October 2013. The school continues to

participate in the Local Authority (Hertfordshire County Council) co-ordinated scheme and applications

should be made direct to the Local Authority on the approved form.

All deadlines within the Local Authority’s co-ordinated scheme should be adhered to by applicants.

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Transition

Changing schools is an important, exciting and

significant milestone which often marks a change

in expectations regarding crucial life-skills such as

independent working and self-organisation. We

would like to reassure you that we appreciate the

worries and anxieties that may be present, and

that we work closely with our feeder schools in a

whole variety of ways in order to make the

transition from one school to the next go as

smoothly as possible.

As soon as your child’s place has been confirmed

in to any of our year groups, the transition

process begins. We have a lot of students join us

in Year 5 from our feeder schools (mainly Roger

de Clare First School or Jenyns School) but we

also recruit a growing number of students from

local primary schools who join us for Years 7 and 8.

We have designated Pupil progress Co-ordinators for each year group who visit schools to find out as

much about new students as possible including academic strengths and any sporting interests. The Pupil

Progress Co-ordinator will also have a discussion with the child about what life is like at Ralph Sadleir

School, and answer any questions they may have about their new school. New pupils to the school are

also welcome to come and visit the school at a separate time for a more personal tour, so they feel more

comfortable with their new school surroundings, and this also provides opportunities for both parents and

the pupil to ask further questions.

We hold a Transition Day with the other schools in the area in July, where students are invited to spend

the day within their new year group and take part in a variety of activities. Special transition

arrangements are made for pupils who need more time to adjust to a move of school.

“Pupils of all abilities make good progress from their point of entry to the school” Ofsted 2012

Rib Valley Partnership

Ralph Sadleir School is part of the Rib Valley partnership of schools. Working

with the other schools in the area enables us to offer a quality of education from

the age of four to eighteen that is rarely seen in the state education system.

The distinctive structure of our 3-tier pyramid of schools means that we can

share resources to benefit all our pupils. The schools, Freman College, Ralph

Sadleir, Edwinstree and the local First Schools together with Ardeley, Hormead,

Little Munden, and St Thomas of Canterbury have used funding from a number

of partnership initiatives to ensure that many additional opportunities have been

provided for all pupils.

We firstly believe that our school structure allows children to develop skills and

their individuality within supportive surroundings. The 3 tiered approach to

education ensures that children’s learning matches their developmental needs.

For more information about the benefits of Middle Schools, visit the National

Middle Schools website: www.middleschools.org.uk

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About Us

In a First or Primary School, the roles and titles of staff are usually quite straightforward. There is usually

a lot of informal contact and you are likely to know exactly who you have to talk to and will probably have

a very close relationship with your child’s class teacher.

As your child moves to a larger school the number of adults involved in their education increases and, as

your child becomes more independent, your everyday contact with the school will naturally reduce.

Class Teacher (Years 5 and 6) / Form Tutor (Years 7 and 8)

Your child’s Class Teacher/Form Tutor is the expert in relation to your child. He/She will: see your child

daily; liaise with your child; in years 5 and 6 teach them each day; receive information about your child

from other staff; be aware of strengths and areas for development. Should you have any concerns, your

child’s Class Teacher/Form Tutor should be your first point of contact.

Pupil Progress Co-ordinator

The Pupil Progress Co-ordinators are effectively Heads of Year and as such work closely with the year

group tutors. Their primary concerns being the academic progress and personal welfare of all the pupils in

their year group.

At Ralph Sadleir, we also have teachers that specialise in Art, ICT, Drama, Music and Games. In

Hertfordshire, Middle Schools are deemed as Secondary and as such, enjoy a very favourable

pupil/teacher ratio.

The Staff

When Ralph Sadleir opened in 1971 we employed just 12 members of staff. Today, we employ 21

teaching staff and 26 support staff.

All staff are committed to creating an environment where every child can make a difference, not just in

their academic life, but in their personal and social development as well.

Our school is led by the Senior Leadership Team:

Mr Spong Headteacher

Mr Fuller Deputy Headteacher

Mrs McIver Assistant Headteacher Curriculum

Mrs Murfet Assistant Headteacher Teaching and Learning

Miss Devine Business Manager

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The Governors

The role of the Governing Body is to help and support

the Headteacher and staff in running the school so as

to provide the best possible learning environment for

your child.

The Governing body agree the School Development

Plan and ensure that the school’s policies and practise

reflect and meet the targets for improvement.

Individual Governors take particular interest in

supporting specific subjects and areas of school life

and make frequent visits to the school. They are

very accessible and are happy to discuss any issue.

The Ralph Sadleir Association (RSA)

The RSA is a group of volunteers who work together to raise funds for use by the school. All monies raised

are used to enhance school life for all the children, paying for things that would otherwise not receive

funding.

Parents

Parents are always welcome at the school. Your close

involvement helps us to maintain and improve

standards.

All parents are welcome to join us at the Parents’

Forum which is chaired by the Headteacher. We meet

every half term and discuss any school related issues,

gather parental opinions on policy and procedure

reviews and discuss any new topics affecting pupils,

parents and the school.

The partnership between home and school is very

important to us. With your help Ralph Sadleir will

become an even better school.

Security

In the interest of the safety of our pupils, all visitors are requested to enter the school via the main

entrance and report to Reception. There you will be met by a member of staff within our administration

teeam who will deal with your requirements. All visitors are asked to wear visotor badges.

Ralph Sadleir School together with Hertfordshire County Council are committed to the

protection and safety of children and young people.

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The Curriculum

All pupils follow a common course that includes a full range of subjects:

English

Mathematics

Science

ICT

Physical Education

Art

Technology

History

Geography

French

German (Year 8 only)

Religious Education

Music

Drama

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

Citizenship are British Values are taught within other subjects.

In Years 5 and 6, pupils are taught in mixed ability groups, with the exception of Maths where they are

‘set’. The younger children spend much of their time with their own class teacher but are also taught by

some specialist teachers. At the start of Year 7, pupils are “set” for Maths and English. Other subjects are

taught as mixed ability groups. The size of teaching group varies from 15 – 30 depending on subject and

curriculum organisation. In this way we aim to cater for the educational needs of all the pupils right across

the ability range. A total of twenty-five hours per week are spent on lessons.

There is a section on our website devoted to the curriculum we teach at the school. Here you will find

areas dedicated to each subject and for many subjects, will include photographs of particular projects that

have taken place.

If you visit our Parents section on the website, you will find sections dedicated to each year group. In

each of these sections we have published the Units of Work for the coming academic year for each key

stage. These documents detail what each subject will teach at each stage of the academic year and will

give you a good idea of the variety of projects pupils take part in.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the school’s programme for all pupils and should be seen as supporting

and extending classwork.

Parents are asked to recognise that pupils may require assistance in organising themselves to do

homework. It is important that pupils set aside adequate time for homework and that they have access to

a quiet work area.

Pupils in all year groups are issued with a Personal Planner to assist with organising their work. Parents

are asked to check and sign these on a weekly basis to ensure that homework is done.

“Pupils are pleased to take advantage of the opportunities to accept responsibility in the classroom and

around the school” – Ofsted 2009.

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Enrichment

Participation in the very wide range of activities which we

provide beyond the academic curriculum is an integral part of

life at Ralph Sadleir and it is an essential part of our success.

We believe that the high level of academic performance that we

attain here, is achieved in no small part because our children

and young people are happy at school and fully involved in its

wider life. The wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer

gives every pupil the opportunity to discover and exploit the

talents and interests that give life balance and richness,

promoting both happiness and motivation. Moreover, we find

that pupils’ who take a fully active role in the school’s enrichment programme: display higher levels of

self-esteem and well-being; a heightened sense of belonging; increased attendance and develop more

positive friendship groups.

From Lego to Young Enterprise, drama to choir,

through an astonishing variety of clubs, trips and

visitors as well as external competitions, our

pupils participate in enormous numbers with great

energy and commitment. That is also true on the

sports field, where a large number of pupils

represent the school in a wide range of sports,

regularly performing with distinction in regional,

national and international competitions. In

addition, a high proportion of pupils learn musical

instruments.

Every year group takes part in both day and

residential trips to extend the learning

opportunities provided by our broad

curriculum. Whether it is team building, outdoor

and adventurous activities or trying out their French vocabulary the trips are designed to develop and

enhance our children’s learning. Visits from theatre companies and authors foster a love of literature and

the creative arts. Science, Technology and Maths benefit from time with engineers and scientists utilising

our specialist facilities on STEM Days and during National Science Week to provide a ‘real world’ context

to the skills that are learned in lessons.

All the children get further opportunities to use and refine the breadth of

skills they develop across our curriculum during our five themed Cross-

Curricular Days; a real favourite with the pupils. These days are based

around the themes of ‘Healthy Living’, ‘People Around the World’, ‘Places

Around the World’ and ‘You and Your Future’.

Classes are often reduced in size and a programme of lessons is taught

with each theme in mind. Pupils have the opportunity to work with a

variety of members of staff and in different peer groups whilst learning

about important issues that affect them and the world around them.

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The House System

When students start at Ralph Sadleir School, they are put into one of our four

Houses with each House having a team colour – Salisbury (yellow), Sadleir

(red), Wellington (blue) and Freman (green).

On top of all of these opportunities, every pupil can find a niche in the House

System through which a wide range of talents - musical, sporting, creative and

intellectual – are tested in competitions and activities for various age groups

through all parts of the school. Pupils take enormous pride in their contribution

to their House; the presentation of the award for best House is an eagerly

anticipated highlight at the end of the year

“The excellent care, guidance and support for the pupils are contributing to their outstanding personal

development and good achievement” – Ofsted 2009.

School Uniform

At Ralph Sadleir we take great pride in our uniform and our pupils are expected to conform to the uniform

code. We would like to thank you in advance, for your help and support in ensuring that your child is

always smartly turned out. All students are expected to wear school uniform, which should be functional

not fashionable in terms of safety, durability and comfort, and should be suitable for the weather and

school buildings, grounds and furniture.

Pupil Absence

Attendance levels at Ralph Sadleir are consistently high. Parents, pupils and staff all agree that the best

progress comes from good attendance. Unexplained absence is followed up by the Attendance Officer who

works closely with the County Attendance Improvement Officer.

The taking of holidays during the school term is discouraged. Time away from school is disruptive and it

often results in large amounts of ‘catch-up’ work that needs to be done on the pupil’s return. We ask,

therefore, for family holidays not to be taken during the school term. This is especially important for Year

6 when the children are working towards their end of Key Stage tests.

Since September 2013 it has been law that Headteachers can not authorise holidays in term time except

for exceptional circumstances.

From September 2014, Ralph Sadleir School reserves the right to impose fines for families

taking holidays that do not meet the ‘exceptional’ criteria.

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Behaviour and Discipline

The vast majority of pupils work hard and are well behaved. For this reason, teachers at Ralph Sadleir

recognise the value of rewards for good behaviour, achievement and citizenship. The celebration of

children’s efforts and achievement is a daily feature of school life. Our successful rewards system

motivates, help to set high expectations and creates a community spirit.

Following their inspection of the school in March 2012, Ofsted reported the following:

“Pupils’ behaviour is good, they are well cared for and the school ensures they are safe.” Ofsted 2012.

“Pupils behave safely in lessons and around school and treat each other with care and respect.” Ofsted

2012.

Parallel to the rewards system runs the school’s consequences ladder which provides everyone with clear

guidelines as to how undesirable behaviour will be dealt with. The school has a Code of Conduct that has

been agreed for the safety of pupils, to maintain standards of courtesy, to ensure that all pupils can work

free from distraction. It works on the principles of the 4 C’s - Care, Courtesy, Common

Sense, Consideration.

The school uses a restorative justice approach to behaviour management which allows children to take

responsibility for their actions.

Anti-bullying Policy

Bullying is a serious breach of the school’s Code of Conduct and is not tolerated. Awareness of the issue is

raised through personal and social development lessons, assemblies, tutor time and by encouraging an

anti-bullying culture. Parents who believe their child is being bullied are encouraged to inform the school

immediately.

We are very proactive with our attitude to bullying. We provide every family with an anti-bullying leaflet

outlining our solution focused approach to tackling issues. Our children can become Anti-Bullying

Ambassadors and they receive training on how to support each other and promote positives relationships.

Special Needs

At Ralph Sadleir we understand that all children are unique and at some time during their schooling many

may require a personalised approach to their learning in order that they may achieve their full potential.

This not only includes pupils with a Statement of Educational Needs/Education Health and Care Plan but

also those with the more widely recognised learning needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other

Specific Learning Difficulties e.g. Dyslexia; Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.

Children do not need to have a diagnosis to require specific interventions or pastoral support, as at Ralph

Sadleir our aim is to identify and recognise these needs and then plan accordingly.

Our objective is to provide all students with strategies for dealing with their particular needs in a

supportive environment and to give them meaningful access to the curriculum whilst developing their

independent learning ability.

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To support this we provide various interventions, dependent on need, this can be in the form of:

Extra classroom support;

1 to 1 support;

Small group tutoring;

SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) interventions in varying formats.

The majority of these measures are offered as part of the inclusive learning ethos of Ralph Sadleir and are

constantly monitored and reviewed to accommodate the children’s progress.

The SEND Department, teaching staff and , where appropriate, external agencies

work in close partnership with parents/carers who are encouraged to

play an active and valued role in their child’s education.

At Ralph Sadleir we strive to promote an environment where the full potential, academic or otherwise, of

all students is recognised and maximised so that they become confident lifelong learners and achieve their

aspirations.

Equal Opportunities

Positive attitudes to equal opportunities are actively promoted. The school policy ensures that the

responsibility for nurturing equality of opportunity lies with everyone involved in the education process.

The school provides all pupils with equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, religion and/or

disability. Discrimination against individuals or groups on these grounds is confronted and opposed.

Healthy Living

In the Summer Term, 2011 our school achieved the Healthy Schools Award.

Pupils are encouraged to think about healthy lifestyles through related aspects of the curriculum and

enrichment days.

School Meals

At Ralph Sadleir, our school meals are prepared freshly on site by our catering team, managed by Mr

Rowe our Catering Manager. Our school dinners are both nutritious and well-prepared and are highly

recommended. We have a system whereby pupils can buy meal credits that are put on a swipe card, in

advance. The cards are then kept centrally so that they cannot be lost.

Members of the school council meet with the school meals providers to discuss changes in line with the

government recommendations.

Breakfast Club

Ralph Sadleir Breakfast Club is open to all pupils. Breakfast Club runs from 8.00am to 8.50am Monday to

Friday. The club aims to provide a welcoming, safe, secure environment for pupils before the beginning of

the school day where they are able to have a nutritious breakfast/ Homework support, with internet

access, is also available.

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School Council

We passionately believe that if every child can have their voice heard, understood and responded to, they

will become active participants in their communities.

Aim: To ENGAGE, ENTHUSE and EMPOWER our students and school community.

Our aim is that all members will be:

Empowered

Trained

Respected and High Profile

Attending regular meetings

Understanding issues that affect their school

community

Taking appropriate action

Listening to others

Being listened to

Self-reflective

Why do we need a School Council?

Mrs Hinton is committed to students having their ‘voice’ heard. At Ralph Sadleir School, we believe that

students and parents are partners in the education process with the school. We also believe in forming

strong links with the entire school and local community.

The Every Child Matters agenda states that every young person should:

be healthy

stay safe

enjoy and achieve

make a positive contribution

achieve economic well-being.

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Ralph Sadleir School

Station Road

Puckeridge

Nr Ware

Hertfordshire

SG11 1TF

Telephone Number: 01920 821042

Fax Number: 01920 822663

Email: admin@ralphsadleir.herts.sch.uk

Website: www.ralphsadleir.herts.sch.uk

Headteacher: Mr D Spong

Chair of Governors: Mr R Parperis