Welcome

Head Teacher Mrs Wendy Moffat

Chair of Governors Dr Sandra Whitson

Deputy Head (Curriculum) Mr Jonathan Brownlie

Deputy Head (T&L) Mrs Penny Doig

Assistant Head (Students) Mr Barry Coulson

Head Boy Gianluca De Vito

Head Girl Ruth Coulson

Celebrating 150 years of education in our beautiful building …

2014 is a special year in our history.

The Crossley brothers had an idea for an Orphan Home and School and plans commenced in 1861. It was built out of local stone from a design by John Hogg and built on land owned by John Crossley (8 acres, 2 roods and 8 perches). The cost was £56000 (the equivalent of over £6 million now)Four years later, in 1864, the first young people were admitted and twenty-five years after opening, there were 1,100 children in the Orphan Home and School.All received free board and lodging, clothing and education. The girls remained until age 17 but boys left at 15 when they were apprenticed.

In 1887, Thomas Porter, a Lancashire yarn merchant who had no connection with Halifax, made an endowment of £50,000 with the condition that his name be added to the orphanage – it became The Crossley and Porter Orphan Home and School.

Where it all began …

The first child

This honour goes to James Labron Plint who was born on 20 July 1855 in Leeds. James’ father had died and he lived with his mother. He was admitted to the school in the summer of 1864, aged 9, and he stayed until he was 15 years old. Boys and girls were taught separately although they were allowed to mix on social occasions and in the playground. They studied arithmetic, reading, writing, scripture, geography, basic science, singing and drawing. James recalled his interview, ‘My mother and I were ushered into the drawing room, where we little chaps sat on a raised platform by the window. We must have looked a woe begone lot.’ When he left the school he became an apprentice seaman in Scarborough, rising to the position of second mate, responsible for celestial navigation and plotting his ship’s course across the oceans.

James is forever known as Boy Number 1.

The old …

… and the new

Valuing the individual

‘Students accept responsibility and understand and respect each others’ differences’ Ofsted 2011

A successful school with a family feel

We are an outstanding 11 - 18 selective academy. Each year we take 155 students into Year 7. We are an extremely popular and over-subscribed choice for parents and we work hard to maintain our strong reputation for excellence. The staff are dedicated specialists in their areas and we have low rates of staff turnover. Progress is key. With students joining us with high prior attainment, it is critical that we add value during their time here. Outcomes are impressive in all key stages. We have no gaps in the attainment of SEND or Pupil Premium students.

Pic

‘Everyone realises everyone’s talents and appreciates them,’ Year 7 student

Excellence: A ‘high-achieving’ school

• In 2013, 100% of students gained 5 A*- C grades at GCSE• 71% of grades were A*- A• 50% of students achieved at least 10 grades at A or A*• In Maths, 88 % students made 4 levels of progress• In English, 71 % students made 4 levels of progress• In Science, 95% of students made 4 levels of progress (the national benchmark is 30%

across the 3 core subjects• Our GCSE results placed Crossley Heath at 9th position in the UK league tables for

GCSE achievement

A supportive, listening schoolStudents are looked after by a form tutor who has daily contact. There is an Achievement Leader attached to each year group. We have outstanding SEND provision and a strong reputation for inclusion. Each student is known as an individual and 6th form students (and others) provide mentoring and support. Relationships are positive and warm.

‘Care, guidance and support is outstanding’ Ofsted 2011

A school which develops team spirit

‘You will be welcomed with open arms and feel like part of a team’ Year 7 student

Now, a few words from Key Stage 3 leaders ….

Fostering friendly rivalry

All students and staff are in a House: Kings, Queens, Savile and Porter. Healthy competition is what it is all about! House points are collected and a trophy awarded each year. The House activities are run by House Captains and Heads of House and each House has a mascot. Activities include sports, drama, debating, music and more.‘Being in a house is great fun and gives you a sense of belonging. Savile is the best though!’ Year 8 student

Confidence: A leadership school

We are proud of the way in which we encourage students to step up to leadership. Opportunities are provided from a young age so that students are encouraged out of their ‘comfort zones.’ By the time our young people are in the 6th form they willingly take up positions such as House Captains and Charity Leaders. The Head Boy and Head Girl lead a team of school officials assisting with a host of school events. Here are Gianlucaand Ruth …

Opportunity: A vibrant school

Here is a flavour of what your child can take part in:induction activities, residential trip, Chester Zoo trip, trip to Fountains Abbey, extra-curricular clubs such as Art, Science, Chinese and Maths, writers’ lunch, book week, theatre and opera visits, Bikeability scheme, showcase, Greenpower … and that’s just in Year 7! Older students have the opportunity to visit France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Wales, Canada, Australia, Belgium and this year, Dubai.

The Crossley Heath SchoolTrips, Visits and School Events

Community: a giving school

Everyone here is a member of the CHS family. We encourage everyone to get involved in helping others and developing their personal skills in so doing.Students participate in Student Council or become prefects, LRC helpers or student leaders.In the wider community we carry out charity work, hold an International Day, participate in foreign exchanges and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. We are staunch supporters of Amnesty International.

Valuing each other: A friendly schoolWe aim to help all our young people adapt to change and this begins with transition from primary to secondary school. Students are looked after by a form tutor who has daily contact with tutees. Parents meet the form tutor in Term 1. There is an Achievement Leader attached to each year group. We have outstanding SEND provision and a strong reputation for inclusion

For students, transition begins in the summer term of primary school• We visit everyone – yes,

everyone!• All students attend a transition

day in July• We have a transition area on the

VLE – all new entrants get log-in details

• We have a programme of September induction activities, designed to encourage new friendships and familiarity with school

• We run a residential trip for new Year 7

In partnership with parents

We want you to be involved. It can be a huge step for parents when their child leaves primary school and secondary is inevitably different. Your ‘transition’ begins in June with the New Intake Evening where you will meet senior staff, form tutors and other new parents.Once your child starts in September, you can expect the following:• An information evening early in September• A ‘Meet the Tutor day’ in November• ‘How to Support your Child’ evening• Parents’ evening • Social eventsYou are also a member of the CHA and we would love you to attend meetings or support the varied social events

‘Our daughter is extremely happy at Crossley Heath. She has settled in well enjoying experiences in school and extra-curricular such as cross country, choir and Bushcraft. The most comforting induction for my daughter has been the attitude and friendliness of older pupils who have helped, guided and welcomed her as she familiarised herself with the school.’ Year 7 parent

The next steps

• We administer a joint admission procedure with NHGS• Complete the registration form by Friday 12 September 2014• There is a form on CHS and NHGS websites which you can complete on-line. Receipt

will be acknowledged• Or you can download the form or request a hard copy from either school• You MUST make CHS one of your 5 preferences in order to be considered for a place

(we recommend that you put us as first choice)• The 2 grammar schools admit 310 Year 7 students – but there is usually movement

up to 370• Admission tests are scheduled for Saturday 4 October 2014 and take place at CHS

and NHGS• If your child is ill on exam day, you make the decision as to whether s/he sits the test.

There is a supplementary test at a later date• You will receive results from the tests on Friday 17 October 2014 (including overall

score and position in the order of merit) but this does not equate to the offer of a place

• You must submit the CAF (Common Application Form) to Calderdale LA and neighbouring local authorities by Friday 31 October 2014. Remember to preference 1 or both of the grammar schools

Advice on the Admissions Process

Speak to the experts …

The school’s Admissions Officer, Sally Thristan is available on reception to answer any queries on the school’s admissions process.

We also have a representative from the Calderdale Admissions team with us to offer support and advice on areas such as completing the CAF• Stacey NichollShe is based in A31– by the Dining Room

Offers of secondary school places are made on Monday 2 March 2015Offers are made direct to parents by the home LA

Parents have a right to appeal and the system is transparent and robust

Good luck in your decision-making. Guided tours with students are highly recommended.

Thank you for visiting our school and we hope to see you again in the near future

‘Crossley Heath School is an outstanding school’

Ofsted 2011