The Cherwell School Prospectus

Welcome

A very warm welcome to The Cherwell School. We are delighted that you want to find out more about us.

We have all the advantages of being a large school in that we offer a very wide range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities. However, our two sites enable us to create smaller and more personal learning environments within the whole school. This makes it easier to know, support and value each student; one of our key aims is to always make a big school feel small.

We have high expectations of our students and we want them to achieve success in whatever they undertake, by making the most of the opportunities available to them. We want them to be happy, to aim high, to be lifelong learners and to be responsible citizens; the School Aims, which can be found in this prospectus, provide further detail on our vision for our school.

Our aims are further supported by our status as a National Teaching School; we take a lead role in the professional development of teachers and support staff and work with other schools to contribute to the raising of standards. We also hold an Investors in People certification. This award continues to help us develop our facilities for the benefit of our school and of the local community.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our school. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We want to help you to make the right choice of school for your son or daughter.

Chris Price Headteacher

guidance & support

We work closely with our partner schools. This helps us to begin to get to know our potential students before they join us and to prepare well for their arrival. The Year 7 leader visits all our students in their primary schools and we organise a range of visits and joint activities in readiness for September.

As soon as we know which students will be joining us, letters of welcome are sent out to them and to their parents. These letters will be followed by other key information and then by invitations to our Welcome Day for students and Welcome Evening for parents.

As a member of the school, each student has the support and help of their Year Leader, Deputy Year Leader, and Form Tutor. They monitor progress, help to sort out any problems which arise and maintain

contact with parents. We believe very strongly in working closely with parents. Regular communication between home and school is vital and our Home/School Agreement sets out what we hope will be achieved through this partnership.

We try to always keep things simple and focus on the things which matter. We concentrate on courtesy, on respect for each other and our environment, on working hard and enabling others to do the same, and on sensible and self-disciplined behaviour. We have chosen not to have a school uniform, except for PE, but our dress code sets standards of appropriateness for school.

Written reports and parents’ consultation evenings provide information about

each student’s progress and if we are concerned about an individual their parents are contacted so that we can work together to provide the necessary support.

A regular electronic newsletter is distributed to parents and invitations to school events and emails or letters about particular issues are sent throughout the school year. They are also displayed on our website which is regularly updated.

We are fortunate in having an active and supportive Parent Teacher Association and all new parents are encouraged to participate in the events and activities arranged.

We want our students:

- to work hard and achieve their best

- to value learning as a lifetime activity

- to behave responsibly, courteously and with consideration for the needs and rights of others

- to be involved in the life of the school and of the wider community and by so doing to become responsible and successful citizens

- to mature in self-confidence, self-discipline, and understanding of other people

- to take pride in what they do and to gain satisfaction and enjoyment from their achievements

The Cherwell School welcomes and values all members of the school community in an atmosphere of learning which is friendly, supportive, and challenging.

our commitment

EFFECTIVE & SUCCESSFUL LEARNING

Our curriculum is broad and stimulating, serving individual needs as far as possible. There is extra support available for all who need it, including the very able, so that all students can progress and succeed. The size of the school allows us to offer a wide range of optional subjects to our Key Stage 4 students (Years 10 and 11) and to our sixth formers (Years 12 and 13).

The curriculum is supported by high quality teaching which encourages an active interest in learning. Students are helped to become independent learners who take responsibility for their progress. Work in school is supported

by homework and students are assisted in learning the necessary planning and organisational skills.

We are fortunate in having excellent specialist facilities on both sites and these will continue to be improved. Students have access to high quality Science, Art and Technology facilities, impressive Drama and Music suites and numerous well-equipped ICT network rooms. Both sites are attractively landscaped and have access to extensive playing fields and hard play areas.

WIDER OPPORTUNITIES

Students are offered many opportunities to contribute to the life and development of the school, for example through the School Council, the Peer Support Scheme, and Active Citizenship Projects.

We encourage students to participate in our wide range of extracurricular activities and there are also lots of school trips and visits. Sport, Music, and Drama are flourishing aspects of the school’s extracurricular life as well as successful curriculum areas, and both our indoor and outdoor facilities support the breadth of opportunity available.

Our three gyms and access to the sports facilities at the Ferry Centre provide scope for a wide range of team sports and leisure activities. Art, Drama, and Music are exhibited and performed to a very high standard with opportunities for students of all ages to participate.

Many activities take place at lunchtime and, since the majority of our students cycle or walk to school, many also take place at the end of the school day.

THE CHERWELL SCHOOL

This booklet contains further information about our school which we hope you will find useful and informative. If you would like additional information please visit our website, telephone, write or email.

Telephone: (01865) 558719

Address: The Cherwell School Marston Ferry Road Oxford OX2 7EE

South Site dial 1 North Site dial 2

Email: office@cherwellschool.org head@cherwellschool.org

Website: www.cherwell.oxon.sch.uk

Ofsted: Graded “Outstanding” in all areas - October 2022 (https://cherwellschool.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/document/The-CherwellSchool-Ofsted-Rpt-Final.pdf?t=1694685205?ts=1694685205)

Useful Contacts

We place considerable emphasis on school and parent / carer partnership and good communication is at the heart of this. At the start of each year we issue a guide to parents and carers on who and how to contact the school. We often use email to contact parents and carers as well as posting regular information on our website, in addition to using letters and phone calls as required. Below you will find some names of key staff for new students. School contact details can be found above.

Mr Chris Price Headteacher

Ms Shontelle Magenty Deputy Headteacher (Student Experience and Wellbeing)

Mr Tom Hilton Deputy Headteacher (Quality of Education)

Mrs Kate Larminie Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion)

Ms Rosie Breckon Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning)

Mr Pete Davies Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour for Learning)

Mr Jermaine Jarvis Assistant Headteacher (Transitions and Progression)

Mrs Emma Rapson Assistant Headteacher (Staff Development, Strategic Leadership of Post 16 Education)

Ms Charlotte Richer Head of Sixth Form

Ms Sam Hands SENCo

Mrs Kay Ridout SEND Officer

Mr Liano Brown Lead Teacher for Deaf and Hearing Services Resource Base

Admissions

Ms Claire Wilks Communication and & Mr Pete Austin Interaction Resource Base

Mrs Sarah Beauchamp PA to Headteacher

Mr Martin Thorney Chair of Governors

270 students joined our Year 7 in September 2023

399 first choice applications

1053 total applications

2002 total number of pupils on roll in September 2023

The admission arrangements for entry are published by Oxfordshire County Council in its booklet “Oxfordshire Secondary Schools – admissions and transfers 2024/25” which is distributed to all Primary School Year 6 parents and is also available from the School Admissions Team at Oxfordshire County Council.

Tel: (01865) 815175 Email: admissions.schools@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Once we know which students will be joining us in September 2024 we will send out further information and arrange welcome visits for students and parents. Cherwell staff will also visit our new students in their primary schools in June and July of 2024.

Ms Christine Jaques Attendance and Family Liaison Officer

THE CHERWELL SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY

Mr Peter Clouth Co-opted

Mr David Dyer Staff

Mrs Hemara Earl Co-opted

Mrs Ana Gradiska Parent

Vacancy Staff

Mr Tomasz Gromelski Parent

Mr Jo Harris Community

Mr Luke Kennedy Co-opted

Mrs Irene Kirkham Local Authority

Vacancy Parent

Mr Shaka Obhiozele Parent

Mr Chris Price Headteacher

Mr Paul Ravenhill Community

Mrs Tina Surrage Support Staff

Mr Martin Thornley Community (Chair)

Ms Janine Wooldridge Parent

Mrs Sarah Beauchamp Clerk

Parents and friends of The Cherwell School work hard to support the activities of The Cherwell School PTA. They can be contacted on chair@cherwellpta.org

THE CURRICULUM

The Cherwell School has a rich history of keeping the curriculum at the heart of the education we offer. As a result, young people experience a rich, exceptionally varied curriculum, which is a conscious blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Students engage with a wide range of subjects through ambitious, welldesigned courses, tailored to their needs.

The curriculum embodies our school values of Excellence, Opportunity and Responsibility.

Excellence: Students flourish socially and academically during and beyond their time at the school. They learn to mix skilfully with adults and with each other, developing as people in tandem with progressing in their studies.

Opportunity: Students gain meaningful knowledge and cultural capital which empowers them, enabling them to succeed in life and understand the world around them.Students experience a wide range of subjects, with multiple progression routes, which ensures a broad, deep experience for each individual.

Responsibility: Cherwell students develop into impressive people who contribute actively to the school and the local community and go on to make a difference in the wider world.

Detailed information about the content of the curriculum can be found on the curriculum page of the school website. https://www.cherwell. oxon.sch.uk/416/curriculum-overview

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Our courses build on the foundation of the work completed in primary school and take into account recent revisions to the National Curriculum.

In Years 7-9 students study English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish or German, Drama, History, Geography, Music, Art, Technology, Physical Education, Computing and ICT, RS and Social Wellbeing. Throughout the school we are committed to developing a range of learning/social skills as well as offering a range of different opportunities in line with our school values of opportunity, responsibility and excellence.

Much of the teaching in Year 7 is in form groups, but Maths and PE are set with Design Technology taught in mixed form groups. In Year 8 French is also taken alongside Spanish or German.

Towards the end of Year 9 students choose the subjects they wish to study in Years 10 and 11. Parents are involved closely with the selection of GCSE and other courses and the Year 9 personal development programme supports students in their decision making.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Currently in years 10 and 11 students can follow GCSE and a number of Level two qualifications. All students study a core consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, PE, Citizenship and Social Wellbeing. Up to four other subjects are also studied, chosen by students with careful guidance to ensure a broad and balanced programme. It is strongly recommended that one of the humanities, a foreign language and a technological or creative subject are included by most students.

Careers guidance is integrated into the programme and is supported by our own Careers Officer. There are a number of information and guidance events for students, parents and carers providing additional details about opportunities after Year 11 and about sixth form courses.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13)

As a large Sixth Form, we are able to offer an extremely wide range of A level courses. The current provision includes:

ART

BIOLOGY

BUSINESS STUDIES

CHEMISTRY

COMPUTING

DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES

ECONOMICS

ENGINEERING

ENGLISH LITERATURE

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

FRENCH

GEOGRAPHY

GERMAN

HISTORY

MATHEMATICS

MUSIC

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICS

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRODUCT DESIGN

PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIOLOGY

SPANISH

TEXTILES

All students will also complete an Extended Project Qualification and follow a social wellbeing curriculum and ‘Beyond Cherwell’ enrichment programme alongside their A-Level choices.

Detailed information is published in our Sixth Form prospectus, which is available from the school website (https://sixthform.cherwellschool.org/)

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES (SEND)

We are committed to ensuring that all students realise their potential, through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides equality of opportunity and enables high achievement for all students regardless of specific need or academic ability.

The guidelines outlined in the Department of Education’s Code of Practice form the basis of our Special Needs policy, which is available from the school and on the website. Students experiencing difficulties with their learning will be identified through information from parents, teaching staff, primary school colleagues and the students themselves, and they might then be placed on the Special Educational Needs register. A student profile is created to alert staff to the needs identified and the strategies agreed to help the student. This enables teaching staff to provide additional classroom support to enable the student to access the curriculum, and we ensure that they are monitored closely and their progress discussed regularly with parents. Students with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) issued by the local authority are also supported and monitored closely, according to the provision outlined in their plans. Regular meetings take place with parents to review the outcomes for these students.

Increasingly, students are encouraged to work towards independence, with support from TAs and class teachers. We suggest a range of strategies, in consultation with external bodies, to achieve a greater level of autonomy for students with SEND, in the classroom and whilst working at home.

Kate Larminie, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, oversees special educational support in school including students with SEND and bilingual learners, supported by Sam HandsSENCo, Liane Woodgate -Deputy SENCo. Our Special Educational Needs Officer is Kay Ridout.

Kay works closely with the subject departments and the team of Teaching Assistants to coordinate support for the students on the Special Educational Needs register, and others who have been identified as having short- or longer term - needs. The learning support team offers support for students with specific learning difficulties, including targeted interventions for those students who require additional help with literacy and numeracy, or have SEMH needs.

The school has two attached Oxfordshire Special Educational Needs resource bases: one for students with hearing impairments (DHS) and one for students with communication and interaction (C&I) difficulties. The Deaf and Hearing ServiceResource Base (DHSB) and the Communication and Interaction Resource Base (CIRB) form part of a continuum of support offered within the Local Offer for children and young people with SEN living in Oxfordshire. Both resource bases are staffed with specialist teachers and support staff from the centrally held Special Educational Needs Support Services (SENSS). Students with HI or C&I are on school roll and are included as fully as possible in school life with support from the bases. The lead teacher for the DHSBis Liano Brown and for the CIRB are Pete Austin (KS3) and Claire Wilks (KS4/5).

Specialist support for students whose first language is not English is co-ordinated by Eileen Nolan.

Students who have been identified as having behaviour for learning needs or social, emotion, mental health (SEMH) needs benefit from guidance provided in the Inclusion Base, managed By Dan Ormrod. This is a nurturing environment designed to enable students a chance to reflect upon their behaviour or receive targeted SEMH support to ultimately manage better in school.

HIGH ATTAINERS

The Cherwell School is committed to identifying and further challenging those students who are attaining highly in their studies.

We define High Attaining students as those who are working at a level significantly above the average performance for their year group. Whilst we believe that all students have the potential for high attainment, we use current and prior attainment data, as well as the professional judgement of our teachers, to identify high attaining students at the school. Our aim is to ensure that all students are given an experience which is appropriately challenging, and ensures strong, sustained further progress in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities.

We strive to achieve this in three main ways:

• WE PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT QUALITY OF TEACHING AND PROVISION FOR HIGH ATTAINING STUDENTS

• WE CULTIVATE AN ETHOS AND CULTURE OF SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE,

• WE PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME OF EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION

WHICH RECOGNISES, VALUES AND CELEBRATES HIGH ATTAINMENT

SAFEGUARDING PUPILS

At The Cherwell School the health, safety and well-being of every student is very important. We listen to our students and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time at school and achieve well. We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers to help students to be successful, feel safe and make a positive contribution.

All staff undertake safeguarding training every year and briefings are included in termly staff meetings in order to ensure all staff are up to date with current issues and are skilled at responding to concerns. Safeguarding is at the centre of everything that we do in school.

To promote a safe environment for students, our selection and recruitment policy includes all checks on staff and volunteers suitability, including Disclosure and Barring Service checks and overseas checks, as recommended by Oxfordshire County Council in accordance with current legislation.

In accordance with our responsibilities under section 175 of the Education Act 2002, we have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (Ms Magenty) and five Deputy Designated Leads

(Mr Jarvis, Mrs Larminie, Ms Wells, Ms Bristow and Mr Price) who have received appropriate training for this role. In addition to this we have an extended safeguarding team who have also completed mental health first aid training in addition to their safeguarding training. It is their responsibility to ensure that all members of staff in contact with students receive child protection awareness training on a regular basis. The safeguarding team works together to ensure that our students get the right support at the right time so that they can flourish and achieve their potential. Mrs Ana Gradiska is the Governor in charge of Safeguarding.

On rare occasions our concern about a student may mean that we have to consult other agencies. Unless it is not safe for a student, we would always aim to achieve this with a parent’s/carer’s consent but this may not always be possible. The procedures, which we follow, have been laid down by the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all. If you want to know more about our procedures, please speak to the Headteacher. The Policy can be found on the school website and is available, on request, from the school office.

SUMMER 2023 EXAMINATION RESULTS

GCSE

A Level

Destinations Data 2023

YEAR 11 STUDENTS

64% Staying on into Cherwell 6th form

3% Another School 6th form

22% College

5% Employment / Apprenticeship

1% Training Provider (such as Bristol School of Acting, OFD and ACE)

3% Moved away

2% Unknown

<1% Other reasons

<1% NEET

YEAR 13 STUDENTS 73% University 18% Deferred entry to university/GAP year 3% Employment 4% Art Foundation

Typical Day in the Life of a Cherwell Year 7 Pupil

8.20 Arrive at school, lock my bike in the cycle sheds, meet up with friends.

8.25

8.30

The first bell goes and we make our way to line up in our form group. Our tutor meets us and takes us into our form room for registration.

Our form tutor takes the register, gives our notices and checks our planners. If we are having an assembly we go to the gym to join the rest of our year group, if not we have tutorial activities with our form tutor.

9.00 Lesson 1

We have five one hour lessons each day in a two week timetable. Each day is different so, on Tuesday in week 1 we might have Drama, Science, PE, English and History. We have timetables in our planners to remind us where to go.

10.00 Lesson 2

There is a 5 minute break between lesson 1 and lesson 2 to allow us time to arrive promptly at our next room.

11.00 Break

By now we are hungry so off we go to the canteen, we meet our friends, play outside, talk to teachers, go to the library. Break goes very quickly.

11.20 Lesson 3

12.20 Lunchtime

More food, more time with friends, lots of lunchtime clubs and activities to choose from.

12.55 A bell sounds to tell us to go to afternoon lessons.

13.00 Lesson 4

14.00 Lesson 5

14.55

A five minute movement break and then the final lesson starts at 14.05.

The end of the school day, but there are more activities, clubs and opportunities for us to do if we wish. Then home!

Times of the School Day

Examples of Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs

Please take a look at our website: https://www.cherwell.oxon.sch.uk/455/club-activites where examples of all of our extra-curricular activities can be found.

If you have any further questions after reading this prospectus and visiting our school, please contact us.

The Cherwell School Aims

Responsibility

As a community of individuals we recognise that we have a range of responsibilities. Team work and collective responsibility support the success of individuals, the school and the wider community.

There is a commitment to excellence in all that we do. We have a culture of high expectations. We expect to do well both as individuals and collectively.