Raynes Park 7-11 Prospectus

Inspiring Learning; Achieving Excellence

A mixed comprehensive specialising in technology

Expectations

Shape Performance

As the new Headteacher, my drive and ambition is to ensure that Raynes Park High School provides an exceptional learning experience for our students, and our commitment to academic excellence and personal well-being is at the core of everything we do. At RPHS, every student is valued as an individual and we know they benefit from the diverse backgrounds, cultures and abilities of the peers they learn alongside every day.

Inspiring Learning; Achieving Excellence

Raynes Park High School is a vibrant mixed school for students aged 11–19 years with a specialism in technology and a successful Sixth Form. We have a rich history, clear identity and extremely strong community. Proud to be a local authority, community comprehensive school, we pride ourselves on the positive relationships that exist in the school and its happy working environment.

• Learning and Achievement

We aim to secure excellent outcomes for all; our students deserve the very best education and preparation for life and I am committed to ensuring that is what they will receive as a RPHS student.

On their RPHS journey, students thrive on academic challenge and always try their best to fulfil their potential. They are able to think independently and are always ready to learn. They are capable and confident, resourceful and resilient, emotionally intelligent and ready to take their place in our everchanging society.

“ Our 2015 GCSE results are the best in the school’s history. I am looking forward to building on this excellent foundation and continuing to improve outcomes for our students.”

Our school motto articulates all we aspire to in every lesson and for every student.

We want students to be inspired by their lessons and to enjoy their learning as they develop independent learning skills. We strive to ensure that their experience is founded on our eight core values: • Excellence and Resilience • Community and Challenge • Integrity and Respect ‘Integrity and Respect’ underpin our entire philosophy. A school community motivated by integrity and embodying a true understanding of respect and care for others is a successful school.

This prospectus aims to give you an insight into our character and ethos. However, to fully appreciate everything Raynes Park High School can offer, we warmly invite you to come and see for yourself.

Students are most successful when home and school work together in partnership and I look forward to working with you and sharing the future successes of our school.

Mrs K Heard Headteacher

Mrs K Heard – Headteacher

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Personalised Curriculum

A culture of high expectations and a commitment to nurturing the talents and developing the gifts of every student underpins the ethos of Raynes Park High School.

All students benefit from an innovative curriculum focused on providing an engaging experience in which they can make excellent progress from whatever level they start.

Our rigorous academic curriculum has been broadened enabling students to personalise their learning choices.

This has given students the freedom to study subjects they enjoy and are passionate about.

We monitor students’ progress carefully at all stages.

Quite simply, our aspiration is that every student makes exceptional progress, and those who would benefit from additional support in any aspect of their learning and those with marked aptitudes are identified early and given specialist support to reach their full potential.

Students benefit greatly from the outstanding facilities and resources Raynes Park High School offers.

We are student centred with a strong focus on individuals. Students are taught in ability groups relevant to their attainment with the highest achievers joining the ‘High Achieving, Highly Skilled Programme’. Students of all abilities have access to our unique ‘Saturday School’ and ‘Summer School’ programmes.

“ We have a wide range of subjects to choose from so we have more chance of succeeding in things that we like.”

Year 8 Student

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Personali

“ Lessons are very interactive and the teachers always try to incorporate new ways to learn.�

Year 8 Student

lised Support

A Sense of Identity & Belonging

Unique house system Students experience a strong community ethos in our unique house system, which provides them with a deep sense of identity, belonging and enjoyment. The house system focuses on developing three core qualities in students: a sense of community, competitiveness and leadership.

Students benefit from unrivalled pastoral support within our eight houses. Each one is led by a Head of House, closely supported by a learning mentor and individual year group tutors. The Head of House monitors students’ academic progress and wellbeing and knows each student personally. Students’ individual strengths are celebrated and recognised, and areas for development are championed. Students are therefore provided with exceptional levels of support and continuity throughout their time at the school.

Developing leadership skills at a variety of levels enables students to grow individually in preparation for future careers and roles. In years 9 and 11 our student leaders embody skills and qualities reflecting the school values and ethos, and support their peers

and younger house members. In the sixth form our student leadership team includes a head boy and head girl, and senior house leaders.

Working in partnership with families From the outset we communicate closely with families. In addition to regular parent evenings you will receive six reports per year, and there are opportunities to give us feedback through surveys and the Parents’ Forum.

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Tr ansition Support Happy, Settled and Secure Students are introduced to Raynes Park High through our unique transition programme.

• Throughout Years 4 & 5, local primary schools bring students to enjoy a ‘Transition Taster Day’ featuring lessons activities and sports • Year 6 into 7 Transition Activity afternoons are held in March • Our teachers meet your child at their primary school in May/June • Families are invited to individual interviews in June • Induction Day in July • Summer School – at least one week without charge and guaranteed in August When students start in September, they have had an in-depth and sustained induction which enables them to be happy, settled and secure, ensuring a worry free move for children, parents and carers.

“ Something that I think is great at Raynes Park is all of the teachers really push you in your learning and help you to achieve the level you need and deserve.”

Year 7 Student

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extr a curricular opportunities Whether timetabled or extra-curricular, there are numerous sports, creative arts and technology related activities to choose from.

Students need little encouragement to participate in our extensive range of competitive inter-house activities. The spirit, camaraderie and skill they demonstrate reflect their diversity, ability and sheer determination. Whether playing chess, debating, being involved in music and drama, or taking part in sporting and technological challenges, our students show exceptional flair and talent.

Our students have also demonstrated a reputation for excellent achievement across many sports and creative arts.

Our Basketball Academy is well established with a full time coach in post. The U16s won the London CVL title crowning them as one of the best teams in London. Our Dance Academy launched in 2014 and has won the national championships for the second year running. The school also offers netball and rugby. We are confident we will see great sporting success in the months ahead.

“ We have amazing opportunities both outside of as well as in school.�

Year 8 Student

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Raynes Park High School is easily reached by bus and train. Bus 131 for West Barnes Lane, 152 and 265 for Bushey Road.

The main visitor entrance is via Bushey Road.

Bushey Road, London SW20 0JL  tel: 020 8946 4112  email: school@raynespark.merton.sch.uk

www.raynespark.merton.sch.uk