20721 Riddlesdown Prospectus

Learners of today Leaders of tomorrow

Welcome

from the Principal “Riddlesdown Collegiate is an outstanding school.”

Ofsted, 2016

Welcome to Riddlesdown Collegiate – an outstanding school and a very special place in which young people learn and grow.

Our determination to deliver the very best standards, ensuring that everyone achieves all that they can, is matched by our commitment to providing life building experiences to support our students’ preparation for the future. As part of The Collegiate Trust, we share a common goal to deliver an exceptional education for all. I am fortunate that my talented team of staff share my passion for education and I am proud, also, of our ambitious students who enjoy excellent teaching, first-rate pastoral care and superb facilities on our spacious site. They work in a focused learning environment, with high expectations of exemplary standards of behaviour, effort and commitment to school life. The VALUES encapsulated within The Riddlesdown Commitment provide a framework for those expectations and outline the key behaviours that we believe lead to success.

Our “small schools” model means that our Year 7 students join one of our Colleges – Aquila, Orion, Pegasus or Phoenix – each of which accommodates about 400 students and is led by its own College Headteacher. After their first five years, students transfer to College VI, our specialist post-16 provision, where they complete their preparation for university and life beyond the Collegiate. Meanwhile, the Creative and Performing Arts (CPA) College, based mainly in our superb arts centre, The @RC, provides a first-class arts education to students across the Collegiate. In addition, the MacKay College provides specialist support, delivering excellence in our inclusion work. Strong relationships and a clear identity are built within each College team, leading to a happy community and facilitating outstanding learning.

I hope that this prospectus will give you a good flavour of Riddlesdown Collegiate but would encourage you to visit us if you would like to find out more. I have a clear vision for the future of the Collegiate, building on its strengths and achievements and bringing even greater success for all of our community. Riddlesdown is an outstanding school; it is my determination to make it truly exceptional.

Mr S Dey, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQH Principal

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“There is a real sense of community at Riddlesdown. I don’t think I would have felt as much of a part of a community if I had gone to another school.”

College VI student

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The Riddlesdown Commitment

Our Values Value each other Aim high Lead by example Use and develop our talents

Our Vision

Our Standards

To be an outstanding academy where we:

We shall:

• uphold our values

• be a positive influence in lessons by working to the best of our ability and by showing respect to our teachers and fellow learners

• provide inspirational and innovative experiences within and beyond the classroom • value, support and develop staff • deliver successful outcomes and positive futures for all of our students

• behave sensibly and show consideration to others around the Collegiate • maintain a calm and pleasant environment in which everyone feels safe and secure • show courtesy to members of the public and our local community when travelling to and from school, and be proud representatives of Riddlesdown Collegiate through our appearance and conduct • complete homework, coursework and revision tasks to the best of our ability at home and ensure that we are ready to learn before leaving for school

Excel in our efforts Stick at it

“ Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to school are consistently outstanding.”

Ofsted, 2016

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Partnership The Collegiate is our school – it belongs to the students, staff, parents and governors and it is only through the strongest partnerships within that community that we achieve the success that our students deserve. Our approach means that we work hard to cultivate strong professional relationships with each other, with our students, with their families and the wider community. We value the Home-School Partnership and view the education and personal development of our students as a shared responsibility with parents.

“ Relationships across the school are hugely positive. Respect for others is deep-rooted in the school’s work.”

Ofsted, 2016

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Our work to guarantee successful transition from primary to secondary school begins as soon as you have been made an offer of a place. We know that the transfer from primary to secondary school is momentous for every family; the strong relationships which have been built through the intimacy of the small school can sometimes feel overwhelmed by potential anonymity of the large school; the move to secondary school can therefore be exhilarating and daunting in equal measures for all concerned. Riddlesdown Collegiate brings together the strengths of primary school and the opportunities of secondary school and makes sure that transition is smooth and effective. To begin building the new relationships every student is either visited in primary school or, should the student be the only one transferring from a particular primary school, is invited with parents to the Collegiate in June to meet others in a similar situation.

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Progress Examination results are consistently high. In May 2016, OFSTED judged outcomes for students to be outstanding as a result of outstanding teaching and learning, outstanding behaviour and outstanding leadership and management across the Collegiate.

Whilst results and qualifications are crucial, just as importantly, students enjoy their time here, whilst parents appreciate the care and support we deliver.

At the Collegiate, progress means much more than academic improvement. We place a great focus on personal and professional growth for all members of our community and it is this emphasis on continuous improvement that enables our students to fulfil their potential.

“ I learnt far more than I could ever have hoped for. I now know what I want to do when I leave Riddlesdown.�

Student

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“The curriculum is exceptional.�

Ofsted, 2016

Our students are encouraged and enabled to be ambitious in everything they do. At the heart of successful learning are knowledge, thinking skills and understanding; developing these allows students to go on to further study, a great career and to enjoy a full and rewarding adult life.

Our curriculum delivers this learning through an extensive range of traditional and modern courses alongside fantastic opportunities beyond the classroom. To ensure that all students make the best and most rapid progress in their learning, we group students by ability in most subject areas. Teachers then tailor their work to the individual needs of students, allowing the most able to be stretched, the middle ability to make good progress and those in need of additional support to receive the help they need to ensure that success.

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Preparation Whether for university, for work or for a future that is uncertain, it is our view that the prime purpose of school is to prepare young people for the rest of their lives and it is our intention that Riddlesdown students will have the very best preparation to help them achieve their goals and to go on to enjoy very happy and successful futures.

The key to our students’ success is the effective pairing of academic qualifications and personal development.

The Collegiate’s motto, “Learners of today, Leaders of tomorrow”, indicates the emphasis that we place on developing those personal and leadership qualities in all of our students through participation in a wide range of extracurricular and cultural activity, both inside and outside of the Collegiate, locally, across the country and abroad. At its heart, leadership is about taking responsibility for oneself and those around you and being a great team player – all Riddlesdown students are encouraged and expected to contribute to and benefit from the excellent opportunities available at the Collegiate.

“I have met lifelong friends and teachers who have gone that extra mile for me. There is an obvious emphasis on working hard to meet your full potential but the College is also somewhere I can relax and have fun too.”

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College VI Student

Over 50 sports teams represent the Collegiate in local, regional and national competitions annually. The Christmas and Summer Concerts present the talents of our Chamber Choir, Junior and Senior Orchestras, Jazz Band and range of vocal and instrumental groups, whilst the annual production showcases the skills developed through the Drama and Music curriculum. Our CPA Festival includes exhibitions of art and design that illustrate the many talents of our students.

Every year our students have the opportunity to travel to develop their independence and leadership skills away from their families. This includes the annual ski trips; the opportunity to explore the Classical world in Greece, Italy or Turkey; trekking through jungles or canoeing down rivers on a World Challenge Expedition in Africa and Asia; visiting sites of historical interest and testing out sporting skills against teams in European cities. This is in addition to a range of visits closer to home – to the theatre, to a museum, to the zoo, for example.

“ Pupils achieve very well and make excellent progress from their different starting points.”

Ofsted, 2016

“The @RC is an exciting hub of creativity within the Collegiate. Students are inspired to innovate, lead and excel within our impressive facility.”

Headteacher, CPA College

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College VI After the first five years at Riddlesdown, students transfer into College VI. Here they utilise all of the skills and attributes gained over Years 7 to 11 and focus on higher levels of study. Within College VI there is a full programme of A Level courses (and some other Level 3 courses also), providing study combinations for everyone from aspiring doctors to fashion designers. The usual route is to study three A levels across two years, although the most able students are able to study four subjects for two years. The development of leadership skills continues through the Student Committees which make decisions about aspects of College VI work; mentoring and teaching of younger students enables our senior students to be strong role models across the Collegiate.

Preparation for next steps, which for the vast majority of our College VI students is university, is vital. Throughout College VI, students are not only supported to achieve the necessary grades but also to develop the life skills to thrive when leaving home for the first time. A full guidance programme means students are well placed to make informed career choices.

Full details on the courses offered and the entry requirements are in the College VI Handbook.

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“ I think the best aspect of College VI is the teaching.

The teachers know each student personally and are more than willing to help with any problems.”

College VI Student

“ Students leave the school as thoughtful mature and well-adjusted young people who are ready to take up their place in society as responsible citizens.”

Ofsted, 2016

“The personal development of sixth form students is outstanding.”

Ofsted, 2016

“The teaching was first class.

It enabled me to go out into the world with a great work ethic. I now run my own production company and work as an Actor. The range of extracurricular activities and the facilities at Riddlesdown are brilliant. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had whilst studying there.�

College VI Student

Learners of today Leaders of tomorrow

www.riddlesdown.org

School

2015 2016

Riddlesdown Collegiate Honister Heights Purley Surrey CR8 1EX Tel: 020 8668 5136 Fax: 020 8660 9025 Email: admin@riddlesdown.org @RiddlesdownC