23703 Forest Hall Prospectus Design

FOREST HALL SCHOOL Aspiring to Reach the Exceptional

PROSPECTUS 2019-2020

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We ARE Forest Hall

Aspiring to Reach the Exceptional To belong to Forest Hall School is an honour and each of us ASPIRES to REACH a potential which is not limited but gives us wings to be EXCEPTIONAL with a shared sense of purpose.

At Forest Hall we aim: • To ensure all students can be exceptional life-long learners.

• To encourage all students to have the highest expectations for their education and their future careers.

• To provide an environment where everybody behaves appropriately.

• To ensure all students feel safe and happy.

• To encourage self-confidence, responsibility and a positive self-image.

• For students to be ready to leave Forest Hall School with the skills, attributes and character to be an exceptional citizen.

• To provide an environment which encourages students to be fit and healthy.

• To ensure excellence and enjoyment every day.

• To ensure that any type of prejudice based discrimination like racism, homophobia and sexism is challenged.

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WELCOME to Forest Hall School Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I wholeheartedly echo his thoughts: education changes the world.

Your child’s education here will open up doors for their future and give them the confidence and skills to change the world.

The inclusive and supportive environment is a place where young people can thrive and excel. You will find that all of the staff have the highest of expectations of our young people to achieve the exceptional.

Our drive is to simply support your child in becoming exceptional in all areas.

I believe that students all have the ability to be exceptional. The partnership between students, parents/carers and staff is crucial in ensuring that students enjoy their time at Forest Hall School, make exceptional progress and leave us as exceptional, well-qualified, mature young people, ready to make a valued contribution to society.

At Forest Hall School, exceptional behaviour is one of my top priorities.

I expect your child to display exceptional behaviour every day. Your child should wear their uniform with pride. Our school ethos centres on exceptional behaviour, any cases of low-level disruption in class is dealt with in an appropriate way.

Exceptional learning is also the top of my priorities at Forest Hall School. Students must use every moment of each lesson to learn something new and leave the

school each day excited by this learning and curious for more. I want students to aspire to be exceptional and to aim for the highest academic results to allow them to go onto the best Russell group universities in the country.

I am proud of our strong community ethos in the school. The vertical House system helps to create for all students a happy, safe and supportive atmosphere. Students treat each other with respect and courtesy and often say that Forest Hall School is their second home.

Our focus each and every day is to ensure that your child improves in their learning and achieves highly. Not only do I want students to develop and progress academically, I also hold great value on social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. I am proud with how kind, caring and acceptable our students are.

Each year students give back to the local community by taking part in activities.

In such a diverse and ever-changing community, it is important that your child leaves Forest Hall School as an exceptional student.

I look forward to meeting you here at Forest Hall School.

Hannah Jones, Head of School

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Be EXCEPTIONAL at FHS ATTENDANCE

EXPERIENCES

• Students attendance to school is +99%.

• Students are happy attending school.

• Students are on time and prepared.

• Students fully participate in school life.

• Students enjoy a range of learning experiences - enrichment.

• Students are happy to try new things.

• Students are confident in putting themselves in new situations.

• Students have the skills to take risks and cope with them.

ATTITUDE • Students are pro-active in their learning at school.

• Students are prepared for the learning journey at FHS. • Students are willing to take educated risks to achieve.

• Students keen to make progress.

• Students are accountable for their own learning and progress.

• Students have a thirst for learning.

• Students have a positive attitude towards FHS. • Students are proud of FHS.

BEHAVIOUR • Students understand the school BfL policy.

• Students know how to keep themselves safe inside and outside of school.

• Students are respectful and polite to others.

• Students understand right from wrong.

• Students value and celebrate differences.

• Students have the skills to be safe online.

PROGRESS • Students achieve highly.

• Students perform above national averages.

• Students understand how they can improve to reach their targets.

• Students are dedicated to reach the exceptional.

• Students are self-motivated to achieve.

• Students are self-critical.

• Students can work independently to reach a goal.

• Students understand the importance of today for their future steps.

SELF • Students are respectful.

• Students are confident to deal with change.

• Students can work collaboratively with others.

• Students strive to be active citizens.

• Students make informed choices.

• Students are considerate.

• Students understand the importance of being healthy.

• Students can be themselves.

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MESSAGES from the Student Executive Team (SET) Hello, I am Alfie Madigan and I am currently Head Boy of Forest Hall School.

I am thrilled to hear that you are considering sending your child to our exceptional school, and I am positive that by doing so, you are giving them the best opportunity to succeed academically and socially!

At Forest Hall School, students are driven to perform to the best of their ability, and are encouraged to attend study clubs and enrichment activities in order to further their learning. At Forest Hall there is never a lack of opportunities you can support a charity or take part in our annual production, visit the airport or go on our many trips outside of school. Here, students begin to take two option subjects for GCSE a year beginning in Year 9, so that pupils can leave Forest Hall having earnt as many qualifications as possible. One of the best parts of attending FHS is that teachers in all subjects give up their free time to ensure that their pupils are performing as well as they can, and have the best chance of success, sacrificing their own free time for us.

In Forest Hall we are a family. Where everyone is treated equally and valued for their individuality and unique skills they bring to our exceptional community. Our school takes safeguarding very seriously, we have safeguarding ambassadors, form time activities and an amazing team of staff who work tirelessly to make sure we are safe both inside and outside of the school. Our Student Executive Team consists of a group of Year 11s who have earnt the position of Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, Prefect etc. and act as role models and a voice for the rest of the school, whether it be staff or student, their role is to help the school reach its full potential along with FHS’s outstanding staff.

These are just a few of the things that truly make Forest Hall exceptional, and I am sure that you will love it here as much as we do! We hope to see you in September and we can’t wait to support you through your journey here at FHS. Alfie Madigan, Head Boy

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Hello, my name is Ellie Godfrey and I have been given the pleasure of the role as Head Girl here at Forest Hall School.

We are pleased that you are considering sending your child to our exceptional school. I believe that FHS will drive your children to succeed in the future so that they will be able to continue their studies wherever they please.

One of my favourite things of being a Head Girl is not only that I am a role model to younger pupils, but if someone has an idea to improve our beloved school, I can pass it onto those who can make a change for the better. When I came here I found myself surrounded by enthusiastic, helpful and friendly faces. For GCSE students, teachers will often carry out Saturday schools to help you succeed out of the kindness and willingness of their hearts as they want us to succeed and achieve the best results that resemble our ability. Teachers also run Be Exceptional enrichment clubs at lunch time and after school. For example, Eco club run by Mr Ricketts and Miss Griffiths that allows our community to become a more pleasant place for everybody.

At Forest Hall we are striving to reach the exceptional, we want to make the most of our time here, so when we get our GCSE results we will be pleased with them due to the hard work we put into receiving them.

Another strength of our school is that even if you do not know what you would like to do in your bright future after year 11, the school gives you opportunities to visit universities or we are given the opportunity to for a careers week where we are supplied with useful advice that will help us decide the best possible futures for ourselves. The SET are also there to talk to if you don’t want to talk to a teacher, you can come and talk to myself, Alfie Madigan or another member of the SET. At this school we are very strong against bullying and any form of discrimination, and so if anyone is being bullied, this will be dealt with immediately as these actions are not tolerated here at FHS. Forest Hall School is a small school, and therefore it does not have the same pressure that large schools have. These are just a small number of things that make Forest Hall School so exceptional, and I am sure you will love it here! I am extremely excited to meet you all next September and become a member of the Forest Hall School community where you will be welcomed with open arms!

Ellie Godfrey, Head Girl

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HOUSE System Students, their parent/carers and all staff are very proud of the House system. It is now an integral part of the ethos of Forest Hall School.

Merlin are strong, formidable and energetic predators, they can make surprise attacks to bring down prey. They are powerful fliers with rapid movement, manoeuvring quickly to catch prey.

Each year, each House has a two week period to raise as much money as they can for their chosen charity. Each student has many opportunities individually or as a team to win vital House points for that all important total.

Eagles have great leadership characteristics and are fearless. They are great hunters soaring high. They always fight to win and they love a storm. They never surrender.

Our house names were chosen for two reasons, our close links to Stansted Airport (each house has the name of an aircraft) and also birds of prey.

Falcons are found all across the world.

They are ruthless and their flying abilities are incredible. They have great hunting skills and have few natural predators.

The names were chosen by the School’s student community several years ago and we have proudly kept the tradition going.

Harriers hunt by flying low over open ground, but when they soar it is a sight to behold. They are territorial but thrive within a community. They staunchly protect crops from vermin.

Here at Forest Hall there is fierce competition between each of our Houses.

Both Students and Staff are allocated a house when they first join the School.

Some of the House events that take place at Forest Hall are: • • • •

House Sport Charity Fortnight weeks Sports Day And many more

House Group SYSTEM We believe that the form tutor is a vital role within the School and will be your first point of contact to discuss your child.

Forest Hall is unique in that most tutor groups have two form tutors who are members of the teaching or associate staff.

This ensures that students are supported both pastorally and academically and can be more effectively mentored by the form tutor team.

The form tutor is the first point of contact for parents/carers.

There is also a House leader for each House in the school. They work closely with the tutors to monitor academic progress, personal development and to ensure that students are happy and successful as they progress through the school. Each House is overseen by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. They, with the House Leader have responsibility for both the pastoral and academic aspects of the House group and all matters related to discipline and behaviour.

Form time in the morning is 30 minutes long from 8.45am to 9.15am. Reading is the focus of form time each day and students are encouraged to bring in a good fiction or non-fiction book to read.

Students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the school library during tutor time to choose new books to read.

The House system is Vertical. This means that when you son/daughter joins Forest Hall School they join a House form with some students from Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10. In Year 11, students will be connected to a House but will have additional English, Maths and Science in morning form time. The House system contributes to the community and caring ethos of the school as your son/daughter will immediately become best friends with students from a variety of year groups.

For example, new Year 7 students will be able to read with their House form Year 10 students during morning registration.

During the school day new Year 7 students will be able to ask for advice from their Year 11 House form friends to help them find new classrooms and/or sit with them during lunch and enjoy their company.

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CURRICULUM We follow the BMAT curriculum. This is a rich and varied curriculum that will stretch and support all students in their learning journey towards graduation from Forest Hall School. The BMAT graduate is a student who has successfully completed their studies at one of our schools.

The BMAT graduate is confident. They know where they want to go in life, why they want to go there and how to make it happen.

They know they are in control of their own journey but also how to live and work well with the rest of us, each on our own journey. They are successful because they know where they have come from and have a respect for where everyone else has come from, and why. We all have a place in a world shared with each other and with nature. BMAT graduates understand the responsibility this brings.

This knowledge, understanding and selfenlightenment comes from studying the various subjects in the BMAT curriculum, including well-being and future careers, curated as an interlinked study programme within the school curriculum. Exploring each subject fosters curiosity and gives a rich knowledge based on the best that humans have thought and said, discovered and created. So, each new BMAT student is freed to begin exploring their own creativity and talents but with the best of human knowledge as their starting point. Ready to graduate, shape and develop our world, taking humans even further.

The BMAT curriculum has been designed on principles established by educational research and from what we know works in outstanding schools.

Key stage 3 is a broad two year learning phase for Years 7 and 8 which builds on primary learning and completes the essential knowledge in the main subject areas. Key stage 3 study programmes are timetabled as five lessons of 60 minutes per day, covering all national curriculum subjects.

The majority of students study French and/ or Spanish for their foreign language and cultural experience.

Key stage 4 is a personalised three year learning phase for Years 9, 10 and 11. Study programmes are timetabled as three lessons

of 100 minutes per day. This gives students time to understand and explore core and option subjects in greater depth and to communicate this with greater skill. Core GCSE courses in English, maths and science continue throughout key stage 4, as well as foundation courses (citizenship, computing and PE) and statutory (RE and RSE) courses.

Students also select GCSE option courses from a range of choices. Year 9 is a transition year where students choose one GCSE option, alongside a humanities course, followed by two more option choices in each of Year 10 and Year 11. We have learned that students find this choice to be an exciting phase of their learning, leading to increased motivation and improved results.

To complement the knowledge gained in a broad range of key subjects, key stage 3 and 4 study programmes include learning about the essential components that go into our graduates, such as careers and wellbeing. The careers curriculum is delivered in lessons, tutorial and enrichment time.

All students have discrete PSHE lessons to support their personal, social and health development.

For parents & carers who are interested in further information about the BMAT curriculum, please see the curriculum section of the trust website.

FOREST HALL’S WIDER SCHOOL CURRICULUM In addition to the main BMAT curriculum, our wider school curriculum encompasses all aspects of our students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It will develop 21st century skills that will enable our students to become successful global citizens who excel in the modern world.

We focus on developing attributes that are highly prized in higher education and the workplace, such as confidence, initiative, teamwork, perseverance and empathy.

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SUPPORTING students academically There is excellent provision for our more able students at Forest Hall School.

We truly believe that our students should have the same opportunities as their peers in grammar and private schools. Students at Forest Hall School should have the right to equal opportunity in terms of achievement. In order to support our academically gifted students, Forest Hall School tracks and monitors the progress of all more able students. Students who achieve highly in key stage 2 are identified as more able when they now first start in Year 7.

At Forest Hall we have a dedicated member of staff to oversee our more able provision. Students will have a meeting with the more able lead to discuss progress and future career plans. We are aware that our students have to compete with students across the country so we aim to give all Forest Hall students the edge over students from other schools in a highly competitive world.

Every week there are lunch and/or after school enrichment clubs. At KS3 these are different, fun and interesting in the core subjects. At KS4 these are focused on GCSE examination content. The aim is to extend and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding in different subject areas. Students receive rewards such as pizza parties, vouchers and badges.

We also lay on fun learning activities for our more able learners outside the school day. For example, there are trips to the University of Cambridge and The Houses of Parliament.

We encourage all our students to think about their post 16 education they walk through the door. Our career focus in Year 7 enables students to think about their dreams and the routes into different careers. We often ask past students to come back and at as good role models.

They can share their experiences of post 16 and university to help our more able students to think about the future.

Business Mentoring PROGRAMMES We believe that mentoring is key to ensuring our students reach their full potential. We are in a unique position to work closely with two local organisations.

These mentoring sessions consist of regular meetings between the student and their personal mentor. Mentors are matched with students based on the mentors expertise and qualities. By appropriately matching students to mentors we endeavour to have powerful positive effects on the students’ personal and academic lives. Ultimately, mentoring enhances students to personal growth and development.

STANSTED AIRPORT BUSINESS MENTORING Working in partnership with Stansted Airport, students in Year 11 have the opportunity to have a mentor to support them through their last year with us at Forest Hall School. The rationale behind this programme is to develop students’ skills in the following areas: • Time management • Communication • Organisation • Confidence • Problem solving • Team work These mentoring sessions take place in the school library during registration time.

At the end of the programme students are invited to the airport for a celebration.

STANSTED BUSINESS FORUM (SBF) MENTORING Students have the opportunity to be mentored by local business owners from Stansted to help develop their understanding of a wide range of businesses. The rationale behind this programme is to develop students’ skills in the following areas: • • • • •

Problem solving Having difficult conversations Team work Problem solving Employability skills

Mentoring will take place both on site and at the local businesses. This enables students to get a real flavour of the world of work.

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‘BE EXCEPTIONAL’ enrichment opportunities All students are offered the opportunity to get involved in extended curriculum activities that develop their wider educational skills and understanding.

We know that our students will best flourish if they lead a rich and varied live.

The Be Exceptional enrichment curriculum at Forest Hall School is varied and exciting.

Many students regularly stay for up to 2 hours longer at the end of the school day to use the school library or to take advantage of the different enrichment opportunities. Popular examples include: • Choir • Football • Drama • Netball • Film • Glee • Band • Breakfast • Eco • Gardening • Lego • Chess • Book • Tennis • British Sign Language • Cooking • Pride

Those passionate about sport can train to be Sports Leaders while those who love the Arts can work with dancers, artists, musicians to develop their talents. There really is something for everyone here at Forest Hall.

Our Be Exceptional enrichment programme also includes trips, visits and guest speakers. We pride ourselves in the different opportunities we offer students at FHS. These include: • Visiting a local orphanage in Corfu, Greece • Ski trip to Austria • Local visits such as Mountfitchet Castle • PSHE trips including Jump Street, Kidsmania and Stansted Airport Aerozone • Guest speakers including authors, motivational speakers and careers speakers • University trips • Curriculum related trips such as UK Maths Challenge, Essex University Science trips and many more!

• Danish exchange • West End musicals • Community days • Reward trips to Rollerworld, Winter Wonderland and more!

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FHS Library We are fortunate to have a spacious and inviting Library for students to use during break, lunch-time and, of course, during lessons.

There are thousands of materials to borrow ranging from e-resources to Non-Fiction, and the Library is regularly updated with new Fiction. Students can log-in to the Eclipse.net database accessible from the school’s webpage to search what is currently available and to find links to articles for research.

For Key Stage 3 students, we offer a globally-recognised reading program called Accelerated Reader. Once a fortnight students have a lesson in the Library where they choose a reading book according to their individual level and complete short, online quizzes. The levels are determined by an initial online test, which encourages students to choose books that are not too easy or too difficult. Not only does this help develop vocabulary and comprehension, but it encourages a love for reading. With each book read and quiz taken, the student will accrue points and earn rewards and certificates such as: Millionaire’s Club, AR Stars, pizza parties, cake parties, house points and gift cards to Waterstone’s.

Students can borrow up to three books at a time and for a period of two weeks.

In addition, we run several lunch-time clubs including: Book Club and Film Club.

We have participated in author events, the Essex Book Awards, Carnegie Award shadowing, World Book Day, Harry Potter Book Night and have created videos for the promotion of reading during school assemblies. We read, create, write, discuss, watch films and eat cake.

“ Schools, teachers and pupils freed to succeed.”

These few words sum up what BMAT is about. We are a growing multiacademy trust supporting primary and secondary schools across Essex and East London.

We started as a team of educationalists who succeeded in turning around the fortunes of Burnt Mill Academy in Harlow between 2010 - 2012. Since that time, we have built up a regional schools trust that is committed to the following: ‘No limits’ attitude towards children We believe that no child should be limited by where they’ve come from; that every child within the BMAT family deserves the chance to move on from where they are now to somewhere better. This belief – this attitude – is a non-negotiable for us here at BMAT. Letting our teachers truly teach We believe in letting our teachers do what they’re best at – teach. Our experience is that a strict scheme of work and carbon copy approach doesn’t work. Why? Because, ultimately, instinctive teaching is the kind of teaching that will inspire a child to see and discover new possibilities.

Local schools with local personalities We are not in the business of making every school in our network look like each other.

In fact, we celebrate the personality and character of each school that joins our network. Local schools by nature have local personalities – and we aren’t afraid of that.

Helena Mills CBE - CEO Here at BMAT, we want so much more than just fantastic outcomes for our pupils. In our schools, pupils enjoy many opportunities to grow and develop into confident and responsible young people. They leave us; knowing a lot, self -assured, kind and ready to fulfil their dreams and aspirations Each of our schools is unique but we do share certain core values. We have high expectations and make no apologies for that.

We believe whatever bar you set, a child will reach for it, so we set the bar high.

As an inclusive group of schools it is important to us that these high expectations are for every single child. We see the positive impact this has on individuals on a daily basis. Our pupils really want to learn and do well. Our pupils grow into very confident and moral young people. This is because we encourage our pupils and our staff to do the right thing, everyday, even when that might not be popular. Being courageous is very important to us..

When you walk our schools and meet both staff and pupils you will find them warm and caring places. Our staff are humble people and enjoy knowing that they make the difference to the pupils they serve.

They give generously of their time. They are the reason why our pupils thrive.

Dan Kolinsky QC - Chair In BMAT, our approach is to make sure that everything we do is for the benefit of the students. We want our teachers to succeed.

We want to capture best practice. We want our local governing boards to help drive the best possible educational outcomes.

As a Board, we aim to be governance partners facilitating success not prescribing how to do things. With the right culture of high expectations, high support and high challenge; the talent throughout this organisation can direct their amazing energy and commitment into delivering the best outcomes for our young people. If we get this right, we thrive as a community of schools.

We are united in our commitment to delivering great education and maximising the opportunities for our students.

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T: 01279 813384 E: reception@bmatforesthall.org.uk Address: Forest Hall Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8TZ

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