“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and its leadership, and say their children feel safe and are well cared for.� Ofsted, 2018
WELCOME TO WOOLMER HILL SCHOOL “It is my pleasure to welcome you to Woolmer Hill School. It is my belief that we provide a first rate education founded upon our strong and supportive school community. It is a fabulous place to grow and learn.” Clare Talbot – Headteacher
Woolmer Hill School is a successful mixed comprehensive academy with students aged from 11 to 16 years. Situated on a beautiful site on the outskirts of Haslemere, the school attracts students from a wide surrounding area. We are proud to work closely with the other schools in the Weydon Multi Academy Trust. We have an inclusive approach to educating the whole person, based upon an ethos of mutual respect and active involvement in all aspects of school life. We have high expectations of each student and all members of our school community are inspired to achieve their full potential. We believe in developing independent learners with a growth mindset. Student leadership, in many forms, helps to drive whole school progress and students regularly lead their own projects. We make maximum use of the exceptional resources available to us on the site, including 25 acres of grounds and our outstanding sports centre with its large multi-purpose sports hall and two flood lit all-weather pitches. We offer a wide range of subjects taught by specialist teachers in first class facilities.
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THE CURRICULUM All our students experience a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum. Our curriculum provides clear progression and development of the core skills and knowledge across all subject areas throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. Strong emphasis is placed upon the school motto, “Proud to Belong … Proud to Achieve”, which underpins learning and a student’s ability to progress rapidly and effectively throughout their school career. KEY STAGE 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) Our aim in Key Stage 3 is to build on the progress our students have already made during their time in Key Stage 2 and to continue to develop them as successful life-long learners. We provide a broad range of subjects in each year with a view to building a strong basis for later learning. During Key Stage 3, all students study the core subjects, along with the Arts (Music, Drama and Art), Humanities (Geography, History and RE), Computer Science, Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) and Design Technology (Textiles, Electronics, Food and Resistant Materials). This varied timetable allows students an opportunity to get a broad and balanced education in all subject areas during their time in Key Stage 3.
KEY STAGE 4 (Years 10 and 11) At GCSE level our range of options include Computer Science, Drama, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Physical Education, Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish), Business Studies, History, Geography and Religious Education; in addition to the ‘core’ of English, Mathematics and Science. This offer is enhanced by our involvement in the Waverley Federation partnership which allows us to offer a wide range of vocational and specialist options provided through the Federation. Further details about our courses are available on our website www.woolmerhill.surrey.sch.uk
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“Students particularly value that staff know them very well and provide them with helpful support for both their academic and pastoral needs, …. students achieve outcomes in their GCSE examinations which are above, and sometimes well above, national averages.” Ofsted, 2018
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WORKING WITH STUDENTS At Woolmer Hill we pride ourselves on working with our students on many aspects of school life – we know our students exceptionally well. We have a comprehensive pastoral framework that supports our academic and enrichment activities. We have a team of tutors, pastoral coordinators, welfare officers and year leaders who, through regular contact and positive relationships, will provide support and guidance to all our students to enable them to achieve the best outcomes possible. We have an active student leadership team, made up of Senior Prefects, House Captains and the House Council.
All students are elected by the student body and supported by staff to assist with the decision making within the school as well as running competitions, initiatives and charity events throughout the year. We believe that by having strong relationships, clear processes and open lines of communications between students, staff and parents we are better placed to provide an outstanding, all round education for our students.
“Students told inspectors that staff are approachable and supportive.” Ofsted, 2018
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“Students’ behaviour in lessons and around the school is exemplary. They are kind and respectful towards each other, their teachers and visitors.” Ofsted, 2018
THE WOOLMER HILL HOUSES
Blackdown
Frensham
Marley
Oakhurst
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EXTENDING THE CURRICULUM EXPERIENCE High quality learning in the classroom is only part of the curriculum experience at Woolmer Hill. We believe that participation in clubs, visits and other activities are key elements of a genuinely rounded education. Our curriculum is enhanced through a series of enrichment opportunities which take place throughout the year. A full and varied calendar of enrichment trips is organised including the Year 7 camp, Art trips, Theatre trips, Geography field visit to Iceland, History visit to the First World War Battlefield Sites, Big Bang Science Fair, International PE tournaments and an annual Jazz Band tour to Europe plus many others. In addition to this we invite in speakers and external organisations to give students additional experiences. Performing Arts have a rich portfolio of events including, musician of the year, orchestra day, photography competition, an art exhibition, WH Has Talent and the whole school production, which is always a highlight in the school calendar. We offer a wide range of clubs and activities that take place at lunch times and after school including many sports, journalism club, science club and music clubs to name a few.
“…students have been very professional in their approach, well rehearsed, confident and proved very talented too.” Local Music Venue
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“The atmosphere in your school is one of calm purpose and enjoyment of learning.” Ofsted, 2018
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PREPARING FOR LIFE
BEYOND WOOLMER HILL At Woolmer Hill we recognise that we are preparing students for life beyond school. We provide specialist support for students to make the right choices for themselves when it comes to post-16 education and starting out in the workplace. We work closely with post-16 providers, particularly our outstanding partner College, Godalming Sixth Form College. We have a dedicated member of staff that runs our careers programme including work related learning experiences, specialist talks and trips, bespoke careers advice and work experience.
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“The Headteacher and her leadership team and governors are ambitious for the students.� Ofsted, 2018
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Woolmer Hill Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1QB Tel: 01428 654055  Email: info@woolmerhill.surrey.sch.uk www.woolmerhill.surrey.sch.uk