Ad Caelestia Sequere
Reach for the Stars Our school motto is what we encourage our students to do and at Highworth we promote a community where all members are: • Reflective, creative and innovative • Eager for life-long learning • Aiming to achieve their full potential • Considerate, confident, independent individuals • Happy in a caring, respectful community
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Welcome It is a pleasure to introduce you to our vibrant school which combines a tradition of academic excellence with extensive pastoral support. Students at Highworth love learning and are highly motivated. We care about our students and they care about each other which creates a happy and supportive learning environment.
Duncan Beer Headteacher
We aim to provide a broad academic curriculum that allows students to realise their own passions and interests. We want students to become confident learners who are reflective, perceptive and independent thinkers. We are an innovative school and encourage students to find creative ways to overcome challenges, better preparing them to become life-long learners as they reach for the stars. Highworth’s strength is built upon our community and we are eager to work in partnership with you to provide a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Highworth.
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Joining the School Highworth admits girls into Year 7 from about forty different primary schools in the area.
Numbers on Roll
The county selection procedure is used to assess students as suitable for a grammar school education. As a designated physical disability school, we offer selective places to girls with a range of physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. Girls can be admitted to other years, following tests and the recommendation of their current school. Students (girls and boys) also join at 16+ to follow Sixth Form courses. Every student is assigned to a Mentor Group in a Learning Community. The Mentor Group has students from every Year Group which allows students to learn from each other and share their experiences. A Mentor will lead the sessions every day and offer guidance and support to the students.
1st July 2023 Year 7
211
Year 8
220
Year 9
218
Year 10
218
Year 11
222
Year 12
232
Year 13
220
TOTAL:
1541
There are seven forms of entry per year in Years 7 to 11. The school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 210. We received 251 first choice applications after sitting the 11+ selection tests for entry into Year 7, 2023.
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Wearing Our Uniform Uniform is worn by students in Years 7 to 11 and we have a clear and strict uniform policy encouraging students to wear their uniform with pride, as well as demonstrating a sense of belonging to the Highworth community.
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Exploring the Curriculum Our curriculum supports our REACH values and aims to provide continuity between the Key Stages, whilst also offering new challenges and opportunities for students moving into the next stage of their education. It is delivered via fifty periods over a two week cycle.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
• A very broad range of subjects is studied including Music, Dance, Art and Drama.
• The core subjects of English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics and Religious Studies are followed by all students.
• Computing is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 to 9 and the skills learned are reinforced and developed in other subjects. • All students study two Modern Foreign Languages in Year 7 before choosing to specialise in one of these languages in Year 8. • The Reach programme in Year 9 broadens our curriculum with: a range of physical activities; the Mindfulness course; and an introduction to Citizenship, Politics and an exploration of the wider world. • There is an extensive and comprehensive Design and Technology programme throughout the Key Stage, making use of excellent facilities.
• Provision is made for a broad choice of option subjects. • All students are required to follow courses which allow them to obtain the EBacc.
In addition to the core subjects, full GCSE courses are offered in the following subjects: Art Business Studies Computer Science Dance Design & Technology Drama Economics Food Preparation and Nutrition
French Geography German History Media Studies Music Physical Education Spanish
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Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Other Aspects of the Curriculum
• Students typically study three A Level courses which are all two year courses.
• All students follow a programme of: Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE); Religious Education; Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development (SMSC); Physical Education; Careers Education; and Citizenship. Focus Days and Mentor Periods allow us to deliver additional enrichment experiences.
• Nearly 30 A Level subjects are offered: Film Studies Art French Biology Geography Business Studies German Chemistry Computer Science History Mathematics Dance Drama and Theatre Further Mathematics Economics English Language Media Studies Music and Literature
Photography Physical Education Physics Politics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish
English Literature • There is an option for students to undertake an Extended Project to pursue their independent studies.
• Careers advice includes Focus Day events as well as bespoke guidance from an independent careers service and our Careers Manager. Alumni talks enhance the advice and guidance on careers given to all Year Groups. • Compulsory Supplementary Study in Year 12 and Year 13 encourages students to develop good study habits. In addition, a programme of Co-curricular activities provides students with the opportunity to acquire broader life skills.
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Religious Education and Collective Worship Assemblies may be taken by the Headteacher, staff or students, are non-denominational and are intended to give an opportunity for collective worship, consideration of moral issues, personal reflection and the celebration of success and achievement. All students in Years 7 to 11 attend Religious Education lessons. Religious Studies is studied by all students to GCSE and can also be taken to A Level. It plays a key role in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students enabling them to be young people who appreciate the complexities of living in modern British society. The subject has been awarded the gold RE Quality Mark and has a county and national reputation for its innovative work.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities At Highworth, special educational provision means any intervention for students which is additional to, or different from, the educational provision made generally for students of their age. Our SEND policy details how the school will identify students with special educational needs and how provision is made for their inclusion into all areas of the curriculum, making reasonable adjustments where applicable, whilst recognising the need to liaise with outside agencies to offer relevant and positive support.
Personal Development The school provides numerous opportunities for students to achieve their full potential. Clubs and societies are advertised in school and on the website each term. They are an opportunity for students to develop areas of personal interest and even take part in local and national competitions. Our SIRIUS Careers and Employability Programme supports students in thinking about their skills, interests and aspirations for the future. Students are also encouraged to apply for leadership roles in the school which include Student Governors, Ambassadors, Digital Leaders and Prefects. The Rewards System encourages all students to develop approaches and attitudes which: contribute to the school community; develop independence; and lead to successful life-long learning, as set out in our Reach ethos. We congratulate students on their successes and celebrate their achievements as a Bronze, Silver or Gold Superstar. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) is provided for all students to help them feel ready for the world beyond school. Focus Days are provided for different Year Groups when they are off timetable and able to focus on the core themes of: health and wellbeing; relationships; and living in the wider world, alongside our SIRIUS careers programme. All staff contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students in the academic curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and pastoral support system.
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Times of the School Day 08.45am
Period 1
09.45am
Period 2
10.50am
Morning Break
11.10am
Period 3
12.10pm
Mentor Period
12.35pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Period 4
2.30pm
Period 5
3.35pm
End of School Day
Enjoying the School Day The school is open from 7.45am until 5.00pm from Monday to Thursday and until 4.30pm on Friday so that students can complete homework and coursework, use the Library or attend clubs. Parents will be notified in advance if students are staying later than 5.00pm for supervised after school activities.
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Becoming Student Leaders Community Ambassador Being an ambassador for the Amy Beach Community has been a wonderful experience over the past academic year. I am passionate about being able to put back into the community that has done so much for all its students, and this role has allowed me to develop my leadership, communication and initiative skills, while working with others in a team. I have really enjoyed proposing new revision materials to support students using my knowledge and experience. It is rewarding to support others in achieving happiness and success at school.
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Wellbeing Prefects As Wellbeing Prefects, we aim to inform students on the importance of mental health. We hope to aid students and staff in managing everyday school life effectively. Our role supports and reinforces our own understanding of wellbeing, allowing us to educate those around us on healthy practices, creating a comfortable and happy school environment.
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Representing the Students The Senior Prefect Team are the leaders and representatives of the students at Highworth. Here at Highworth, the Senior Prefect Team assumes a range of responsibilities, working both concurrently and collaboratively with students and staff alike in order to improve our wider community. The student body is at the heart of everything we do, be that through the running of events, charity drives, assemblies, or a variety of other initiatives. Our overarching objective is to help cultivate an inclusive atmosphere that enables individuals to realise
their full potential and embrace their true selves. We actively encourage a proactive approach to a student’s time here, engaging in the extensive selection of extracurriculars and supercurriculars that are on offer, many of which we participate in. As an integral component of our role, we greatly value any and all feedback given to us. Together, we aim to improve on what has come before, hand-in-hand with all members of our school community.
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The Community Captains support the Directors of Learning and Student Support Managers to develop vibrant and successful Learning Communities. Within our roles as Community Captains, we strive for all students to feel happy and at home within their Learning Community, whether it be in AB, CS, EG, JP, KK, NS or VM. We believe that all students should feel part of their Learning Community and get involved in as many activities as possible, such as Rounders Day, Sports Day and the brilliant Community Drama. As Captains, we always want students to feel supported and feel comfortable enough to ask us for help and advice when they need it.
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Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UD T: 01233 624910 office@highworth.kent.sch.uk www.highworth.kent.sch.uk
This general information leaflet relates to the plans for the school year 2023-2024 and was correct at September 2023, but it should not be assumed that there will be no change in any of the arrangements before or during the year in question or in subsequent years. Published September 2023