The Urswick School Prospectus 2023

Welcome

Welcome to our prospectus which sets out what The Urswick School has to offer children and their families.

they are eligible for Free School Meals or not. We have been doing this for many years – not a single current student has ever paid for their lunch! We have a smart and inexpensive school uniform which doesn’t include a blazer. We ban mobile phones in Years 7 to 11 and confiscate any mobiles that are brought onto our site. We ensure that children are regularly rewarded whenever they do well.

For over 500 years we have been at the heart of Hackney, educating young people according to the principles of our founder, Christopher Urswick, who established free education in Hackney in 1520 when he set up a school in The Rectory of his Church. A School that originally taught 12 children to read, now has over 900 students including a highly successful Sixth Form.

We emphasise the importance of high standards of work and behaviour alongside a strong sense of community and a belief that everyone can be successful. This is summarised in our mission statement: Believe and Achieve. Many of our young people progress to University, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group Universities. Other children and their families will have different ambitions which we will support you to achieve.

I have been Headteacher of the school for fifteen years and am proud to lead a staff team of dedicated, hard working and experienced professionals who are supported by The Governing Body. As a Voluntary-Aided Church of England School the Headteacher and Governors establish the policies and strategic direction of the school. Sometimes we do things differently to other local schools and academies. For example, Urswick is the only local secondary school to provide a free school lunch for every child every day, whether

Over many years we have been graded as a good school by OFSTED. Their reports are on our website. In common with many schools we no longer reference OFSTED in our publications because we share concerns about the current inspection process.

Urswick is a friendly and welcoming school offering excellent care, guidance and support along with high standards of behaviour and academic achievement. I hope very much that you will visit our school to find out more. I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Richard Brown Executive Headteacher

Open Mornings

Tuesday & Thursday mornings

from Tuesday 19th September 2023 to Thursday 19th October 2023. Tours start at 9:30am.

Please email admin@theurswickschool.co.uk to book your slot.

Open Evening

Tuesday 3rd October 2023

From 5:30pm to 7:30pm

No booking required

Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher

The Urswick Headlines:

• TUS graded excellent by SIAMs SIAMs inspects schools on behalf of the Church of England. In October 2021 we were awarded the highest grade – Excellent. The report stated:

‘The Urswick School experience is truly transformational for pupils and staff’.

‘The Urswick School is a loving and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated widely’.

‘This is a lively and extremely happy school, a place of joy and hope’.

• Children are safe and well cared for at TUS

In a survey of parents with children in Year 7 and Year 9 (June 2023), 98% of parents agreed with the statement ‘My child is safe and well cared for at school’. 99% of parents agreed they would ‘recommend this school to another parent’.

• Health and Well-Being is important at TUS

We were accredited with the Well-Being Award for schools in 2020 and have lessons dedicated to Health and Well-Being in Years 8 and 9. Free period products are supplied to female

Letter from David Laws, MP

Actor Rudolph Walker, OBE, presents students with Artsmark Gold Award

• Award winning school building

Our building and facilities are excellent and very well maintained. In 2012 we won the People’s Choice Award at the Hackney Design Awards in recognition of our school building.

• The TUS Sixth Form is Outstanding

ALPs is the DFE recognised organisation which evaluates ‘A’ Level results. Our Sixth Form was graded ‘Outstanding’ by ALPs in 2018, 2020 and 2021 – this places TUS in the Top Ten nationally. 30% of Year 13 (2022) went to Russell Group Universities.

• The Arts are important at TUS

We are an Artsmark Platinum School in recognition of our excellent provision and offer GCSEs in Art, Drama and Music alongside extra-curricular provision.

• We are a Christian school not a school just for Christians

We have about 300 Muslim children in our school, plus children of other faiths and no faith. We teach the same Religious Studies (RS) curriculum as other Hackney schools. Students take GCSE RS in Year 10.

“ It takes a village to raise a child.”

African proverb

“ I like coming to The Urswick School because it is a safe environment. I also feel part of a community.”

Year 9 student

The Urswick School

The School Day

The day for year 7 to 11 begins at 8.30am, though students can buy breakfast from 8am. During the day there are five lessons with 15 minutes for mid morning break and 40 minutes for lunchtime. Students, other than members of The Sixth Form Academy, are not allowed to leave the school site at lunchtimes.

Every student in Years 7 to 13 receives a free school lunch every weekday, whether they are entitled to Free School Meals or not. Each student is given a choice of a hot main meal, sandwich or jacket potato and a dessert or drink. Fruit pots and salad pots are available – all free of charge. This saves a working family over £500 per child each year.

Other than bottles of water, students are not allowed to eat or drink outside of the canteen area. Cans of fizzy drink and sweets are banned from the site. The day finishes at 3pm in KS3 and 3.15pm in KS4, although many students remain in school as part of our Out of Hours Learning Programme. The Library, which includes ICT facilities, is open before and after school. Some select students also attend Saturday School designed to help catch up on lost learning.

Year 10 and 11 students have a compulsory additional lesson most days as part of their preparation for GCSEs.

“ The Urswick School seeks to provide the best education for all their pupils. They know that good nutrition for children leads to better learning, so by offering a free school meal to all pupils, they are going the extra mile for their children’s attainment. This act of generosity reveals their Christian ethos in serving the local community with hope and love.”

Bishop Rob Wickham, Chair of the London Diocesan Board for Schools.

Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP joins Urswick Students for lunch

School Uniform

Uniform is compulsory throughout Years 7 to 11. Our uniform is gender neutral, smart, practical and inexpensive when compared to other local schools and academies. Students wear: pale blue shirt, Urswick School tie, navy school jumper with logo, navy blue trousers or skirt, plain black tights or plain navy, black or white socks and plain black footwear.

Muslim girls may wear a plain, blue shalwar kameez. There is a separate smart dress code for the Sixth Form Academy. Mobile phones, smart watches and electronic devices are banned on the school site for students in Years 7 to 11.

“ Jesus said; if you love me feed my sheep.”

John 21:17

Our Leadership & Management Team:

Vanessa Moise, Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Drama

Naomi Dews, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Maths

Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher

Lorna Stannard, Assistant Headteacher and teacher of English

Alan Hunnable, Assistant Headteacher and teacher of RE and Geography

Youlande Biosah, Assistant Headteacher, and teacher of Psychology

Martha Braggins, Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Politics

David Wood, Director of Finance and Resources

“ Without exception staff are extremely ambitious for their pupils.”

SIAMS Report October 2021

The Curriculum

Curriculum Organisation

Students at The Urswick School are taught in a variety of mixed ability and set groups. At the beginning of Year 7, students are placed in six mixed ability Family Learning Groups by the Head of Learning following primary school visits. Classes will not usually be above 28.

On entry all students are given a reading test, numeracy test and CATs tests which, alongside information from Primary Schools is used to group students. ‘Assessment is thorough and thoughtful, with an ambitious commitment to high academic achievement for all pupils.’ SIAMs, 2021

Personal, Social, Health and Careers education is delivered via a series of sessions when the timetable is suspended.

Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8 and 9

Art Citizenship

Drama

English

French/Spanish/Mandarin

Geography

History

ICT/Computing

Learning Skills

Mathematics

Music

Personal, Social, Health Education

Citizenship Education

Stepping Stones transition programme (Year 7)

Physical Education (PE)

Religious Studies (RS)

Science

Design Technology

Food Technology

Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11

Students have the opportunity to study GCSEs in the following subjects:

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Art

Computer Science

Drama

History

ICT

Mandarin

Music

Photography

Physical Education (PE)

Psychology

Religious Studies (RS)

Science (Combined or Single Science)

Sociology

Spanish

Key Stage 5: Years 12 and 13

Students study up to four A Levels or equivalent qualifications and we offer the following subjects:

Art Biology

Chemistry

Computing

Criminology

Drama and Theatre Studies

Economics

BTEC Courses

English Literature

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

History

Law

Mandarin (MSK)

Mathematics

Philosophy and Ethics

Physical Education (PE)

Physics

Politics

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish

We also offer BTEC Level 3 award courses which, like A Levels, allow students to progress on to university:

ICT Sport

In year 12 students take AS Levels in most subjects

For detailed information about these subjects, visit: www.theurswickschool.co.uk

Out of Hours Learning

In addition to after school homework club, a timetable of activities is published each term.

These range from ICT to Music to Art and Drama. Our extensive range of Sports Clubs before school, at lunchtime and after school include: football, basketball, cricket, trampolining, tennis, badminton, table tennis, netball, volleyball, athletics, rugby and handball. We also have a thriving chess club and organise swimming trips to the Olympic Pool and other visits to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Additional classes, especially for students preparing for exams, take place during Half Terms and the Easter holidays. The library is open on weekdays from 8am to 5pm, with special Saturday openings.

There is an extensive range of educational trips and visits. In the Summer of 2023 a group of year 10 students visited South Africa. In the summer of 2022 our year 12 students visited Thailand. Closer to home we have visited St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the Science Museum, Arsenal Football Club and various theatres as part of an extensive programme of daytime visits. There is an impressive programme of University visits during KS4 and KS5, and residential study visits in both year 11 and year 12.

Year 8 student

“

One of the best things about going to The Urswick School is the different after school clubs on offer.”

“ The teachers are all amazing as they dedicate so much time and support to us, so that we can do well in life.”

Year 11 student

Working Together

Pastoral Care, Guidance and Support

On entry all students are supported by a permanent Head of Learning for Year 7 who works with an experienced team of tutors. These tutors, known as Urswick Parents, monitor each student’s academic progress and social development. The Head of Learning for Year 7 visits every primary school to meet students whilst they are in Year 6.

Behaviour for Learning

At The Urswick School everyone is expected to behave in a way which promotes learning and achievement. School and classroom rules, drawn up in consultation with students, are on display throughout the building. We promote self respect and self discipline. There is zero tolerance of bullying and breaches of our Equal Opportunities Policy. Incidents are taken seriously and resolved quickly. Visitors frequently comment on the calm, friendly atmosphere around the school. We are part of the Safer Schools Partnership. There is a separate visitors’ entrance to the school and all other entrances and exits are supervised by adults or locked during the school day.

Home / School Communication

Every child is given a Planner to write their homework in and for parents/carers to communicate with the school. The Planner is where children collect their credits – these can be traded for rewards. Those who gain 120 credits get the ultimate reward: a special tea with Mr Brown, the Headteacher, and special guests. At Progress Days and Parents Evenings parents/carers will be given a detailed report about their child’s learning and have the chance to discuss this with the tutor and subject teachers. We log credits, sanctions, homework and parental contact on a system called Class Charts.

Electronic registers are taken in every lesson. This means any concerns about attendance can be quickly resolved. We send you reminders of school events by text message and publish a half termly newsletter. The views of parents are important to us: the Headteacher holds a weekly surgery every Monday from 3pm–4.30pm where he speaks to parents on the phone and we ask parents to complete questionnaires on a regular basis.

“ None of you truly believes in Allah and His religion until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

Prophet Muhammad’s saying (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahin Al-Muslim)

The Urswick School

The Urswick School Sixth Form Academy

The Urswick Sixth Form Academy offers a range of A Level and equivalent qualifications. Students study three or four AS Levels, followed by A2s in Year 13. Students are placed in Small Family Learning Groups with specialist members of staff to support UCAS applications.

All of our Academy students are given an iPad on long term loan. Sixth Form Academy lessons run from 9.30am to 4.00pm and the school is open to them until 5.30pm and on Saturdays. The students have sole use of a Study Room and in good weather can study or relax on our Roof Garden. There is an extensive programme of trips and visits, including to a number of Universities. Our Sixth Form students all receive a free lunch every day. This universal provision is unique to The Urswick Sixth Form Academy.

There is an extensive range of study trips including residential visits.

“ Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

Saint Augustine of Algeria

Sixth Form Academy graduate destinations

Over the last three years every student in year 13 has secured a University place of their choice or have taken up Apprenticeships. Our graduate destinations include both Oxford and Cambridge, and, Russell Group Universities.

University Subject

Bath University

Bath University

City, University of London

City, University of London

De Montfort University

Exeter University

Goldsmiths, University of London

King’s College London, University of London

Kings College London

Kingston University

Middlesex University

Middlesex University

Middlesex University

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University

Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London

Royal Holloway

Sheffield Hallam University

SOAS University of London

Southampton University

Swansea University

The University of Law

UCL (University College London)

University for the Creative Arts

University of Birmingham

University of Cambridge

University of Derby

University of East London

University of Essex

University of Exeter

Chemical Engineering

Pharmacology

Mathematics

Psychology

Psychology

Art History and Classical Studies

Criminology

Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse

Biomedical Engineering

Computer Science (with Sandwich Year)

Adult Nursing

Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching)

Business Management and Accounting & Finance

Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles

Health and Social Care

Biomedical Sciences with a Year Abroad

Chemistry

Computer Science (Foundation)

Sport Business Management

Economics (BA)

Zoology

Business Management with a Year Abroad

Law with Criminology

Russian Studies (4 years)

Make-up & Hair Design

Law

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Diagnostic Radiography

Architectural Design Technology

Law with Business

International Relations and Modern Languages

University of Exeter Law

University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich

University of Hertfordshire

University of Kent

University of Kent

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

University of Leicester

University of Northampton

University of Northampton

University of Oxford

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

University of Sussex

University of Warwick

University of Warwick

University of West London

University of Westminster, London

Psychology with Counselling

Sociology and Criminology

Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging

Criminology and Sociology

Economics and Politics

Modern Languages and International Relations

Archeology

Law with Criminology

Advertising & Digital Marketing

Psychology

Chinese

Criminology and Psychology

Philosophy and Politics

Philosophy Ethics and Religion

Law with Criminology

Accounting and Finance

History and Politics

Computer Science

Sociology

Introducing

The school employs over 100 staff in total. We have an experienced, hard working team who are dedicated to the success of your child.

1. “ Teaching at The Urswick School is extremely rewarding. Our students are motivated and courageous with their words in order to debate, write creatively and express independent ideas.”

Alice Pugh, Head of

English

2. “It is a real pleasure to teach at The Urswick School, there is a real community atmosphere and our students develop through the use of positive rewards.”

Mohammed Kibria, PE Teacher

3. “The Urswick School is a lovely and rewarding place to work.”

Clarke, Assistant

Jean

to the Director of Finance

4. “I am proud to be part of The Urswick School. The facilities in our buildings are excellent and make a real difference for the students and staff to learn and teach in.”

Chris Stephens, Head of Science

our Staff

5. “ In order for our students to grow into successful well-rounded adults, we must give them the hope and belief that anything is possible. I am proud to be part of a school that does just that; we instil belief in them, so they can achieve greatness.”

Elli Faramarzi, Head of Learning

6. “ Drama is a fantastic subject to teach; it’s great to see young people being creative. Every day the students surprise me with their talent in lessons.”

7. “The Urswick School is a wonderful place to work with a family atmosphere. It is great to get to know students and watch them grow and flourish.”

Ali Kamara, Assistant Head of Learning and Teacher

8. “Attending school on a regular basis is an integral part for children to reach their full potential. There is a strong link between good attendance and achieving good results, children who frequently miss school are vulnerable to falling behind. Parents and carers have a duty to ensure their child has a suitable education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.”

Bilal Batha, Attendance and Family Well Being Co-ordinater

Sarah Conway, Teacher of Drama, Lead Practitioner

Admissions Process

Families of children in Year 6 can apply for a place at The Urswick School using the Admissions form issued by Hackney Education or the local authority where you live.

school.

We welcome applications from all faiths and families of no faith. We are a Christian School not just a school for Christians. The Admissions criteria at the back of this prospectus explains how membership of the Church of England, other Christian churches or attending worship in other world faiths can assist you in your application. If you wish to make an application using the faith criteria, please complete the enclosed form and return it to Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher, at the school. For any queries about school admissions please contact Martha Braggins Deputy Headteacher, at the school.

50% of our places are awarded based on the Community Criteria –how close you live to the

Year 8 student

“ People from all backgrounds are accepted at The Urswick School.”

Admissions Criteria

The foundations of The Urswick School have been part of Hackney’s community for over 500 years. We welcome applications from ALL faiths and families with no faith. We are a Christian School not just a school for Christians. We welcome applications from children from all other world faiths for our open or community places and give priority to those who are able to demonstrate a commitment to their individual faith.

The Urswick School has an agreed admission number of 180 students for the academic year 2024/5, subject to the completion of building works. Students will not be admitted outside of their chronological Year group. If the building works are not completed at this time, the PAN will be 150. Parents are advised to check the school’s website for updates.

https://www.theurswickschool.co.uk/74/admissions

All children applying for a place at The Urswick School will be required to take the Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) arranged by Hackney Education. Children will be placed in one of four bands based on their CAT score. The boundaries of each band reflect the national range of abilities and are as follows:

Band CAT Score

Band A

Band B

Band C

Band D

Above 110

101–110

90 –100

Below 90

Where possible, the same number of children will be admitted into each of the four bands to ensure a balanced intake that reflects the full ability range. Children with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) and looked after children who do not take the tests will be allocated an appropriate band on the basis of an alternative assessment (for example, KS2 Teacher Assessments in English and Maths).

Having received a band allocation on the basis of their CAT score, children will be awarded places within each band using the oversubscription criteria. Where any other applicant has not been able to take the CAT test, the governors will request a KS2 Teacher Assessment in English and Maths from the primary school.

Procedures where The Urswick School is oversubscribed

Where the number of applicants for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of children with an EHCP where The Urswick School is named on the EHCP (see note 1), places will be allocated to applicants in the following priority order:

A. Foundation (Church) places. (90 places)

For a place in this category, the applicant must regularly attend a Church of England church or other Christian churches or chapels (see note2), or other Christian denominations as defined by ‘Churches together in Britain and Ireland’ or members of the Evangelical Alliance or AfroCaribbean Evangelical Alliance (see note 2).

To apply for a place in this category, a Supplementary Information form should be completed, so that the governors may consider the application fully, and returned to the school before 31 October, NOT the local authority. If a Supplementary Information form is not returned, the applicant cannot be considered for a Foundation Place.

1. Looked after children and former looked after children who have been adopted (or made subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after, also Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children;

2. Children subject to a Child Protection Plan;

3. Children who are the subject of an Education Supervision Order which names The Urswick School;

4. Children whom the Governors and Headteacher accept have an exceptional medical or social need for a place at The Urswick School. Applications will only be considered under this category if they are supported by a written statement from a medical consultant, senior social worker or other appropriate professional. In each case there must be clear connection between the child’s needs and The Urswick School, and

Sedgwick Medals presented to year 11 students, June 2023

an explanation of the difficulties which would be caused if the child were to attend another school. Parents are requested to note that very few applicants are awarded this priority.

5. Siblings of pupils in years 7 – 11 who will be on roll at the time of admission or previously. A ‘sibling’ refers to a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step-brother or sister or the child of the parent/ carer‘s partner living at the same address.

6. Children living nearest to the main entrance of the school measured in a straight line. For tie breaker see below.

If there are more applicants for places in Category A (Foundation), the remaining applicants without a Category A place will also be considered for a Category B place (Open and Community).

B. Open or Community places. (90 places) Places in this category are given to all other world faiths and those of no faith.

Applications for ‘other world faiths’ (non-Christian) should return a Supplementary Information Form signed by a Faith Leader, so that governors may consider the application full, and in order to be considered under sub section 6. This should be returned to the school by 31 October.

1. Looked after children and former looked after children who have been adopted (or made subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after, also Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children;

2. Children subject to a Child Protection Plan;

3. Children who are the subject of an Education Supervision Order which names The Urswick School;

4. Children whom the Governors and Headteacher accept have an exceptional medical or social need for a place at The Urswick School. Applications will only be considered under this category if they are supported by a written statement from a medical consultant, senior social

worker or other appropriate professional. In each case there must be clear connection between the child’s needs and The Urswick School, and an explanation of the difficulties which would be caused if the child were to attend another school. Parents are requested to note that very few applicants are awarded this priority.

5. Siblings of pupils in years 7 – 11 who were not offered a place under the sibling category in category A, Foundation places, who will be on roll at the time of admission or previously.

A ‘sibling’ refers to a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step-brother or sister or the child of the parent/ carer‘s partner living at the same address.

6. Children from other world faiths who have completed a signed Supplementary Information Form by their religious leader.

7. All other children living nearest to the main entrance of the school measured in a straight line.

Tie Breaker

The tie breaker for any category ‘cut off’ will be distance from the school gate to the home address as identified using geographical references determined by the information provided by the borough council in which they live. In the event of parental responsibility for a child being equally shared between separated parents living at different addresses, the home address will be considered to be that of the parent/carer who receives the relevant Child Benefit Allowance. In the case of more than one child having the same distance a decision will be made by drawing lots.

Under subscription of Category A places

If there is an undersubscription in Category A (Foundation Places), additional places will be offered under Category B (Open or Community places).

1‘Regular attendance’ at church will mean attendance for at least a year, at least once per month. This must be ratified using the Supplementary Information Form signed by a vicar, minister, pastor or religious leader, or school chaplain. The only exception will be those families who have moved into the area within the previous year and can provide a signature from a vicar, minister, pastor or religious leader to confirm that they attended a church regularly in their previous place of residence.

2 ‘Regular attendance’ will mean attendance for at least a year, at least once per month. This must be ratified using the Supplementary Information Form signed by a religious leader. The only exception will be those families who have moved into the area within the previous year and can provide a signature from a religious leader to confirm that they attended a place of worship regularly in their previous place of residence.

Find Us

Public transport links

The Urswick School is easily accessible by public transport, either by one of the many bus routes serving Hackney or one of the nearby overland rail stations.

Buses to Paragon Road

From Dalston Junction: 30 38 236 242 277

From Bethnal Green: 106 254 277

From Cambridge Heath: 26

Stoke Newington

Intro

Trains

Hackney Central – London Overground

Hackney Downs – National Rail and London Overground

London Fields – London Overground

Clapton & Walthamstow

Copy

Shoreditch Bromley-By-Bow

Paragon Road, Hackney, London E9 6NR

Paragon Road Hackney London

E9 6NR

T: 020 8985 2430

admin@theurswickschool.co.uk

www.theurswickschool.co.uk

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