Sandwich Technology School Prospectus

SANDWICH TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL

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Our school motto reflects our educational values – it is inclusive of all that promotes the successful transition from childhood to adulthood of those in our care.

As such it is our aim that all members of our school are:

H o L D F A S T

appy in our safe and caring environment pen-minded and ready to learn iterate, numerate and independent thinkers etermined to achieve the best they can

orward thinking and full of aspiration ctive members of the community elf-confident and inspired to succeed olerant and respectful of diversity

“ All leaders and staff are committed to the Headteacher’s vision for the school in which teaching, learning and students’ achievement are at its heart.” Ofsted, July 2015

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Welcome to

Sandwich Technology School The students and staff are proud to be part of the family that is Sandwich Technology School.

This is evident to everyone who visits us. Nothing worth having is achieved without hard work and determination and – like a stick of rock – these two attributes run deep throughout.

I hope you find this prospectus informative and useful, but I hope you will also find the time to come and visit our school and see us at our daily best.

Tracey Savage BSc(Hons) DipEd NPQH MEd Headteacher

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“ We get challenged and we push ourselves.

We learn new things all the time.�

Elise, Key Stage 3 Student

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ENRICHED Learning We believe that learning is most effective when it is deep-rooted. To achieve this, learners are encouraged to take an interest in the diverse opportunities offered to them, either in or out of the classroom.

One of the best ways to learn is through asking questions of the world around us and opportunities to do this are commonplace.

Learning is not restricted to just achieving good exam results – although we strive to ensure that potential is reached – it extends to lessons in social interaction and morals. In essence, we understand that the students do not only

learn from the teachers, but everyone in our community, including each other.

As well as the broad curriculum, that gives all our students a solid knowledge base, we encourage our students to develop their interests and love of learning for particular areas – from the keen mathematician, to the avid script writer, through to the passionate musician.

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Inspirational Teaching One size does not fit all. Teaching styles at Sandwich Technology School are varied, reflecting the uniqueness and individuality of our students.

The use of mobile devices is commonplace in lessons, but there is still a place for books, pens, pencils and paper.

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For a student a typical day of lessons could include, among many other learning strategies: • presenting their findings to their peers; • reasoning their way through a logic problem; • designing and creating something unique; • working individually on a piece of examination coursework; • coaching classmates on how to improve their PE skills; • playing interactive games in a group to aid revision; • debating a topical, current affair.

Teachers at STS care deeply about the students and their progress – they will always go the extra mile to ensure success.

“ Relationships between students and teachers are strong. They are based on mutual respect and this is one of the key elements for students making good progress.�

Ofsted, July 2015

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Exciting Opportunities STS has a proud and long tradition of providing students with opportunities beyond the classroom. For example, for over forty years the entire school has taken part in the annual ten-mile Pledge Walk to raise money for good causes.

All students can enjoy a variety of clubs that happen weekly from active Archery through to imaginative Bookworms.

Staff are as enthusiastic about school trips as the students and as such we provide a huge variety of experiences, for example: • first world war memorials in Belgium; • skiing in Andorra; • aspiration-raising trips to Universities; • sport competitions (at all levels, including international); • bushcraft residential team building trip; • West End theatre trips.

In addition to these there are numerous subjectspecific trips that are planned to enhance the students’ studies.

“ At STS you can try everything!”

Emily, Key Stage 3 student

Students are also encouraged and supported in all extra-curricular hobbies and volunteering that they embrace outside of school. We celebrate all the successes of our students.

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08 “ The subjects we do are really useful for later in life.”

Lewis, Key Stage 4 student

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Innovative Curriculum The importance of a rounded education that will facilitate successful entry to a variety of Higher Education courses or careers is reflected in the school’s curriculum.

09 The traditional subjects are balanced with vocational options to ensure that we cater for the needs and interests of all of our learners.

In years 7 and 8 the students are grounded with a secure and wide knowledge base from which they are in a position to specialise further by their choice of GCSEs. At Key Stage 4 all students study a core programme which includes English, Maths and Science. They also study ICT, PE and either Geography or History.

In addition to this there are numerous options to choose from that are designed to suit all aptitudes and abilities, with clear routes into sixth form study and beyond.

The curriculum is further supported by Health Education, Careers Education and Alternative Curriculum days which ensure that the students are equipped for life outside the boundaries of subject knowledge alone.

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Excellent Pastoral Care Vertical Tutoring, where students from Year 7 to Year 11 work together in tutor groups, is recognised as a real strength of the school by students, parents and staff alike.

10 “ It is good to be mentored and get all your questions answered.” tom, Key Stage 3 student

“ Students are keenly aware of the needs of others and are respectful of individual differences.”

Ofsted, July 2015

Students are organised into four school colleges: Discovery, Endeavour, Liberty and Union. The students know when they need support that their Form Tutor will not let them down. The tutors also balance this with academic support for their tutees by mentoring them and helping them to progress well.

A healthy sense of competition is encouraged amongst the colleges and helps engender a true community spirit.

The mutual respect between staff and students, supported by a restorative justice approach to misdemeanours, means that there is a pervading atmosphere of cooperation and a shared purpose of learning.

“ Parents responding to the online survey, Parent View, agree that behaviour is good and that their children enjoy school.�

Ofsted, July 2015

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“ The sixth form is well led and is an increasingly successful part of the school’s provision for its students.”

Ofsted, July 2015

12 Hold fast to

A Successful

Sixth Form Our large and increasing sixth form has a curriculum that caters for a wide variety of academic ability, interest and specialism.

“ The sixth form is supportive in every way and there are a variety of options, including leadership opportunities that 100% prepare us for the future. We have more independence but also a feeling of responsibility.”

Sunni and Philippa, Year 12

This includes more traditional A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Careerrelated Programme, a variety of Level 2 and Level 3 vocational courses and the Football Academy.

The students are supported academically and pastorally by the Head of Sixth Form and the Sixth Form Manager to ensure that they are able to study to their full potential without distraction. Extra-curricular

opportunities are also a key feature of the sixth form, including a popular annual trip to India, which includes a community project.

The students understand the importance of acting as positive role models for the younger students and inspire aspiration throughout the school.

The Sixth Form Leadership Team also encourages regular fundraising for both the school and a variety of good causes.

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Productive Partnerships At Sandwich Technology School we recognise that the expression ‘no man is an island’ applies equally to schools. The partnerships between staff, students and parents are invaluable and key to our success.

Further to this STS works closely with: • Sandwich Technology School PTFA; • local primary schools; • local businesses; • East Kent Learning Alliance; • The Enterprise Learning Alliance; • Canterbury Christ Church University.

“ Sandwich Technology School has always gone that extra mile for my daughter. Both parents and children are a valued part of the school community, building positive partnerships together.”

Mrs Stone, parent

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Sandwich Technology School Deal Road, Sandwich Kent, CT13 0FA

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SANDWICH TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL

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www.sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

58 A2 Rd

01304 610000 admin@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

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