West Hill Prospectus

West Hill School PROSPECTUS 2014

Aiming High since 1927

PROSPECTUS 2014

Aiming High for...

Our Pupils by

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West Hill School

PROSPECTUS 2014

...is a fully inclusive school where every student matters and where the academic and personal development of all individuals is seen as equally important.

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

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“...encourages boys to achieve good results not only in exams but in extended studies and personal development.

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

• Encouraging them to reach the highest standards in everything they do

• Developing their personal responsibility, respect for others and the environment Our Parents by

• Providing the highest quality teaching and learning for their child’s individual needs

• Working in partnership with them to celebrate success and monitor their child’s progress Our Staff by • Providing the best resources available

• Developing their professional expertise so that they can build upon teaching achievements

• Promoting the school as a local centre of excellence for all

Our Community by

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West Hill School

Welcome to West Hill School: An introduction by the Headteacher

West Hill is a thriving school that succeeds in combining high quality academic education with an outstanding range of opportunities beyond the classroom.

West Hill offers a wide range of academic provision with many of our boys achieving a full range of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications and progressing into further education and apprenticeships.

West Hill is not just about the academic. Positive attitudes are fostered towards every aspect of school life encouraging pupils to mature and fulfil their own ambitions and aspirations. Numerous enrichment opportunities are provided including celebration of National Science Week, trips, competitions and additional GCSEs. West Hill regards involvement in sport, at whatever standard, as an important part of a pupil’s educational experience helping develop team building skills and a sense of fair play.

“Students know what is expected of them and are given challenging work which matches their abilities..”

The highly qualified and dedicated staff ensure life at West Hill is challenging, interesting but most of all enjoyable. The aim and purpose of our pastoral system is to provide a happy and safe environment which enables all pupils to take advantage of their talents and opportunities.

West Hill has a long standing reputation within the community. Our community links continue to develop and strengthen as a result of the work across the school and of the extensive community use of the Sports Hall.

“Parents are very pleased with the school. Their sons are happy in the school…”

We value every individual and are committed to preparing young people for life beyond school encouraging independence of thought, respect for others, creativity and a will to succeed. We work closely with parents via Parents’ Consultation Evenings, Induction Evenings and the Parents’ Association. We hope your family will embrace West Hill’s ethos and your son will become part of our success story.

R J Hewitt Headteacher

• Working with local business and industry to prepare our pupils for the world of work Our School by

• Promoting new opportunities for learning through the Specialist School programme

• Constantly reviewing our progress to ensure we meet our own expectations and targets

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PROSPECTUS 2014

• Technology

• Art

• Science

• Information & Communication Technology

• Science

• Mathematics

• English including Literature

Pupil Progress, Assessment and Reporting

At the beginning of each year pupils are given target levels for each subject and these are recorded in their pupil planner which is the primary means of communication between home and school.

Regular assessments are carried out in all lessons and the results of these are also recorded in the pupil’s planner. Pupil’s progress can also be viewed via the parent and pupil dashboard. Pupil progress is monitored at all times by subject teachers and movement between sets can take place at an appropriate time during the year.

West Hill School

PROSPECTUS 2014

The pupil planner is also used as a means of informal reporting. It includes a wealth of information about the school and West Hill’s expectations. Teachers may comment in the planner regarding any aspect of a pupil’s progress and parents are required to check and sign it weekly. Homework assignments are also recorded in the planner.

Formal reporting home about your child is provided in three ways:

• Progress assessments which provide a ‘snapshot’ of your son’s effort, behaviour and attainment.

• An annual full report which gives a more detailed picture

Break

Period 2

12.25pm to 2:05pm

11.25am to 12.25pm

11.05am to 11.25am

10.05am to 11.05am

2.05pm to 3.05pm

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Second lunch 1:25 – 2:05pm

First lunch 12:25 – 1:05pm

(including lunch)

Period 4

Period 5

Period 3

The school day consists of five one-hour lessons. A forty minute lunch is taken sometime between 12:25pm and 2:05pm.

of your son’s progress.

The school provides a • The dashboard which will show you both the full report rich and varied and the progress assessments, but also live data which will allow you to see your son’s progress week by week. curriculum which Sex and Relationship Education offers a wide choice The subject of sex education is addressed in two aspects of the curriculum. In Year 7 the Science course deals with the of human reproduction and throughout all years for students and helps process pupils deal with issues surrounding personal relationships in their IDP (Individual Development Programme) lessons. to ensure that their The School Day individual needs are Form Period/Assembly 8.45am to 9.05am met. (Ofsted Report December 2010 ) Period 1 9.05am to 10.05am

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West Hill School

Key Stage 4 Years 10 and 11

• Information & Communication Technology

• Physical Education (Games)

• Religious Education

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Teaching and Learning The Curriculum West Hill offers a broad and balanced curriculum which meets national requirements but is also flexible enough to meet the needs of every boy.

At KS3 the year groups are divided into two equal ability halves. In most subjects half year groups are organised by ability so that pupils are taught in sets most suitable to them. Teaching groups in Year 7 are initially based upon the KS2 test results and your son’s work in Primary school.

Key Stage 3 Years 7, 8 and 9

Most pupils study a core curriculum of:

• History

• Individual Development Programme Pupils can also study optional subjects: Hospitality, Resistant Materials)

• Technology (Engineering,

• Geography

• History • Music • Physical Education • Ethics and Philosophy

• MFL • Business Studies • Art

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

“There are well-established systems in place for regularly monitoring and evaluating all aspects of the school’s work”

A range of vocational courses are also offered at KS4 in partnership with local Colleges

(IDP – a school course covering personal, social, (health, careers, sex & relationships, citizenship and enterprise education)

• Individual Development Programme

• Religious Education

• Physical Education

• Music

• Geography

• MFL

• Mathematics

• English including Literature

At KS4 the Pathways Programme gives emphasis to 14 – 19 education and provides information so that pupils can make informed choices based on aspirations and capability. The curriculum offers a full range of GCSEs and BTECs in normal class time. A range of extended learning opportunities are provided at West Hill after school.

Pupils are made fully aware of employment and further educational opportunities through IDP (Individual Development Programme) lessons, work related learning, careers talks by invited speakers from a cross-section of the employment market and interviews with the Progression Advisor. Every Year 10 pupil is provided with a two-week work experience during the summer term.

Individual Learning Needs At West Hill, we treat all pupil as individuals recognising their differences as something to be celebrated. Some, from the most to the least academically able, will receive additional support during their time with us.

Our most able pupils will be provided with additional opportunities to challenge and stimulate them.

Opportunities include additional mentoring, student conferences, university master classes and other events.

It is our aim from the outset to make the whole curriculum accessible to all pupils. West Hill’s SEN (Special Educational Needs) team supports pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties in a number of ways including individual work, small group work and classroom assistance. The team works closely with all subject departments.

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PROSPECTUS 2014

West Hill School

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West Hill School

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PROSPECTUS 2014

The student council plays an active part in decision-making on key issues affecting the life of the school.

School Uniform

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

Equal Opportunities

• Black ‘v’ neck pullover (optional)

• Plain black shoes (that can be polished)

• Black trousers

• White shirt

• School tie (available only from school)

• Black blazer with school badge (blazer badges are available only from school)

Pupils with disabilities are given every help and encouragement to become part of the school community. However, access to some areas of the school for pupils with major mobility problems is limited by the nature of the buildings. Pupils with sensory impairment, learning difficulties and most medical conditions are well catered for at West Hill.

• Plain dark coloured outdoor coats (no logos and pictures)

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All pupils are welcome at West Hill. We embrace all the aspects that racial and cultural diversity can bring to any community. Equality of opportunity for all pupils is a primary aim of the school and we are proud of the harmony which exists between different racial and cultural backgrounds.

West Hill has a longstanding reputation for good behaviour and has high standards of dress, attendance and punctuality. We expect all pupils to exhibit positive behaviour and the older pupils to model and encourage that behaviour for younger pupils. Good behaviour, effort and pupil success are rewarded. Poor behaviour and anti-social attitudes are not acceptable and are dealt with through the school discipline policy.

Standards and Behaviour

“Relationships in the classroom and around the school are positive.” (Ofsted Report December 2010)

Care, Guidance and Support Pupil Leadership Pupils are invited to apply for the position of Prefect towards the end of Year 10. After a rigorous selection process, the successful pupils are offered training by the RAF before taking up their responsibilities. They act as a role model for our younger pupils and support the staff in establishing a positive school environment. In Year 11 the Head Boy and his Senior Team are selected from within this Prefect group.

All pupils in Year 10 have the opportunity to become Peer Mentors. They receive training both in school, and from outside agencies to equip them with the necessary skills to mentor pupils in the lower years.

Their input is invaluable in assisting Year 7 pupils settle in to the routines of a new school and cope with the new challenges that they may face.

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(Ofsted Report December 2010)

The quality of care, guidance and support provided for students is outstanding.

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“Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities also make good progress.”

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

Caring for Your Child West Hill enjoys a reputation for being a purposeful, happy and safe place for pupils to learn. Much of our academic success comes from the planned whole school approach to caring for our pupils.

The school is divided into five year groups with a Year Head and team of tutors. Form Tutors have daily contact with pupils and are responsible for their general welfare, developing their personal skills and creating a spirit of cooperation within the group. Form Tutors are the first point of contact for parents and can normally resolve day to day matters quickly and effectively. Pupils remain in the same mixed ability tutor group throughout their stay at West Hill so that its members can develop as a social and competitive group. Form Tutor periods provide opportunities to deal with issues which directly affect the pupils at their particular stage of progress through the school.

The Form Tutor is backed by the Head of Year who monitors pupil progress and behaviour and provides an additional link between home and school. All pupils also have a Learning Mentor who holds one to one meetings with individual pupils to discuss academic progress, personal development, achievements and other interests.

In these meetings, pupils are set short term targets to help their progress.

The SEN team works closely with pastoral staff.

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PROSPECTUS 2014

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(Ofsted Report December 2010)

West Hill School

PROSPECTUS 2014

Students have access to a wide range of sporting activities and have a good understanding of how these activities improve their health.

Sporting Achievement Sporting Opportunities There is a well established and successful sporting tradition at West Hill. A great deal of emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play. West Hill offers a wide range of sports to give every pupil the opportunity to broaden his sporting experience, to develop his skills and achieve his full potential in the sporting arena.

Pupils are encouraged to compete at the highest possible level they can achieve which ranges from representing their form, the school, the local authority, the county or Great Britain.

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PE trainers

Royal blue PE / football shorts (available from school)

White PE socks

Games shirt (available only from school)

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Royal blue football socks (available from school)

Plain white T shirt (available from school)

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Football boots

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1 towel

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PE Kit

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West Hill School

Inter-School Sports A comprehensive fixture list is arranged both after school and on Saturdays whereby West Hill teams play schools from Tameside and the North West. Pupils involved in sporting teams have to commit to Saturday morning fixtures and to training after school. West Hill’s teams are highly successful and are well respected throughout the Greater Manchester area and beyond.

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PROSPECTUS 2014

West Hill School

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West Hill School

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(Ofsted Report December 2010)

PROSPECTUS 2014

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A particularly impressive project is the work being pursued by a group of students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. This involves them travelling to Kenya in 2011 and helping with the building of a new school.

At the end of the summer term, pupils are invited to sign up to an activity of their choice. Events that have been organised in previous years include visits to Alton Towers, York, Paintballing, Laser Tag and Blackpool to name but a few. There are a wide range of activities organised on the school site and the whole day serves to promote positive relationships between staff and pupils.

Activity Days

External providers facilitate additional beyond the classroom activities, many of which support the Enterprise and Employability agenda. Partners include the Armed Forces, Balfour Beatty/Consort, SETPOINT, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Young Enterprise and City in the Community. The school has strong links with local employers, colleges and Universities. Team building, communication, creative thinking and most importantly, a ‘Can Do’ attitude are all developed through these partnerships.

ICT facilities including PC’s and iMacs are available for research and study. All pupils are encouraged to take up a musical instrument, expert individual tuition is provided for those who wish to do so, some pupils enjoy learning a new instrument as part of a group e.g. the Jazz Orchestra.

Academic challenge is provided by activities that enrich the curriculum and develop a wide-range of skills. Guest speakers, workshops and visits to places of Historical, Geographical or cultural interest enhance the curriculum.

A large number of activities which take place outside the normal classroom environment are offered to pupils before, during and after school. Sports clubs and training, STEM club (Science and Technology), Chess club, music practice sessions, homework support and revision classes are all extremely well attended.

Additional School Activities

Learning Beyond The Classroom

The school participates extensively in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a national scheme designed to promote leadership skills in young people and encourage them to achieve challenging personal goals.

Awards are given at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels for a range of activities from physical endeavour to community work and personal achievement. Some of the activities at West Hill include: map reading, kayaking, first aid training, Science pupil technician training, survival skills, peer mentoring, paired reading with younger pupils, hiking and camping.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

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Life at West Hill isn’t just about academic success. Just as important is the development of our pupils’ personal and social skills and their attitudes. Activities outside the classroom allow pupils to develop new skills and interests and make new friends. We are pleased with the large number of pupils who take part in activities outside the classroom.

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Three Peaks Challenge

Many pupils from West Hill and a small number of participants from other schools in the North West have achieved Duke of Edinburgh Awards at all levels.

Employers and further education colleagues value this scheme highly as evidence of pupils’ personal commitment and positive attitudes.

Climbing Wall

(Ofsted Report December 2010)

Students work together collaboratively and are active members of a cohesive school community.

We are very pleased to be able to offer to our pupils a climbing wall facility.

The Three Peaks Challenge is an exhilarating team event which involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell) and Wales (Snowdon). West Hill pupils carry out this gruelling challenge over three days after twelve months rigorous training. The event is used to fund raise for West Hill’s nominated charity.

As well as improving fitness, building confidence and developing team working skills, pupils also have the opportunity to undertake and gain the National Indoor Climbing Wall Award (NICAS) to levels 1 and 2.

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West Hill School

PROSPECTUS 2014

Community Partnership Parents

Outside Agencies

A close relationship between school and home is vital to a pupil’s success and has always been part of West Hill’s tradition. We ask for the support of parents in establishing a good work ethos and a sense of pride in appearance, attitude and behaviour of all the boys that attend West Hill.

Physical and mental well-being is promoted through links with the local NHS trust including school nursing team and health mentors, Branching Out and Sports Partnerships and Tameside and Glossop Mind.

Parents’ Association All parents become members of West Hill’s Parents’ Association when their son joins the school. Meetings are held monthly and the PA supports school events.

A number of social events are also organised throughout the year. Funds raised by the PA are used to purchase resources for the school.

Transition West Hill offers a most successful transition programme for pupils joining us from Primary School. In addition to the Year 6 Activity Day and Evening in July which sees Year 6 pupils introduced to both the routines of a West Hill day and their new Form Tutors, we also offer a number of summer camps and transitional courses. The Technology Department offers a “Let’s Get Cooking” course in the summer term. The PE Department offers a week long Sports Camp in the holidays and this year we introduced a Literacy Summer Camp to support identified pupils improve their reading and writing skills. We are extremely proud of the links we have established with our main feeder schools in Science and Maths which sees West Hill staff teaching their specialism in the Primary school and Year 6 pupils attending West Hill to take advantage of our specialist facilities.

Post-16 A full Careers programme is provided for all pupils.

We take great satisfaction in securing successful progression pathways for all our boys onto continuing education & training. Our Information, Advice and Guidance programme has been externally assessed and awarded with “Inspiring IAG Gold”.

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Fund Raising Pupils raise several thousand pounds for a number of different charities every year. Money is raised in a variety of ways including: non-uniform days, fun days, car washing and bag packing at local supermarkets.

Governors The Governors have a general responsibility with the LEA for seeing that the school is run effectively and they work in partnership with the Headteacher. All Governors are members of at least one subcommittee related to their particular professional expertise; they provide leadership and advice to the school through this forum.

Sports Hall The Sports Hall facilities are available for use by the community during the evening and at weekends. The facilities are used by a large number of different community groups for a range of sporting activities.

“ The school places great value on the provision of high quality care, guidance and support for all students.

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The relationship with parents is developed through use of the pupil planner, the reporting system, correspondence home and an annual Parents’ Consultation Evening. Staff are more than happy to meet with parents at agreed times to discuss particular issues.

Economic well being is enhanced by links with Positive Steps, the Armed Forces, City in the Community, Balfour Beatty/Consort and Barclays Bank.

(Ofsted Report December 2010)