Achieving Excellence Together
WELCOME TO ALSOP HIGH SCHOOL
Our Values Ambition
We believe in 1% improvements in everything we do, every day.
Respect
In a world we can be anything, we choose to be kind.
Community
We believe alone we can do so little, but together we can achieve so much.
Welcome to our School
Hello and a very warm welcome to Alsop High School.
We are so excited to welcome you to our school family this September. Starting high school is a big step, but please don’t worry as you will be supported every step of the way. At Alsop, we believe in working hard, being kind and always doing our best. You’ll have the chance to learn new things, make new friends and discover what makes you shine.
Our school is a place where everyone is encouraged to aim high and believe in themselves. You’ll find a friendly community, dedicated teachers and lots of opportunities to try new experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Whether it’s sport, music, drama, science or something completely new, there’s a place for you here. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve.
Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you in September!
Best wishes,
Mr Kerfoot Executive Principal
Mr Mee Head of School
Meet your Year Leaders
Mr Heavey – Associate Assistant Principal for Year 7
“It is my job to ensure that you have a smooth and successful transition into high school life, then promote the educational success and outstanding outcomes for you all by ensuring you develop and display good habits every day.”
My favourite film: Shawshank Redemption - the main character remains positive despite serving a life sentence that is unjust.
My advice: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Always be equipped to learn and try your best.
Mrs Phillips – Year 7 Progress Leader
“I am your Progress Leader and my job is to help you reach your potential and achieve your goals.”
My favourite book: Pride and Prejudice - Mrs Bennet is my favourite character – she is relentlessly ambitious but slightly bonkers!
My advice: Be kind, be curious and never stop asking questions. We are all capable of learning more!
Mrs Hurley – Year 7 Year Manager
“My job is to make sure that you are following our expectations, make the right choices and offer support.”
My favourite film: Indiana Jones because I love his adventures!
My advice: Always know that you are amazing, you can achieve your dreams and that I believe in you!
Meet your Teachers
Mrs Wilkinson – Assistant SENDCo
“I work in The BASE supporting students who need a little bit of extra help.”
My favourite book: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - It takes you on so many adventures!
My advice: Always believe you can achieve more - never give up and keep pushing to be the best you can be.
Mr McCallan – Head
of Maths
As Head of Maths, it is my job to make sure every student feels confident, supported and challenged in maths and to help you develop the essential mathematical skills you will use for your entire life.
My favourite film: The Blind Side - the true story of a young boy who overcomes difficult circumstances to become an NFL player thanks to hard work, resilience and compassion. It’s a reminder of what anyone is capable of when they never give up!
My advice: The best way to learn is by trying something new. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, be afraid of not trying!
Mr
Solan
– Head of Physical Education and Social Care
As the Head of Physical Education and Health and Social Care it is my job to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to lead an active, healthy life now and in the future.
My favourite film: Coach Carter - it’s more than just a film about basketball. I find it to be a powerful story about discipline, respect, education and personal responsibility.
My advice: Push yourself, try new things and remember, effort beats talent when talent doesn’t show up.
What uniform will you wear?
At Alsop, we all wear the same uniform to show we belong to the school and are ready to learn. You’ll wear a green blazer, a white shirt or blouse and a green tie with a stripe in your year group colour. This year, your year group colour is navy blue!
You can choose to wear black trousers or a navy-blue skirt, with dark socks and plain black polishable shoes. If it’s a bit chilly, you can wear a navy jumper or cardigan under your blazer.
On PE days you will need to come to school in your Alsop PE kit. If you don’t have the Alsop hoodie, that’s okay as you can just wear your blazer over your PE top (black t-shirt or longsleeved black top with our school logo on it).
Your PE bottoms should be plain black and suitable for sport (leggings, shorts or track pants). Please remember that you must not wear any sportswear with branded logos from shops such as Nike, Adidas, or similar as only plain black or Alsop branded items are allowed as part of our school uniform policy.
What will you do on your first day?
Your first day at Alsop will be exciting and full of new experiences! You’ll begin by meeting your Form Tutor, your Year Manager and the other students in your tutor group. It is a great time to start making new friends.
You’ll receive your timetable, a map of the school and a stationery starter kit to help you feel ready for lessons. You’ll also take part in some fun activities, enjoy a tour of the school and hear all about our learning habits and school values.
At break and lunchtime, you can relax in our outdoor spaces which are perfect for chatting with friends and taking time to settle in.
You’ll also have lunch in our canteen, which serves hot meals, sandwiches, snacks and drinks every day. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! Meals are paid for using a simple code, so there’s no need to carry cash.
You’ll also go to your first lessons and start to get a feel for how your school day will run. Don’t worry, we’ll be there to help you settle in.
What subjects will you learn in Year 7?
One of the most exciting things about starting secondary school is getting to explore a wide range of new subjects. Alongside familiar subjects like English, Maths, Art, Music, and Computing, you’ll get to carry out experiments in our science labs, perform in Drama and learn a new language. You’ll also study History, Geography and Design Technology. PE lessons will include a variety of sports and you’ll have the chance to use our indoor multi-fitness room too.
There’s so much to try and plenty of opportunities to discover what you enjoy most!
At Alsop, we love reading and believe it’s the key to success in every subject. We use the “Expert Reading” programme to help you become a confident reader.
You’ll also spot your teachers wearing lanyards that say “Ask me what I’m reading”, so you’ll never be short of great book recommendations!
Our Love for Reading PSHE Lessons
At Alsop, we want you to feel safe, happy and ready for life, both in and out of school. In your PSHE lessons (that stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), you’ll learn about lots of important things like looking after your mental health, staying safe online, building healthy friendships and understanding money.
These lessons happen during form time and on special days during the year. They’re a chance to talk, listen and learn about the world around you. You’ll be able to ask questions, share your thoughts and learn how to make good choices. It’s all about helping you become confident, kind and ready for whatever the future brings.
The 1926 Building: This is where you will have your Maths, Science, DT & PE lessons
The IT Block: This is where you will have your Computing Lessons
The Music, Art & Drama Block: This is where you will study our creative subjects
The Jamieson Building: This is where you will have your English, History, Geography and Spanish lessons
Multi-Use Games Area: This is where you will have some of your PE lessons
Clubs & Sports
What can I do outside of lessons?
At Alsop, there’s so much more to school than just lessons! We have lots of fun clubs you can join after-school where you can try something new, build your confidence and make friends along the way.
Whether you enjoy sports, music, games or getting creative, there’s something for everyone. You might want to play football, go swimming, try cross fit or badminton or get involved in STEM club, art club or drama.
If music is your thing, we have guitar, keyboard and drum clubs too! You could join debate club, chess club, Dungeons & Dragons, or even help out in our “My Community Matters” group.
Taking part in clubs is a brilliant way to learn new skills, feel part of the school and have lots of fun!
Rewards & Awards
At Alsop, we love to celebrate your hard work and great choices! You can earn house points for things like showing kindness, trying your best in lessons, good attendance and getting involved in school life.
Every student at Alsop is part of one of our five House teams: “Attenborough, Franklin, Parks, Turing, or Redgrave”. As you earn points for great work, positive behaviour and getting involved, you’ll be helping your House climb the leaderboard. Throughout the year, Houses take part in fun competitions, challenges and events which is a brilliant way to show team spirit, make friends and celebrate success together.
Each week, we celebrate students who’ve shown great behaviour, worked hard in lessons, has great attendance or has made a big effort with their personal progress. At the end of every term, we come together in assemblies to celebrate all the amazing things you’ve achieved. You might even get a voucher or be invited on a special school trip!
We want everyone at Alsop to feel proud of what they achieve and our rewards system is just one of the ways we recognise all the brilliant things you’ll do.
