Windsor High School and Sixth Form Prospectus

Windsor High School and Sixth Form

EXCELLENCE FOR ALL

Welcome to Windsor We are a school committed to delivering the very best education for all of our students.

This can be seen in our school motto “Excellence for All”, that applies equally to our twin objectives of academic success and extra-curricular and enrichment provision.

Contents

We are a school built on traditional values. Our ethos and beliefs are evident in “The Windsor Way”. This is a charter committed to by our whole school community and celebrates the twin tenets of respect and responsibility. Our active House system underlines

Welcome to Windsor

3

The Windsor Way

4

Support and Guidance

4

Our pastoral structure is based on vertical House teams led by a Head of House. As well as allowing healthy competition between

Curriculum and Enrichment

6

social and cultural awareness.

Physical Education, Dance and Sport

10

Technology and the Arts

13

Student Leadership

16

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

18

Careers Education, Advice and Guidance

19

Primary Links

20

Windsor Sixth Form

21

Windsor Academy Trust

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these traits every day.

students, regular House assemblies focus on raising aspirations, developing physical and mental well-being and spiritual, moral,

We are proud of our track record of success for our students. It has been the result of close collaborative relationships between staff, students and parents. Our students have taken on the responsibility of developing a set of core characteristics, attributes and behaviours instrumental to their success as learners. It is known as ‘ASPIRE’ and students aim high and achieve well. Student leadership plays a central part in the growth of our school.

We also prioritise the development of student character and our curriculum provides every student with opportunities to discuss real-world events and issues. Using the ASPIRE framework, we teach students about the skills needed to become happy, safe and responsible citizens with high aspirations.

I hope after reading this prospectus, you will be inspired to visit Windsor High School and Sixth Form and see what we have to offer.

Mr S R Lanckham - Headteacher

Building character

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Creating success

The Windsor Way BUILDING CHARACTER AND SHARING SUCCESS

Should a parent have any concerns about their child, contact should be made initially with the Form Tutor or the Head of House.

Looking after your child At Windsor, everybody cares. In a large community, caring about the needs of the individual is essential to ensuring happiness and success. The ethos of our school

Windsor Academy Trust’s moral purpose is to unlock students’ academic and personal potential. We strive for our students to have a love of learning, be successful learners and gain the knowledge, skills and attributes to be successful in the world of work. Equally we endeavour for our students to be good human beings, with a sense of purpose and character enabling them to flourish in life.

Windsor Academy Trust has a record of success. Crucial to our success is a core set of values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Our students, teachers, support staff and parents understand, support and practise these values. Daily interaction between and amongst members of our community are based on these beliefs and have become a natural part of what we do and how we do it.

We aim: “to nurture a culture of respect and responsibility for oneself and for others”.

Here is how we live together at Windsor Academy Trust; we value and practise respect and responsibility.

• by sharing ideas and opinions openly and thoughtfully

is that of a self-regulating community where we have a responsibility to look after

• by listening actively to the ideas and opinions of others

ourselves and others.

Responsibility

The Windsor House System

• for controlling my own language and behaviour

The House system also provides students with the opportunity to participate

• for resolving conflicts and disagreements in a cooperative and peaceful way

collectively in a wide range of activities. We are able to offer students a whole

• for completing all work to the best of my ability

range of competitions, which include sports, talent competitions, charity work

• for asking for support and help when I need it and helping others when they

and many more; in Year 7 this has included football, rugby, dodgeball, bench ball,

need it • for ensuring my own physical and emotional well-being

dance, chess, a bake-off, resistant materials, art and graphics challenges and

• for creating my own success and being resilient in the face of challenge

various library quizzes.

• to approach all I do with a positive attitude • to see failure as a form of helpful feedback for future growth

The PE Faculty hold termly inter-house events themed by the sports they have

• to follow my dreams no matter what challenges I am faced with

been practising each term. This wide selection has ensured that every student in Year 7 represents their House in one way or another and offers them new

Support and Guidance

opportunities that they might pursue in the future.

Heads of House and Pastoral Care

All of the competitions count towards identifying the “House of the Year”.

Each House is the responsibility of the Head of House who works with a large team including Director of Lower School, Director of Upper School and Deputy

Respect • for myself, other students and all adults, regardless of background, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, values, lifestyles, opinions or interests • for the property of the individual, group and school • by using language that is not offensive or abusive to others • by being open, honest, friendly, and accepting of others

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hockey, netball, cross-country, rounders, basketball, badminton, tennis, athletics,

Headteacher in charge of Student Services in overseeing all aspects of your child’s progress at Windsor.

Throughout the school year we take the opportunity to celebrate the many successes and triumphs. We regularly celebrate successes and achievements in House assemblies and via the weekly “Newsletter”. The response from our students to the Windsor House System has been outstanding and we continue to build on the standards and achievements of previous years.

The Head of House leads a team of Form Tutors and they are aided by a Pastoral Manager. At times, students may have difficulties and concerns that require more specialist support. In order to cater for the needs of these students we liaise with a wide number of external agencies.

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Outstanding facilities

Curriculum and Enrichment The curriculum at Windsor is broad, balanced, stimulating and engaging, offering personalised opportunities for all students. Our curriculum builds on the learning experiences at primary school and then working towards the mastery of skills, knowledge and understanding that prepares students for their examination courses.

We aim to foster a love of learning, stimulate curiosity, develop creativity and enthuse and engage so our students become lifelong learners.

A range of teaching and engagement strategies are

with others, lead others or work independently.

employed throughout the curriculum. Students are

These skills are developed across the curriculum

grouped to maximise learning. For some subjects

using a range of resources which vary from

students are grouped by ability; in other subjects

textbooks and a well-stocked learning resource

students are taught in mixed ability groups.

centre, to the use of technology to complement the personalised curriculum. Interactive whiteboards

The essence of Windsor’s curriculum is to develop

and PC access are standard and learning resources

both student knowledge and understanding but

such as online blogs, are used to develop and assess

also shape and grow the personal and thinking

student skills.

skills which will make students rounded confident individuals and life-long learners, able to apply their

Other tools include the use of Google Drive and

study through whatever pathways they choose

Google Classroom where access to classroom

through life. Running throughout our curriculum

resources and learning support are available from

is our character education framework.

school and home.

Naturally, emphasis is placed on students showing

Our curriculum provision is constantly reviewed

initiative and resilience, working together and

and our aim is to provide a world class learning

knowing where and how to prepare and work

experience which achieves excellence for all.

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Subjects Studied at Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 9)

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 – 11)

Vocational options:

• Visit a theatre/museum

All students have curriculum

Business Level 2

provision in:

IT Level 2

• Take part/perform in a musical or

All students follow the Windsor Curriculum delivered through lessons in: Art Computing Drama English French, German or Spanish Geography History Mathematics Music Physical Education (including Dance) Religious Education Science Technology (Product Design, Food, Graphics) The personal development programme covers a range of aspects including: Careers Education Information and Guidance Citizenship Health and Staying Safe Personal and Social Education Sex and Relationships Education Understanding life in modern Britain Work Related Learning and Enterprise Education We deliver our personal development programme in lesson time, across the curriculum and in special sessions and dedicated curriculum days.

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Sport English (Language and Literature)

Travel and Tourism

Mathematics Physical Education Science

sporting event/activity • Sleep under the stars • Take part in a Duke of Edinburgh style expedition

Examinations

• Visit an historical establishment

Students are entered for examinations

• Visit a Higher Education establishment

without charge for those examinations

In addition students may also choose from

• Present to more than 30 people

• Take part in a work-based experience

relating to courses taught in school.

the following examination courses:

Students are entered for all examinations

Extra-Curricular

GCSE:

or other forms of assessment related to each student’s personalised learning

At Windsor High School and Sixth

Ancient History

pathway.

Form students will have the chance to

Art and Design

experience and take part in a plethora

Business Studies

of extra-curricular and enrichment

Computing

Enrichment

activities.

The WAT Pledge

opportunities per week that occur

At Windsor High School and Sixth Form

and at the weekends. Aspiring to be a

Dance Drama Food and Nutrition French Geography

we endeavour to stretch, challenge and

German

develop students academically, socially

Graphic Communications

and personally. Therefore we pledge

Health and Social Care

to offer and expose all students to the

Music

following opportunities in order for them

Physical Education

to become more successful in life.

Religious Studies Spanish

• Become a first aider

Statistics

• Raise money for charity

Technology

• Visit the sea

Triple Science

There are over 100 enrichment before school, at lunchtime, after school part of this provision will allow students to develop important life skills such as time management, resilience and commitment. Our evidence shows that this commitment to extra-curricular provision leads to increased self esteem and supports our students to develop relationships and prepares them for their next steps in life.

• Take part in a residential

World History Social development

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Physical Education, Dance and School Sport Physical Education, Dance and School Sport are of paramount importance at Windsor.

The PE curriculum is broad and varied and is supported by an extensive extra-curricular programme led by specialist PE staff and external coaches.

Aims

Facilities

The aims of the Faculty are to offer a wide range

PE and Dance facilities are outstanding, providing

of activities to students in order to develop skills,

many specialist areas for students to work in,

self esteem, confidence, self expression, creativity

ensuring they have the best experience possible in a

and leadership skills. We educate students on the

range of activities. Facilities include a four badminton

benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and encourage

court sports hall, a state of the art fitness suite, a full

lifelong participation in sporting activities.

size Astro Turf pitch, a specialist dance studio, two

Curriculum

There are opportunities for students to compete

and training are run alongside a mentoring

and perform in local, regional and national

programme.

competitions and to participate in sporting

Wider Role

activities at a recreational level. The Faculty seeks to provide opportunities to engage all students

The School Games Organiser for South Dudley

and has utilised the expertise of specialist coaches

is employed at the school and actively promotes

to offer students golf and kick boxing. In addition,

pathways for students across secondary and

competitive sports teams are offered in football,

primary phases to participate in physical activity

netball, hockey, rugby, basketball, gymnastics,

and to compete in a range of activities. We

volleyball, badminton, handball, rounders, cricket,

have good links with a range of primary schools

athletics and tennis.

providing specialist support for PE lessons and a range of competitive festivals run throughout the

Specialist Dance staff offer an expansive range of

gymnasiums, a football pitch and a rugby pitch.

year.

opportunities for students to develop their dance techniques through a number of extra-curricular opportunities. These focus on different genre including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Urban and Break Dance.

Windsor is very proud of its House system and

The Faculty continues to deliver workshops and training for others on a regional and national level, they have achieved the Platinum School Games Mark and are a lead school for student leadership for the Youth Sports Trust.

students have a range of opportunities to compete for their House in sporting activities which are

All students participate in PE lessons in Years

Extra-Curricular

7-11, there is also an extensive physical activity

The extra-curricular programme encompasses a wide

These are young people in Year 10 who have

programme in the Sixth Form including opportunity

range of activities which are delivered before school,

committed to developing their leadership skills

for competitive sport. The Faculty offers a

at lunch times and after school.

and utilising these to the benefit of others.

organised and officiated by our House Seniors.

wide range of activities including gymnastics, dance, games, fitness, athletics and outdoor and

Students who have a particular talent in sport

adventurous activities.

and dance are supported through a variety of programmes designed to assist students in

In addition students in Key Stages 4 and 5 have the

managing their training, competition and school

opportunity to study examinations in the following

work. Specialist sessions designed to educate

areas: GCSE PE, GCSE Dance, BTEC Sport, A-Level

students in nutrition, sports psychology

PE and Cambridge National in Sport.

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Specialist coaching

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Technology and the Arts Music; Art; Product Design; Food Preparation and Nutrition; Graphics; Drama.

We want our students to have a broad and balanced experience of Technology and the Arts, following a curriculum which stimulates a lasting enjoyment and interest in the subjects as well as providing skills for life.

Aims The aim is to foster aesthetic awareness,

Curriculum The Arts are taught in Key Stage 3 on a half termly (Year 7 and 9) or termly (Year 8) rotation so all students attend lessons in Art, Music and Drama. In Technology at Key Stage 3, students will receive a term of each subject: Graphics; Product Design; Food Preparation and Nutrition.

In addition, students in Key Stages 4 and 5 have the opportunity to study examinations in the following areas: GCSE Art; Music; Drama; Graphics; Product Design; Food Preparation and Nutrition.

develop creativity in individuals and celebrate

Facilities

and share achievements in Technology and

Technology and the Arts facilities are specialist

the Arts. Through these subjects, students can

areas within which students work, ensuring

build self esteem and self expression.

they have the best experience possible in a range of creative subjects. Facilities include

We actively work with our local community

two Music rooms; three Music practice rooms

in promoting Technology and the Arts,

and a Music Technology room; three Art rooms

to increase students’ understanding of

and a Sixth Form Art studio; two Product

diverse cultural traditions and to encourage

Design workshops; two Graphics rooms; one

collaborative and cooperative working

Food room.

methods.

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Skills for life

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Specialist IT

Extra-Curricular

Wider Role

The extra-curricular programme in Technology and the Arts is vast, encompassing

creating and working in the local community. These include events such as the

Windsor’s Technology and the Arts students have a long history of performing,

a wide range of activities for all year groups including:

annual Christmas tree illuminations in Halesowen and local festivals and events.

Music

local events. The Windsor Design Agency produces work which is used in the

Orchestra; Choir; String Ensemble; BTEC and GCSE Support Clubs; Boys Vocal

and led workshops in local schools and schools within the Windsor Academy

Group; Keyboard Club; Woodwind Ensemble; Gifted and Talented Vocal Group; Gifted and Talented Composition Group; African Drumming Group; Music Leaders

They also regularly make items in Technology and Graphics to sell for charity at local area and newspapers. Student performers and leaders have also performed Trust.

Club; Rock Bands; DJ Club; Year 7 Vocal Group; Year 7 Ukulele Band.

Technology and the Arts Student Leadership

Technology (Product Design, Food, Nutrition and Cooking and Graphics)

Technology and the Arts students can also get involved in the student leadership

Product Design and Make Club; GCSE Product Design Support Club; GCSE Food

a variety of leadership skills within the Technology and the Arts subject areas.

Club; GCSE Graphics Club; Windsor Design Agency.

They also lead House competitions and whole school Art/Graphic projects.

Drama

programme. They initially apply to become a leader and then commit to supporting and leading at various clubs and events across the Faculty. They learn

Key Stage 3 Drama Club; Key Stage 4 Drama Club; GCSE Drama support.

Art Key Stage 3 Art Club; Key Stage 4 Art Club.

Enrichment opportunities include School production; theatre visits; school plays; Music Recital Evening; Summer Music concert; Arts Summer Showcase; Windsor Academy Trust Music Concert; Christmas Carol Concert; The Art and Graphics Exhibition; Technology and the Arts master classes; Graphics Sixth Form University visit; Art Attack Week.

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Developing leaders

Student Leadership STUDENT LEADERSHIP - ‘DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY’ Student leadership is important in unlocking students’ academic and personal potential. Leadership is central to everything we do and we encourage our students to be leaders ‘always in all ways’. As a result of our cutting edge, innovative and extensive developments our student leadership work has earned a national and international reputation.

All students are expected to take responsibility

All subjects in school have Learning Leaders.

for themselves and their learning by ‘living’ the

Students assist in lessons, mentor younger students,

behaviours associated with each letter of ASPIRE.

deliver enrichment activities and act as ambassadors

Students undertake an ASPIRE self-review to build

for subjects. Committed leaders throughout the

self-awareness and take positive action to be the

year are selected to be part of the Windsor Sports

best learners they can be. One hundred House

Academy. These students are integral in supporting

Senators work with their tutor groups to encourage

local, regional and national competitions.

Students have a voice and undertake leadership at all levels in school and the community. We start by enabling students to be leaders of themselves and then progress onto leadership at classroom, subject,

students to ASPIRE. Students in Year 11 who have demonstrated The School Senate also acts as a ‘student voice’

leadership qualities throughout their time at Windsor

body, listening to the perspectives of all students and

High School and Sixth Form have the chance to

working alongside staff to take positive actions to

become Prefects and Ambassadors. These students

improve all aspects of school life.

play a significant part in the day to day running of the school and are highly respected by staff and

Students have the opportunity to undertake

students.

house, school, community and national levels.

leadership roles in subjects and extra-curricular activities that are aligned with their strengths,

Sixth Form students become accomplished leaders

Through the substantial leadership opportunities,

passions and interests. Sports leadership is well

by undertaking a variety of roles within the Sixth

developed at Windsor; all students are given the

Form, main school, local primary schools and the

opportunity to gain experience of organising and

wider community.

students develop their sense of self-worth, build their character, develop important life and employability skills, learn to grow relationships and collaborate

leading others within Physical Education lessons.

Sports leaders engage in a wide variety of roles,

Student leadership is a key part of the Windsor

including coaching and officiating in school extra-

experience and a key driver in enabling students to

a difference for others.

curricular clubs, competitions and festivals. Sports

be the best learners and become successful in their

leaders play a critical role in supporting School Sport

chosen path.

The ASPIRE programme lies at the heart of student

in many local primary schools.

with others; they develop a sense of purpose that enables them to think beyond themselves and make

leadership developments.

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Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Careers Education and Inforamtion, Advice and Guidance

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has been delivered at Windsor High School and Sixth Form for many years. It is an internationally recognised award that perfectly illustrates the school’s commitment to offer high quality extra-curricular provision to complement excellent academic attainment.

Windsor High School and Sixth Form is committed to providing a programme of careers education and information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) for all students in Years 7-13 to help every student be successful in their next stage of education, training and employment.

Programme

We provide information regarding potential

At Windsor, there are opportunities to visit

parents on how to make the most of a work

sections (five if you’re going for Gold) -

Our students begin their careers education in Year 7

of career pathways.

volunteering, physical, skills, expedition

and work through a careers programme. Enterprise

and for Gold, a residential.

skills are also developed through the ASPIRE

The components of the award also reflect the school’s desire to equip students with relevant life skills that will also serve them well as they make

The school offers Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Students from Years 9-13 volunteer to take on the challenges posed by the different aspects of this award.

The award is achieved by completing a personal programme of activities in four

tutor program and alternative curriculum days are Students are encouraged to develop an

embedded within subject areas across the school.

enterprising spirit, and discover and take

This helps students learn about and reflect on the

action towards their career dreams.

world of work. We stress the importance of informed choice and provide impartial CEIAG throughout

their way toward Higher Education and

a student’s time at Windsor. We inform students

employment.

about the different career pathways available and help them make sound, informed choices at key

employers or attend employer talks from different organisations focusing on particular careers, skills and attributes required. Students have access to a dedicated ‘Careers classroom’ online from Year 10 onwards which provides opportunities of trips, visits and employer exposure to heighten their awareness

employers to contact and support students and experience placement. We also provide tiered ‘employability awards’ to students for completing set hours of work experience with positive outcomes.

Enterprise The Windsor Enterprise Journey engages Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students in enterprise experience

Our Partners

that build 21st century employability skills, develop

We work closely with our local partner organisations

collaboration with a range of businesses. Enterprise

that provide impartial advice to all our students.

Students may participate in a careers interview to provide guidance on their future, to inform and to support in the application process.

leadership potential and provide opportunities for challenges take place across a wide range of settings including the school, Windsor Business Centre, local businesses and universities and prepare students for success in the world of work for the future.

Work Experience

milestones in Years 9, 11 and 13. Moreover, each year,

Work experience is compulsory in Year 12 as part of

through the Windsor Enterprise Journey, students

an extensive Key Stage 5 CEIAG programme and we

learn specific skills including the study of financial

encourage our students at Key Stage 4 to participate

capability and well-being topics.

in work experience placements whether this be during school holidays or as part of our Activities week in July.

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Independent thinking

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Primary Links

Windsor Sixth Form

Windsor High School and Sixth Form sits at the heart of our community.

Our Sixth Form facilities are excellent.

The teaching, study and social areas are university standard and provide the perfect learning environment for the large numbers of Windsor students who continue on to Sixth Form as well as those who join in Year 12.

Collaboration and cooperation with primary schools is critically important to us. We aim to develop a seamless learning journey for children in our community from the age of two to nineteen years.

opportunity for parents to also attend a transition evening in July.

Year 6 children with the potential to work at greater depth in English and Maths have the opportunity to attend ‘Mastery sessions’ at Windsor, where they undertake English and Maths lessons taught by specialists from Windsor to help accelerate their

These opportunities are designed to allow students to develop skills and qualities in addition to their academic achievement.

There are numerous leadership opportunities for the students including: Student Union, Student Ambassadors, Paired Readers and Sports Leaders.

We aim to offer a range of social, leadership and academic enhancement opportunities through our

progress. We also have numerous Windsor Sixth Form students who dedicate their Enrichment time

In addition to these teaching facilities, there is a

As a member of the Halesowen Township Learning

on a Wednesday afternoon to mentoring students

spacious study area well equipped with computers,

Community we work closely with our partner

in reading and maths.

laptops and iPads for students to use to engage in

Students also have the opportunity to be part of one

their guided study. Sixth Form reception is housed in

of our three sports academies – Windsor Football

primary schools ensuring numerous opportunities

enrichment programme.

for both staff and children to collaborate, learn

There are numerous other opportunities for children

the study area; students have access to the Student

Academy in partnership with West Bromwich Albion

together and grow together. Windsor staff regularly

from Windsor and the local primary schools to

Manager at all times for pastoral support, advice and

Football Club, Golf Academy with Hagley Golf and

visit a wide range of primary schools in order to

work alongside each other through a variety of

guidance.

Country Club and our own Windsor Dance Academy.

learn more about the children who will transfer at

events in curriculum time and an array of extra-

the end of Year 6; this information is used to assist

curricular activities, festivals and competitions.

The Sixth Form has a large common room and situated

The majority of Year 13 leavers successfully gain places

with the whole transition process.

These activities have dual impact: they provide role

in here is our “TwentyTen” café staffed full time, serving

at Russell group universities as well as a number of

models for, raise the aspirations of, and support

food and a variety of drinks in a relaxed environment.

local universities. Students are well prepared to make

Transition from primary to secondary school can be

the learning of the primary children as well as

For whole school use, the sports hall and superb fitness

their next step and continue their academic studies in a

daunting for many Year 6 children. Our ‘Secondary

developing the core leadership skills of the Windsor

suite provide exceptional facilities for students to train,

wide range of subject areas. For those that do not want

Ready’ programme is extensive, deploying Year 7

students.

keep fit and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

to continue to university there is a range of guidance

the summer term, into the primary school that

The early contact we have with our students is

Windsor Sixth Form actively encourages students

they attended to work alongside Year 6 children,

some of the reasons our students make such good

to participate in the wide range of enrichment

introducing them to ‘The Windsor Way’, ASPIRE

progress when they come here.

opportunities on offer to them.

and support on alternatives including apprenticeships

and Year 10 students from Windsor, throughout

and work based training.

and to prepare them for life at Windsor.

We also offer a full day of transition with the

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Raising aspirations

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Windsor Academy Trust We are the founder school in the Windsor Academy Trust (WAT), a network of primary and secondary schools that share a uniting philosophy.

Windsor Academy Trust was formed to improve the quality of education provision through the sharing of ideas and best practice amongst its schools. The Trust is clear that young people achieve their best in a climate of high expectations where teachers are motivated and empowered by a clear focus upon teaching and learning.

At WAT we combine a shared experience of primary and secondary schools and promote student and staff collaboration. This raises aspirations across a family of schools united in their ethos and operation to achieve the very best for all our students.

By working across the local area, we can seek out the very best practice and

Trust quote ‘WAT is committed to achieving the highest quality of learning experience for all of its students and to achieving the best possible outcomes for them’.

hone it to offer an outstanding education.

The relationship has had a massive impact upon improving the quality of the Year 7 experience as we have so much detail from our primary partners, genuine continuity and real challenge can be provided. The opportunities to develop skills and leadership for sixth form students are fantastic and exciting.

So many Windsor Sixth Form students have not only gained experience and developed personally but their work and commitment has changed the lives of primary children in the Trust.

A uniting philosophy

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Windsor High School and Sixth Form Richmond Street, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 4BB Tel: (0121) 550 1452 Email: info@windsor.windsoracademytrust.org.uk www.windsor.windsoracademytrust.org.uk @windsor_tweets

A PA R T O F T H E W I N D S O R AC A D E M Y T R U S T