Mark Rutherford School Prospectus

Mark Rutherford School

2

Welcome to Mark Rutherford School May I take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to our school. In its development since 1976 the school has established a strong tradition of achievement, care and partnership. I hope you will soon feel part of that tradition.

Our aim is to provide the best possible education for each child within the context of a caring and safe community. School life centres on the students and every effort is made to provide them with opportunities and experiences to further their development and be successful both socially and academically.

We believe that every child is unique. We will provide each student with the opportunity to study a broad and balanced curriculum that will meet their individual needs. We set high expectations for our students so that they will achieve success. Education is seen in its broadest sense and as a lifelong experience.

This prospectus will provide a great deal of information about the school. Further information can be found on our website at www.markrutherford.beds.sch.uk We value the contribution parents and carers make to the school and we place a great deal of importance on this positive relationship. We believe that students achieve greater success when they are supported by home and the school working together in partnership.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school for further information or to arrange a visit.

I hope that your association with Mark Rutherford will be a long and rewarding one.

Mr Stephen Peacey Principal

“I can't praise this school enough; their standards are very high and my child is doing extremely well and is loving every minute of it.�

Parent

3

Mission statement During their school years children should grow from relative dependence on their parents and teachers to mature learners with skills to adapt to changing demands.

Our aim is to provide broad, balanced, personalised learning experiences that will enable them to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, gain economic wellbeing and make a positive contribution to their community.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

Dr. Seuss

Aims We see education in its widest sense, a lifelong experience that gives equal importance to positive values, attitude and beliefs as well as the acquisition of knowledge, skills and ideas.

The school aims to develop students to become decent human beings with a sense of personal worth and to value the rights of others.

These aims will thrive in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and constructive relationships, where school, home and the community work together in partnership to support learning.

“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.”

William Arthur Ward

Achievement Success in life and future economic well being are dependent on educational achievement.

The school, therefore, sets high expectations for all students and is continually striving to raise standards. Examination results have improved year on year and are above the national average.

“Outstanding GCSE results 2011.”

Why Mark Rutherford School?

Personalised Learning We believe every child is unique and we provide a safe caring environment where learning is personalised, individual talents are nurtured and success is celebrated.

4

5

6

Leadership “Mark Rutherford is a good school that has made significant improvements since it's last inspection. It is led by example by its inspirational head teacher supported by the senior leadership team. Partnerships in promoting learning and well-being are outstanding.”

“The head teacher and senior leaders have a clear vision for the school and the students and display a positive 'can-do' attitude. Leaders are focussed on the drive to improve standards. Challenging targets are set and leaders have a very accurate view of the school and its strengths and areas of weakness.”

Ofsted

Relationships Children learn best when they have the right environment and in particular the right relationships. We place great emphasis on building positive, constructive relationships between adults and students to create a caring environment, celebrate their achievements, motivate them to learn and engage them to participate in learning.

“The school provides a calm, safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning.

Arrangements for pupils' care, welfare and safety are outstanding.”

Ofsted

Support To achieve success students need the support of both home and school. We value our partnerships with parents and the wider community.

“Care guidance and support are significant strengths of the school as is the monitoring of students' performance. According to one parent, 'Academic mentoring is excellent. ” Ofsted

Teaching and Learning Our core business is teaching and learning and a good school is defined by the quality of its staff. They are our most important resource. Our staff are not only well qualified but are also always willing to improve and meet new challenges.

Successful Partnerships Wider partnerships have been established with local businesses and other schools both locally and internationally. Mark Rutherford is also part of an education trust.

“Partnerships are a major strength of the school. Specialist status has brought closer links with colleges and the university.”

Ofsted

7

House Ethos Students are supported by a well organised House system that enables them to be part of a smaller school within a school and be guided by a Head of House, Student Support Assistants and Form Tutors. Competitions between the Houses also develop a clear sense of identity and belonging.

Students are encouraged to contribute to the school ethos by actively participating in student voice.

“The students know that they matter and their views are taken into consideration.”

Ofsted

Challenging and Balanced Curriculum The rich diversity of courses, both in choice of subjects and level of accreditation, ensures there is something for everyone, whatever their starting point or interests.

The curriculum is further enhanced by the impact of the school’s specialism in the performing arts. One parent said, ‘Our daughter has been given excellent opportunities and experiences to pursue her particular interests in dance and sport in extra-curricular activity sessions.’

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination.”

Albert Einstein

Skills for Success Whilst qualifications are an important currency for future success we see education in its widest sense, as a lifelong experience, that gives equal importance to extra-curricular and enrichment activities, developing character, skills for success and positive attitudes.

Progression and Continuity Students joining the school, either in year 7 or year 9, will have the opportunity to progress through the school into the sixth form and beyond, with outstanding care, guidance and support at every phase.

8

9

The Mark Rutherford Experience

10

Wentworth Drive Bedford MK41 8PX Tel: 01234 290200 Fax: 01234 290236 Email: mark.rutherford@mrus.co.uk www.markrutherford.beds.sch.uk