Sandy Upper School Prospectus

Achieving Excellence Beyond Belief

Sandy Upper School

Prospectus

Principal’s Welcome Achieving Excellence Beyond Belief

Sandy Upper School students now have a brighter future to look forward to, because of the dedication of the teachers and leadership tea m who have supported and guided us Student quote

Principal’s Welcome Dear Parent/Guardian I am delighted to welcome you to our extremely successful, caring and happy school, where every individual is highly valued.

At Sandy Upper School we are totally committed to academic excellence and we passionately believe that every child is entitled to a first rate education. We aim to ensure that every child is extremely well prepared to pursue their career aspirations and lead a highly successful, happy life.

We combine the traditional values of good manners, exemplary behaviour and smart uniform, with the very best of modern teaching and learning and an innovative curriculum which provides opportunities for academic, technical, sporting and arts excellence. Our students are highly successful individuals, who have the desire and drive to succeed in the 21st century – as individuals, team players, active citizens and leaders in their chosen fields. Our students are smartly presented, kind, courteous and thoughtful and they know that, through hard work and determination, they can achieve anything and everything they set their minds to.

We are extremely proud of our outstanding achievements and the remarkable progress we have made. We have ensured that our vision for an outstanding school has become a reality within record time and in just one year, there has been “a complete transformation” (Ofsted, July 2014) into an exceptional school.

We have made excellent progress in all aspects of school improvement and in July 2014, Ofsted judged the school as a high ‘Good’ with outstanding features, with the Ofsted report clearly outlining that the school is well on the way to becoming outstanding.

Our students achieve exceptional examination results at GCSE, AS and A Level, proving that our innovative, student-centred and personalised approach is highly successful. In August 2014, with a pass rate of 81% GCSE A*-C with English and Maths, Sandy Upper School became the highest performing school in the whole of Bedfordshire and many nearby counties, as well as one of the leading schools in the country for examination performance. Our results will place the school in the top 5% of schools nationally and enable our students to obtain admission to the very best universities.

At Sandy Upper School we have created a unique team of students, staff and parents who work together as one united team to do whatever it takes to achieve success.

Our staff team is made up of high-performing professionals who go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure our students receive the best possible education. We aim to provide fantastic life opportunities for our students and as a result our students are highly motivated, hard-working and successful.

My team and I look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child has a highly successful and fulfilling future at Sandy Upper School.

Ms B Hare Principal

MA RCA, BA (Hons), PGCE

High Aspirations & Outstanding Achievement Our primary aim at Sandy Upper School is to provide the best possible education for all of our students. We set ambitious target grades in all subjects and across all year groups, increasing the aspirations and expectations of all our students. We proactively support students who may experience difficulties, as well as stretch and challenge our ‘more able’ students.

Dialogue with teachers is encouraged as a framework for students to develop ideas, ask questions and apply a meticulous approach to their learning. Students work together to build team skills, strengthen individual talents and encourage a passion for lifelong learning. Our students leave the School with the best possible results, equipped for further learning or training, able to think creatively and with the confidence to handle the pressures of a fast-changing world.

Scholars’ Programme This programme has been designed to: • Increase the number of students who achieve A*- A grades at GCSE, AS and A Level.

• Increase opportunities to attend Russell Group and other top universities.

• Increase the aspirations of our students to be the best they can possibly be in their chosen field Each subject has selected specific criteria for the identification of scholar students. If a student has been named as a scholar in five or more subjects, then they are identified as a golden scholar.

From ‘old’ Sandy to ‘new’ Sandy - Remarkable progress!

GCSE Results

Sandy 2012

Sandy 2013

Sandy

2014

National Average

5+ A*-C Maths & English

40%

54%

81%

58%

5+ A*-C

67%

71%

85%

-

Maths A*-C

49%

65%

85%

71%

English A*-C

52%

60%

91%

67%

Ofsted: Achievement Good (Grade 2)

Since 2013, there has been a complete transformation. •

Standards are rising sharply. •

Students achieve well across all year groups and in most • subjects, including English and mathematics.

By setting ambitious target grades in all subjects • and across all year groups, the aspirations of students and expectations of staff have been raised in one fell swoop.

Spectacular results in the November GCSE examinations dispelled any doubts that these were too ambitious.

Ofsted July 2014

The HIGHEST Performing School in Bedfordshire for 2014!

81%

5+ A*- C

incl Maths & English

Ofsted: Teaching Good (Grade 2) • Teaching is typically good and there is now much outstanding teaching.

• Teaching has improved beyond recognition since the last inspection. Inadequate teaching has been eradicated, strengths have been consolidated, and best practice has been recognised and extended.

• Monitoring of teaching is systematic, rigorous and highly effective in improving classroom practice.

• Students say that teachers and learning support assistants now have much higher expectations of them, and check that they are not slipping behind.

• The school’s curriculum has been sensibly adapted to enable students to access a wide range of different qualifications and achieve well, whatever their starting point.

• Students make exceptional progress when teaching is outstanding.

Ofsted July 2014

Distractions in class have virtually disappeared; the school has become a safe, secure and happy learning environment Student quote

Teaching and Learning Excellent teaching at Sandy Upper School means planning and executing rigorous, engaging lessons, as well as using student data to assess students’ achievement. Great things come to those who work hard and at Sandy Upper School we have no shortcuts in ensuring that all of our students succeed. We aim to instil high standards of effort, attitude and endeavour within all of our students in all lessons. By developing a student’s independent skills we guide students on a journey to further and higher education or skilled employment. Our lessons encourage independent thinking, self-reliance and social responsibility. Students grow in confidence and are able to take responsibility for their learning outcomes. Moreover, the School works closely with parents and guardians to encourage their support and involvement in the development of the student’s unique talents and competencies.

The Curriculum Sandy Upper School offers a diverse and stimulating curriculum to engage student interest and optimise academic achievement. Students study GCSE qualifications from the moment that they join the school in Year 9. The curriculum ensures that students are taking qualifications that pioneer 21st century learning and directly link to required employability skills. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and Physical Education, students are provided with opportunities to follow the English Baccalaureate which includes, Humanities (History and Geography) and Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish). Students can also select GCSE courses from a wide range of subjects that suit individual interests, abilities and career aspirations. Subjects included in these choices are: Art & Design, Business Studies, Child Development, Dance, Drama, French, History, Geography, German, Graphic Products, ICT, Hospitality & Catering, Media Studies, Music, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Ethics, Psychology, Resistant Materials, Spanish, Textiles and Travel and Tourism. Whatever your child’s academic interests, strengths and ambitions, Sandy Upper School provides an exceptional springboard to future success.

Enrichment & Educational Visits Sandy Upper School is a vibrant learning community. Work starts before school with breakfast clubs and intervention activities. At lunchtime, students can participate in a range of activities including rugby, football, netball, hockey, athletics, drama, dance, school choir, brass ensemble, string ensemble and intervention classes for a wide range of subjects. After school, learning and enrichment continues into the early evening with a range of rehearsals, dance performance groups, additional study classes, our Scholars’ group and our sessions for the more able students.

Our ‘Golden Curriculum’ offers students the opportunity to extend the number of subjects studied beyond the normal curriculum and supports them in excelling in specific subjects. We provide a wide range of opportunities for our students to extend their learning via educational trips. Visits planned for 2014-2015 include the Lake District, Flatford Mill, Berlin, Ypres, Barcelona and skiing in Italy. In addition, there are numerous theatre and dance visits to London.

Home Learning At Sandy Upper School, Home Learning is an essential part of outstanding education. Home Learning develops independence and self-discipline and is proven to enhance student achievement, enabling students to:• • • • • • • •

Consolidate and extend work covered in class or prepare for new learning activities Develop research skills Have an opportunity for more independent work, demonstrating progress and understanding Enhance study skills e.g. planning, time management and self-discipline Take ownership and responsibility for learning Engage parental co-operation and support Create channels for home-school dialogue Prepare / revise for examinations

Personal Support and Pastoral Care Traditional values including respect, outstanding behaviour and self-discipline are the foundation of our community. Our school is organised into four Houses whose names reflect the values that we want to see develop in our students - Courage, Determination, Excellence and Inspiration. Each student is assigned to a House as they enter the school and this forms their pastoral base for their time with us. We work in vertical tutor groups encompassing students in Years 9-11 which enables peer mentoring and support, as well as easy integration into the school community.

Form time is an essential start to our school day and provides a programme of Literacy, Careers Information, Advice and Guidance, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Citizenship education focused on developing students’ skills.

Students are encouraged to participate in a range of community events, where fundraising activities develop their planning, decision making and organisational skills.

For most students, pastoral and mentoring support is provided by the staff in their House; however, there will be times when students require additional support. This support may include SEND support, language development, behaviour support, counselling and alternative curriculum provision. We also host a range of services which offer confidential support including RELATE counselling.

Student Leadership Our Student Leadership Programme, consisting of Student Principals, Student Vice Principals and Student Ambassadors, provides formal and informal learning opportunities to develop our students as leaders.

We believe that all students are entitled to contribute actively in shaping the educational experience they and their fellow students receive; we have therefore developed a wide range of leadership opportunities which cater for all students in the school.

Uniform & Attendance We strive for excellence in all that we do, and all students are expected to dress to a very high standard at all times. Correct uniform and smart appearance is indicative of the fact that students are in the correct frame of mind for learning.

At Sandy Upper School we believe that for our students to gain the greatest benefits from their education, it is vital that they attend regularly. The aim should always be for 100% attendance.

Rewards At Sandy Upper School we encourage student aspirations and achievement by using our rewards system which allows students to be recognised for: • outstanding attendance • outstanding classwork • outstanding home learning • participation in enrichment • representing the School Rewards offered include a special end of year reward trip or our end of year prom. We also praise student success in our celebration assemblies, whereby, students are nominated for awards by their teachers and tutors for both academic and pastoral achievements.

Ofsted: Behaviour & Safety Good (Grade 2)

Behaviour is good, and is often exemplary. •

Students behave very well in class, in assembly, and around • the school at break periods and between lessons. They are calm, sensible and considerate of one another when moving around the busy corridors.

One notable feature of the school is the demonstrable • way that students of different ages get on with one another.

The school has rightly focused on the implementation of high • standards of behaviour, and students have embraced the higher aspirations.

Simple, but effective strategies such as smart uniforms, • seating plans and common rules have promoted not only a ubiquitously positive climate for learning but also a sense of pride, which, in turn, promotes better achievement and positive behaviour.

Students are quick to recognise the improvements that have taken place. • They comply with the school’s higher expectations and appreciate the fact that staff ‘go the extra mile’ on their behalf.

Increasingly, they are embracing and enjoying new responsibilities. •

The house system has sharpened the focus of support for individual students, • so that anyone who is struggling with attendance or academic progress is immediately picked up.

The school’s work to keep students safe and secure is outstanding. •

Ofsted July 2014

Ofsted: Leadership & Management Good (Grade 2)

• The Principal has paid minute attention to detail in steering the work of the school. This, combined with the relentless focus of senior leaders and hard work of staff and governors, provides the opportunity for every student to succeed.

• Strong and effective strategic leadership, including governance, has transformed the school since the last inspection.

• The Principal and senior team have transformed the school by focusing tirelessly on raising standards. In doing so, they have left nothing to chance, particularly in regard to establishing good behaviour, strengthening teaching and securing better achievement.

• The micro-management by senior leaders has secured rapid improvement.

• During the course of this year, the infl uence and effectiveness of subject and other leaders have been quickly strengthened.

• Staff at all levels have worked very effectively to meet the Principal’s relentless and uncompromising expectations. The upshot is that the School has become a ‘learning community’, wherein students and adults routinely talk about ‘progress’ and ‘levels’.

Ofsted July 2014

Ofsted July 2014 • Overall Effectiveness

Good, Grade 2

• Achievement

Good, Grade 2

• Quality of Teaching

Good, Grade 2

• Behaviour & Safety

Good, Grade 2

• Leadership & Management

Good, Grade 2

Student Art Work

‘Jennifer’ by Lauren Neighbour

‘Grandad’ by Holly Adams

Sixth Form Sixth Form is an exciting and challenging opportunity to enable students to develop the academic and social skills for the next stage of their careers, either at University, in an apprenticeship or employment.

We offer an extensive range of A-Level and Level 3 BTEC courses for students to study. All students are expected to take four AS subjects in Year 12 but they may choose to continue with three of these in Year 13. All students are set challenging and aspirational targets and their performance is monitored on a regular basis.

In addition to their academic subjects, all students will complete the ‘Extended Project Qualification’ (worth up to 70 UCAS points) allowing them to explore a topic of their own choosing, write a dissertation in answer to a question which they have devised and give a short presentation about their project. As part of the enrichment programme there will be: university visits, talks from external speakers and former students; careers and university guidance and the opportunity to join a Scholars’ Programme focussing on students going to Cambridge, Oxford and Russell Group universities.

There are many other enrichment opportunities for Sixth Form students, particularly in their leadership roles within the wider context of the School, and we will encourage them to take on additional responsibilities and broaden their experiences.

2014 A Level Results – Best Ever!

A Level Results

Sandy 2013

Sandy

A*-B

28%

43%

A*-C

56%

77%

A*-E

94%

99%

2014

Sandy Upper Sixth Form

Sixth Form students achieve well and are very well • prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life.

Students achieve well in the Sixth Form. • This too has been transformed. Better support and guidance, combined with stronger teaching, mean that Sixth Form students make good progress from their individual starting points.

Teaching in the Sixth Form is good because teachers use their • subject expertise well to plan suitably challenging work to extend and deepen students’ learning.

Ofsted July 2014

Teachers are passionate about their subjects, and the structured lessons have helped us to excel academically Student quote

General Information

Before Sandy Upper School was a place to socialise, now it’s a focused place to learn but it is still enjoyable Student quote

Partnerships With Parents Research has shown that the most significant impact on outcomes for students lies in the way in which parents engage with their child’s education.

At Sandy Upper School, we provide regular opportunities for parents to work with staff so that they know how to support their son or daughter on their achievement journey.

Through our Parents’ Forum, we have been able to identify key areas of support for parents in working with their children. Parental engagement is open to all and we encourage all parents to participate.

Facilities We have a range of specialist classrooms for Technology, Science, Business and ICT, with access to computers for students across all subjects. We are fortunate to have a Lecture Hall which is used for assemblies and for the many Expressive Arts events we offer each year, including dance shows, musical concerts and our annual productions.

All students are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through a range of sporting activities in our excellent facilities which include a sports hall, squash courts, dance studio, tennis courts, football and rugby pitches and access to a gym and running track.

There are large grounds where students can relax, socialise and get some fresh air at break and lunchtimes.

The CafĂŠ is open from 8am to 4pm offering a range of healthy meals and snacks at break and lunch.

Sandy Upper School

Open Days & Transition The transition process begins with our Open Evening for prospective parents in the first half term of the academic year. Anyone wishing to complement this with a visit to the School during the normal day should contact the School to arrange an appointment and a tour. Our support for students starts when we make our first visit to middle schools. From that point on, there will be regular updates on our website and, as soon as students choose us as the next step in their educational journey, we begin our work to prepare them for an exciting future with us.

There will be further opportunities to meet our staff, find out about our curriculum and get to know the Sandy Upper community.

If you have any questions or queries about the transition process at any time, contact us using our dedicated email address transition@sandyupper.net

Admissions If the number of places in a year group at the school is not sufficient to meet the requests of all the parents, then the following Local Authority criteria will be applied (in the rank order shown) to determine how the places will be allocated: • To children ‘looked after’ in the care of Central Bedfordshire Council or resident within the catchment area • To students living in the catchment area • To other children ‘looked after’ • On ‘very exceptional’ medical grounds • To siblings of students currently attending the school • To any other children The admission number for each year group is 269.

Engayne Avenue, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1BL. E: office@sandyupper.net T: 01767 680598

www.sandyupper.net

For all admissions enquiries contact: School Admissions, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable LU6 1LF. T. 0300 300 8037 • E. admissions@ centralbedfordshire.gov.uk