The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding Ofsted, 2019

INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 2019/2020 1 WELCOME PASSIONATE ABOUT UNLOCKING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL

Here at High School we’re deeply committed to ensuring the educational experience for each child unlocks their full potential. As such our ambitions for them stretch way beyond their exam results and their time with us.

This is a place where young Our Coaching programme, as well as the quality of people can be successful not pastoral care and dedication to their wellbeing, has only in their schoolwork but been a golden thread that we have woven through also in their school life. We the work of the school enabling rapid improvements. have so many opportunities Ofsted has recognised this relentless pursuit of for students - and secondary excellence for each child and the commitment to school is the perfect time for them to experiment and knowing our children well that spurs them to be the discover where their interests and passions lie. best they can be. The school has successfully recruited and developed an We know that when a child feels safe, happy and exceptional team of dedicated and committed professionals supported they thrive. We are truly proud that our who live up to our aspirations on a daily basis. work in this area was signified as‘Outstanding’ by Together we have reshaped the curriculum, remodelled Ofsted. the pastoral structure and reformed the values, ethos and direction of the school. Placing children and their personal Parents and carers are always welcome to visit the success at the heart of work means that sometimes we do school and see for themselves how we are putting not take the easiest path, but the path that is right for each our values and principles into individual child. practice. Ms Lakin Executive Headteacher

2 PASSIONATE ABOUT UNLOCKING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL

3 OUR VALUES KNOW OUR CHILDREN WELL PARTNERS IN LEARNING

At Every child has an adult who is their Students benefit when there is we have four key values to point of contact and who can be open and frequent communication ensure each child can reach their advocate. between school and home. their potential This could be through our highly It is a key relationship. valued Coaching programme or We support and challenge our our Year, Safeguarding or Special students to realise their full potential Education Needs and Disability and strive to be the best they can be. (SEND) teams. They build a high- We are privileged and fortunate to quality relationship, learning about be in the heart of the community the whole child. we serve. In recent years we have Our commitment is to educate and successfully built a significant develop each child personally, as network of local businesses, partners well as academically. This ensures and organisations who have that each child is known – both in generously and whole-heartedly terms of their learning profile and as supported the school and our a valued individual within our school students. community.

4 At WHS I have

CHARACTER FOR ACHIEVEMENT ENJOY AND ASPIRE really grown in confidence. Students When our students move on, we want School should be a happy and enjoyable time in my coaching them to leave not only with the best for our students. A safe learning environment is academic results of which they are one in which all students can grow and develop. group helped with capable, but also thoroughly equipped Students can access a wide range of extra- this; listening to me to be successful young adults in a curricular opportunities and enrichment and encouraging me modern world. activities and our House system develops a to get involved in Sometimes learning can be difficult and sense of identity, teamwork and pride. different activities. challenges will emerge for many children, There are numerous community events in which but by developing characteristics such students can engage from hosting Christmas Now I am Sports as independence and determination we parties for local pensioners, supporting the Tour Leader and lead ensure that hurdles can be overcome. de Yorkshire or representing the school at the Our rewards programme recognises and annual Remembrance service. other students in values these attributes, fostering a culture Our focus is to enable each student to leave school and primary of high aspiration to exceed targets and with the desire and both personal and academic school students. make accelerated progress to new goals. development to pursue their own goals. Year 9 student A sense of civic responsibility, emotional While proud of the academic successes we intelligence, self-regulation, resilience and frequently hear about our former students, empathy are the traits that we know will the feedback about them as articulate, happy, help students put to use their academic aspirational and thoughtful adults is equally outcomes and flourish as adults. “ valued and cherished.

5 Students and Children learn more than subject content in lessons – they learn key life skills teachers have a really such as how to solve problems, negotiate and communicate. strong relationship We want children to experience a broad curriculum and a variety of learning experiences to develop their skills and interests. which means going From starting in Year 7 to Post-16 provision we use a Learning and Relationship into lessons we all Agreement to set expectations and goals. feel supported and Our courses match different learning styles and abilities. This is a strong foundation included. for our core value of knowing our children well. This helps in lessons as teachers know KEY STAGE 3 | YEARS 7 AND 8 KEY STAGE 4 | YEARS 9, 10 AND 11 when to push you The National Curriculum is applied as Students are offered an extensive range taught in English, Maths, Science, ICT, of GCSE and other accredited courses further and when to Languages, Geography, History, RE, Art, including vocational qualifications. give more support so Music, Drama, Technology and PE. By the end of Year 11, national you make progress Additionally students have problem- expectations are that pupils achieve a every lesson. solving and communication sessions minimum of eight GCSEs (or equivalent) that develop fundamental skills that including English and Maths. Year 10 student underpin academic success across all “ areas. 6 TEACHING AND LEARNING

KEY STAGE 5 | SIXTH FORM Post-16 we offer a broad range of subjects and accreditations, often driven through demand. We make sure our students are equipped for their next steps – whether that is university, a higher- level apprenticeship or employment.

7 The transition process at Wetherby MOVING FROM PRIMARY High School is excellent. TO SECONDARY SCHOOL The contact the children have with We know that leaving primary for That care continues throughout a the school whilst still at primary ‘big school’ can seem a daunting student’s time with us. We know the means that nerves and anxiety are prospect. We strive to make the relationship between school and process as smooth as possible with home is key in providing consistent eased. Children are able to ask the aim that all our children can start and meaningful support. Parents specific questions and the whole their new school with confidence. receive a progress check each half- process is very transparent for We work very closely with our term and an annual report with clear outlines of curriculum achievements them. primary feeder schools to ensure the transition process is open and and targets. Consequently, they are assured understood by everyone involved. The school day starts at 8.40am and confident going into the The taster days are an extremely (9am Monday) and runs until 3.10pm (2.40pm Friday) split into six periods. summer break, already knowing a effective way of giving children a personal experience of what life at little of what is ahead At lunchtime, children may have a their new school will be like and we school dinner or bring a packed of them. find it goes a long way to settling lunch. School meals are prepared some of the nerves that are bound Parent of a current student, with another in-house and are nutritionally to exist. starting this September balanced. The school has a statutory responsibility to check that packed “ lunches are healthy. 8 9 COACHING, WELFARE AND WELL-BEING

When I started in Our coaching groups are one of the main ways Year 7 coaching we operate differently from other schools. helped me to The coaching programme is feel welcomed in fundamental to knowing our school. children well and forming the strong relationships that are crucial. The different A coaching group contains year groups in approximately eight students Coaches also develop strong relationships coaching means from across all year groups with a member of staff who has trained with students’ parents or carers with whom we can share to carry out these sessions. The they meet three times a year. These days experiences and groups meet three times a week for have become very popular with families who recognise the benefit of knowing help each other. ‘check in, check up and check out sessions’ looking at areas as varied someone in school who can be an We have lots of as health and well-being, careers advocate for their child. fun; it is my best and citizenship. We also achieve strong relationships through restorative practice. This process part of the week. As a regular point of contact, coaches also offer one-to-one of building, maintaining and repairing Year 8 student support about concerns or relationships is integral. achievements. Another clear benefit We have staff and students trained in is the relationships that develop restorative practice who lead others in “ between students of all year groups. coaching circles. 10 A Learning Relationships Agreement is set with each class and regularly revisited meaning each person impacted by the agreement has a voice. This also facilitates development in other aspects of the school ethos, such as developing students’ resilience, independence and motivation. Many children at some point in their school life will have a special need of some kind. There are members of support staff available to guide on well-being, bereavement, family support, sexual health, personal development, academic support and careers as well as general help and support from coaches and year teams.

11 EXTENDED LEARNING Students have additional opportunities to pursue their passions – or challenge themselves in areas they find difficult.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING HOME LEARNING Activities take place after school Our targeted Home Learning is designed to improve areas each day and students commit to for development identified in exams and assessments in trying something new or develop a the previous half term. This enables students to make faster skill in which they have an interest. progress. Other aspects include trips, guest In key stages 3 and 4 students receive a piece of speakers, the Duke of Edinburgh personalised work, per subject, every half term. awards scheme, parental and Students are also expected to complete a pre-learning task, community activities. per subject, each half term thus allowing them to start the Flexible Learning also encompasses new half term from a more advanced point. academic intervention during time Students are rewarded for completing their Home away from school, ensuring students Learning and support is offered to help those who need have many chances to pursue what it to be successful in this independent environment. they enjoy and what they need to achieve.

12 There are lots of opportunities outside of lessons at Wetherby High School. There are Flexible Learning Clubs and in Year 7 you go on a residential with the whole year group. These things helped me to make friends and settle in. “Year 7 student 13 OFSTED 2019 Here’s a selection of some of the inspectors’ comments: We were delighted, but Pupils are courteous, friendly and routinely not surprised, that at our regulate their own behaviour. Pupils have very inspection this year, Ofsted high expectations of each other’s behaviour. recognised the significant The culture and ethos of the school is very improvements made at supportive to pupils and staff alike. The Wetherby in recent years. school’s impressive coaching model and The school, its students, personal development curriculum is highly staff and governors have regarded by pupils and families and supports been on a journey of the school in being a strong and caring rapid improvement with community where pupils accept each other’s the Ofsted judgement differences and celebrate diversity. further endorsement of our Pupils feel, and are, safe in the school. They transformation. know who to turn to if they are worried about The full report can be themselves or their friends. accessed through our Staff create a very positive atmosphere for website. learning through their passion for their subjects and the caring relationships they share with their pupils.

14 The pastoral support provided by the school is a clear strength. Leaders have created a truly inclusive school where every pupil is valued and cared for. Pupils and staff are unanimous in their praise for the help, support and guidance they receive when they need it. Parents agree that the school is a safe place for their children. The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. Pupils behave extremely well in classrooms and when moving around the school. They are committed to their learning and want to do their very best. They work well together and show the highest level of respect towards each other and towards members of staff. Pupils are immensely proud of their school. Current pupils make good progress across a range of subjects. This is because they experience appropriate levels of challenge from teachers.

We know the Ofsted report is part of the journey, not the end, and are determined to continue to improve our offer and outcomes for all our students.

15 We welcome all prospective student and parent visits to the school by appointment. Admission arrangements are provided by through the Children’s Services Department. To contact Wetherby High School about a place for your child, email [email protected]. If your child is applying for a place in Year 7, you will need to contact the local authority.

WETHERBY HIGH SCHOOL, LANE, WETHERBY, LS22 6JS 16www.wetherbyhigh.org.uk [email protected] twitter: @WetherbyHigh facebook: @wetherbyhigh