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A meeting for ‘new’ parents is held near the end of the summer Mufti days term when details of uniform, tutor groups etc, are given. These are occasional days when the pupils may attend school out of uniform. They make a small payment for this privilege and the The school day money raised goes to charities chosen by the pupils. The school day starts at 8.55am and finishes at 3.35pm, with a 20- minute break in the morning and a 55-minute break for lunch. There Punctuality and attendance are four one-hour lessons in the morning session and a one-hour Pupils should be on the premises at least five minutes before the lesson plus a 20-minute assembly/tutor period in the afternoon. On morning and afternoon sessions begin. The importance of good Fridays we have slightly different lesson times and an earlier attendance and punctuality is constantly stressed to the pupils. finish. Pupils finish school on a Friday at 3.10 pm. In the school year 2016 – 2017 the total number of pupils of Keeping in touch compulsory school age on roll was 994. The overall attendance rate Parents are welcome to contact the school at any time if they was 97%, the highest for any school in the region. We are are worried about their children or would just like to know convinced that high attendance is fundamental to educational more about the school. In most cases the house heads will be success. the people to see. When absence or lateness is unavoidable due to illness or other Years 7, 9 and 11 receive written reports. Years 8 and 10 have reasonable causes, parents are asked to send with their child on extra parents’ meetings instead of written reports. All years have his/her return, a brief note of explanation to his/her tutor. interim reports. When illness is likely to prevent a pupil from attending school for some time, parents are asked to notify the school by There are regular occasions each year, such as Sports Day and telephone or in writing as soon as possible. Homework can be Open Evening, to which all parents are invited. Parents are arranged in such circumstances. most welcome at other times. Those interested, for example, in attending afternoon assemblies should please make contact and When a visit to the dentist during school time is unavoidable, we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. the pupil is expected to show his/her tutor the relevant appointment card or letter and also to show it to the School Health Receptionist when signing out. Please try to make Minor medical problems can be dealt with in the school appointments outside school hours. medical room. If, however, a pupil is taken more than mildly ill at school, the parents are contacted with a view to the pupil School catering returning home as soon as possible. It must be stressed that a The school provides an excellent catering service, serving hot pupil is never sent home without our first confirming that a food three times a day in relaxed and modern dining rooms. parent, relative or another adult is there to take responsibility. A breakfast service operates from 8am where a full English If it is necessary to send a pupil to hospital, the parents are breakfast is served for £2.20. Alternatively, a wide variety of informed as soon as possible. In order that these steps may be pastries, cereals, fruit and yogurts, as well as toast and hot drinks are taken speedily, parents are asked to complete a form giving home available. telephone number, place of work, emergency telephone number and name of family doctor. Please inform us of any change of From 11.00 – 11.20 am we offer a wide range of hot food from address and/or telephone number – this is very important. bacon rolls to pizzas and also available are an extensive selection of rolls and sandwiches. Parents are asked to tell the school of any special health problems. Any medically prescribed tablets or medicine to be taken in school Lunch is served at 1.20 pm in seven serving areas; these include must be lodged for safe keeping with the school receptionist and hot snacks, grab & go, two main meals counters, a self-serve she will issue them to the pupil. Parents must contact the school to salad bar, a tuck shop and a 6th form café. discuss a care plan for all medicines held in school. It is expected that all pupils will take part in physical education unless parents Balcarras has Healthy School Status and we reinforce the healthy provide medical instructions to the contrary. eating message as part of the whole school approach to healthy lifestyles, for example our ingredients are sourced from local Charities suppliers and all food is freshly prepared and cooked on the premises. Balcarras is involved in a number of charitable activities throughout The main course and dessert is available for an amazing £2.20. the year, with the highlight being our annual sponsored walk. We also have a thick jumper day every January/February when we turn It is important to remember that tasty and nutritionally balanced off the heating and wear our ‘best’ Christmas jumpers to school. Half school meals contribute significantly to general wellbeing and of the money raised goes to WaterAid and the other half goes to help everyone towards achieving their full potential. environmental projects within the school. Pupils arrange many fundraising activities and the school supports a number of different We are proud of the quality of the catering provision at Balcarras charities, including Cheltenham Open Door, Macmillan Cancer, and of the high proportion of the pupils who choose to use our Oxfam, Amnesty and different emergency disaster appeals. service. Why not check out the menus on the school’s website? 2. Cycles and mopeds Bicycles may be ridden to and from school on condition that The House system they are maintained in a safe condition, are ridden safely and are wheeled on the school premises. Pupils must wear a helmet Each youngster coming to Balcarras is placed in a house tutor when riding to and from school. Racks in a secure compound group, which is also his/her Year 7 teaching group for most subjects, are available. Cycles must be secured with a high quality ‘U’ and is gradually introduced to the ways of the school. Each pupil lock when left unattended. Cycling passes are issued by house has a specialist tutor to whom s/he may turn for help at any time. heads following the completion of the application form. Cycles must not be left at school after 6pm. (Cycles are not The four Houses are: covered by the school’s insurance policy). Foley: Head of House - Mrs Jeanette Corinaldi Graveney: Head of House - Mrs Siobhan Winterbottom When pupils are legally of age they may, with permission, ride Ottewell: Head of House - Mr Phillip Amor mopeds to school following the same rules as for cycles. Selvey: Head of House - Mr Darren Leatherbarrow Permission is not automatic. The member of staff responsible is Mr D Chmielowski. Students in the sixth form are not allowed The Houses are named after: to park cars on the school premises and we encourage students Mrs Winifred Foley, to walk, cycle or use public transport. the celebrated writer of Forest of Dean life Mr Tom Graveney, OBE, Lost property one of England’s greatest cricketers, who lives in Cheltenham This should be handed to, and may be claimed from, the school Mr Gordon Ottewell, office. Items not claimed after four weeks are disposed of. writer of children’s and nature books and one time Head of Glenfall Primary School which sends children each year to Balcarras It is particularly requested that all property be clearly and Mr Peter Selvey, indelibly marked with the pupil’s name and that no valuables be who taught for nearly three decades at Charlton Kings brought to school as we really cannot accept responsibility for Secondary School and was Head of Mathematics there from anything that may go missing. Accumulated lost property is 1963 until he retired. displayed regularly (dates on the website) and then unclaimed items are disposed of. Discipline School rules are few but are based on common sense and, Lockers properly observed, ensure the safety, comfort and good order of These are available to pupils for a rent of £3 a year. The money the school to the benefit of all. A sensible and responsible standard raised is used to make essential repairs. Each pupil who hires a of behaviour is expected of all pupils, both in and out of school, locker must supply a suitable padlock, which remains the based on courtesy and consideration for others at all times. property of the pupil. Mrs Davis is in charge of the locker system for the main school and Mrs Shute for 6th form. The school is a no smoking area and does not allow smoking on the premises or off it, including the time going to and from school. Essential equipment E-cigarettes and vapes are not permitted. A sensible case or bag in which to carry books and equipment is essential, as are also a fountain pen, pencils, crayons, ruler, Parents, pupils, staff and governors all contributed to the drawing up rubber, pair of compasses, protractor and calculator. of the school’s behaviour and bullying policies and Home-School Agreement, copies of which are available from the school office. Please note that felt-tipped pens, ‘Tippex’ type liquids and Parents have a major role to play in enabling children to reach their bottles of ink are not allowed in school. Pupils are asked not to full potential and will be involved with serious cases of indiscipline. use ballpoint pens for neat work. Within the behaviour policy is a Code of Conduct which gives Gift Aid clear expectations of the pupils’ behaviour. The school reserves the Parents are asked to make a contribution to our Gift Aid right to take appropriate measures to ensure the pupils behave in programme, which provides additional resources for the school. a reputable way. School detention and exclusion from school are This is entirely voluntary, but we do ask all parents to be the two most serious sanctions. involved. This also attracts a contribution from the Treasury as a refund of tax paid. On the other hand, the school constantly looks to commend pupils for good work and behaviour, with parents also being The money raised is spent on important school resources, informed when their child does particularly well. A system of including our IT provision and our minibuses. At the moment we merits and commendations operates in all years. are raising about £60,000 per year, which makes a real difference to the equipment we are able to provide. Prefects There are two grades of prefects at Balcarras - School Prefects and Please note: If all parents join the scheme, the school will benefit House Prefects. School Prefects have higher status and a wider to the tune of approximately £100,000 per annum! range of responsibilities than House Prefects, but both groups play 3. an important part in helping to run the school and to maintain high No jewellery apart from watches should be worn. Again this is standards. There is not a fixed number of either grade of prefect; mainly in the interests of safety, for in the rough and tumble of those who we think can do the job will be given the chance. A the playground, rings, ear-rings, etc can easily cause injury. House Prefect may be promoted to School Prefect at any time. Pupils with pierced ears may wear up to one small gold stud in each ear lobe, NOT sleepers. There is also the problem of From the ranks of School Prefects come House Captains and security, as jewellery would have to be removed before Vice-Captains who form a senior body of pupils consulted from participation in physical education activities. The PE staff will time to time on matters of school policy. School Prefects are take in and lock away, if necessary, watches and money, but the entitled to buy the special Balcarras tie, which is also available to school cannot accept responsibility for loss of articles involved. teachers, governors and parents, at a subsidised cost of £5.00. Summer Uniform The school summer uniform may be worn from the start of each School clothing summer term. Both boys and girls are able to wear polo shirts, This is designed to provide a smart and admired working outfit which have the house colours piped on the collar and sleeves and for school. Apart from the important considerations of pride in are available from Schooltogs. Pupils will also be able to continue the school, parents should be glad not to have to face the to wear winter uniform if they prefer to do so. If you have any constant question: “What shall I wear today?” School uniform queries, please contact your child’s Head of House. has much to commend it. The range of girls’ skirts and trousers currently available in so many different retailers has made it Physical Education increasingly difficult to enforce a single uniform style, particularly In order to take part in the school’s physical education programme with the length of skirts. Girls’ and boys’ trousers and girls’ skirts each pupil should have as part of their school uniform: are available from Schooltogs or The Schoolwear Company only. These will be the only uniform items we insist come from our Girls recognised stockists, so there can no longer be any dispute about • Plain white T-shirt their conforming to the school uniform rules. • Black skort (available from school) • Non-marking trainers Details of the Balcarras clothing are as follows: • Astro shoes (optional) • Girls’ skirts and trousers will only be available from Schooltogs • White socks or The Schoolwear Company. Skirts must be knee length • Black games socks • Black blazer with school badge in House colour • Towel • Trousers for boys only available from Schooltogs or The • Balcarras sweatshirt and jogging trousers (optional - available Schoolwear Company. from school) • White shirt • Gum shield (optional - available from school) • School tie • Shin pads (optional - available from school) • Black or grey ‘V’ neck pullover (not cardigan) Boys • Black or grey socks (girls may wear grey or black tights in • Plain white T-shirt (available from school) cold weather) • Red (reversible hoop) rugby shirt (available from school only) • Black leather shoes • Plain white shorts • Plain black shorts The following are NOT regarded as suitable school wear: • Non-marking trainers • Football boots Jeans, cord trousers, denim/leather jackets, hooded tops, • Black games socks football scarves, ‘fun’ badges, sweatshirts, track-suit tops, • Towel boots/trainers/brown shoes, sleeveless coats. If in doubt • Gum shield (optional - available from school) about whether or not a particular article of clothing is • Shin pads (optional - available from school) suitable please ask your Head of House before buying. Garments that are worn during normal lessons are not to be In the interests of safety all pupils are expected to wear sensible worn for PE. footwear on the school premises. High-heeled, sling-backed or studded footwear must not be worn. Trainers and boots are not The Balcarras badge and tie permitted as normal school uniform. The Balcarras tie is available for purchase, currently at £5.00. The Balcarras badge is currently available at £7.00. Both items The most common infringement of uniform regulations is for may be purchased from the school or from Schooltogs or The pupils to have their winter uniform shirts untucked – please Schoolwear Company. A coloured strip is incorporated into the encourage your child to tuck theirs in. blazer badge in the colour of each house. Please ensure you purchase the correct house badge, ie Foley (Green); Graveney Extreme hair styles are not allowed. We expect hairstyles to be (Yellow); Ottewell (Blue); Selvey (Red) smart, tidy and appropriate for school. Boys’ hair is expected to be reasonably short. If in doubt, please contact a Head of House prior Balcarras school clothing is available from local stockists, including to any change. Schooltogs and The Schoolwear Company. 4. is a crucial part of every pupil’s equipment and can be both an The curriculum essential aide-memoir for the pupil and a valuable medium for The school offers a wide range of courses under the communication between parents and tutors/teachers. National Curriculum leading to the General Certificate of Secondary Education. If any parents find their children worrying unduly about homework, or spending too much/too little time over it, they In Years 7, 8 and 9, pupils take the following: should not hesitate to contact the school. This can be done • Art • Geography easily via the spaces for messages in the planner. • Computer Science • History • Design & Technology • Mathematics Teaching groups • Drama • Music In their first twelve months, Year 7 pupils are placed in tutor • English • Physical Education groups which are also their teaching groups for most subjects. • French (a second foreign • Religious Education Pupils are set in mathematics early in the year. Most subjects language, Spanish or Russian, • Science are set from Year 8 onwards. is introduced in Year 8) One of the great benefits of our grouping arrangements is that In Year 9 students start to study GCSE Science. This gives them we make seven tutor groups out of 194 pupils, so that group three years to complete the Combined Science GCSE. sizes are small in comparison to many schools.
In Years 10 and 11, pupils follow a varied programme of Qualifications courses, some of which are chosen in consultation with their The external qualifications for which Balcarras pupils are parents and the school. Information about these courses is prepared are listed below: circulated during the spring term of Year 9 and a meeting is held to describe them fully to parents. GCSE • Art • History Certain subjects are compulsory during these two years. These are: • Business Studies • ICT (DiDA) • Computing • Mathematics • English • PSHE (Personal, Social & • Dance • Music • Mathematics Health Education) • Design & Technology • Physical Education • Physical Education • Science • Drama • Religious Education • English • Russian Optional courses include: • English Literature • Science (Biology, Chemistry • Art • Health & Social Care • French and Physics) • Business Studies • History • Geography • Spanish • Computing • ICT • Health & Social Care • Statistics • Dance • Life Skills • D&T: Food • Music We also provide the option of Italian and Mandarin GCSEs, which • D&T: Product Design • Physical Education (GCSE) are extra-curricular subjects and can only be taken to GCSE if the • D&T: Textiles • Religion, Philosophy & student is studying a language to GCSE on the curriculum. • Drama Ethics • French • Russian AS and A-LEVEL • Geography • Spanish • Art • History • Biology • Mathematics A small group of students opt to do a study option in which • Business • Music their GCSE subjects are supported. • Chemistry • Physical Education • Computing • Physics Homework • D&T: Food • Politics Homework is valuable training in independent work and is set • D&T: Product Design • Psychology for all pupils. Homework is set regularly and guidelines are • D&T: Textiles • Religious Studies issued to parents. Homework timetables are issued in • Digital Photography • Russian September and homework is published on the school website. • Economics • Spanish Homework is carefully thought out and included in the • English Literature • Theatre Studies planning of a series of lessons, with the pupils often given a • French • Applied Science span of time greater than just one evening to complete it. • Further Mathematics • Creative Media • Geography • Health & Social Care Balcarras pupils are given study planners at the start of each year • General Studies • Double Health & Social Care in which details of homework set may be entered. The planner 5. GCSE Examination Results 2017 In January 2017 there were 194 pupils in Year 11.
987654321 English 8 19 34 50 47 22 13 10 English Literature 11 25 31 41 57 16 12 10 Mathematics 19 32 27 36 46 24 45 1
A* ABCDEFG Art 22 23 16 19 100 0 Business Studies 9 28 37 13 650 0 Computing 46 11 1000 0 Digital Applications (CiDA) 12 17 16 2000 0 D&T: Food 26 11 11 000 0 D&T: Product Design 69 18 14 421 0 D&T: Textiles 28 5 5 0 0 0 0 Drama 1 14 22 13 220 0 French 11 11 21 17 10 10 0 Geography 19 24 32 13 601 0 Health & Social Care 15 5 4 6 3 1 0 History 26 23 35 17 801 0 Music 33 8 4 4 3 1 1 Physical Education 12 7 19 9300 0 Religious Studies 9 25 20 9010 0 Russian 8 14 9 13 420 0 Science (Additional) 21 72 58 30 11 00 0 Spanish 65 712 990 0
Summary of GCSE and GNVQ equivalent results There were 194 Pupils in School Achieving 5+ A*-C Achieving 5+ A*-C Achieving 5+ English including English & including English & & Maths EBACC Maths 5+ Maths 4+ Balcarras (2016-2017) 77% 92% 77% 56% England (2015-16) 62%* n/a 24% *A* - C including English & Mathematics (using outgoing grading system)
Pupil Destinations – Year 2017 Leavers Year 11 (194 Pupils) Year 13 (177 Pupils) Further Education Employ- Employ- Other Further Gap Year Higher Employment/ ment with ment Education or before Higher Education Apprentice- Balcarras Other training Art Foundation Education (University) ships 70.1% 26.9% 3% 0% 0% 6% 15% 70% 9% 35% of all students gaining University places went to a Russell Group institution.
Progress 8 Attainment 8 Balcarras 2016 0.61 Balcarras 2017: 60 National 2016: 0 Balcarras 2016: 61 In 2016 Balcarras was ranked in the top 3% of all National average 2016: 50 schools nationally. The Progress 8 score of 0.61 was the highest of any school in Gloucestershire including Grammar schools in 2016. It placed Balcarras in the top 3% of schools nationally for student progress.
6. Sixth Form Examination Results 2017
GCE A-level Year 13 Students Number of entries A* ABCD EU
Applied Science 61140000 Art 18 86310 00 Biology 37 1913 77 00 Business Studies 33 2715 63 00 Chemistry 23 04881 20 Computer Science 12 02541 00 D&T: Food 41210000 D&T: Product Design 11 01522 10 D&T: Textiles 70403000 Drama & Theatre Studies 23 05765 00 Economics 41 0 11 20 91 00 English Literature 32 4 11 11 51 00 French 51310000 Further Mathematics 64020000 Geography 31 1 11 10 72 00 History 47 1 10 14 16 600 Mathematics 54 8 12 21 85 00 Music 30011100 Physical Education 14 04612 10 Photography 12 83100 00 Physics 24 06657 00 Politics 12 14313 00 Psychology 33 14813 520 Religious Studies 21 02982 00 Russian 93330000 Spanish 10 13022 11
Vocational Qualifications Number of Dist* Dist Merit Pass Fail entries Creative Media Production - BTEC 743000 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health & Social Care - double 734000 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Health & Social Care - single 16 15 10 00 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Health & Social Care 211000
GCE AS level Year 12 students Number of entries ABCD EU Art 29 14 12 30 00 Biology 66 14 9 18 6 11 8 Business Studies 45 4 12 6 13 55 Chemistry 51 12 5610 6 12 Computer Science 3000210 D&T: Food 15 1562 01 D&T: Product Design 13 3415 00 D&T: Textiles 6021120 Drama 25 9 11 50 00 Economics 40 14 12 84 20 English Literature 47 14 19 11 210 French 20 6563 00 Further Mathematics 13 8500 00 Geography 40 21 13 21 21 7. History 58 17 9 19 10 30 Mathematics 64 27 688 411 Music 6121200
GCE AS level Year 12 students Number of entries ABCD EU Physical Education 8222110 Photography 21 11 910 00 Physics 33 12 544 44 Politics 25 6780 31 Psychology 71 14 7 16 10 11 13 Religious Studies 39 8 12 78 31 Russian 17 8233 10 Spanish 15 5211 42
Vocational Qualifications Number of Dist* Dist Merit Pass Fail entries Applied Science - Certificate 15 000 510 Creative Media Production - BTEC 14 904 10 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Health & Social Care - single 11 702 20 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Health & Social Care - double 13 614 20
Extended Project Qualification Students achieved outstanding results in their extended projects this year. Topics were very broad and ranged from “Why is there so much money in Football?” and “LGBT Stereotypes in Disney films” as well as many scientific projects. These results proved invaluable to the students in securing places at some of the top universities in the country.
Entry requirements and applications Balcarras Sixth Form Students are able to study a wide range of post-16 courses. Entry requirements vary from course to course, with consideration of Balcarras Sixth Form opened in September 1998. It is based in a the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses helping to superb purpose-built block on the school site. The great majority inform any decision. of our Year 11 students progress into the sixth form. The Head of Sixth Form is Assistant Headteacher, Mr Brett Jouny. Together The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is two with two Heads of Year, Adrienne Niblett and Mark Constance grade 6’s and three grade 5’s in full GCSE’s courses to include and 18 tutors, this constitutes the sixth form team, responsible for mathematics and English. Please refer to the Balcarras website for the care and well-being of all students. full details.
Facilities Many subjects will require a grade 6 at GCSE. Details can be The sixth form building provides a wonderful learning found on the relevant subject page. environment. The majority of sixth form lessons are based in the block. There are twelve classrooms - including two science Students from other schools are welcomed into Balcarras Sixth laboratories, a business suite, a superb drama studio and two ICT Form. rooms. All computers in the block are part of the school network.
Private study areas, both fully equipped with ICT, are provided for both Year 12 and Year 13. The sixth form study areas are used by students for silent work when they are not in lessons. They are designed for this purpose, with individual study carrels and comfortable library furniture. Private study is supervised and is recognised by both staff and students as a crucial factor in the very high levels of achievement.
Students have a well-equipped common room (with excellent catering provision, sofas and a music system) for use at break and lunchtime.
8. The curriculum Twenty-six A-levels are available. There are vocational Extra-curricular activities awards: Creative Media, Health & Social Care, Food Science A wide variety of lunchtime and after-school activities takes place, & Nutrition and Applied Science. including archery, drama, cookery, science, skiing, kung-fu, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and an EcoSchools club. All year 12 students will do the EPQ. The PE department offers an extensive programme of sporting Additionally students will be given the option to qualify for activities including cricket, netball, football, basketball, rugby, the Baccalaureate. The qualification is overseen by the AQA hockey, cross-country, athletics, rounders, tennis, swimming, examination board and is aimed at those students who are kayaking, squash and badminton. both good academically and also participate in a number of events and activities beyond the prescribed curriculum. Music has a high profile at Balcarras. A wide range of instruments is taught: strings, woodwind, brass, drum kit, guitar, The ‘futures’ course is followed by all Year 12 students. The singing, piano and keyboard. There is an orchestra, a choir and course has modules on study skills, team building, problem various ensembles. School concerts take place at various points solving, living on a budget, life at university, career in the year. opportunities and UCAS applications. In addition, a considerable range of opportunities is provided Once a fortnight all Year 12 students gather to listen to a for educational visits and residential trips in Britain, Europe and guest speaker. beyond.
All students take part in sports on Wednesday afternoons. There are a number of activities on offer each term. We aim General information to provide enough variety so that all are happy to take part. Activities include football, netball, badminton, aerobics, Curriculum policies swimming and trampolining as well as competition sports. Many school policies are to be found on our website. Please Students wishing to arrange their own activity in the spring contact the school if you are unable to find specific term are supported (some choose to play golf or squash). information.
The uniform Under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988, the Sixth form students helped governors and teachers to devise a school has established arrangements to consider parents’ uniform that differentiates them from the rest of the school. complaints about the school’s curriculum and related matters. There is a choice of three polo shirts (red, blue or ash grey). A copy of the full procedure for this is available for inspection Each has the sixth form logo. Students can wear black or grey at school. trousers or skirts and black or brown shoes and a black or grey jumper. Students may wear make-up and jewellery but are The physical education course throughout all years puts great encouraged to be discreet. Uniform should be smart and formal. emphasis on relating sport to health and fitness. Team games are an important feature of the Balcarras programme. Representation The students are represented by the sixth form committee, The religious education course follows a syllabus which has a which the students vote on in September. This meets to discuss strong emphasis on Christianity. Students also develop an any issues the students want to bring forward and to organise understanding of other faiths as part of our multi-cultural social events for sixth form students. approach. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from religious education or religious worship should please notify Contributing to the life of the school the headteacher in writing. Students are encouraged to take part in the wider life of the school. A large number act as learning support assistants or as Our PSHE programme is given considerable status and paired readers to help younger pupils with their school work. includes aspects of personal relationships, sex education, Sport, drama, music, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme economic awareness and health and safety. and lively social events are all recognised as important aspects of the sixth form experience. The contribution of sixth formers to Sex education is provided for all pupils. We fully support the the House Music competition is particularly strong. importance of families in providing knowledge of sexual matters, yet are mindful that some parents prefer this part of their children’s development to be dealt with at school. The subject is handled carefully and with understanding and parents need have no fears about the quality of the programme. Details are available on request. 9. Facilities Careers The spirit of Balcarras is complemented by the physical A planned, progressive programme of careers education and environment and facilities found at the school: guidance is provided for all students in the school. It is delivered by the Head of Careers and the Careers Advisor, 925 computers, 7 computer rooms, 11 science labs, 4 art working in partnership with employers, education providers studios, SEN centre, design and technology centre, music suite, and external agencies. 2 drama studios, and a well-equipped hall all contribute to the superb facilities. When students leave Balcarras they will have received the appropriate information and support to enable them to We are proud of our library. Staffed by a professional librarian, progress to further or higher education, apprenticeships, the centre embodies all that we are trying to achieve; pupils are training or employment. helped to develop both traditional and new skills by using a mix of conventional resources and the latest technology. The Careers department operates an open-door policy and parents and pupils of all year groups throughout the school are Our sports facilities are no less impressive: welcome to drop in for advice and guidance.
4 bay sports hall with fitness suite, gymnasium, playing fields, Careers provision is delivered through group activities, lessons netball courts, tennis courts, cricket nets, an artificial cricket wicket, and workshops for all year groups as well as individual rugby and football pitches, pavilion and a floodlit astro turf pitch. guidance. Students in Year 11 are offered more intensive guidance, especially if they are undecided about their post 16 The new music facilities, due to be open Autumn 2017, will be options. Work-related learning from Year 9 onwards includes wonderful and ensure music continues to be highly valued. visits to employers, speaker sessions, skills development workshops and a work experience programme in Year 10. Pupils with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities One-to-one guidance is offered through mock interviews, Balcarras welcomes students with a wide range of abilities and psychometric profiling (Morrisby testing), mentoring, learning needs. Pupils with SEND are admitted on the same basis coaching and support with making successful post-Balcarras as all other children. It is an aim of the school to encourage all choices. children to take part in the full range of activities, educational and social, on offer at the school. Physically disabled pupils have easy A new Careers suite (adjacent to the canteen) is manned access to all ground floor areas. All upper floors are accessible by throughout the school day and has facilities for online lift, with the exception of the top floor of the English block. We Morrisby testing for up to 6 students at a time. also do our best to ensure appropriate help is given to children whose learning and progress are a cause for concern. In the sixth form, the Futures programme, along with individual guidance from senior staff, prepares students for the Close liaison with our primary feeder schools enables us to transition from school to Higher Education, apprenticeships or identify and respond to SEND at an early stage. All subject areas employment. make provision for children with special learning needs and are responsible for its development within the department. All The school itself offers an apprenticeship programme. Previous teaching staff are provided with a profile of each child’s particular placements have included IT support, Teaching Assistant, Site needs and appropriate support strategies. The SENDCo and Management, Music and Drama Technology. Heads of House work together to provide academic and pastoral support. Further tailored support is provided by the Individual PTFA Learning Department which comprises two specialist teachers Parents automatically become members of the Parents, and a large team of teaching assistants. Teachers and Friends Association when their children become pupils at the school and new parents are warmly Library Resource Centre welcomed onto the committee. The association makes a With great emphasis now placed on individual study and significant contribution to the life of the school, coursework, the library plays a vital role in support of the organising a number of social and fundraising events curriculum. Housing books, newspapers, magazines and a wide where all members of the school community can come range of non-book materials, the library is staffed by a qualified together. librarian, Mrs A Springer. Safeguarding The library also has a suite of computers and a set of auxiliary Balcarras is committed to safeguarding and promoting the laptops give pupils access to the school’s Virtual Learning welfare of all pupils at the school. Environment (VLE), the internet and the library catalogue which is networked throughout the school. 10. Balcarras is an 11-18 Academy Balcarras School East End Road Charlton Kings Telephone: 01242 515881 Cheltenham Facsimile: 01242 250620 Gloucestershire Email: [email protected] GL53 8Q F Website: www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk