2020 Prospectus AN OUSTANDING SCHOOL WITH TRADITIONAL VALUES WELCOME to Teesdale School

Nestled in in the spectacular Teesdale countryside and imprinted with the historic values of the Dales Teesdale School is a place where traditional values of kindness, respect and hard work take precedence. Our school teaches 600 children, and expertise to help us secure all of whom we know individually. ‘excellence for every child every We know not just their progress day’ - a vision that is commonly and grades, we take pride in shared by all schools in the Trust. knowing who they are; their aspirations, ideas, worries, talents We understand that choosing a and dreams. By understanding school for your child is one of the not just what our students can most important decisions you do, but who our students are, will make. The following pages we can truly bring out the best seek to capture the essence of in them, helping to champion our school and a visit will confirm their ambitions and nurture their what a special place it really is. talents. Two years ago we embarked on a Clare Ellis new path as we joined the North East Learning Trust. The Trust Clare Ellis share our ambitions for students Headteacher and bring with them experience Three simple values we live by... INSPIRING OTHERS Learning is best when students are inspired. package of enrichment activities which encourage Inspiration at Teesdale School takes many forms, students to broaden their horizons and aim high. from exciting and imaginative teaching and learning to extra-curricular opportunities in sport and Moreover, we expect our young people the arts, international visits and exchanges and to inspire others as prefects, role models or prestigious internships. There is a comprehensive even as head boy or head girl. WORKING TOGETHER Our school community is built on Clerk-Maxwell, Shakespeare and Franklin, are collaboration. Older students mentor younger also involved in charity work, enabling students to ones, fostering an ethos of peer support and develop compassion and responsibility and further guidance. Parents are delighted at how quickly this engage with their local community. helps Year 7 students integrate into the school and We also work closely with local primary schools to feel at home. ensure that all children are supported with transition Our traditional house system nurtures a sense of into secondary school through one-to-one visits and identity and belonging and encourages healthy close links with our primary transition coordinator. competition amongst students. The houses, Austen, CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT Celebration at Teesdale School means for hard work and effort. Celebration assemblies encouraging students to value are also held to reward engagement in learning themselves and each other. Lapel badges and fulfilling our high expectations of attendance, are awarded for excellent achievement within behaviour and conduct. subjects and Laurea Certificates can be achieved PERFORMANCE & ACHIEVEMENTS Students at Teesdale have the opportunity to excel academically as well as fulfilling their potential in sport, music and the arts. A strong emphasis on achievement, balanced with opportunities to participate in our competitive rugby, cricket and football teams and outstanding shows, inspires students to aim high. Exam results of all grades were 7 or above collaborations with local (Grade A and above). academics, debating, after Our exam results are school clubs and unique consistently strong. In 2018, our An impressive 59% of students enrichment activities including GCSE results placed us with the reached grade 5 or above in a recent visit to the European top schools in English and maths. This is a 10% Parliament, a fully funded cross- and the North East of England. improvement on last year and curricular project in Martinique The aspirational 20% above the national average. (Caribbean island), the annual culture engendered in In 2018, a staggering 77 grade 77% reached grade 4 or above Poetry by Heart competition the school ensures that 9s were achieved with 26 of in English and maths, the old and our Carnegie Medal pupils work hard and apply these in English and maths equivalent of C and above. literature prize club. (above A* under the old grading themselves consistently. system). This equates to 12% Able and talented Our pursuit of excellence is of all grades; huge compared epitomised by two students Pupils are proud to 4% of grade 9s achieved High performing students are who swept the board with of their work nationally. There were 171 given every opportunity to grade 9s in all subjects and by grades at 8s and above (which is achieve the very top results two others who achieved an and of their equivalent to 20% of grades at through increased challenge amazing 8 grade 9s and a grade achievements.” A* and above). A massive third and access to higher learning 8 each. opportunities. These include Ofsted 2019 ROUNDED EXPERIENCES We understand that education is about much more than academic success and we want to ensure your child can flourish. Creative license translates into silverware. ways our school reaches out to students of different cultures. It Our students thrive on the Our students’ recent creative opportunities our artistic also represents our commitment achievements include: finishing to ensuring our students can take teachers offer them. From taking in the top three in the U16 south part in our annual plays and their place in the world as global west Durham netball league, two citizens. shows to musical tuition, choir, girls playing district level rugby, school bands, art, computing one girl selected for county Our international focus gives and DT clubs, students here football, four qualifiers for the children unique opportunities have every opportunity to district cross country squad, to connect with their peers in enthusiastically dance, act, sing, and representation at county other countries through trips and play, draw, paint, photograph, athletics by a further two students projects, quite literally expanding design, cook, and stitch their way in sprinting and javelin. We also their horizons and world-view. to success. In a recent Poetry by had 2nd place podiums in the Our connecting classrooms Teesdale School supported me during every challenge I faced Heart competition on Radio 4, School Games girls’ mountain bike project with students in Pakistan, Teesdale students were crowned with , finals. Teesdale School had team WWI battlefields project with compassion and understanding regional champions and came both academically and with my extra-curricular activities. representation at several other students in France and Germany, third nationally. local and county competitions and language trips to France, Spain At every moment I felt comfortable and tournaments including cricket, and Berlin and skiing trips have all confident in reaching my potential. Sporting success rounders, netball and rugby been recent highlights. I cannot thank the school enough for helping me become the Being active comes naturally to determined person I am today.” our young sportsmen and women International connections Nina Holguin, Year 13 student at Teesdale School and this Our International School Award is dedication and enthusiasm often a public recognition of the many WHAT OUR TEACHERS THINK MAKES

“I am immensely proud of how inclusive our Proud to TEESDALE SPECIAL... department is; all students who wish to take part in musical enrichment are welcome. Our vision work here.” is for Teesdale School Music Department to be a Mr Pilling “We are able to share vibrant and exciting centre of musical excellence our at the heart of a community so rich in musical passion for and cultural heritage – “Within the first week of teaching our subjects “Teesdale School is and inspire them to we have big plans for I was struck by how passionate like a family; the coming we get to know our students and engaged the students love it too!” Miss Donnelly year and really, really well. We know are. They are a real for the future!” where their challenges and Mrs McGrath difficulties are so we are pleasure to “I am extremely proud of the prepared and able to support achievements of our students in sport. them, just like a parent would.” work with.” Mrs Bissicks Our academic results in sports courses for all Miss Theaker students are testament to the hard work our students put into this area of their school life. Our students are also flourishing on the sports field - we have representation from participation through to district, county and “Teesdale School is a national levels in a wide range of sports from place where teaching football, athletics, cross country, cricket, netball staff are I never cease to be amazed by the and skiing.” “A real sense of supported “Working in and nurtured so that incredible talent of our students and Mrs Brennan community; Teesdale School the wonderfully generous and humble everyone working we can extend that to allows me to be part way that they share this with those together towards a our students” of a community. I around them. I am really proud and common purpose” Miss Todd privileged to work with so many feel proud to watch inspiring young people.” Ms Harris students grow in independence and Dr Henderson confidence.” Mrs Bell THE TEESDALE EXPERIENCE Ask anyone to list the most important things in life and they will undoubtedly say family. At Teesdale School we see ourselves as an extension of family and ensure that children are known and treated with warmth and kindness. As a parent or carer, you want the core of this experience experience and opportunities. We your child to thrive so we offer a lies inspirational teaching and have introduced a new course in broad and balanced curriculum learning and nurturing high ‘Land Based’ studies run by staff designed to challenge and quality relationships. from the Houghall Agricultural support students’ personal campus which is part of East growth and academic success. We are proud to be able to offer Durham College. a varied curriculum to encourage With a team of excellent specialist excellence in both academic and Staff are committed to high staff a rigorous approach to vocational subjects. We have quality teaching and learning that high quality learning takes recently re-introduced design fosters inspiration, celebration place in all classrooms. We technology, religious education and collaboration. Staff plan personalise learning at a pace and food technology and built a and deliver lessons that provoke We have great that is right for each child, with photography dark room to allow students’ intellectual curiosity, increasing independence as they us to re-introduce photography. challenge them academically and aspiraitons at progress through school. We All students learn two languages give them opportunities to work aim to give students a unique from Year 7 - French and Spanish. independently and with others. In Teesdale School and memorable experience We also believe strongly in return, students are enthusiastic which are now becoming a reality. All which fosters personal growth excellence in the performing about learning and keen to our staff are determined to provide an and ambition as well as the arts, music and sports and are expand their knowledge and skills outstanding education for all our students to development of skills and rapidly developing and equipping by working hard. dispositions necessary for young these subjects so that students give them the best possible future.” people to thrive as adults. At can enjoy the best possible Dr Janice Gorlach, Executive Headteacher Supported by the North East Learning Trust On 1 September 2016, Teesdale School joined the North East Learning Trust, a highly successful multi-academy education Trust which spans the region. The Trust’s vision is simple and are instilled from the outset. This shared by all schools who join the means the Trust can access a steady family; that ‘every child experiences stream of consistently high quality excellence every day’. staff to meet workforce needs across its schools. The Trust’s founding school, The Academy at Shotton Hall, has Shotton Hall is also one of twelve achieved great success for their national Research Schools and so all children by securing some of the our staff have access to the latest in best outcomes in the country. In education research which they use 2017 the school achieved some of to improve the learning experience the best GCSE results in County of our pupils. Durham and they have also been awarded two consecutive Joining the Trust Teesdale School is outstanding judgments from Ofsted. able to access outstanding leaders They have also been designated as a who are involved in the regional and national research school, one of just national development of education. 23 in the country. The Trust CEO sits on the Regional Schools Commissioning Board and Shotton Hall is also a National the CEO and Deputy CEOs are all Teaching School training the next National Leaders of Education. generation of teachers and ensuring the highest standards of teaching The makeover hasn’t just BIG THINGS transformed the look of the school, it’s transformed HAVE BEEN HAPPENING the entire FEEL New uniform of the school.” In September 2017, we introduced a brand new school uniform. Our polished new look represents our high aspirations for the school and enhances the Andrew Crosby, NELT pride we have in our school community. School makeover In 2017, we spent over £100,000 on a whole-school makeover, which has left many areas of the building completely transformed! The changes have included improvements to our outside spaces with new paving and grassed areas, as well as big changes to the interior including new furniture and equipment, freshly decorated classrooms and a brand new library space. Our makeover was finished off with the installation of vibrant and inspirational graphic wall designs that showcase learning ideas and our new houses. In 2018, another £340,000 has been invested in the school. New modern toilets have been built and work is soon commencing on refurbishment of the main hall and a brand new outdoor sports facility. Improved transport links We have worked in partnership with the local council and bus companies to make Teesdale School more easily accessible to students. This includes changes to the contract and service buses, as well as two new routes from and Hamsterley.

Main routes to Teesdale School run from Middleton in Teesdale, Langdon Beck, Thornberry Cottage, Wackerfield, , Hamsterley, , , , Darlington and Gainford, and . Many of these routes have been extended to meet increased demand and can be extended further.

Teesdale School will also pay for bus passes for students who are not eligible for a bus pass but who are supported by the pupil premium. A COMMUNITY THAT CARES Pastoral support pastoral team and support system Our high quality pastoral provision that gives every student access to is pivotal in ensuring that all care, advice and guidance when students are well supported they need it. From extra academic and able to learn. We focus on support, to dealing with any worries developing resilience, confidence or personal problems, we have the and providing high quality personal right people in place to help every development for every child through child through difficult times. a wide network of staff support Community spirit including tutors, heads of year, Teesdale School has, and always key stage directors and our special will be, at the heart of the thriving educational needs coordinator. We Barnard Castle community. We are also have our Laurea Centre, which proud to have a strong connection is dedicated to providing targeted are with our local Rotary Club and Positive relationships support and intervention that we have received a prestigious promted through all aspects of the school includes a counsellor on site for one presidential citation from Rotary through tutor groups, the house system, day a week to support individuals International for students’ work in peer mentors and prefects. Everyone is there and groups of students. supporting local community events to make sure everyone is valued.” From time to time, everyone needs and raising money for projects in a helping hand. At Teesdale School the developing world. Alistair French, Assistant Headteacher we have a highly experienced PREPARING THE LEADERS OF THE FUTURE The vision for our sixth form is to prepare students to change the world in the broadest sense, to leave with the qualifications to make a real difference in their chosen area of study and career.

We also believe they should positively impact upon their own world. We encourage students to prepare for their future whilst shaping the local community here and now. We want our sixth form to inspire at the heart of the Dale as a place of academic excellence, creativity and generosity of spirit.

The small size of the sixth I stayed at Teesdale Education is the form make the whole because I trust experience so more the teachers; personal. You can tell most powerful they are helpful weapon which you can use to that the teachers and supportive really care about and have my best change the world.” each student.” interests at heart” Caitlin Rudge, Year 12 Nelson Mandela Holly Hughes, Year 12 Teesdale School and Sixth Form Prospect Place Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8HH [email protected] 01833 638166 www.teesdaleschool.co.uk

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