Church of England High School

RIPLEY ST. THOMAS CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL a DfES designated Language College

ASHTON ROAD, Lancaster, LA1 4RS Telephone: 01524 64496 Fax: 01524 847069 e-mail: [email protected] www.ripley.lancsngfl.ac.uk

Headteacher: Mrs E Nicholls

Deputy Headteachers: Mrs A Bray (Learning, Welfare and Guidance) Mr I Gomersall (Curriculum and Assessment) Mr M Wood (Teaching and Learning)

Chairman of Governors: Professor J Crewdson

Senior Students: Andrew Davies (Head Boy) Deborah Thomas (Head Girl)

Thomas Eddington Matthew Entwistle Ross Jesmont Richard Murphy Susannah Matthews Charlotte Pearce

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

As a worshipping community, witnessing to the Christian Faith in all the school’s activities, Ripley St. Thomas School aims to develop to the full the academic, spiritual, aesthetic and physical potential of each pupil, encouraging in all its members a real and living faith in God.

1 DAILY ROUTINES

The school day begins at 8.40 a.m., when staff supervisory duties begin. We welcome early arrivals and expect them to behave in a responsible and orderly manner. The school kitchen provides a breakfast service from 8.00 a.m. Pupils remain in school until 3.05 p.m., except for Sixth Form students who may 'sign out' at lunchtime by agreement with the Head of Sixth Form.

Times of Sessions

8.40 a.m. First bell 8.45 a.m. Morning registration with Form Tutors 8.55 - 9.10 a.m. Pupils attend Act of Worship 9.10 - 10.00 a.m. Period 1 10.00 - 10.50 a.m. Period 2 10.50 - 11.05 a.m. Morning Break 11.05 – 11.55 a.m. Period 3 11.55 – 12.45 p.m. Period 4 12.45 – 1.30 p.m. Lunch-break 1.30 – 2.20 p.m. Period 5 2.30 – 3.05 p.m. Period 6

Behaviour and Discipline We believe in firm and fair discipline and that both teachers and pupils have the right to work and learn without disruption. We aim to reward and encourage pupils who do well, with praise, with our merit system and with certificates of achievement.

A very small minority of pupils, for many reasons, might show poor behaviour, which stops them and others achieving well. We keep the behaviour of all our pupils under constant review and act quickly if there are problems. Where problems persist a system of daily report cards and supervised detentions is used. In these difficulties we always remember that parents are essential partners in our effort to deal with persistent problems, and we make regular contact with the home. We encourage pupils to respect their parents and expect parents to be whole-hearted in their support of school rules and the staff who teach their children.

The Home-School contract outlines the responsibilities of parents, pupils and school on matters of discipline and standards of behaviour.

Bus Travel

About 35% of Ripley pupils travel to school by bus, either a public service which drops off and picks up by the school gates or a contract bus to and from school. Pupils up to the age of 16 receive a free pass if they live outside the 3 mile limit and have been admitted on denominational grounds. We work with the bus contractors to make sure pupils are transported safely and efficiently. At the end of the day we supervise the pupils onto the buses. We ensure that pupils who miss a bus get home safely.

2 Attendance

Good attendance continues to be a hallmark of Ripley St. Thomas pupils. It is our policy to contact parents within 3 days absence (often on the first day) if the reason for it is unknown and unauthorised. So we ask parents to phone school to let us know if their child is to be absent. This should be followed up on their return with a note. After 5 days, the Educational Welfare Officer will be notified of the continued absence. Parents are asked to work closely with the school to ensure pupils miss as little school time as possible. Pupils who have difficulties with health are well supported by our Health Service partners.

TERM DATES 2008/09

AUTUMN TERM 2008 Teacher Training Day Tuesday 2nd September 2008 School Opens Wednesday 3rd September 2008 Teacher Training Day Monday 15th September 2008 Teacher Training Day Friday 24th October 2008 Half-term closure after school on Monday 27th October School Opens Monday, 3rd November, 2008 Christmas Closure after school on Friday 19th December 2008

SPRING TERM 2009 School Opens Monday 5th January 2009 Half-Term Closure after school on Friday 13th February 2009 School Opens Monday 23rd February 2009 Easter Closure after school on Friday 3rd April 2009

SUMMER TERM 2009 School opens Monday 20th April 2009 May Day Closure Monday 4th May 2009 Half-Term Closure after school on Friday 22nd May 2009 School Opens Monday 1st June 2009 Summer Closure after school on Friday 17th July 2009 Teacher Training Day Monday 20th July 2009 Teacher Training Day Tuesday 21st July 2009

3 SCHOOL UNIFORM

Wearing of the school uniform is compulsory in Years 7-11 (Sixth Form students have a separate dress code.). A copy of the uniform regulations is given to all pupils before they join us. Trutex now supply our specified uniform. A copy of their catalogue will be available. The basic needs are: GIRLS Blue blazer + School tie + Ripley St. Thomas dark grey skirt (no shorter than 6cms above the knee) * Black trousers initialled with RST (plain tailored i.e. waistband and front fly) * White shirt Black tights or white socks in summer (with skirt) or black socks (with trousers) Black shoes only (heel no higher than 6cms), not boots or trainers Top coat to be plain and dark coloured (preferably the navy blue school top coat with badge and child's initials – only available from school) Girls P.E. AND GAMES EQUIPMENT Red sweatshirt * Red polo shirt * Navy blue P.E. skirt * Navy track suit bottoms and top (can be purchased separately)* Navy Gym Shorts Red hockey socks * Predominantly white trainers Swimsuit Swimming hat + Towel Navy blue shorts BOYS Blue blazer + School tie + Black or charcoal grey trousers (not jeans or patch pockets) White shirt Grey or black socks Black shoes (not boots or trainers) Top coat to be plain and dark coloured (preferably the navy blue school top coat with badge and child's initials – only available from school) Boys P.E. AND GAMES EQUIPMENT Reversible rugby shirt * White Polo Shirt with school crest * White football shorts * Red football socks * Football or rugby boots Predominantly white trainers Swimming trunks Towel Optional Summer Uniform

Girls: Summer blouse – with embroidered school crest may be worn un-tucked and without blazer and tie.

Boys: Summer shirt - with embroidered school crest may be worn un-tucked and without blazer and tie.

4 School clothing and sportswear marked * can only be purchased through our supplier TRUTEX and Mike’s Sportsworld in Garstang. All items are embroidered with the school crest or logo. Items marked + are only available from school.

Hooded tops and sweatshirts must not be worn in place of a coat.

We do not allow number one hair cuts, extreme hair colours or coloured hair wraps.

No jewellery apart from a wrist watch is allowed for either boys or girls. Plasters over earrings are not acceptable. Pupils wishing to have their ears pierced should do so at the beginning of a holiday period to allow piercings to heal.

We expect all pupils to wear the uniform properly; for example we do not allow pupils to wear their shirts/blouses outside their trousers/skirts. Shirts and blouses must have a proper collar which has been designed to be worn with a tie and the top button must be fastened.

Hooded tops and sweatshirts must not be worn in place of a coat.

Breaches of school uniform will result in detention; additionally pupils may be sent home to change or educated in the Independent Learning Centre until the uniform is properly worn.

The school is the final arbiter in all matters relating to uniform.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

Sex and Relationship Education

Sex and Relationship Education is part of the co-ordinated health education programme we provide within PSHE and is also taught in National Curriculum Science at KS3 and KS4. In providing sex and relationship education we see our role as supporting and complementing the role of parents. We deliver Sex and Relationship education within a context of Christian family life and work to help our pupils develop a sense of personal responsibility and personal values. In this area we also work closely with nurses from the Area Health Authority, recognising that for the good of their adult health, young people need to develop confidence in the local health services and its practitioners.

By law, parents have the right to withdraw their children from the Sex and Relationship Education given in PSHE. Parents wishing to exercise this right need to contact the Headteacher.

Careers Guidance and Counselling

Careers Education forms parts of the core curriculum for all pupils, and is co-ordinated by the Head of Careers working closely with Connexions (Careers Officers), local and national employers and higher education institutions.

Pupils have access to a careers library with computer facilities and up-to-date careers literature. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 are offered careers guidance through Connexions. All Year 12 students also have a careers interview, following the completion of a computer-aided programme.

During the summer term, all Year 10 pupils take part in work experience, which involves them in decision-making, writing applications and evaluating their experience. Students studying a vocational course will, in addition, enjoy frequent and close contact with a range of employers.

5 Learning Support

Our Learning Support team, led by the Learning Support Co-ordinator, provides advice on specific teaching requirements, develops Individual Education Plans in close liaison with pupils, and provides a programme of support both within and outside normal timetable provision.

Our Special Educational Needs Policy is implemented by the Learning Support Co-ordinator and our Learning Support Department, in a close working partnership with the Deputy Head in-charge of Pupil Support, the Behavioural Support Co-ordinator.

The Governors of the school have a plan in place to improve accessibility at the school as resources allow.

Homework and Independent Study

Homework is an opportunity for all pupils to learn to work on their own, to plan their time and to accept responsibility for their own progress. To help them maximise their potential, homework is set regularly, marked and followed up. The amount set, the time and nature of the work will vary, but in general increases in degree of difficulty and length of time as pupils advance up the school. Parents receive a homework timetable and pupils a homework Journal in which they are expected to record all work set. In this way, we encourage parents to monitor their child's work assignments and require them to sign the entries in the Journal each week.

We also hold a Homework Club after school on one night a week. At the club pupils may do homework or coursework with the support of Post-16 students and staff.

6 EXAMINATION RESULTS 2007 GCSE EXAMINATION RESULTS ACHIEVED BY PUPILS AGED 15+

Subject Entries A* A B C D E F G U A*/A A*-C Art & Design Business (Voc Business Studies D&T Food Technology D&T Product Design D&T Resistant Materials D&T Textiles Technology Drama English Language & Literature English Literature French Geography German History Home Economics: Child Development Information Technology (Voc) Mathematics Music Religious Studies Science Double Award Science Single Award Science: Rural Spanish Total no. of entries

Pass rate 5+ A*-C: Pass rate 5+A*-C incl. Maths and English: Pass rate 5+ A*-G: Percentage A* and A:

HISTORIC GCSE PERFORMANCE Ripley St. Thomas Ripley St. Thomas % of 15 year olds achieving 5 or more grades A*-C % of 15 year olds achieving 5 or more grades A*-G 2000: 63% 2000: 100% 2001: 65% 2001: 100% 2002: 70% 2002: 100% 2003: 80% 2003: 100% 2004: 79% 2004: 99% 2005: 79% 2005: 99% 2006: 78% 2006: 98%

7 2007 A2 EXAMINATION RESULTS ACHIEVED BY SIXTH FORM STUDENTS AGED 17+

Subject Entries A B C D E U % A/B % A-E Art & Design Biology Human Biology Business Studies Chemistry D&T Product Design Drama English Language & Literature English Literature French General Studies Geography German History Home Economics Information Technology Mathematics Media Film and TV Studies Music Physics Religious Studies Science: Environmental Spanish Sport/PE Studies

2007 AVCE EXAMINATION RESULTS ACHIEVED BY SIXTH FORM STUDENTS AGED 17+

Subject Entries A B C D E U Business (Voc) Health and Social Care Leisure and Recreation Travel and Tourism

2007 AVCE DOUBLE AWARD EXAMINATION RESULTS ACHIEVED BY SIXTH FORM STUDENTS AGED 17+

Subject Entries AA AB BB BC CC CD DD DE EE U Business (Voc) Health & Social Care

8 SUMMARY OF NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF PUPILS IN THE SCHOOL (2006) AND NATIONALLY (2005) AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 3

These tables show a summary of the National Curriculum results of pupils in the school (2006) and nationally (2005) at the end of Key Stage 3, as a percentage of those eligible for assessment. The number of eligible children is: 259 Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.

RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2006 and NATIONAL 2005 Percentage at each level W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EP D A School 0 0 0 1 2 20 63 14 0 0 0 0 English National 0 0 1 6 20 37 25 8 0 0 0 1 School 0 0 0 2 10 14 32 39 3 0 0 0 Mathematics National 0 0 1 7 15 25 28 19 4 0 0 1 School 0 0 0 1 3 26 53 17 0 0 0 0 Science National 0 0 1 6 20 35 26 10 0 0 0 1

TEST RESULTS 2006 and NATIONAL 2005 Percentage at each level Below 3 4 5 6 7 8 T A level 3/4* School 3 10 51 29 7 0 0 English National 9 13 39 26 9 0 4 School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reading National 14 14 36 23 9 0 3 School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Writing National 7 13 39 25 12 0 3 School 0 2 7 13 25 45 8 0 0 Mathematics National 2 6 14 21 28 20 5 0 3 School 0 1 8 34 38 19 0 0 Science National 3 6 19 33 25 12 0 3

SCHOOL TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2006 – NON-CORE SUBJECTS Percentage at each level W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EP Pupils disapplied Pupils absent Modern foreign languages 0 0 0 2 14 56 28 0 0 0 0 0 Design and technology 0 0 0 0 0 17 82 1 0 0 0 0 Geography 0 0 0 0 3 24 55 16 2 0 0 0 History 0 0 0 0 0 17 48 34 0 0 0 0 ICT+ 0 0 0 0 3 28 60 9 0 0 0 0 Art and Design 0 0 0 0 3 50 41 7 0 0 0 0 Music 0 0 0 0 4 91 5 0 0 0 0 0 Physical education 0 0 0 0 1 54 37 8 0 0 0 0

W represents pupils who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1. D represents pupils who are disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996. A represents pupils who could not be assessed due to absence, or were absent on the day of the test. T represents pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them. * represents pupils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below level 3 in mathematics or science,or below level 4 in English; pupils awarded a compensatory level from the tests; and pupils entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.

SUMMARY OF STUDENT DESTINATIONS 2005

SUMMARY OF YEAR 13 SUMMARY OF YEAR 11 DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS Destination Nos. % Destination Nos. % Higher Education 118 83 School 162 65 Further Education 6 4 College 54 21 Employment 8 6 Employment 14 6 ‘Year Out’ 10 7 Youth Training/Apprenticeships/Other 20 8 Total 142 100 Total 250 100

OFSTED

In March, 2005, the Ofsted inspection report concluded that Ripley St. Thomas is “a very good school with some excellent features.” The strengths included:  Year 7 pupils settle into secondary school quickly and easily because of the very good arrangements to help them.  Pupils and students achieve very well overall as a result of very good teaching.  Very high standards of attainment have been maintained..  Parents’ views of the school are very positive and they are very pleased with the standard and quality of education.  Pupils’ views of the school are very positive. They feel supported and guided well and that the school listens to their concerns and acts on them.  The attitudes of students are very good and make a significant contribution to how well they achieve.  Standards obtained by pupils and students are well above average overall and the achievement of pupils and students, whatever their gender, ethnicity or prior attainment is very good.  Attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance are all consistently very good.  The school is a caring community with very good relationships and a deep sense of social responsibility.  The school provides very good opportunities for pupils to grow into able, mature, caring adults with the capability to be responsible citizens.  Pupils work industriously and have very good attitudes which promote their learning.  Teachers engage pupils’ interest because they are enthusiastic experts in their subjects and convey this to their classes.  Very good relationships between teachers and pupils and very good attitudes to work mean that lessons are productive and pupils work industriously.  Achievements in all walks of life are recognised and rewarded and pupils genuinely acknowledge and enjoy each other’s successes.