SawstonVillage College PROSPECTUS2014/15

Founded 1930

Welcome Introduction Welcome to the Sawston Village College prospectus. offers a vibrant and extensive programme of extra- I am delighted that you are considering our school curricular activities, believing that such opportunities allow for your child’s secondary education. We are pupils to forge strong relationships with each other and committed to providing a happy, safe and stimulating with their teachers, helping them to develop their potential environment in which your child will achieve his as people. or her full potential. We welcome all parents who share this ambition, as a strong partnership between home Sawston Village College is a highly successful school and school is essential if each child is to do his or which strives for excellence in all areas of its work. her best. We expect our pupils to be the very best they can be, supported by well-qualified and well-motivated staff who Learning is the core business of the school. We are have high expectations of themselves and our pupils. determined to be outstanding in all aspects of our work I hope that once you have read this prospectus you will and to develop in pupils the key attributes that will ensure want to experience what the College has to offer you and they are successful not only in GCSE examinations but as your child by attending our Open Evening in October or lifelong learners, prepared for further and higher education by making an appointment to visit the College during the as well employment and training. These core skills are working day. We would be proud to introduce you to our encapsulated in our ASPIRE principles, which reflect our school, its staff and its pupils. ambition that all pupils will Achieve to their potential; that they will be Self-motivated and Positive learners; that they Jonathan Culpin, Principal can demonstrate Independence and show Respect at all times to others and their community; and Engage with the opportunities around them. ASPIRE is at the heart of our “Sawston Village College is a very ethos, aims and values as a school. effective school that provides a Children thrive in a school community where they are known, valued and feel safe. Our strong system good standard of education and of pastoral care supports young people to become an outstanding standard of care successful learners. We also understand that school is about more than just simply qualifications. The College for its students.” (OFSTED 2008)

Sawston Village prospectus | 1 “The ideals of Henry Morris, the college’s founder, are very much alive and flourishing and, in many ways, this is a school at the heart of the community but also with its communities at the heart of the school.”

(OFSTED 2008)

2 | Sawston Village College prospectus Community ethos Sawston Village College prospectus | 3 College Village Sawston Today, the College’s campus encompasses some 30 campus encompasses the College’s Today, and sports laboratories, workshops of classrooms, acres facilities, which include a fitness suite, a swimming pool, surface, all-weather playing hall, an gymnasium, sports a squash court and extensive rooms Music tuition theatre, includes a studio Centre playing fields. Our Arts The Science Wing practice rooms. and dedicated Music the College with nine state of the art laboratories, provides a hairdressing while a bespoke hospitality suite and café, been added have recently salon and a construction area a full range of vocational to enable the College to provide courses for our learners. touch with our At the same time, we have not lost adult learninghistory and the College maintains a vibrant than 1500 members of the local with more programme, or events each community attending courses, seminars Sports Centre. week or as customers at the Sawston We believe that our pupils benefit enormously of so many adults engaged in educational presence from the the day and in the activity on the College site both during our message that learning is for life, evening. It reinforces one that Morris would have endorsed. Learning for life The first CollegeVillage in 1930, realising was founded College Sawston Village Education, for the Secretary Henry Morris, vision of the in life-long learning He believed ‘from Cambridgeshire. College the Village and created the cradle to the grave’ a encompassed vision Morris’ life. to ideal bring that to of learning people of all ages, with no barriers for centre it served. the community separating it from must take place Henry Morris also believed that education in an environment that offeredbuildings inspiration. The reflect original those ideals, Cambridge University courtyards. based as they are on emphasis College’s the founding, its after years Eighty enterprise, innovation academic standards, on rigorous and community makes it a Morris’ ideals. fitting monument to Henry “The school has an outstanding ethos of care and support that guides students throughout their time at the school.”

(OFSTED 2008)

4 | Sawston Village College prospectus Care and guidance Primary liaison Our approach to providing care to all of our pupils begins the College meet on a regular basis to share information even before they join the College. We have an extensive about the pupils and our curriculum. This ensures that programme of primary liaison with our partner primary we are prepared to provide a high level of challenge and schools and senior staff make regular visits to get to know engagement to pupils from the moment that they join our new pupils before they join in Year 7. Sawston Village College. Pastoral care A strong partnership with Sawston Village College is a warm, friendly and welcoming parents community, with a team of staff who care deeply about the A strong partnership between home and school is academic progress and pastoral welfare of the children essential, if we are to support our young people to achieve in their charge. We consider it vitally important to get to their best. Parents can access up to date information know all of our pupils as individuals. Each year group is about their child’s academic progress through online overseen by a Pastoral Leader, a non-teacher, who has reporting, which will also record the number of credits a overall responsibility for the achievement, well being and pupil has achieved. Parents in Year 7 will also have the happiness of all pupils. The Pastoral Leader can respond opportunity in September to meet their child’s tutor quickly to any concerns raised by parents or pupils. and later in the year the parents’ evening provides an Furthermore, all pupils are placed in a form group, led by a opportunity to discuss progress in each of their subjects. tutor. This member of staff sees their form each morning, For pupils who may experience difficulties in their will closely monitor the progress and welfare of the pupils learning, parents can make appointments during the day in the form group and intervene to make sure that they are or early evening with Pastoral Leaders, the Special Needs achieving to the best of their ability. Co-ordinator or other relevant staff members. The College We offer all Year 5 pupils the opportunity to visit the is also supported by an extensive Locality Services team College in June for a ‘taster morning’ to help remove any which can provide more bespoke interventions to ensure anxiety they may have about their transfer to secondary that pupils make good progress at school and at home. school. In addition teachers from the primary schools and

Sawston Village College prospectus | 5 “There is some outstanding and inspirational practice where fast-paced, interactive teaching is complemented by detailed marking and assessment.”

(OFSTED 2008)

6 | Sawston Village College prospectus Achieving Sawston Village College prospectus | 7 College Village Sawston a course to support pupils to become independent, pupils to become independent, a course to support successful learners. Pupils who school will be given additional with literacy at primary may have difficulties – our ambition is accordingly support and grouped behind in their learning. that no child falls to ensure successExtra-curricular of of the College is the breadth One of the strengths regular curriculum. opportunities on offer beyond the Gold status In July 2012 the College achieved Artsmark of its extensive UK Arts Council in recognition the from of extra-curricular opportunities available programme to all pupils which includes film making and exceptional College in the performing arts. Sawston Village provision International in 2011 by the was awarded School Status British Council, a reflection of our widespread links with and the successful work to raise the world schools across of global issues and to celebrate diversity and awareness difference. Pupils alsorepresent the Collegeto win county and range of sports, with some going on in a wide for their level of performance. even national awards extra- in participate to pupils encourages College The to extend curricular competitions and challenges in the participate their learning. Our pupils regularly Faraday National National Maths Challenge and Technology, Science Competition. The STEM (Science, giving popular, Engineering and Maths) Club is very pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of Science. High expectations for all High expectations for that all pupils have the right to educational believe We provision that meets their excellence their full potential where needs opportunity to realise and offers themsupports their and also the children of all is expected after they have completed their GCSEs. progression To support these aims, we and academic to suit the whole spectrum of interests offer a diverse curriculum profiles. Our most able pupils will be able to take GCSEs Sciences, Ancient History and a wide range of in Triple Music Technology, extra curricular courses including Dance and AS Politics. We also and Social Care Construction courses, Health and offer Engineering and curriculum that includes the Catering, alongside the core Language majority of pupils taking a Modern Foreign 3 pupils follow and a Humanities subject. At Key Stage Learntogether with Curriculum National the Learn,to Academic excellence examinations. in public of our achievements proud are We English and Science Faculties attain Our Mathematics, national averages every well above local and results our performing arts provision year at GCSE while with our pupils achieving the is second to none, in Music, Dance performance of standards highest quality of the teaching within our and Drama. The is acclaimed by the University of History Department gained by pupils taking results Cambridge and the amongst the best in Cambridgeshire. GCSE RE are everything we do. In short, we aim for excellence in “Students feel valued, safe and greatly enjoy coming to school.”

(OFSTED 2008)

8 | Sawston Village College prospectus Self-motivated Setting goals, achieving targets Celebrating achievement At Sawston Village College we expect our pupils to and success be self-motivated learners, willing to reflect upon their current progress and set themselves new, more ambitious Recognising and celebrating the achievement of our pupils goals. All pupils are given target grades for academic is at the heart of a positive ethos. We value our pupils’ performance, based on their prior attainment. They work positive attitudes towards themselves, learning and others closely with their form tutor and other staff to plan how they in the school and community. At Sawston Village College will reach their potential. Whether this is in the classroom, every opportunity is taken to reward success, whether this in sport, in music or in some other form of participation, is through assemblies, school communications or credits. we expect our pupils to be ambitious for themselves Credits can be earned for a wide range of school and and their school, looking always to extend their horizons extra-curricular activities and achievements. Parents have and opportunities. access, via our parent portal, to the number of credits that have been awarded to their son or daughter so that they can celebrate the success being achieved at school.

Other opportunities for celebration include sporting competitions between form groups, 100% attendance by pupils and participation in charity events or through our extensive arts and extended schools programme.

Sawston Village College prospectus | 9 “Students’ spiritual, moral social and cultural development is outstanding.”

(OFSTED 2008)

10 | Sawston Village College prospectus Positive Supporting others International citizenship Pupils at Sawston Village College are encouraged to make Sawston Village College has strong partnerships with a positive contribution to their school and community. a number of schools across the world. Pupils are involved Over the past year a great many of our pupils have been in annual exchange visits and we regularly host visits involved in events to raise money for local and national from international visitors. We have strong links with our charities. This has included raising a substantial sum of partner school in Rwanda; teaching colleagues have money to support the Rotary Club with their campaign been involved in reciprocal visits to explore differences in to eradicate polio; taking part in the Sawston Fun Run, schooling systems and a number of charity events take the largest organised event of its type in the region; and place to raise money to sponsor educational facilities. supporting organisations such as Comic Relief and Send We also have links with schools in Holland and Russia My Friend to School campaign. Over the course of the and have established further connections with schools year it is expected that pupils will contribute in some in Wenchi, Ghana, Nairobi and Kenya as part of our form to improving the school or the local, national and involvement in the Eco Schools International Council. international community. During the school’s International Week all pupils are involved in activities to raise awareness of other cultures and to celebrate difference and diversity. A number of pupils are also involved in hosting and performing in high profile events and conferences such as the Amnesty Week in London and the Holocaust Memorial Concert at the Guildhall in Cambridge.

Sawston Village College prospectus | 11 “An outstanding range of leadership opportunities helps (pupils) to develop into confident, articulate young adults.”

(OFSTED 2008)

12 | Sawston Village College prospectus Independent Sawston Village College prospectus | 13 College Village Sawston Positive role modelsPositive role train as Sports Leaders, helping Alongside this pupils pupils as well as supporting in with activities for younger Pupils can also volunteer as our local primary schools. train also and pupils 7 Year with work to Helpers Form is also of Eco Warriors group mentors. Our as reading with other schools in the UK and very active, working of the to develop our awareness with partners in Africa active an make and children school other facing plight and that of others. contribution to our environment in leadership in The opportunities to get involved endless, helping enrich the school the College are valuable team building and and providing environment move skills which will help pupils as they organisational the school and beyond. through Pupil leadership leadership pupil developing emphasis on is a strong There College with many opportunities at Sawston Village in the school and for young people to become involved influence decisions. At the heart of pupil leadership is the under all pupil activity, Senate. The Senate co-ordinates of a Head Boy and Head Girl and is in turn the direction for who have responsibility supported by specialist groups learning and ethos, environment, developing the College’s of International Our pupils have Citizenship. programme to discuss their leadership attended national conferences of ASPIRE to the development contributed activities, on and take the lead projects and school environmental fundraising for local and national charities. Next generation learningNext generation is committed to harnessing College Sawston Village the to support independent learning.very latest technologies and economic changing rapidly a in flourish to are pupils If then they must be equipped to adapt technological world, skills which will enable them to work and deploy the key in different contexts andTo environments. support them, to our virtual learningpupils have access environment between each other and can communicate they where and activities. with teachers to collaborate on projects tablets and laptops more and many ICT suites Five opportunities to use the latest technologies further provide and successful learners. to be creative “Pupils are eager to learn, and working relationships in classrooms are excellent.”

(OFSTED 2008)

14 | Sawston Village College prospectus Respectful Expectations and responsibilities

High expectations of behaviour are essential if outstanding • to wear the College uniform correctly and take pride teaching and learning is to take place. Our guiding in their appearance; principle is that no one pupil has the right to disrupt another’s learning. • to be positive members of the school community, willing to become involved in the wider life of We believe that young people require clear boundaries and the school; we provide these in a set of clearly-defined expectations which are understood by all pupils and supported by all • to support the local community and act appropriately, staff to ensure that the school is a safe and pleasant place representing the College’s aims and values at all times for all members of the community. as active, positive citizens We expect our pupils: Supporting good behaviour • to treat all adults and each other with respect; The College believes strongly that recognising • to work to the best of their ability; achievement and success helps to maintain a positive learning atmosphere. However, the College is prepared to • to take responsibility for their own progress use a wide variety of sanctions to ensure that all pupils and behaviour; can achieve their potential, be happy at school and be safe. These sanctions include detention, isolation from • to take care and pride in the quality and presentation peers and, where appropriate, exclusion from school. The of their classwork and homework; College looks to parents to help support our expectations and any measures used to ensure these are met. • to respect the College and surrounding environment; Successful learning is dependent on high standards of • to arrive at school and at lessons regularly and on time, behaviour, mutual respect and adherence to the College’s properly equipped to learn and achieve; code of conduct at all times.

Sawston Village College prospectus | 15 “The school comfortably meets the requirements for Artsmark Gold in terms of curriculum provision, GCSE options, extra-curricular activities and arts partnerships.”

(ARTS COUNCIL ASSESSOR 2012)

16 | Sawston Village College prospectus Engaged Enrichment and extension Cultural opportunities There are many clubs and opportunities for our pupils to Each year pupils in Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to pursue their individual interests and develop new hobbies travel abroad to Spain, France or Germany on language and skills at Sawston Village College. More than twenty or adventure visits, including the legendary trip to the lunchtime and after school clubs are offered daily, offering Ardèche. At GCSE visits include the Battlefields of Northern pupils the opportunity to develop their skills in first aid, France, Berlin and Rome in History, and Cologne and Paris pottery and much more. Pupils can participate in a wide for Art and Languages. In addition there are a number of range of sporting activities and represent the school in other opportunities on offer to support curriculum study. a wide range of team sports including cross country, These include coastal field trips and a trip to Iceland basketball, netball, badminton, rugby, football and hockey. in Geography; visits to local print works in Art; and theatre trips to see some of the very best performances The opportunities for pupils to pursue an interest in in London. Music are outstanding at Sawston: the College boasts an Orchestra of over 100; a Brass Band; a Choir of 90 and a wide range of ensembles such as the String Orchestra, the Recorder Group, the Madrigal Singers, the Jazz Band and many more. Pupils participate in prestigious performances including annual concerts at West Road Concert Hall and Great St Mary’s Church in Central Cambridge and have contributed to high profile carnivals and musical events including the Olympic Torch Relay Carnival in Cambridge and Luton and Holocaust Memorial Day Concert at the Guildhall in Cambridge.

The extensive arts opportunities at the College also allow pupils to become involved in film production and in running the only youth-led cinema in the country. Some of our pupils have achieved global success in film making, winning international film awards for their animation and productions.

Sawston Village College prospectus | 17 “Sawston Village College has provided me with so many amazing opportunities that have made my experience here really wonderful.”

(YEAR 11 PUPIL 2012)

18 | Sawston Village College prospectus Next steps Information, advice and Destination of Leavers 2013 guidance Pupils pursuing full time education 97% The College has particularly strong provision in relation to careers and education guidance. In addition to the Pupils in employment and training 2% personal development programme on offer as part of PSHE, Key Stage 4 pupils receive an hour a fortnight of Pupils seeking employment (NEET)* 1% targeted lessons to support work-related learning and progression. All pupils participate in work experience to * NEET – Not in education, employment or training. develop their understanding, knowledge and work-based skills; Information Advice Guidance lessons support their preparation and evaluation of this process. Form tutors and IAG mentors also guide pupils through the post-16 application process; providing support with applications to sixth form study and personal statements and directing pupils to appropriate careers advice. Post-16 partners We have strong links with post-16 providers and our pupils benefit from taster days, master classes and visiting speakers from a range of colleges in Cambridgeshire. In addition to finding out about the breadth of post-16 courses on offer, post-16 colleagues have also supported Sawston pupils by providing sessions on application and interview skills. A number of staff work closely with sixth form colleges to ease transition and develop progression opportunities.

Sawston Village College prospectus | 19 Admissions policy 3. Pupils who live within the College’s catchment area and childcare arrangements will not be considered. ‘Sibling’ Admissions policy 2014 - 15 attend the primary schools listed above. refers usually to brothers or sisters, aged between 4 and 16 who live together in the same family unit. For further Sawston Village College is a mixed comprehensive 4. Pupils who live within the College’s catchment area and clarification, please contact the LA Admissions Team. academy providing secondary education for pupils in have a sibling in the College at time of admission, but do the 11-16 age range. Its published admissions number not attend the above primary schools. The application process for admissions into Year 7 is is 210. co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire LA, who acts on behalf 5. Pupils who live within the College’s catchment area but of the Governing Body to offer places at the College. The College is not selective in its intake and all pupils who do not attend the above primary schools. Parents should submit an application either online via are able to access the National Curriculum are entitled to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/admissions or on a paper a place. Due regard will be paid to the Equality Act 2010. 6. Pupils who live outside the catchment area, who attend application form, available from their child’s primary primary schools within it and who have a sibling at the school or from the LA Admissions Team, no later than the Most pupils are drawn from the seven local primary school at the time of admission. schools set out below, but each year a significant number national closing date of 31 October 2013. Offer letters will of pupils apply to join the school from outside its defined 7. Pupils who live outside the catchment area but attend be issued by the LA on 1 March 2014. Late applications catchment area. For more detailed information on the primary schools within it. (those submitted after the national closing date) will be College’s catchment area, parents may contact the Local handled by the Admissions Team. For further information Authority’s Admissions Department. 8. Pupils who live outside the catchment area, do not and full details on how to apply, please see the booklet attend primary schools within it, but have a sibling at the ‘Admission to Secondary School; a guide for parents For admission into Year 7 in September 2014, the College at the time of admission. 2014-15’. This is available from the College or online at LA, on behalf of the Governing Body, will offer places www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/admissions. to 210 children. Should there be applications above 9. Children who live outside the catchment area, but that limit, the following admissions criteria would be nearest the school as measured by a straight line. To apply for a place after the start of the school year, applied; it is important to note that all preferences will be or for any other year group, please contact the LA In cases of equal merit, priority will go first to children Admissions Team for an ‘In-Year School Application treated equally. living nearest the school according to the straight line Form’ on 01223 699200 or by email to distance. The distance, for admissions purposes, is [email protected]. The application Oversubscription criteria measured using the straight line distance from the centre form must be returned to the LA Admissions Team who point of the home to the main pupil entrance to the school. will contact your preferred schools to determine the Children who have a statement of special educational availability of a school place. The LA Admissions Team needs that names the school will be admitted. Those These distances are produced by the LA Admissions team will then write to you to confirm the details of the school children with a statement of special educational needs for the school. All measurements are calculated using a at which a place is to be offered and, where appropriate, that does not name the school will be referred to Student digital mapping system. For families who live outside the a suitable start date. Where the Admissions Team is Assessment to determine an appropriate place. area covered by the system used in Cambridgeshire, both unable to meet any preferences expressed a place will straight line distances and travel routes are determined be offered at the next nearest alternative school with 1. Children in care, also known as Looked After Children using a combination of local maps and on-line resources. places available. (LAC), and children who were looked after but ceased to be so by reason of adoption, a residence order or special Interviews for the purpose of admissions are not Any child who is refused a place at the College may appeal guardianship order. lawful and are therefore not included as part of the using an appeal form available from the LA Admissions admissions procedures. Team. Further information is available from their website 2. Pupils who live withinthe College’s catchment area, at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/admissions or by have a sibling (i.e. a brother or sister who lives in the For the purposes of this policy where a child lives at more calling 01223 699200. same family unit) in the College at the time of admission than one address, the address that will be considered will and attend the following primary schools, Babraham, The be where the child spends the majority of their school Any parent who requires further information regarding the Bellbird (Sawston), Duxford Community, Great and Little nights, and to which the child benefit is paid. Only College’s Admissions policy should, in the first instance, Shelford, The Icknield (Sawston), Stapleford Community one address can be considered as your child’s main contact Mrs Sandra Thornton at the College. and William Westley, Whittlesford. residence. An address used for before and after-school

20 | Sawston Village College prospectus

Sawston Village College

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www.sawstonadulted.org

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