EDMONTON COUNTY SCHOOL

EDMONTON COUNTY SCHOOL Lower Site Little Bury Street N9 9JZ Upper Site Great Cambridge Road Enfield Middlesex EN1 1HQ

Learning and Achievement for All

Technology Colleges Trust EXCELLENCE AND DIVERSITY

V E S T O N R I

I S N R E C A R E Our high standards recognised in the Ofsted Report 2006: ‘The school provides a safe and supportive environment in which students enjoy their education. Welcome The school works closely with parents and outside agencies to provide a comprehensive programme of support for individual students including the most vulnerable.

to our school Students’ personal development including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, is good. They take pride in their work and show tolerance and respect for each other and for other cultures within the school and in the wider world’. OFSTED 2006 Edmonton County is a successful, mixed, multicultural school with over 1600 students. We are a Specialist Technology College, committed to learning and achievement for the whole school community. We are proud of our students’ high achievement and our excellent reputation in the local community and we are continually over-subscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups.

Our hard-working and dedicated staff team provide the very best learning opportunities for students of all abilities. We aim to support all students to achieve their best in the time they are with us and help them develop their individual talents.

We offer students a well-ordered and purposeful learning environment and “There are some good links with the local provide students with many opportunities to succeed in a wide range of areas. All kinds of achievement are valued at Edmonton County. community. For example, students take part in regular fund-raising initiatives and twice a year they We work in close partnership with parents and hope that the information in this prospectus gives you an insight into the high standards we set for everyone. organise events for elderly people in the area ” We look forward to working with you in the interest of our students. OFSTED 2006

Siobhan Leahy Headteacher

“ Students and parents are very positive Learning and Achievement for All about their experiences of the school ” Location OFSTED 2006 The lower site is in Little Bury Street which links Church Street with Bury Street West.

The upper site is in Great Cambridge Road just north of the junction with Bury Street.

Lower Site Upper Site Tel: 020 8360 3158 Tel: 020 8360 3158 Fax: 020 8360 8253 Fax: 020 8364 2218 Email: [email protected] Website: www.edmonton.enfield.sch.uk Other Aspects of the School Religious Studies In Years 7-9, Religious Studies is taught following the locally agreed syllabus. In Years 10 and 11 the subject can lead to a GCSE. The subject is non-denominational and the approach is a multi faith one where students follow the main religious traditions in contemporary Britain and those that are influential in world society. Our core value Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Studies. This should be done in writing to the headteacher. However, we discourage this as we are a multi-cultural school and value the different perspectives that these cultures bring to our learning environment. We are happy to discuss any and concerns parents may have about the syllabus. ‘Learning Careers Education Careers education forms part of our PSHCE programme. Students also have access to a wide range of Achievement for All’ careers information in the school libraries. In Year 11 students complete a work experience placement. This programme is well supported by parents many of whom organise placements for students in their Our school aims show our commitment to providing own work place. Students receive personal careers interviews before they leave school. the very best learning opportunities for students of all abilities so that they are supported to: Sex Education • Develop lively, enquiring, independent and Sex education is covered within the context of wider personal relationships and is dealt with sensitively imaginative minds, able to question and debate by staff. In our sex education programme we aim to provide information and clarify issues that enable rationally and appreciate alternative points of view students to recognise responsible attitudes and behaviour, and develop a sense of personal worth. • Become confident and self-critical and able to develop their individual talents to the full Parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education outside of the Science curriculum. This should be done by writing to the headteacher. • Increase initiative and self-discipline in application of tasks, working alone and with others Lunchtime Arrangements • Develop personal and moral values and contribute to Students from Years 7 to 11 have lunch in school. They may purchase food from the cafeteria or bring the achievement of equal opportunities for all a packed lunch. They are not allowed to leave the school site at lunchtime or during the school day. • Become positive, co-operating and contributing members of school and society, prepared to initiate students may leave the site at break and lunchtimes. and take responsibility for themselves and others Complaints Procedure • Develop a concern for the environment and an understanding of the world in which we live and the We encourage parents to take any concerns to the relevant teacher or head of department/year in the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations. first instance. If necessary, complaints should then go to the head of upper or lower site, or the headteacher, who will give advice on procedure. If a parent feels that this has been unsuccessful then the matter should be taken to the Governing Body. If a parent is still dissatisfied they should then make “Students voice their opinions readily and are happy to take contact with the Local Education Authority. The Secretary of State will only consider complaints that have gone through these stages. on responsibilities within the school as prefects, form

If you wish to have a copy of the School's Complaints Procedure please contact the school. representatives, or members of the school council ” OFSTED 2006 Learning andTeaching Key Stage 3

The promotion of effective learning and teaching is at In Years 7, 8 and 9, all students study: English, the heart of everything we do. We aim to provide a Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Technology, stimulating and secure environment in which all Information and Communication Technology (ICT), members of the school community are enabled, Religious Studies (RS), Art, Music, Drama, Physical challenged and inspired to become confident and Education (PE), and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship independent learners. To achieve this we will develop Education (PSHCE). French is also studied with Spanish and the skills of students and staff, making full use of Turkish being offered toward the end of the key stage. technology. This arrangement ensures that all students have a broad We view learning as a continuous process that lasts and balanced curriculum when they begin secondary through life. It is a process of making sense of new school. Some subject specialism begins at the start of Key knowledge by exploring links between existing Stage 4 when students make choices from a range of and new information and of developing, applying options. and transferring skills. In Year 7, students are taught in mixed ability groups of We recognise that learning takes place in different approximately 28 students. From Year 8 students are set by ways and that good teaching takes account of ability in some curriculum areas. different types of intelligence and different learning “Students respond with good styles. We mentor students in small groups regularly in order to ensure that they take some responsibility attitude and behaviour” for their own learning. OFSTED 2006 Key Stage 4 Our High Expectations In Years 10 and 11 students are prepared for GCSE We strive for high standards in learning and behaviour in our school. This is best achieved through a examinations or alternative qualifications. partnership between parents, students and staff. Our expectations make clear the belief that every All students study English (Language and Literature), student has a right to learn and every teacher has a right to teach. Mathematics, Science (a choice of 4 courses), ICT, PE, RS Students are expected to follow our Code of Conduct: and PSHCE. All students also choose a Technology subject • Respect other people from a range of courses that includes: Resistant Materials, “Bullying and racist incidents are rare Graphics, Food and Textiles Technology. • Respect yourself and, when they do occur, they are taken • Look after the environment Other subjects studied are optional and students choose seriously and dealt with promptly” from a wide range – the latest list is available from the • Behave safely. OFSTED 2006 school. There is also a Learning Support option. Students are given clear instructions about uniform, attendance and punctuality. The planning and For students who find full-time GCSE courses too delivery of the curriculum is closely linked to the promotion of good behaviour in the school. demanding, various alternatives are offered which for some students may be taking part in extended work experience or college placements Celebrating Achievement By offering a variety of courses, the school aims to enable all students to retain both breadth and balance We believe in recognising and rewarding achievement of all kinds. We award merits, certificates, letters in their studies at Key Stage 4. This means that the majority of our students are well-placed to stay on of praise and prizes for good work, effort and improvement. We share the success of our students in into the Sixth Form or gain a college place when they have finished Year 11. assemblies, in displays and in the regular newsletter that parents receive. Sixth Form Homework It is our aim to ensure the 6th Form is a dynamic environment strongly focused on We consider homework to be an integral part of our students' educational experience and a natural academic achievement and progression extension of classroom study. Homework helps students to improve their organisational skills and for all students. Consequently students encourages self-discipline. Students receive a student planner, for recording their homework, at the start are able to follow a range of traditional of the year and are expected to complete homework on a regular basis. Parents can support their child and vocational courses at both Level 2 by checking that homework is completed fully and by discussing homework tasks. (equivalent to GCSEs) and Level 3 (A Levels). All students follow a full time course that Support includes General Studies (AS Level) and Future Pathways (Higher Education) lessons. for Learning Aside from academic endeavours, the Sixth Form is very much a package deal We believe that all of our students regardless of which includes a requirement to be gender, ethnic background, class, ability, religious beliefs involved in the wider life of the school or sexual orientation are entitled to an ‘Inclusive’ community. The Student Leadership education where their needs are met and they are Group manages a wide range of school provided with opportunities to achieve their best. Our and community projects among which is Learning Support team work with students whose main the legendary 6th Form Old Folks’ barrier to achievement is learning. The team provide this Christmas Party. support through a combination of in class support and small group or individual withdrawal. Over the 1, 2 or 3 years that students are with us we endeavour to inspire them all Students with behavioural, social and/or emotional needs are supported through our Learning Support to achieve to the highest levels both Centre, whilst students who are underachieving are supported by our Learning Mentors. academically and personally by providing Students who are Gifted and Talented in certain areas receive support through various activities and both pastoral and practical support programmes. Study days, university trips, special classes and clubs are offered to extend students’ alongside excellent teaching; indeed abilities. nothing less than what you would expect from a successful Sixth Form. Students who have language difficulties are supported by our EMAG team, through programmes such as ‘Advance’ and ‘MEAP’, to ensure that they are able to access the curriculum and can take part in the social life of the school.

Our school Work Related Coordinator supports some of the older more disaffected students, and those with specific vocational interests, find suitable part-time college or work placements to supplement their school studies. “The identification of students with learning difficulties and disabilities and the close monitoring of the provision made for them are particularly strong features” OFSTED 2006 Extra Curricular ...from Primary to Activities Secondary We provide many opportunities for our students Edmonton County's successful induction programme ensures that new students soon settle into to take part in extra curricular activities. Among the the school and become happy, effective members of our school community. sports on offer are: basketball, football, cricket, netball, athletics, dance, gymnastics, rounders, We have excellent, well-established links with local primary schools. Pupils from Year 5 and Year 6 karting, sailing and trampolining. We have a visit Edmonton County and our staff visit and teach in the primary schools. keyboard, recorder/ensemble and singing club, and Year 6 pupils will spend one week at Summer School in the Summer holidays. This helps them to rock group for those talented in music. There are get to know most of their tutor group and some of their teachers so that the start in September is also many clubs including clubs for Art, Drama, ICT less daunting. and for completing homework. The form tutor plays a crucial role in the induction process, supporting and mentoring students in To promote cross-curricular activities, and to their learning, monitoring student planners, reviewing progress and achievement and explaining support students to develop social and school information. The form tutor is the first point of contact with the school. entrepreneurial skills, the school dispenses with the timetable on a number of days each year to run ‘Technology’ days and other projects.

These days enable students to work with the local community, take part in practical activities, special events and educational trips. Activities have included the annual ‘old folks’ party, work with the elderly in residential homes, organising fetes for pupils, landscape gardening, mural painting and canoe-building.

A number of visits take place each year to museums and other places of interest in London. Several Admissions to the School School Uniform departments also organise trips abroad. The school has just started a breakfast club at the lower site School admissions are agreed and managed by the Students are expected to wear school where students have the opportunity to have a Local Education Authority. We are a popular and uniform and parents are asked to support healthy breakfast prior to their school studies. over-subscribed school and our students live within our high standards by ensuring that their a short distance of the lower site. child comes to school properly dressed at all times. The wearing of school uniform shows For information about admissions, please contact: ...students enjoy a number of a commitment to the school and to being “ London Borough of Enfield, part of our community. Sixth formers do not enrichment activities, particularly Civic Centre, Silver Street, EN1 3XQ. wear school uniform but follow an agreed dress code. sports, music and drama, and a Tel: 020-8379-5501. The uniform requirements are provided as variety of educational visits” an insert to this brochure along with OFSTED 2006 information about where uniform can be purchased.