Students are proud that they have contributed to the College’s high reputation in the community. Ofsted Thank you for your interest in Rother College

Choosing the right is a very important decision. I hope that the information in this prospectus provides you with a strong flavour of the many strengths, both academic and pastoral, that Midhurst Rother College can offer your child.

As Principal of Midhurst Rother College, my aim Midhurst has a fine tradition in education. The key is to develop every child academically, personally role of Midhurst Rother College is to make sure and socially to enable them to lead happy and that students leave us with the confidence, skills successful lives. We do this through supporting, and qualifications to be successful in the next stage challenging and encompassing each individual to of their lives. be the best they can be. To achieve this, we: Please come and visit us on our open days and • Put outstanding learning at the core of evenings to see how we intend to make our what we do promises a reality. • Have high aspirations for the future of every child • Have a supportive ethos which develops our values of respect, happiness and achievement Stuart Edwards • Work in partnership with parents to Principal support children • Only accept the highest standards of conduct and behaviour • Collaborate with other education providers, nationally and locally Our Aims and Values

Our values of respect, happiness and achievement were chosen by our students. Each member of our community upholds these values in order to bring out ‘the best in everyone’. Our values are inspired by high expectations, high standards and celebration of success in its many forms.

• We value high quality teaching, which means we • We provide all our students with access to a seek the best teaching staff, and then support wide variety of the performing and creative arts, and encourage them in every way we can - to and give them every possible encouragement the benefit of all students to express themselves, especially in front of an • Our students live in a world that has many audience choices, we will therefore do everything we • We strive to fully engage students, staff, parents can to provide help and guidance as well as and local supporters in a happy community and educating them to make appropriate decisions we work actively to ensure parents play a central that affect them and others. part in this • We invest in many games and sports and encourage our students to participate in them - as an end in itself, and as a preparation for the competitive world that awaits them when they leave College Why choose Midhurst Rother College?

• Midhurst Rother College is judged outstanding in all Ofsted categories • High quality pastoral care that supports students throughout their time at the College • An ethos that has discipline, respect and fulfilment of potential at its heart • A strong focus on higher education and a successful career path • A range of enrichment activities designed to engage and challenge • A culture in which all types of success are celebrated • A new building which opened to students in 2012 • A strong relationship with our community and family of Rother Valley primary schools • Partnership links with the , and University of Oxford An excellent curriculum • Membership of the family of schools, benefitting and promotion of students’ from the central support, shared best practice and opportunities spiritual, moral, social and that arise from being sponsored by the largest provider of academies cultural development mean that their interests and aspirations are met. Ofsted The MRC Experience

When students join Midhurst Rother College they are not only entering into an academic environment, but also one where they will experience diverse opportunities to help build life skills for the future. From the moment of arrival we pledge that throughout their stay every student will have the opportunity to:

• Regularly attend a physically active and non-active enrichment activity • Represent the College at a sporting, cultural or academic event • Take part in a major House event • Attend a national sporting or cultural event, or a performance at a major venue • Take part in a major College drama or musical production, or event • Take part in a formal presentation to an audience using ICT/ multimedia • Lead on a significant out of lesson event, presentation or activity • Be actively involved in an international experience • Be actively involved in some form of community or fund-raising experience • Contribute to sustainability or international development Moving to Midhurst Rother College

The College recognises that the step from a small primary school to secondary school is huge, therefore our main aim is ensure that students and their families not only feel supported in this move but also enjoy the process and feel very welcome when they arrive at Midhurst Rother College.

A carefully considered induction programme is Day’. New students will have the chance to meet planned to secure a smooth transition from Year their Tutors and will experience a typical College 6 into Year 7. The programme is delivered by a day. Our priority is that each child settles happily special transition team who have regular contact into their new environment and has a strong sense with each primary school and who co-ordinate the of belonging as quickly as possible. transition links. The formal admission procedures are operated In the early part of the Autumn Term parents of through County Council and details Year 5 and 6 students are welcome to visit the of the College’s policy on admission are available College. During our Open Days parents and future from: students can see the College at work, take a tour Student Admissions Office: of the buildings and grounds, and talk to members of staff. Tel: 033 301 42903 Email: [email protected] The links between primary schools and the College Website: www.westsussex.gov.uk are excellent, primary-secondary transition being at its heart. During the Summer Term a member of the pastoral team will visit primary schools and Year 6 students will attend College for a ‘Transition Curriculum

The College offers a broad and balanced curriculum. In Key Stage 3, students are given a strong foundation in core subjects which supports their future success, including an emphasis on literacy, numeracy and developing competencies in ICT. Personal development is considered both a priority and strength of the College.

Students at Key Stage 4 are supported in choosing Students of all abilities are catered for through an appropriate broad and balanced range of comprehensive Additional Educational Needs subjects including those from Creative Arts and (AEN) provision as well as through opportunities Media, Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, for more able students, such as a second Modern Technology, and Business and Enterprise. The Foreign Language, triple science and GCSE Further College also offers a number of vocational courses Maths. A wide range of enrichment activities is both at Midhurst Rother College and also in also available for all year groups, including sports, partnership with . arts and study skills, as well as those designed specifically for our more able students. Our curriculum is designed to provide a ‘pathway’ for every student so that they can achieve their full academic potential and continue into the Sixth Form where a wide range of A Level qualifications is offered. Subjects are organised either in mixed ability classes or in sets, where it is appropriate to ensure that students are able to work at the correct level and achieve the highest outcomes possible. Homework

Homework is regarded as an important part of College life. It will be purposeful, and will be assessed and reviewed by teachers. Homework allows students to develop and secure their learning and gives the opportunity to develop independent study skills.

Homework may involve: Some homework will be short and require completion in a few days whilst other homework • Preparation for future lessons will involve longer assignments over a greater • Reinforcing previous learning period. The College wants parents and carers to be • Demonstrating understanding fully informed about homework, therefore subject • Preparation for assessment (for example, teachers will contact parents and carers to let revision for tests) them know if homework has not been completed, is insufficient or is late. An online system allows • Extension of learning through independent study parents and carers to view the homework set. The • Learning key words and vocabulary time allocated to homework varies according to a student’s year group, increasing in time as they get older.

Students’ achievement is outstanding. Ofsted Behaviour and Attendance

At Midhurst Rother College we believe an orderly environment is essential for successful teaching and learning. It also contributes to a happy and caring atmosphere in which everybody feels comfortable and where the qualities of friendship, kindness and good manners can flourish. Every member of the College will therefore be expected to show the highest standards of courtesy and respect towards one another, and those with whom they come into contact outside College.

Whilst behaviour within the College is very much Regular attendance and punctuality will help the responsibility of its staff members, it also students reach the highest standards of which looks to parents and carers in matters such as the they are capable. Our aim is that the attendance wearing of College uniform, behaviour between of each student should be at least 95%; a ‘Home College and home, spending adequate time on Call’ system is in place to follow up unexplained homework and upholding the College code of student absences. The College does not authorise conduct. family holidays taken during term time. In line with West Sussex County Council policy, Students learn best when they feel motivated and unauthorised holiday of 5 days or more will inspired, and when they are encouraged to work incur a fixed penalty fine of £60 per parent per hard and aim high. The College will both reward student. Leave of absence will only be granted and celebrate individual and group successes of to students on formal request and where there every kind. are extenuating circumstances for it being sought. Students’ attitudes to Emergency requests will always be considered sympathetically. learning are exemplary throughout the College. Ofsted Pastoral Care

We treat students as individuals and are concerned with their intellectual, physical, social and spiritual needs at each stage of their College life.

Every student at Midhurst Rother College is • Progress, academic achievement and attitude supported by a non-teaching Pastoral Leader to learning who develops an excellent knowledge of all the • Attendance and punctuality students in their care. • Uniform On entry to the College students are allocated • Involvement in College life to a Tutor Group. The Tutor meets their students each day and plays a key role in their College life, building up a sound understanding of the qualities Midhurst Rother College has a House system. and needs of those in their care. They work closely Members of each house will comprise students with all staff to monitor, support and encourage from all year groups and everyone will be progress. Regular contact each term between Tutor encouraged to contribute to College life as and parent/carer ensures that good communication individuals and as part of their house team. is at the heart of our pastoral system. Good work and contribution to College life will Tutors and Pastoral Leaders will be the first point be rewarded throughout the year. Commendation of contact should there be any concerns about a events for all year groups, recognising consistent student, particularly in the areas of: hard work and achievement, are held each year, including our traditional Gilbert Hannam Day in March for Years 11, 12 and 13. Beyond the Classroom

Students thrive in an environment where they are given the opportunity to dedicate some of their energies to personal interests or to find new ones beyond the classroom. We embrace this idea by offering many enrichment activities enabling everyone to excel and participate in at least one if not more pursuits. Activities on offer include:

• Sport (inter-house and inter-school competition) Leadership, service and responsibility are also • Sporting visits to major fixtures and events strongly encouraged through: • Art and Design • Sports, community and other leadership courses • Drama (clubs and productions) • Voluntary work both in primary schools and in • Music (orchestras, ensembles, bands, choirs, the local community concerts and productions) • Numerous charity and fundraising activities • Subject visits and field trips throughout the year • Cultural visits, including theatre, museums and • Student democracy involving year councils, a Midhurst Rother concerts College Student Council and representation in • Foreign travel: the West Sussex Youth Parliament College gives • Language exchanges • Service as Head Boy and Head Girl, or as Sixth you a lot of • International expeditions (including Nepal, Form student officers opportunities Tanzania , Vietnam, India and Zambia) and experiences • Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Bronze to Gold) beyond the • Young Enterprise classroom. Student Extra-curricular activities include a wide range of sports, and opportunities to participate in cultural activities such as musical performance, dance and artistic activities. Student Keeping in Touch with Home

We value the contribution that parents and carers make to their child’s education and encourage them to play an active role in their schooling. Such engagement leads to a high level of student achievement.

Regular contact between College and home will Personal contact is also regularly made with home be maintained via the Tutor, College website, to praise students for outstanding achievement newsletters, parents’ evenings, and a ‘Home Call’ or contribution, or should specific issues arise. system (including voice, text, and email messages). Parents/carers can contact staff members through In addition there are regular tracking points in the College Reception or direct by email, they are the year which report on student attainment and also welcome to make appointments to meet with progress towards target grades. teachers to discuss any particular concerns.

The College is passionate about the need to support all students in line with their needs. Ofsted The Most Able Students

Students with specific gifts or talents will be carefully nurtured. On arrival at the College, the most able students will be monitored regularly and their development will be guided and assessed to help them fulfil their potential.

Beyond the classroom, provision for the most able at Midhurst Rother College includes engagement in a wide variety of external opportunities: West Sussex County Council courses; summer schools; activities involving Winchester College and Monitoring of the University of Chichester; after College and weekend enrichment activities; and ‘Curriculum students’ progress Days’ to support students’ learning and interest in is carried out specific themes and topics. rigorously, and All subject areas’ schemes of work are tailored supports the to meet the needs of the most able. A senior member of staff ensures these needs are carefully drive for further addressed. improvement across the college. Ofsted Sixth Form

Midhurst Rother College has a thriving Sixth Form which is guided by the same ethos as the rest of the College. Students are supported to achieve their full academic potential as well as reach their personal goals. A separate Sixth Form prospectus is published for prospective applicants.

A wide choice of subjects is available to provide entry to university and student progress is carefully monitored to ensure that the necessary high standards are maintained. As well as academic success, membership of the Sixth Form also involves friendship, fun and participation in wider College life. The aim is not only to ensure that Sixth Form students enjoy life in College but that they also leave as confident, articulate and ambitious young adults who are Sixth Form students benefit from outstanding positive role models for the younger students in the school. teaching, leadership, and pastoral support, and gain examination grades that are in the top 25 per cent nationally. Ofsted Careers Education

A programme of careers education is delivered to all students, supported by a Careers and Work Experience Administrator. In Year 10 the emphasis is on building confidence and gaining knowledge of the world of work. In Year 12 there is a more specific career focus. A strong level of support is available at all stages in a student’s education and through our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) initiative they have access to a dedicated member of staff (with whom students can talk), a well-resourced careers library and a large number of online resources.

Students have many opportunities to take responsibility, often work with younger students, and are exceptionally well prepared for life in modern democratic Britain. Ofsted Our Building

Midhurst Rother College is one of the best designed and equipped schools in the United Kingdom; a budget of £31 million has allowed it to move into a superb new building. With the best teaching spaces, the latest apparatus and the most up to date technology the College has a vibrant and exciting learning environment. This not only includes a sports hall, theatre, drama studios, television and sound studios, and other specialist equipped rooms, but also the innovative use of technology as a tool for learning. Our new building impacts very positively on student progress and academic achievement. These superb facilities not only serve our students but they also provide an invaluable resource for the local community.

An outstanding institution whose transformation is phenomenal. Lord Adonis 2013 Our Partnerships

Through Midhurst Rother College’s educational Through the College’s involvement with the partnerships with the University of Chichester and University of Chichester’s Widening Participation Winchester College we aim to accelerate academic team, students are encouraged to “aim high” and progress and broaden the horizons of students actively consider progression to higher education. and staff. The partnership with the University of The Widening Participation Team begins to work Chichester is about raising students’ aspirations with students in our feeder schools from Year 6 and encouraging progress to university whilst and supports them until they leave in Year 13. We the partnership with Winchester College will also have strong partnerships within the United allow staff and students at both schools to work Learning family and work with a range of schools, collaboratively. including United Learning’s London academies, on a number of projects to help broaden our students’ understanding of multi-cultural Britain.

Many students gain places at university, often in highly sought-after departments. Ofsted Midhurst Rother College Parents

Membership of the Midhurst Rother College Parents (MRCP) is automatic for parents and carers, however the College particularly welcomes those who wish to become actively involved in its activities. The MRCP has three aims:

• To provide a calendar of social events for members • To provide a forum where members can be consulted on current issues or future plans • To raise money for the College Membership of the association is also open to current and former members of the teaching staff, governors, past students, and those interested in helping the College. Governance The Principal and College leaders at all levels work with a high degree of unity of purpose, with the aim of securing consistently outstanding teaching. Ofsted Midhurst Rother College’s Local Governing Body (LGB) supports the Principal in monitoring policies and operations such as:

• Admissions • Behaviour and discipline • College budget • Curriculum delivery • Working with the community The LGB also works to raise standards and has a special responsibility to monitor academic progress, ensuring this is reviewed regularly throughout the academic year. As an , Midhurst Rother College is independent of the local authority but is still subject to normal checks and inspections. Everyone is enjoying themselves and I think they are very lucky to be part of Midhurst Rother College. Student United Learning

Midhurst Rother College is sponsored by United Learning. United Learning was established to create a family of academies that provide outstanding education. It was formed in 2002 as a subsidiary of the United Church Schools Trust which has been running high-quality schools in the United Kingdom for over 125 years. United Learning offers the stability of an organisation with a long term commitment to education in this country and the experience of running highly successful schools. United Learning academies are inclusive and welcoming places, where students of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities are valued and respected.

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Acknowledgements to the photographers: Janet Gibbs, Jon Munn, Sam Massey-Steel, Nour-Eddine El Ghoumari.

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