West Craven High School Contents Achievement...... 8 School Uniform...... 14 Examination results Welcome...... 3 Tracking Our principles...... 3 Curriculum Able, Gifted and Talented Special educational needs Admissions policy and procedures...... 4 Admissions year 7 Teaching and Learning...... 9 Admissions years 8-11 Assessment for learning Further information Independent learning...... 10 Home and School in partnership...... 5 Celebrating achievement Reporting to parents Home School Partnership agreement Curriculum...... 11 Attendance Key Stage 3 Leave of absence Key Stage 4 Option choices Ks4 How we provide for your child’s emotional being...... 6 Enrichment...... 12 Equal opportunities Community links Transition from primary school Sports Student services Lunchtime clubs Anti bullying After school clubs Our school community Year 11 Common Room...... 13 Standards for learning...... 7 Year 11 prom Form tutor Whole school activity day House system Broadening Horizons...... 13 Residential visits and trips
2 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Welcome Our Principles gain the skills and condence needed to evaluate information and opinions expressed “Ad Vitam Paramus – We are Preparing for Life” Every person is unique. The School aims to: online or in the media and use them to be There has never been a better time to join West seek out and nurture the gifts and abilities of critical and questioning Craven High School. We are a small and vibrant every single student know and want to live in a way which will state secondary school, and we specialise in giving enable and encourage each student to maximise health, quality of life and the ability our students the individual attention that larger continue acquiring the skills, knowledge, self to play a useful part in society establishments can nd difcult. Every student at condence and articulateness needed to be able to relate to and communicate with West Craven is an individual, prized for their enable her or him to be a productive capable people of all ages and walks of life in an individual skills, and we work to ensure that each and responsible member of society articulate and self condent way student is able to achieve their personal goals. encourage students to put responsibility for appreciate and respect the diversity of people 100% of our students last year gained a place at a self, others and the environment at the become a person who will rise to the school or college sixth form or employment; centre of their lives. challenges faced by humankind and signicantly better than the national average. contribute to the well -being of the whole of society both locally, nationally and I hope that as a parent reading this booklet you Achieving a specied grade in a certain number internationally. will be able to get a avour of our very good of exams or reaching some other particular school. You will want to get as much information measure of academic progress is necessary to as possible about us, so please read our recent enable a student to access higher education and Ofsted report, in which we are judged to be a range of careers but there is more to education 'Good' in every category, and you are welcome to than academic grades. The School wants every visit the school to see us in action. student to:
Craig Baker BSC (Hons) PGCE NPQH behave well and comply with the school rules Headteacher be self motivated and self disciplined work hard and achieve all that she or he is capable of go on to whatever further education, training or employment which will best facilitate the continued development of his or her potential be a constructive and creative thinker
3 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. page 4
Admissions Policy and Procedures
Admissions for Year 7 Admissions for Years 8-11 Further information
For Years 8-11 applications should be made We invite applications to West Craven High West Craven High School directly to West Craven High School. School, our successful and inclusive community School Ofce school. If your child is a learner at another school you T: 01282 812292 will be asked to complete a 'transfer request Parents of Year 6 pupils will receive an form' which is available from West Craven High E: of[email protected] application form from Lancashire County School. We consider it vital that parents and Council upon which they can express a children visit the school and see us in action. preference for High School. This must be This is an important opportunity to ask completed and returned by the due date to the questions about school and to meet pupils and Local Authority. staff.
Children will be admitted at age 11 on an equal If we are able to offer your child a place we will basis up to the admission number. Where the work to ensure a smooth transition from their number of admissions exceeds the number of previous school to West Craven High School. places available, the Local Authority will apply We will make enquiries with their current school criteria to allocate places. to nd out about their ability and achievements; both in and out of the classroom. Your child's progress will be closely monitored by their Form If parents live outside Lancashire they are invited Tutor. to apply to West Craven High School using the application form provided by their own Local Authority. parent quote. ....;fdsfsdfdsfsdfdsfdff fdsfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdff ffsdfsdfsdfsdfsdffsdfsdfdsfsdfdsf
4 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. page 5
Home and School in PEmpowermentartnership Home-School Partnership Agreement School Lunches Recognising the importance of the Home- We operate a cashless system in the dining At West Craven High School the home-school School Partnership, we have an Agreement hall. Parents can credit their child’s account by partnership is of vital importance in ensuring a which has been produced by pupils, staff and cheque or cash. child's happiness and success at school. governors. All parents and pupils are expected to sign the Home-School Agreement as a symbol Personal Belongings Reporting to parents of their commitment and support to the school, its policies and procedures. The school cannot accept responsibility for We have a variety of ways reporting on your such items including mobile phones and child's progress including: Attendance personal music players. Expensive personal belongings should NEVER be brought to Parents evening: this provides the Regular attendance is of a paramount school. opportunity to meet your child's teachers importance to us as pupils can only achieve their exchange information, nd out about full potential if they are at school. We would Other items such as smoking paraphernalia progress and achievements in individual appreciate it if parents could telephone the and any items that compromise student safety subjects. school early on the rst day of your child's must not be brought into school. Written reports: once a year you will receive absence and send a letter to their Form Tutor. a written report on your child's progress. This will tell you about your child's Please endeavour to ensure that any medical behaviour and attitude to school. and dental appointments are made after school. Interim reports; each term parents are sent a summary data sheet indicating their child's Summary Information attainment in relation to their personal targets. We are only able to grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. We do have a Of course parents are always welcome to contact dedicated Attendance Ofcer who can offer the schoolpar withent quote. any concerns ....;fdsfsdfdsfsdfdsfdff or queries that they advice and support with any attendance issues. may havefdsfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdff about their child at any time. Our doors areffsdfsdfsdfsdfsdffsdfsdfdsfsdfdsf always open.
5 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. How we provide for Student Services Our School Community your child’s emotional Student Services is a specialist team of staff Discusses monitors and reviews our anti- well-being devoted to supporting all pupils to achieve their bullying policy regularly potential, under the leadership of our Assistant Supports staff to promote positive Head for Inclusion. At West Craven High School we aim to develop relationships and ensure pupils feel safe Supports students, parents and staff to the whole child and every child really does matter It consists of the Special Educational Needs to us. identify and tackle bullying appropriately Department, a nurture room, Heads of Upper Ensures pupils are aware that all bullying and Lower School and student support workers Equal Opportunities concerns will be dealt with sympathetically and a dedicated Attendance Ofcer who works and effectively to provide excellent attendance and punctuality. Keep parents fully informed of actions West Craven High School provides the taken in response to bullying concerns opportunity for each child to succeed to their full Student Services provides a port of call for parents who have a concern regarding any potential irrespective of gender, race, class, Travel disability or sexuality. aspect of their child's education.
Anti-Bullying Students can access the school by using Transition from Primary School designated school buses that serve Earby. Kelbrook and Salterforth. There are also Our denition of bullying is clear and simple: We work closely with all the feeder primary regular service buses from Nelson, Colne and schools to ensure that we are fully aware of your Foulridge. Students can cycle to school; we Several child's needs before they come to High School. have cycle storage facilities. Our induction process includes staff visits to Times On primary schools, a two day induction process for We do ask that parents dropping their child Purpose all children, taster days, parents' evenings and off by car use the bus turnaround and do not special arrangements for the integration of come on to the school site. children when necessary. At West Craven High School bullying of any form is unacceptable and is not tolerated. We We do encourage parents to talk to us and share encourage learners, parents and staff to work concerns, worries and wishes with us so that we together in reporting and resolving effectively can provide the best possible start for all children any incidences of bullying. in Year 7.
6 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Standards for This strategy is based on choices, chances and The Form Tutor and Learning manager will Learning consequences. Learners are always given the also see individuals on a regular basis to discuss chance to correct their behaviour but will be progress and targets and has the clearest given consequences if the wrong choice is picture of overall progress and academic West Craven students’ “attitudes to learning are made. achievement. good. Students are polite and well mannered. “ Ofsted Nov. 2013 Some students may need additional support in House system their learning. This may be for varying reasons All of our students are encouraged to be proud All learners belong to a House. The House is like and at different times in their school life. The of their school and benet from our strong a family providing support, encouragement learning support services at West Craven are commitment to high standards leading to their and people who know each other well. There completely individualised through appropriate outstanding achievements and academic are many opportunities to be involved in House referrals to Learning managers and the SENCO success. activities and competitions, and also many who work with students and their families to chances to win House points both academically, ensure that all students have the resources and We rmly believe that outstanding academic through sporting events and other team strategies to achieve their full potential. results are achieved by individuals who enjoy challenges during the student’s time with us. school life and are supportively challenged We rmly feel that it is essential that all young through a variety of carefully planned learning Student Voice e xperiences and developed a sense of people are prepared for learning and that any responsibility, self-discipline and a respect for perceived barriers to learning are rapidly What students think is important to us; we are a community, self, others, the environment and removed so that each student in our care feels listening school. There are many opportunities property. able to achieve academic and personal success. for students to become involved in the process of the school management. For example these High standards of behaviour are expected of all Form Tutor include standing for election to the school students at West Craven who are expected to council, participating in pupil consultations; The Form Tutor meets the group every day at take full responsibility for their actions and to being selected to interview panels for the registration and knows their students well and show courtesy and respect to staff, visitors and appointment of staff. Students’ views are key in is always available to help if problems arise. one another at all times. It is not acceptable for giving feedback to teachers on lessons. individuals to disrupt the learning of others and They are in most cases, the rst point of contact for parents. Any concerns, problems or we endeavour to support students to realise that Year 11 students are encouraged to apply for particular needs will usually be identied by all actions, both positive and negative, have the role of Prefect which is a very important the Form Tutor, who will liaise closely with consequences through our positive “behaviour position in school requiring students to be senior staff to ensure effective support and for learning strategy”. excellent role models and a commitment to help is provided. school values. 7 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Achievement Tracking Some students may have the option to take some vocational subjects where that is in their Examination Results We track student progress on a regular basis, via best interests. a system of reporting that identies students who We expect the best from our students. They require extra support. This tracking happens at Able, Gifted and Talented know that to achieve well in their future career least three times each year at Key Stage 3, but can We identify our most able, gifted and talented they will need to perform as well as they can in be as often as every two weeks during the vital students as soon as they arrive at West Craven, their examinations. In 2013 the Specialist examination years. We measure all students and we ask parents to let us know of any Schools and Academies Trust recognised West against an aspirational target for each subject particular talent their sons and daughters have Craven as being in the top 20% of most improved that is set using all the available information as soon as possible. Teachers are informed schools nationally. This track record of about the individual student. We offer a range of regularly about the needs of the students in their improving success has led to our GCSE results intervention strategies, with small group work classes in order to make sure they are being some of the best in the area, and we now and additional revision classes after school and in appropriately challenged. Our most able exceed national average outcomes in both the holidays. English and Mathematics. students make progress as well as or better than similar students nationally. Also in 2013 Ofsted inspected West Craven and Curriculum conrmed that we are a Good school where Special Educational Needs teaching is both Good and Outstanding and We have tailored our curriculum to suit the We have a well qualied and committed Special students make good progress. Our students are needs of our learners, with an interesting range Needs team who work with our small cohort of polite and well mannered, are well cared for and of subjects and topics being studied. SEN students. We provide as much support as feel safe at school, and the overwhelming Enhancement is provided by our partnership possible in the classroom environment, and we majority of parents support this view. Students’ working with Nelson & Colne College and minimise withdrawal for these students. Each above average attendance at school is a testament Craven College where students will benet from student has an individual support programme to their commitment to their learning. this. Students in years 7, 8 and 9 follow the National Curriculum and are set by ability. and their teachers are trained in its delivery. Our Emphasis is put on academic excellence and predominately non-teaching pastoral care team progress in learning skills and knowledge. The has both the time and the expertise to give vast majority of students in years 10 and 11 individual attention to the students under their follow GC SE routes, with the English care and they liaise regularly with the SEN team. Baccalaureate being taken by a growing number In this way we integrate our students in of students. mainstream education whatever their need, which prepares them well for their life after they leave West Craven. 8 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Teaching and Learning
“successful in improving teaching and raising All our young people receive a diet of support Techniques such as open questioning, sharing students' achievement”. and challenge, tailored to their needs, interests learning outcomes and success criteria, and Ofsted Nov. 2013 and abilities. focused marking have a powerful effect on the extent to which learners are enabled to take an During their time with us at West Craven all Close attention is paid to learners' knowledge, active role in their learning. students develop and mature from learners who skills, understanding and aptitudes. Learning is are dependent on their parents and teachers designed to connect existing and new learning Time is given for learners' reection and into independent mature individuals, with the and experiences in order to make it interesting, feedback to teachers. Whether individually or in drive and skills to adapt to changing demands relevant and allow students to see the bigger pairs, they review what they have learnt and how and solve problems. picture . It engages an interest in learning and they have learnt it. Their evaluations contribute identies, explores and corrects misconceptions. to their understanding. They know their levels A child's academic abilities are not related to his Learners are active and curious: they create of achievement and progress towards their or her socio-economic background, gender or their own hypotheses; ask their own questions; goals. ethnicity. Our lessons are designed to support encourage, support and coach one another; set the needs of each individual learner, with the goals for themselves; monitor progress and expectation that all achieve high standards experiment with new ideas. They develop an regardless of their individual starting points and understanding of the advantages in taking risks, circumstances. All our young people will leave knowing that mistakes and 'being stuck' are part West Craven prepared to learn, think creatively, of learning. These techniques allow our learners take risks and handle change as well as gaining to succeed regardless of their ability. an excellent grounding in a wide range of traditional and contemporary subjects. Assessment for Learning
Teachers use their skills and knowledge to Assessment is through formal testing and on- engage children and young people in learning, going informal teacher and self-review. Students acting quickly to adjust their teaching in monitor their own progress and, with their response to individual needs. All learning is teachers, identify their next steps for success and ' p e r s o n a l i s e d ' b y d i f f e r e n t i a t i n g t h e every stage. levels/activities of work in order to enhance progress, achievement and participation.
9 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Independent Learning
Homework provides a valuable opportunity for Please help us to ensure all young people their learners to develop their learning. We believe it full potential by giving homework the support provides opportunities for learners to develop and priority it deserves by talking to students independent study skills and promotes a love about their work and encouraging them not to and enjoyment of learning. Being able to learn leave it to the last minute! We know that independently and solve problems are skills that sometimes there are concerns about having too are essential for life. much or too little homework; by working in partnership we can ensure that we meet all We provide a mixture of different styles of students' needs. homework. In Key Stage 3 you can expect to get regular homework in all subjects. Many Celebrating Achievement departments have a creative approach to homework setting projects which allow learners As a school, we believe that the effort and to develop research skills and creativity. achievement of all learners should be valued and Occasionally, homework may take the form of a rewarded frequently. major project that will be on-going for the learners to complete at home. These provide Students are rewarded for a wide range of valuable preparation for Key Stage 4 controlled achievements in most areas of school life assessment work. including attendance, learning, progress, responsibilities undertaken, sporting Students write homework in their planner. We achievements and service to the school at several expect parents to review this every week and sign times throughout the year. In addition to the the planner to say that homework has been done merits and letters of praise given out in class, by the student. Form Tutors will then sign it to there are opportunities to attend reward trips at conrm that all the work has been written in. If the end of the autumn and summer terms, parents nd there is no homework they should receive Headteacher’s award cards for contact the Form Tutor in the rst instance. outstanding progress, attend annual awards ceremonies and many more.
10 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Curriculum Following a period of assessment (consisting of Enrichment opportunities are included Cognitive Ability Tests, Reading and Spelling through whole year/school enrichment days “Students receive an interesting range of assessments and consideration of Key Stage 2 and extra-curricular activities. subjects and topics that ensures that they enjoy data as well as teacher assessments done in the school. This contributes very effectively to their Key Stage 4 social and academic development and prepares rst half-term) pupils will be placed into sets them well for the next stage of their education, according to ability promptly in English, All students study a core curriculum of: training or employment.” Mathematics and Science. Setting for Arts, English OFSTED Nov 2013 Humanities and Modern Foreign Languages will Mathematics be nalised by the end of the rst term. Year 7 are Science/Human Health and physiology At West Craven we rmly believe that all learners currently taught in two half year bands. Religious Studies are unique and that regardless of ability, Physical Education disability, race or cultural background, they will From Year 8 onwards pupils will be taught in sets PSHE/Citizenship receive the highest quality education possible. based on abilities. Sets will be regularly reviewed We provide courses of study, teaching methods, in order to allow movement between sets. In Key Four further options are chosen to study for enrichment and work based learning Stage 4 Core subjects will be taught in sets but years 10 and 11. This list varies slightly year on opportunities which are individually tailored to option subjects will be taught in mixed ability year as recognised qualications change the wide range of needs, interests and groups. Teachers differentiate work in a variety of following the most up to date government aspirations of our learners. ways to cater for all pupils to ensure that there is advice available. West Craven operates a 25 lessons per week stretch and challenge for all. Typical GCSE Option Choices timetable, with ve, 1 hour lessons a day. Key Stage 3 House, Form and Year assemblies are held Triple Science Media Studies within registration time – 15 minutes every The Key Stage 3 curriculum is delivered over Art Drama day. two years. Learners follow a common Food Technology French/ German Learning for Life curriculum as follows: Geography Graphic Products English Mathematics History Child care From our induction days, Year seven pupils Science History Textiles Technology Business are placed in mixed ability tutor groups. Our Geography Religious Studies Computing Music Year 7 form tutors will teach their class for a ICT Art day each week as well as seeing them in form Design and Technology French/German Other Qualications time every day. This provides a strong link for Physical Education PSHE/Citizenship ifs level 2 certicate of personal nance students and parents during this crucial first Performing Arts – music and drama year at West Craven. Careers.
11 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Enrichment We are able to offer a wide range of activities; the After School Clubs traditional sports such as football, hockey, cricket We believe that education extends far beyond the and rugby being supplemented by others such as classroom, and our strong ethos of preparing our Our well equipped library is open to students rock climbing and orienteering. students for life means that we take our duty to from 8.30 am in the morning and is available at lunchtimes and after school, until 4pm. enrich our students’ experiences very seriously. Students feel strongly the need to contribute to The following take place on a regular basis: We have an exceptionally wide range of activities those who are not as advantaged as themselves, available at West Craven. and regularly engage in charitable activities, Art such as completing the Yorkshire three peaks Badminton Community Links challenge this year in support of Sport Relief. Duke of Edinburgh Award Students choose the charities they wish to English We have been serving the West Craven support, and this year they have helped one of Homework Club community for seventy years and we have strong our ex-students support a school in Cambodia (Prep) links with a number of partner organisations who and supported Save the Children and Children House competitions h o s t v i s i t s , p r o v i d e w o r k e x p e r i e n c e in Need as well as the Special Care Baby Unit at ICT opportunities and engage with our students in a Airedale Hospital and Pendleside Hospice. Maths variety of ways. We are pleased to work with Music companies such as the world famous HopeLunchtime Clubs Science Technologies, a company based in Barnoldswick At West Craven we run a range of lunchtime and who are proud to recruit from the area, and activities for all students, such as: Silent Night, one of our biggest local employers. Our students take part in a host of community 5 a side football events during the year such as the Poppy Appeal, Careers Pride of Barnoldswick and the Open Arts Drop-In Chess exhibition. Chill out Choir Sports Darts Fitness Physical Education is strength of West Craven. GCSE coursework We regularly get to the top of local leagues, and ICT our Year 9 football team are the reigning Library league champions. PAIS group Table Tennis 12 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Year 11 Common Room Whole School Activity Day
Thanks to the generosity of 'Keepmoat', the Our school motto – “Ad Vitam Paramus” – “We building company that is refurbishing the school, are preparing for Life” emphasises that we aim we have been able to furnish a Common Room to improve the whole child and not to focus for use by Year 11 students before and after solely on academic success. One of the many school and at lunchtime. When our students ways in which we seek to do this is to run an leave West Craven, they will have to be able to activity day for Year 7, typically in the rst manage their own social spaces, whether at work week in September. We take the year group or in further education, and this facility gives offsite, giving new students a chance to meet them an opportunity to practice taking that each other. For example, last year we booked a responsibility. Students use the room for cinema visit in the morning and a street party socialising and have tea and coffee making back at school in the afternoon. facilities. The Common Room is well run by the prefect team, and demonstrates the responsible attitude and trustworthiness that is so evident in Broadening Horizons our students. Residential Visits and Trips During the school year students are given as Year 11 Prom many opportunities for extra-curricular learning as possible. These visits are led by well The year 11 prom committee fund raise during qualied and experienced staff and can play an the year to provide decorations and activities at important part in students learning the skills of the end of year Prom, their celebration of their teamwork and cooperation. Any family with time at West Craven. They generously donate nancial difculties may approach us, in half of their funds to a local charity, and use the condence, for support with these visits. Some of rest to enhance the evening's experience, these activities are listed below: making this a really positive evening for all Lakeside Challenge involved. Duke of Edinburgh Award Ski Trip London Art Trip Geography Field Trip Mock Trial Enjoyneering 13 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. page 8
School Uniform Pencil case; pens, pencils, rubber, sharperner, Dress for Physical Education ruler, compass, protractor and set of The wearing of a school uniform instils a sense of coloured pens or pencils. pride and belonging, as well as reinforcing the Basic Kit for boys and girls A scientic calculator. high standards established at school. Our school u n i f o r m h a s b e e n d e v i s e d f o l l o w i n g White T shirt } Boys consultation with pupils, parents and staff. It is Navy shorts } all with school logo Black blazer – new sew on badge available designed to be smart and affordable. Navy sweatshirt } from school Navy & white hooped socks Formal black tailored school trousers Swimming costume (girls) Core Purpose White long sleeved shirt with formal collar Swimming trunks (boys) To ensure all pupils are well presented, Optional black V neck jumper Trainers ready for learning, demonstrating a sense of New school tie – clip on - available from pride and reinforcing high standards. school. Boys Low heeled, black shoes – no boots Navy & white football shirt with school logo Broad Purposes Black or white socks Football boots Religious head covering should be plain To ensure all pupils are equal in terms of black Optional for both boys and girls appearance. Navy track suit bottoms with school logo To provide smart and affordable clothing. Girls Navy weatherproof jacket To reect high standards. Black blazer - sew on badge available from school The following are strictly not allowed: In choosing West Craven High School parents Either black school skirt (no shorter than 2 inches above the knee) or formal black are making a commitment to ensure that their Drain pipe or tight trousers tailored school trousers children wear the correct uniform. If a pupil Low slung trousers White long sleeved shirt with formal collar comes to school incorrectly dressed they will be Jean type trousers (buttons fasten to neck – not a blouse) loaned the correct item of school uniform. Trousers with studs on Optional black V neck jumper Leggings or jeggings New school tie – clip on Equipment Sweatshirts or hoodies Low heeled, black shoes – no boots Patterned tights Apart from school uniform, the following lists Plain black tights / black or white socks Trainers, canvas shoes or boots of equipment are essential:- Religious head covering should be black. A sensible school bag for exercise books and Plain black salwar and kameez pe kit. 14 Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Ad Vitam Paramus . We are Preparing for Life. Headteacher; Mr Craig Baker
West Craven High School Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick Lancashire BB18 5TB
T: 01282 812292 F: 01282 850427