Welcome to

It is with great pleasure that I academy trust. We have strong and polite, they take their educati on introduce our school to you. Our relati onships with South seriously and give of their best. prospectus is intended to give you a College and are a member school of snapshot of our everyday life, and to the Chimney House Teaching School If you are considering Shavington provide informati on to support you in Alliance. As such we contribute to the as your school of choice, there are choosing a High School. professional learning of teachers and opportuniti es to have a tour during leaders, across Cheshire East. We are our Open Evening, where you can Shavington is a smaller than average our own admissions authority and meet staff and pupils, and see our rural secondary school, with a own our land and assets. faciliti es. We also host tours during reputati on both for high academic the school day. standards and exemplary pastoral This year, we have increased the care. As a small school, we are able transport available from to Please do not hesitate to contact the to get to know children’s personaliti es Shavington. Please ask the school for a school to arrange a visit with either and support their talents, aspirati ons map of the route. The new service is in myself or a member of my Senior and needs. It is important to us that additi on to long established routes to Leadership Team. our pupils enjoy their ti me at school, Weston, Wybunbury and Wistaston. and this infl uences the curriculum we Carol White off er, in additi on to the trips and visits As the Head Teacher of Shavington Head Teacher that we organise. since June 2010, I am very proud to have been part of the school’s growing In May 2014, Ofsted graded the school reputati on. Staff are professional and ‘Good’ in all areas: Achievement, committ ed, they join me in a collecti ve Teaching, Behaviour & Leadership. A drive for every child to enjoy the very copy of the report is enclosed in this best standard of educati on. Our aim prospectus. is to prepare our pupils successfully, so that they may embrace life with S E In September we became Shavington confi dence when they leave us as ANTUN Academy, the lead school in a new young adults. Pupils are well behaved As pupils begin with us

Pupils join Shavington from across the local area. Our transition coordinator visits primary schools to get to know pupils, first of all, in their familiar surroundings. Parents and pupils are welcome to make additional visits prior to beginning at our school. Though we work closely with a number of local primary schools, children from any school are welcome and are supported to make new friends and familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.

There are a range of events that take place at the start of the academic year to foster friendships and to help pupils to settle into their new school. Pupils are placed in form groups, and meet their tutor during the two induction days in June. In their first month at school in September, Year 7 are invited to visit Stanley Head, to get to know each other and their form tutors.

Pupils are placed in academic sets and their progress is monitored each half term. We encourage a dialogue with parents, to ensure that the group is right for their child. As a school we are committed to every individual’s progress.

In a survey of our Year 7s transition experience, we asked pupils how they were made to feel welcome. Here are some of their responses:

“I thought the pupils were supportive and so were the teachers” “The teachers were friendly and kind, they make you feel comfortable”

We asked them to give some advice to Year 6 joining Shavington. Here are some of the responses:

“Work hard in lessons, make new friends” “Just be yourself, behave and have lots of fun” “Think before you act and think about what you say” “Don’t be scared of making new friends. You will find great friends in your form and set.”

Homework

One of the significant challenges for pupils beginning high school is the organisation of the school day and homework.

We support our pupils to manage the demands of homework through a published calendar. A ‘Show My Homework’ page has open access, on the school’s website: www.shavington.academy.

On this page, resources required to complete homework can be downloaded and completion dates are published so that parents can support both their child and the school. English

The English department at Shavington is highly successful and achieves results that outperform national averages for results at A*-C and achievement of A* and A.

Pupils are taught by professional, enthusiastic, dynamic specialists who are passionate about teaching and sharing their love of English, Media and Literature. English is a skills-based subject which delves into both the real world and the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

Pupils enjoy an exciting, varied and inspiring range of topics which encompasses contemporary and classical literature, in addition to non-fiction. Pupils learn empathy and compassion using challenging stimuli. Rich opportunities are provided for pupils to explore emotions and experiences through texts, and pupils enjoy rising to the challenge of writing for varied audiences and purposes.

Pupils are taught the skills required for GCSE English and Literature examinations, and ultimately we enable them to become successful and articulate citizens.

Examples of our Extra Curriculum Activities include:

• National writing competitions Mathematics • Live Theatre and workshops • New York trip Our schemes of work help pupils to develop the core • Annual Harry Potter World Visit learning skills and understanding of a range of different • Theatre Visits elements of Mathematics and to prepare pupils for the • World Book Day celebrations demanding GCSE course. Whilst we strongly believe that a • Annual Readathon solid understanding of key mathematical skills is essential, it is becoming increasingly important for pupils to become ‘Attainment in English in particular is the highest the confident problem solvers, an approach which gives learners school has ever known.’ a far clearer understanding of how important Mathematics Ofsted 2014 is in real life situations and also how they can combine and apply skills from different areas of Mathematics to achieve well in the GCSE course.

All pupils take GCSE Mathematics. For those pupils considering A Level Mathematics, they have the option to also take GCSE Further Maths and receive further enrichment activities.

Mathematics is a universal language with which we understand the world around us and beyond. Pupils do and will continue to apply their knowledge and understanding of Mathematics every single day. It is therefore essential that we provide confident, skilled and numerate citizens ready to take on the mathematical challenges they will meet, both inside and outside the classroom.

‘Students make outstanding progress when teachers’ questioning challenges them to think more deeply about the topics they are studying.’ Ofsted 2014 The English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) Science

A significant number of pupils study triple science: GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry, though pupils can take two or one science qualifications, depending on their strength. Child Development is a popular option taught in the Science Department also. Pupils learn through a range of demanding challenges, focussed discussions and practical tasks in an enjoyable and collaborative way. Visiting speakers, competitions and science clubs bring science to life for pupils.

Science at work has been promoted when Year 8 pupils visited Daresbury Laboratory for a ‘Physics at Work’ day. Year 7 pupils saw chemistry in action when a Professor from Salford University demonstrated experiments with dry ice during Science Week. Year 9 pupils have been involved in the Girls into Engineering project and made models relating to the HS2 railway project. Science Club runs weekly for lower school pupils.

‘The quality of teaching is good, with examples of outstanding practice in a range of subjects.’ Ofsted 2014 Modern Foreign Languages

Pupils study French in Years 7, 8 and 9 and the majority of pupils will also study Spanish as a second language. Pupils Humanities have the opportunity to take Languages at GCSE and to visit a European country through an inexpensive educational The Humanities are made up of Geography, History, visit. Details of the trips for the year are published in Philosophy & Ethics, Citizenship and Archaeology. Learning September. is lively and fun, supported by a wide range of visits and speakers. These include Geography field trips to the Peak District and North Wales, History visits to Edinburgh, Berlin and the First World War battlefields and Philosophy & Ethics education visits to religious and spiritual centres.

Humanities are very popular subjects that promote independent thought. Whatever the learning environment and context, pupils are encouraged to consider the impact of a range of experiences upon the human race in a sensitive and critical way, whilst looking for ways in which we can learn from these experiences. ICT & Computing

It is our aim to enable all pupils to be proficient, safe, confident and discriminating users of Information Technology. Pupils experience a wide range of software and hardware, and through analysing and solving problems, develop their skills. Topics include cloud computing, 3D design, office applications, the online world, animation, editing film and sound files, web design, and programming in a variety of languages.

All pupils have access to an ICT qualification. Art

The Arts are a strength of the school. Through Arts Mark designation, we encourage all pupils to participate in the expressive arts. Participation goes far beyond the classroom, with opportunities to work with professional artists and to appreciate their work.

In Art, pupils visit galleries and sculpture parks and can attend Art Clubs. Visiting artists also provide challenging opportunities for pupils. Whilst many pupils are highly successful in GCSE Art, we look to offer additional experiences to broaden pupils’ appreciation of the Arts.

Music

In Music, pupils are encouraged to play instruments and we offer peripatetic tuition for a number of musical instruments, at a subsidised rate. Pupils play and perform together in Concert Band, Brass Group, Saxophone Group, Choir, Samba and Guitar & Ukulele Groups.

They perform concerts in school and in the wider community, for example at the Cheshire Show and Music for Youth Festivals, and are invited to perform at Cheshire East’s Citizenship Ceremony. The department works closely with The Love Music Trust Hub and The Cooperative Wind Band from Crewe performing joint concerts for the local community.

All pupils have access to a GCSE or equivalent qualification and instrumental qualification.

Physical Education ‘Students are making good progress and reach above average standards in English and Mathematics by the end Pupils are involved in sports such as dance, gymnastics, of Year 11. Achievement is impressive in other subjects too.’ trampolining, , cross-country, multi skills, Ofsted 2014 hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, rounders, rugby, cricket and basketball. Physical Education at Shavington goes beyond the curriculum through to clubs and activities. In particular, we are proud of:

• Strong representation in the South Cheshire Squad for Cross Country • Regular Football finalists in the South Cheshire Cup • High participation levels in the local Netball leagues • Regular Basketball winners in South Cheshire • Regular fitness monitoring • GCSE PE visit to Manchester Metropolitan University Sports Science department • Original members of the School Sports partnership programme

PE develops team work and contributes to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to core PE lessons, pupils are able to develop their skills further by taking GCSE PE or BTec Level 2 Sport. Puplis benefit from a Dance Studio and Fitness Suite. Care, Guidance and Support

We are committed to supporting academic achievement together with pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing. We have the Inclusion Quality Mark, recognising our work in these areas and Dyslexia Friendly School status.

From time to time, pupils may need extra support to enable them to enjoy, achieve and stay safe. Support Includes:

• Lunch clubs • Careers advice • Pupil Ambassadors • Pastoral Manager group and individual support • A Graduate Mentor • Teaching Assistant support • Specialist support for dyslexia ‘The Year 11 leavers’ celebration assembly, with • Literacy and numeracy support, including 1-2-1 tuition its theme of ‘kindness’ was a joy to attend.’ • Individual support for vulnerable pupils Ofsted 2014 • Nurture groups • Homework club, dyslexia club and additional lessons after school • Film Club • Science Club • Work with partner agencies, including School Health, CaMHs, the Educational Psychology Service, the Behaviour Support Team, the Educational Welfare Service and the Sensory Impairment Service.

Supporting our pupils as they approach examinations is very important. At Shavington, we organise a range of activities to support revision and to help pupils to manage examination stress. We asked our pupils about the exam preparation that they had received, our pupils said:

“Paired with revision (the sessions) are incredibly helpful; they calm me down and prepare me for the materials on the paper”. “Teachers help to calm nerves as well as making sure that I know how to answer each question exactly.” Becoming a citizen at Shavington

As a small school, we offer a calm and nurturing environment in which pupils can develop their interests and prepare for adult life. It is our belief that all pupils have the ability to make a positive contribution to society. Pupils are encouraged to speak out and get involved through:

• Contributing to parents’ evenings and Open Evening • Student leadership • Gifted and Talented events • Charity fundraising • Head Boy, Head Girl and the Prefects Team • Sports leadership • Performances • A diverse range of school activities and competitions

Progressing from Shavington

Schools have a responsibility to prepare young people for the work place and we take our responsibility seriously. We are proud to say that we offer a work experience to each pupil, once they have begun their option subjects, and before they make college choices.

Pupils engage in interview practice and enjoy a structured and informed transition to post 16. The vast majority of our pupils see as their sixth form, however, we provide information and opportunities so that pupils can make an informed choice. The vast majority of our pupils continue to study post 18. The House System

The House System at Shavington is an important part of In 1947 Rosalind went to The Central Government each child’s identi fy, and gives an extra sense of camaraderie Laboratory for Chemistry in Paris where she worked on and belonging. Form groups join a house on entry, and X-ray diff racti on unti l 1951 when she moved to King’s stay in their house for the durati on of their educati on at College, London. Rosalind produced X-ray diff racti on Shavington. pictures of DNA which were published in Nature in April 1953. This played an important role in establishing the Our Houses are named aft er three important 20th Century structure of DNA. Rosalind joined John Bernal at Birkbeck fi gures, who all dedicated themselves to their work, showed College to carry out research into the tobacco mosaic courage and also humility. virus. In 1957 Rosalind began to work on the polo virus.

Owen House Pupils in Franklin House have a Gold Stripe on their ti e.

Wilfred Edward Salter Owen MC (18 March 1893 – 4 November 1918) was a Briti sh poet Lowry House and soldier, one of the leading poets of the First Laurence Stephen Lowry (1 November 1887 – 23 February World War. His shocking, 1976) was an English arti st born in Barrett Street, Stretf ord, realisti c war poetry on Lancashire. Many of his drawings and painti ngs depict the horrors of trenches nearby Salford and surrounding areas where he lived and and gas warfare was worked for over 40 years. in stark contrast to the public percepti on of war He had a disti ncti ve style of painti ng and is best known at the ti me. for urban landscapes peopled with human fi gures oft en referred to as “matchsti ck men”. He also painted mysterious Prior to the outbreak of World War I, he worked as a private landscapes, portraits, and the secret ‘marionett e’ works tutor teaching English and French at the Berlitz School of (the latt er only found aft er his death). A large collecti on of Languages in Bordeaux, France. He was killed in acti on at Lowry’s work is on permanent public display in a purpose the Batt le of the Sambre a week before the war ended. built art gallery on Salford Quays, appropriately named The telegram from the War Offi ce announcing his death ‘The Lowry’. was delivered to his mother’s home as her town’s church bells were ringing in celebrati on of the Armisti ce when the war ended.

Pupils in Owen House have a Silver Stripe on their ti e.

Franklin House

Rosalind Elsie Franklin (25 July 1920 – 16 April 1958) was born in London Pupils in Lowry House have a Purple Stripe on their ti e. on 25th July 1920. SA E Rosalind studied N NTTheU three Assistant Headteachers of the school are Heads chemistry and physics of Houses, and at Shavington, the houses compete on at Newnham College, almost everything, to involve as many pupils as possible. Cambridge, and in 1942 began carrying out House competi ti ons have included: research at the Briti sh Coal Uti lizati on Research • Presentati on Perfecti on Associati on. Over the • The Shavington Bake Off next four years she • Tug of War helped develop carbon • Spelling Bee fi bre technology. • Att endance • Sports Day S E ANTUN