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The qualifications that will open doors for our work as they are challenged through schemes such as as such schemes through challenged are they as work with respect; a supportive environment in students allowing them to aspire with confidence Larkmead is extremely pleased that in recent years all all years recent in that pleased extremely is Larkmead common built purpose own their enjoy formers Sixth Sixth formers enjoy their own purpose built common Larkmead is extremely pleased that in recentEnterprise. yearsYoung all which any type of bullying or discrimination Our school ethos in a demanding, changing and exciting world of our Sixth Form students have secured their first first their secured have students Form Sixth our of areas study dedicated two have they addition In room. room. In addition they have two dedicated study areas of our Sixth Form students have secured their first Students are expected to complete work placementsis not in tolerated and they can grow in in placements work complete to expected are Students choice universities, or have been able to follow their their follow to able been have or universities, choice to access with study private and research for aside set set aside for research and private study with accessLarkmead to choice School universities, is a caring or have and been carefully able to follow fostered their year 10 and CV writing and interviewing skills playconfidence. an Our students are trusted with an play skills interviewing and writing CV and 10 year dreams to become professional performers or secured secured or performers professional become to dreams facilities. computer computer facilities. ‘learningdreams community’ to become professional built on trust performers and respect,or secured essential role in helping our students plan for theirmore responsibility as they become young their for plan students our helping in role essential highly regarded placements in industry. in placements regarded highly in which everyhighly student regarded matters. placements It inis industry.a community that adults – are aspirational guidance and youngsupport people monitoring equipped for Arrangements Arrangements for monitoring support and guidanceencourages are and enables every student to enjoy theirfutures. to succeed, withby thegood” ability“very as to makedescribed aand real developed well well developed and described as “very good” by Our annual Careers Fair offers all students the time at school, tothe exceedstudents expectations,all offers Fair toCareers be proudannual Our of and positive are that differencegroups tutor into a demandingattached are andStudents Ofsted. Ofsted. Students are attached to tutor groups that are opportunity to meet with employers, university and their and achievementsuniversity andemployers, with to bemeet awareto of theiropportunity changing world.an is there and school the in elsewhere than smaller smaller than elsewhere in the school and there is an college representatives to explore future options further. further. options responsibilityfuture explore to in the widerrepresentatives world.college emphasis on small tutorial meetings. tutorial small on emphasis emphasis on small tutorial meetings. Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp1-2.pdf 1 11/09/2017 08:56

Our Key Values: Respect Trust Openness Understanding Warmth Humility Ambition C We nurture: M

Y Independence CM Creativity MY Initiative CY

CMY Aspiration K Making a difference Empathy At Larkmead, students will find an ordered Hard Work and inclusive community that treats them with respect; a supportive environment in which any type of bullying or discrimination Our school ethos is not tolerated and they can grow in Larkmead School is a caring and carefully fostered confidence. Our students are trusted with ‘learning community’ built on trust and respect, more responsibility as they become young in which every student matters. It is a community that adults – aspirational young people equipped encourages and enables every student to enjoy their to succeed, with the ability to make a real time at school, to exceed expectations, to be proud of and positive difference in a demanding and their achievements and to be aware of their changing world. responsibility in the wider world. Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp3-4.pdf 1 11/09/2017 08:57

Larkmead is a happy, successful school that nurtures character through our ethos of “one community, individual minds, creating futures.”

As “one community” we value each member of the Larkmead family. Our caring and supportive culture develops students and staff, with a focus on mutual respect, well-being and the power of working together. Our excellent pastoral care supports and encourages every student through compassion, security and confidence. Our positive and effective behaviour for learning enables all students to succeed and make good progress.

‘Individual minds’ encourages personality, flair and diversity, the spark in our students and staff that makes Larkmead such a thriving and exciting school. Our students learn new skills and develop new passions through curiosity, challenge and celebration in a school where they can be themselves and flourish.

C ‘Creating futures’ means inspiring ambition, resilience and ingenuity. High expectations provide the springboard for success every day, in

M examinations and on into the future. A Larkmead education is for life, giving each of our young people the opportunities, passion and confidence to head out into the world, ready for the exciting challenges ahead. Y

CM Great teaching and learning across the school are supported by our culture of research and collaboration. Each student gets the very best experience to enable them to achieve their ambitions, developing as actors, artists, coders, cooks, craftspeople, dancers, engineers, explorers, geographers, historians, linguists, mathematicians, musicians, MY performers, scientists, writers and so much more.

CY Our thriving Sixth Form is integral to our school, providing our younger students with role models of hard work, engagement and success. Larkmead Sixth Form is part of our CMY pathway to creating exciting futures through further study, employment, apprenticeship or university. We welcome students from Abingdon and beyond to join in this success.

K Our school benefits from strong partnerships. Larkmead is a member of Vale Academy Trust, a family of local schools sharing expertise, resources and inspiration in our determination to provide the very best for our students. We work very closely with primary and secondary schools across the Abingdon Partnership, and we collaborate in the Sixth Form with Abingdon & Witney College, Fitzharrys and John Mason. Our collaborations with Abingdon School, St Helen & St Katherine, universities, employers and many others provide fantastic opportunities for our students to shine.

Students benefit from a truly impressive range of enrichment opportunities. We are proud to have earned the prestigious Arts Mark Gold award, recognising all of the great confidence boosting creativity that our students enjoy. With Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold, success in the sporting arena, clubs, workshops, visits and special events, every student at Larkmead has the space and setting to shine.

Our prospectus and website give you an insight into what makes Larkmead such a positive community. To discover more and meet our fantastic students, please contact the school and we’d be delighted to share all that makes Larkmead special.

Jonathan Dennett Headteacher Larkmead School Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp3-4.pdf 1 11/09/2017 08:57

This school believes that all students have the capacity to achieve and that all students can make progress towards important life goals. To do so, they need a well-ordered and stimulating environment – one in which hard work inspires students to create their own futures, while also developing skills for life. Hence our strapline: One Community | Individual Minds | Creating Futures.

Our recent Ofsted report commends the order and the quality of teaching at Larkmead. However, we know that for students to progress really well, we need to harness their inner strength and to encourage self-confidence. Developing the whole student and high expectations are therefore integral to our core approach.

To make great progress, we have great ways of supporting students:

Strong pastoral support Our pastoral system looks after the needs of our many and varied students, providing opportunities for individuals to benefit from specialist support when necessary. We C also help students to push themselves, to discover their personal strengths and to carve out their own futures. They can track their progress through their PiXL Edge

M portfolio and work on four key learning skills during tutor-based activities.

Y Focus on study skills We believe that students need to know how to work and study, as well as when to do so. Our educational philosophy is built on breaking down academic progress into clear and explainable learning CM behaviours and study skills. If students commit totally to their learning and their future, the underpinning skills through which our subjects are taught and our emphasis on social behaviours and social responsibility will enable every individual to achieve. MY

CY Collaborative partnerships No school can – or should – do all of this on its own. We have a responsibility to work with key partners to increase the opportunities for our students and their chances of success. First and CMY foremost, Larkmead is a member of the Vale Academy Trust, a group of local schools determined to provide the best educational opportunities for its collective students. We work closely with the

K Vale to maximise educational development for our students and explore the benefits of working with another outstanding secondary school. This alliance provides rigour and challenge as well as vast potential for enrichment and opportunity.

We also work with the Abingdon Partnership of Schools and share a sixth form provision with John Mason School, Fitzharrys School and with the Abingdon & Witney College. This extends our sixth form offer and it’s enabling students to achieve results that take them to the next stage of their life – whether that happens to be Oxbridge or higher apprenticeships.

We have also been collaborating closely with local non-state schools, including St Helen & St Katherine and the Abingdon School, widening the opportunities for all schools on Faringdon Road.

Community engagement Larkmead is a community school and we welcome the local community into our school. We now host the Abingdon Music Centre and also work with the environmental and engineering company Ricardo Plc – again broadening opportunities for our students while embracing the wider community. Students are engaged in STEM activities that are actively informing their future career choices.

Enrichment opportunities Finally, at a time when the Arts are under pressure in schools, we pride ourselves on our provision and connections. As one of the very few Artsmark Gold schools in Oxfordshire, we have a rich and exciting Visual and Performing Arts offer. We have linked with many professional organisations, both in London and New York, and we’re currently working with BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz to expand the facilities at the school and to find professional mentoring for our talented students.

As you can see, we have a great deal to offer prospective students and their parents. But don’t just take our word for it. Come along and see for yourself – we’d love to meet you. “The stimulating and caring ethos in the school enables pupils to make strong progress “Teaching has improved. and achieve well.” It is now at least consistently

Ofsted 2019 good and sometimes outstanding, across subjects and all year groups.”

Primary to secondary school transition Ofsted 2015 The Larkmead Experience starts in Years 5 and 6. We recognise that the transition from primary to secondary school is a huge step – for parents as well as students. That’s why we developed a programme that we believe makes this transition smooth and stress-free.

Firstly, local primary school students are invited to our The students have the opportunity to raise any Student support and wellbeing Stepping Stones, our pastoral support department, Open Days. These are held twice a year, usually in the concerns and to have any questions answered. offers pastoral care and support for vulnerable summer and autumn terms. Individual appointments The Key Stage 3 Coordinator also discusses each We want your child’s time at Larkmead to be an students or those experiencing any difficulties. They for prospective students are available throughout the student with their primary school class teacher. This enjoyable learning experience. For this reason, we have work closely with our Directors of Learning and school year if these are more convenient. discussion is very important, as it provides us with a number of support teams in place. external agencies and provide a link between school knowledge about friendship groups, interests and and parents in a friendly environment. The transition programme then continues in the hobbies, as well as academic information about each Our tutors have daily contact with students and are the primary schools, when Larkmead staff offer workshops child. first point of contact should parents or students have Larkmead is fortunate to have access to a school for students in Years 5 and 6. This allows students to any worries. Directors of Learning will become involved counselling service, working with the highly regarded become familiar with Larkmead teachers and, as some We recognise that the transition is even more of a if concerns persist. Abingdon Bridge, who can offer specialist help and of the workshops make use of the facilities at challenge for some of our more vulnerable students. assistance to students and parents. We also have a trained school nurse, who works closely with the Larkmead, the students also become familiar with our To help them settle in more quickly, we also offer a is available throughout the school Student Services pastoral team. site. week-long Summer School – an event that has proved day to assist students and parents with any issues to be highly successful with invited participants. affecting student wellbeing. Once a student has chosen Larkmead School, the We also have peer mentors – sixth form students who programme continues in Year 6. At this point, every For the past five years, we have taken the whole of our volunteer for the role. They help students in the student is visited by the Key Stage 3 Coordinator and Year 7 group on a residential trip. This brings the whole younger years to gain confidence around their peers current Year 7 students, who chat with them about life group together, helping to build friendships and further and to feel happy and comfortable during their time at at Larkmead. ease the transition from primary to secondary school. Larkmead. One community “The values of tolerance, respect and fairness are woven throughout the school.” “Pupils behave very well at the school. They are kind and Ofsted 2015 respectful towards each other and their teachers.”

Ofsted 2019 Primary to secondary school transition

The Larkmead Experience starts in Years 5 and 6. We recognise that the transition from primary to secondary school is a huge step – for parents as well as students. That’s why we developed a programme that we believe makes this transition smooth and stress-free.

Firstly, local primary school students are invited to our The students have the opportunity to raise any Student support and wellbeing Stepping Stones, our pastoral support department, Open Days. These are held twice a year, usually in the concerns and to have any questions answered. offers pastoral care and support for vulnerable summer and autumn terms. Individual appointments The Key Stage 3 Coordinator also discusses each We want your child’s time at Larkmead to be an students or those experiencing any difficulties. They for prospective students are available throughout the student with their primary school class teacher. This enjoyable learning experience. For this reason, we have work closely with our Directors of Learning and school year if these are more convenient. discussion is very important, as it provides us with a number of support teams in place. external agencies and provide a link between school knowledge about friendship groups, interests and and parents in a friendly environment. The transition programme then continues in the hobbies, as well as academic information about each Our tutors have daily contact with students and are the primary schools, when Larkmead staff offer workshops child. first point of contact should parents or students have Larkmead is fortunate to have access to a school for students in Years 5 and 6. This allows students to any worries. Directors of Learning will become involved counselling service, working with the highly regarded become familiar with Larkmead teachers and, as some We recognise that the transition is even more of a if concerns persist. Abingdon Bridge, who can offer specialist help and of the workshops make use of the facilities at challenge for some of our more vulnerable students. assistance to students and parents. We also have a trained school nurse, who works closely with the Larkmead, the students also become familiar with our To help them settle in more quickly, we also offer a is available throughout the school Student Services pastoral team. site. week-long Summer School – an event that has proved day to assist students and parents with any issues to be highly successful with invited participants. affecting student wellbeing. Once a student has chosen Larkmead School, the We also have peer mentors – sixth form students who programme continues in Year 6. At this point, every For the past five years, we have taken the whole of our volunteer for the role. They help students in the student is visited by the Key Stage 3 Coordinator and Year 7 group on a residential trip. This brings the whole younger years to gain confidence around their peers current Year 7 students, who chat with them about life group together, helping to build friendships and further and to feel happy and comfortable during their time at at Larkmead. ease the transition from primary to secondary school. Larkmead. One community Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp7-8.pdf 1 11/09/2017 08:58

“Pupils’ well-being and personal development, including their mental health, have a high priority and are very well catered for.”

Ofsted 2019

CM Students in Key Stage 3 are organised into ability Students can follow a traditional academic route, take MY Our learning environment bands in some subjects, streamed in other and taught on a wider range of practical subjects, make the most CY of our school’s Arts specialism or select from an A rich, rewarding curriculum together at certain times. We use the first term of Year CMY Our rich, vibrant, stimulating curriculum offers a wide 7 to compile the groups, drawing on our experience of increasing number of new courses, including K range of subjects to suit all learning interests – working with the students for that initial period of time. Computing and Media. everything from Dance to Media to Citizenship to Sports Studies. The curriculum at Larkmead is For Key Stage 4 students the options system has Many of these subjects can then be studied at Key continually developing to offer an engaging, enjoyable been expanded to enable individuals to follow the Stage 5 level. and exciting range of subjects and experiences for all courses that best suit their own learning styles, students. Naturally taking into account the local and interests and career aspirations. national context, it maintains at its heart the principle of individualised learning, offering the very best and most appropriate experience for each student. Individual minds Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp7-8.pdf 1 11/09/2017 08:58

“Students have very good attitudes to learning.... They cooperate well with one another and are able to stay focused on their work…. As a result students make rapid progress.”

Ofsted 2015

“Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy the wide range of activities and clubs on offer.”

Ofsted 2019

Y Student leadership Artsmark Gold accreditation Overseas trips have seen Larkmead students visiting We have excellent sports facilities at the school, with many of Our wider opportunities As a school that specialises in Visual and Performing France, Germany, Belgium, Morocco and New York. our facilities being available to the local community outside of CM Larkmead’s elected Student Voice committee Arts, you might expect the Arts to be at the very heart school hours and at weekends. We have recently opened a MY symbolises a wider sense and importance of ‘student A strong Student Voice of everything that we do – and it is. We are very proud Extra-curricular Activities Multi-Use Games Area, allowing year-round opportunities for voices’ at the school. We recognise that our CY Larkmead has an established, and always developing, to have achieved the Artsmark Gold accreditation and All Larkmead students are encouraged to join our rich netball, tennis, football and much more. Our students can community should be co-constructed with all key CMY Student Voice committee. This mature structure of we’re now preparing to apply for the highly prized programme of extra-curricular activities and this is now enjoy a vastly increased range of opportunities as a stakeholders – and none are more key than our Platinum Award. recognised through our rewards scheme. Students can result of our membership of the Vale Academy Trust. K tutor, year and whole school representatives – elected take part in activities and performances in Dance, by their peers – plays a significant role in the students. For this reason, you’ll find our students at the At Larkmead, students are introduced to many new art Drama and Music as well as a host of other activities, Larkmead students always have the opportunity to get management and functions of the school. Student heart of school development and innovation. forms, either through curriculum time, extra-curricular such as Chess, Debating and Carnegie Book Award involved in the numerous sports clubs held at lunch and after Voice meets with Larkmead’s Leadership Team on a clubs or by working with professional artists. They Shadowing. We also hold a Youth Club for students, school – whether it’s football, netball, athletics, badminton or regular basis, acting as a critical student friend to the Enterprising achievements acquire skills and a sense of enjoyment that will remain which takes place after school one evening each week rugby. management of the school and as a sounding board Students at Larkmead School display their enterprise with them throughout their lives. Many of our most during term time. for innovation. It is represented on the Governing Body skills in many creative ways. Young Enterprise is an talented students are mentored by London-based We understand, that mainstream physical education is not for professionals. everyone. Our Sports Plus programme aims to give every and a student-led panel is part of every prospective annual sixth form business venture that’s organised on Physical education This is an important part of the curriculum – we are student the opportunity to be involved in sport, whatever their teaching appointment in the school. a national scale for innovative young entrepreneurs. committed to the philosophy of ‘Sport For All’ at ability. We tailor the programme to suit each student’s needs. Our school team recently topped the county, seeing off Visits at home and abroad Larkmead offers an ambitious programme of visits, Larkmead. We believe in developing excellence and Using advice from the Physiotherapy Service, Occupational competition from all schools with their ‘business stand’ The public face of our students can be seen in the both at home and abroad. Recent visits include the the value of competitive sport, but we also seek to Therapy Service and Physical Disability Outreach Service to success of our Public Speaking teams – including at the Saïd Business School in Oxford. Stock Exchange, the Tate Gallery, the National Science instil an appreciation of the enjoyment and health include a physical exercise programme that incorporates any being placed second in the South of England National Museum, London theatre visits, Oxford Colleges, benefits that a lifelong involvement in physical activity already existing physiotherapy programmes. Universities and Pineapple Dance Studios in London. can bring. Rotary Public Speaking Competition. Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp9-10 v2.pdf 1 15/09/2017 14:24

“At Larkmead students will find an ordered community that treats them with respect, where bullying is not tolerated...”

“I was so impressed by the students at Larkmead. Together we looked at the importance Duke of Edinburgh Award of original thinking and developing our ideas independently - The popular Duke of Edinburgh Award thrives at something that is clearly instilled within the ethos of the school. Larkmead. The scheme is offered to students in Year 10 and above and includes leisure, recreational and The poems they produced were fantastic - really outdoor activities, alongside the opportunity for thought-provoking and full of life. I’m looking forward coming students to become involved in service to the back to steal them at a later date!”. community. Once again, our membership of the Vale Mark Grist - Author Academy Trust widens opportunities for our Duke of Edinburgh students.

Valued alumni links Inclusive Sports Festival We are proud of all of our students – past and Each year, we host an annual interschool Inclusive present. Our alumni include representatives of Sports Festival. Disabled students from schools all C all the professions as well as professional over Oxfordshire are invited to participate in a fun day M footballers, dancers and singers, as well as and to enjoy activities that they may not previously Y owners of niche businesses and directors of have had a chance to experience. This event has CM large companies. We are fortunate that our links been supported in the past by inspirational role MY with these and other key players in industry models, such as double Paralympic Judo medalist Ian CY allow us to further enhance opportunities for Rose. CMY current Larkmead students, by enabling them to Residential experiences Activities Week K work alongside practitioners and learn from their Outside learning opportunities Larkmead attaches great importance to the range of The school is very proud of the final week of the year, wealth of knowledge and experience. The Larkmead School Garden flourishes in more ways residential experiences it offers. These are designed to when our whole philosophy is encapsulated as than one. The garden was set up by a group of encourage personal and social development by giving students participate in an array of on- and off-site Published authors students and was officially opened in 2013 by BBC students opportunities to be away as a group, activities, offering experiences and opportunities that Our students have been fortunate to work with Radio Gardening Expert, Steve Relton. experiencing some independence from home. Some of they will remember long after they have left Larkmead. ‘writers-in-residence’ over recent years, the courses we participate in are closely related to These experiences range from Arts-based activities, in producing published anthologies of short stories It provides an invaluable outside learning space for specific subjects such as the Battlefields Tour, a visit to keeping with our specialism, to extreme physical and poetry. We are very proud that Larkmead students with special education needs and has been Auschwitz in Poland and the Geography trip to the challenges such as mountain biking, kayaking and has a growing community of published authors extended to include a new polytunnel. This enables Netherlands. We make use of the PGL Adventure climbing, to trips abroad. The year ends on an exciting within the student body. students to grow greater varieties of plants Centre at Osmington Bay in Dorset to enable all of our note of adventure and challenge for students and staff throughout the year, while also providing additional Year 7 students to take part in a challenging residential alike. space for more students to get involved. experience. Creating futures Larkmead 2017 12pp (HR) pp11-12.pdf 1 11/09/2017 09:01

“The sixth form is an inclusive and encouraging environment where students make rapid progress. As a result of effective academic and pastoral support, students are successfully prepared for a wide range Creating of higher education, apprenticeships and employment.” futures Ofsted 2019

C Careers Advice We recognise that we play a vital role in preparing our M The successful futures for our students will students for life and we are fortunate to have our own Y Sixth Form Opportunities depend on three key elements: dedicated Careers Advisor acting as the invaluable Choice – The Abingdon Sixth Form Partnership CM We are proud of our vibrant and friendly sixth form. Students at Larkmead benefit from a partnership lynchpin between school and industry. The Advisor is MY We strive to help students gain both academic across Abingdon Town comprising the three secondary The values that underpin our community available at all times during the school day to discuss success and acquire transferable life skills. We schools and a further education college. In a typical characterising our students and their outlooks CY future options with students, including staying on at understand that universities and employers look year, students can choose from over 30 As/A2 CMY school, going to college/university, apprenticeships and beyond academic success and students are given subjects, from Art to Theatre Studies, Biology to The skills that underpin the learning community K the world of work. opportunities to develop skills outside of the classroom Psychology and Law to Philosophy. Our options grid that is Larkmead School setting. The popularity of the sixth form is illustrated by also gives the students considerable flexibility in getting From Year 8 our students start preparing for a life within the rise in numbers year upon year. the combination of subjects that is right for them. The qualifications that will open doors for our work as they are challenged through schemes such as students allowing them to aspire with confidence Young Enterprise. Sixth formers enjoy their own purpose built common Larkmead is extremely pleased that in recent years all in a demanding, changing and exciting world room. In addition they have two dedicated study areas of our Sixth Form students have secured their first Students are expected to complete work placements in set aside for research and private study with access to choice universities, or have been able to follow their year 10 and CV writing and interviewing skills play an computer facilities. dreams to become professional performers or secured essential role in helping our students plan for their highly regarded placements in industry. futures. Arrangements for monitoring support and guidance are well developed and described as “very good” by Our annual Careers Fair offers all students the Ofsted. 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