2 18/19 PROSPECTUS “The first day I came I was worried that I A caring transition wouldn’t fit in but I was wrong. I’ve got loads Welcome to of new friends. This is a great school” (Year 7 pupil) Here at Hawthorn we understand where they have been used to a Hawthorn High School that the move to secondary school more intimate environment. can be stressful for parents and pupils alike so we do all we can to In the Autumn term parents are mature example so that mutual respect achieving at least 5 A*/As at GCSE and reassure and support pupils, whilst invited to chat to teachers and help and tolerance are the cornerstones of Sixth form students being admitted to Dear Parents, helping them to understand and to set targets for future academic Choosing the best school for your child is school life. university places of their choosing (including Yale and Russell Group respond to new challenges and progress at a special presentation a vitally important decision. Parents need opportunities. evening where pupils deliver to be sure that, in addition to a sound As a school we are very proud of the Universities); these results are testament education, pupils will be cared for in a young people in our care and their to the academic support that the school presentations on the early progress happy and safe environment. In this excellent levels of attendance, academic provides for pupils of all abilities. During their nal year in primary that they have made at Hawthorn prospectus we o er you an insight into and sporting successes and participation school Year 6 pupils spend several High School. some of the opportunities available to in a wide range of extra- curricular I hope that this prospectus provides all days with us so that they can explore your children at Hawthorn High School. activities. Our sta are dedicated to the information you might need but we the school, meet the relevant “The school’s provision for students’ helping each child achieve his or her full are always delighted to welcome visitors teaching and support sta and enjoy care, guidance and support has potential and to this end work tirelessly into our school so, if you would like to Here at Hawthorn, we believe we can a range of activities. When they many outstanding features” o er the opportunities and security to promote the e ective partnerships learn more about the life and work of that have been forged over many years Hawthorn High School, please do not arrive in September they become (Last Estyn Inspection Report) children need to achieve their best. the responsibility of a specialised Everything that we do is driven by our amongst parents, teachers, children and hesitate to contact us. and experienced transition team. commitment to provide your children the community we serve. Recent Yours sincerely, with the highest standards of teaching academic years have seen very signi cant The majority of lessons for Year 7 and learning. In return we have very high increases in the percentage of our take place in our dedicated Lower expectations of student behaviour and students achieving the gold standard of 5 School building. This helps to their commitment to the learning or more GCSEs at C grade or better ensure a smooth transition for all process. Teachers lead by providing a (including English and Maths), those pupils joining us from primary school Mr Jason Hicks BA (Hons) MA Ed NPQH Headteacher 1 “This is a great school with loads of things Space for learning to get involved in” (Year 7 pupil) Education
Hawthorn High School is an English The site is split into lower and upper medium co-educational comprehensive school blocks so that pupils can for everyone school for 11-19 year olds. We see enjoy their own space and separate ourselves as an English medium lunchtimes. All classrooms have school which is Welsh friendly. The digital projectors and associated The Learning Resource Centre is open school stationery is bi-lingual and whiteboard equipment linked to an throughout the day, including before Welsh language signs are visible up-to-date school network which registration, at lunchtime and after throughout the school and designated provides pupils with safe access to school. It is a comfortable place where focus days, collective worship themes broadband internet and a range of children of all ages can learn and study independently. and extracurricular activities are industry standard software as well as incorporated to celebrate the Welsh specialist teaching software. The school also boasts three serving Culture. facilities where catering sta provide a Our school is situated on an speedy service at breakfast, break and expansive green site alongside the lunchtimes. The main refectory serves river Ta where pupils enjoy the hot food and healthy options while the bene ts of vast natural outdoor Sub Central co ee and snack bar o ers resources as well as a multi-use pupils a selection of hot drinks and astroturf pitch, tennis courts and tness continental co ees and hot and cold and design suites. The school is on a snacks throughout the school day. Sixth Form pupils can enjoy the A* single site allowing easy movement co ee bar facilities throughout the day. between lessons and the buildings Both facilities bene t from a continue to undergo developments biometric nger recognition system to provide new facilities such as our which has begun a move towards a new multi-purpose sports hall and totally cashless system for all pupils. recently refurbished swimming pool.
2 3 Teaching and learning Inspection report
All pupils at Hawthorn have access to a being strictly controlled. We provide “Hawthorn High School has improved Widespread weekly mentoring for broad, balanced and relevant range of our pupils with a curriculum which year on year since the previous pupils as they approach their GCSE subjects, combining new opportunities seeks to educate the ‘whole person’ inspection and is now a very good exams is combined with close with more traditional subjects. It is as well as in academic and practical school. Its students achieved well, most weekly communication with school policy to keep class sizes as ways. We strive to make our noticeably at the end of Key Stage 4 parents, special study and revision small as possible. curriculum appropriate to pupils’ where they achieved exceptionally high weekends, and evening sessions to needs with teaching styles that standards in the GCSE examinations” help parents support their children’s In English and Maths additional develop positive attitudes to (Last Estyn Inspection Report) learning. In many cases we provide teachers are provided to make learning, the understanding of one to one tuition to support pupils classes even smaller and ensure that concepts and the acquisition of “The school’s provision for students’ with GCSE English and Maths in our every child has plenty of individual knowledge and skills. Pupils need care, guidance and support has many specialist Hub provisions. attention. Pupils with special such an education to make their way outstanding features” educational needs will have specialist in a rapidly changing society and (Last Estyn Inspection Report) teachers in our Learning Support Department but also share in the full economy. curriculum provided for all in ways that “The school has a strong sense of match their individual needs and community where pupils feel valued” development. The school is also host to “Throughout the school, teachers (Last Estyn Inspection Report) the LEA’s Speech & Language Provision work hard to provide students, as part of which a dedicated teacher whatever their prior attainment or We believe that recent successes in and a team of support assistants aptitude, with appropriate learning examination performance at the school provide expert tuition and help the experiences to achieve good are due to the bespoke approach that children concerned integrate into standards” we adopt to each child’s curriculum mainstream lessons. Admission to the (Most recent Estyn Inspection Report) and learning. centre is by LEA Panel with pupil numbers
4 5 Extra-curricular activities Performing arts The Drama and Music departments have This year Daniel Davies form Year 10 achieved always had a strong reputation of excellence national success with his spectacular win of At Hawthorn we are proud of the range The School runs industry days, a across a national platform. Notable successes ‘The Voice Kids 2018’; a feat which was of activities available to our young variety of musical and drama include the rock band “Funeral for a Friend”, witnessed by millions of viewers around the people. Our Youth Engagement and productions and traditional events Tom Richards, who is competing in the 2018 world.This theme of excellence is continued Participation Service (YEPS) arrange a such as the Christmas Carol Service X Factor, and several others who have gone throughout all aspects of both Departments’ plethora of exciting and stimulating and the Eisteddfod. on to forge careers in Musical Theatre and work. Over 95% of our Year 9 students clubs and events to cater for every taste. Education. consistently achieve level 5 or better in Music The activities change each term and are Frequent visits are organised to and the Departments encourage and support bookable through the YEPS o ce. theatres, military history sites, all pupils to participate in drama, dance, Students have access to a gymnasium, museums and other places of music and song. Past students have won fully equipped dance, tness and design cultural interest. Students also have places at top Drama and Music Colleges studios, a swimming pool, astro turf many opportunities to travel abroad including East 15, UPA, Rose Bruford College, pitches, tennis courts, sports hall and to practise language skills, go skiing Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the soccer and rugby pitches. Pupils are and generally savour the delights of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. actively encouraged to use these other countries. facilities, not only in lesson time, but Drama and Music lessons are timetabled for also during an extensive extra curricular all students throughout lower school and the programme which is available to them. School also o ers peripatetic instrumental lessons for all interested pupils and employs a Numerous pupils have gained specialist vocal coach to support those pupils representation honours along with that demonstrate a talent in this area. There Welsh honours in a variety of sports. are several major shows and concerts each The school council is actively involved in year in which everyone can be involved all areas of school life and the student whether on stage or behind the scenes. voice is given a high priority at all levels. Recent years have seen outstanding productions of ‘High School Musical’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Grease’.
6 7 Sporting success Part of the local
The sports teams at Hawthorn regularly compete at local, community regional and national level. The school runs teams in football, rugby, netball, hockey, gymnastics, athletics, cross country, rounders, tennis and cricket. The sporting opportunities in Here at Hawthorn we have a long school cover the full range of the National tradition of successful links with our Curriculum and are also complemented by a local community. Local businesses are YEPS programme, Sports Days, Duke of generous in o ering expertise and Edinburgh and Mountain Expeditions. We resources as well as widening pupils’ have a dedicated Welsh Rugby Union understanding of the adult world by (WRU) o cer who is based full time at our providing numerous work experience school. His role is split across teaching PE placements. We also believe in and supporting the work of the WRU. The working in partnership to enhance department o ers GCSE and Btec the learning experiences of our quali cations for KS4 pupils to build on pupils. We have developed a and develop knowledge. The school memorial garden with Groundworks boasts a number of current internationals Trust; developed tness schemes at in a range of sports. Hawthorn Leisure Centre and host a range of events for senior citizens.
8 9 Part of the Key school Essential Information international aims Term dates 2018/2019 Term dates 2019/2020 Half term Half term Term Begins Begins Ends Ends Term Begins Begins Ends Ends community Autumn 3-9-18 29-10-18 2-11-18 21-12-18 Autumn 2-9-19 28-10-19 1-11-19 20-12-19 To provide a pleasant, safe and Spring 7-1-19 25-2-19 1-3-19 12-4-19 Spring 6-1-20 17-2-20 21-2-20 3-4-20 attractive learning and teaching Summer 29-4-19 27-5-19 31-5-19 22-7-19 Summer 20-4-20 25-5-20 29-5-20 20-7-20 Students at Hawthorn have the opportunity environment. to broaden their experience as a result of the To ensure that students receive a Times of School Day Raising Standards Leader who oversees school’s strong international focus. high quality education so that, their progress, attainment and wellbeing. The school plays host to visiting sta from regardless of ability, they will achieve The School day begins for pupils at All pupils are placed into Form Groups Nabumali School in Uganda and is a key their true potential. 8.30am and ends at 2.50pm. partner school for the British Council refugee with their own designated Form Tutor. To treat learners as individuals, School Transport programme. Trips are run regularly to a host Attendance promoting the well-being of of international destinations including The majority of pupils travel to The school continues to gure positively various European ski resorts, the battle elds students and sta , so that they grow Hawthorn High by bus. Transport is in the Local Authority and Welsh of Normandy, Paris, Berlin and New York. The in con dence and contribute to the provided by the Local Authority of Government’s performance data. We school has undertaken educational research wider community. Rhondda Cynon Taf. understand how critical good work developing partnerships in Finland To provide a caring and respectful School Structure attendance is to pupil progress and and Virginia and our work with the Seren community for students and sta , The Headteacher is Mr Jason Hicks. He strive to achieve excellent attendance Network also gives our most able encouraging a respect for individual is supported by a Senior Leadership gures throughout our school. students access to top universities di erences and a developing social team who are responsible for speci c in the UK and abroad; last year, conscience. areas of the school. for example, Morgan Cronin To promote the achievement and from our Sixth Form began hard work of students and sta so Pastoral contacts are: her studies at the world that the community can be proud of renowned Yale University The pastoral team is managed by a its school. in the USA. member of the Senior Leadership Team. Each year group has a designated
10 11 Admissions Policy Charging and Remissions Policy Classroom Rules: Annual Report to Parents available at Pupils are encouraged to play an School Policies and Information the school and on the school’s web site. active part in school assemblies. The entry of children to schools is In principle, all education is provided Listen to and respect others, Under the Freedom of Information L Careers lessons form part of the PSE Parents/Guardians/Carers have the controlled and administered by an freely to all pupils. Any charges made especially your teacher Act 2004, the following school curriculum. The school provides a right to withdraw their children wholly ‘Admissions Authority’. In respect of by the school must meet the policies are available: programme of careers education or in part from the religious education community schools such as requirements of the most recent Enjoy learning! Don’t disrupt and E following the Welsh Government‘s and collective worship within the • Home to School Agreements Hawthorn High School, the Education reform Act. A school keep mobiles out of sight framework for Careers Education and school and alternative provision can • School Complaints Procedures Admissions Authority is recognised activities, charging and remissions Arrive on time, in the correct Guidance. be made. Parents should contact the as being Rhondda Cynon Taf policy is available at the school. The A uniform and ready to learn with • Behaviour Policy Headteacher to discuss their request. Council. Within the County Borough school is conscious of the fact that it outdoor wear removed Personal and Social Education • Religious Education and Worship of RCT, each school has an area that it can be di cult for parents to make Special Educational Needs R Respect others, the environment The school provides a programme of • Health & Safety at Work serves – its catchment area. Most voluntary contributions for their support lessons aimed at Pupils with special needs are assessed and equipment • Child Protection parents choose to send their children to take part in activities, and, strengthening pupils’ understanding of prior to entry, in conjunction with their child(ren) to their ‘local’ schools where this is the case, the school N Now produce work to the best of the world we live in. Topics covered primary schools and parents for • Equal Opportunities within this ‘catchment area’, however, would not want to disadvantage a your ability across the curriculum include: Health necessary arrangements to be in place • Ethnic Diversity they have the right to state a pupil and would make every e ort to Education, Community Issues, Sex for a successful transfer. The SENCO • Governing Body Minutes preference for their child(ren) to ensure that the pupil can participate. Education and Cultural diversity. heads a team of experienced Special attend any school. The Authority and Pupil Performance, Examination Needs Support Assistants (SNSA’s) • ALN (SEN) each school’s Governing Body must Assertive Discipline Policy Religious Education and Collective Results & Careers Education many of whom have speci c specialist • School Code of Conduct which comply with any parental preference Worship Hawthorn High School has an Governors are pleased to report that training and who support pupils in incorporates the School Uniform that is expressed, providing that Assertive Discipline Policy issuing a the various performance criteria used Religious Education is available to all mainstream and small learning Policy there is room within the school. At clear set of guidelines in order to by the Local Authority, the School pupils and school assemblies meet the support groups. The school plays host the beginning of the Academic Year achieve a high standard of behaviour Inspection team and Advisors on statutory requirements for collective to a dedicated Speech and Language Information on School Security, there were 988 places available for and appropriate consequences if how well the school is doing is worship with weekly year assemblies specialist unit funded by the Local Social Inclusion, Year 11 Mentoring the admission of pupils aged 11-18 these standards are not met. There is available at the school and on the delivered by Senior Sta and Heads of Authority. are also available from the school. and no appeals were made. Copies also a reward system in place for school web site in the form of the Year and daily discussions during tutor of RCT’s School’s Admission Policy good behaviour of individuals and school’s Annual Report to Governors. group time. Lessons do not re ect the are available at the school. class groups. Information on Work Related teachings of any particular religious Curriculum, Links with Industry and denomination but provide a backdrop Basic Skills can be found in the of broadly Christian values.
12 13 N H I G H O R S H C T H O W O A L Hawthorn High School H School Lane Hawthorn
H S Pontypridd S E A E L C CF37 5AL T C H U H S A P S S Tel: 01443 841228 P I N E Fax: 01443 846464
Email: [email protected]
For further information visit the school website at: www.hawthornhighschool.co.uk
HawthornHighSch
Local Authority Details Director of Eduation & Life Long Learning Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Ty Trevithick Abercynon Mountain Ash CF45 4UQ
www.colorfoto.co.uk HEALTH HAPPINESS SUCCESS